bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Remote sensing of ploidy level in quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.)
Authors: Blonder Benjamin , Graae Bente J. , Greer Burke , Haagsma Marja , Helsen Kenny , Kapás Rozália E. , Pai Henry , Rieksta Jolanta , Sapena Dillon , Still Christopher J. , Strimbeck Richard 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Ploidy level in plants may influence ecological functioning, demography and response to climate change. However, measuring ploidy level typically requires intensive cell or molecular methods.

We map ploidy level variation in quaking aspen, a dominant North American tree species that can be diploid or triploid and that grows in spatially extensive clones. We identify the predictors and spatial scale of ploidy level variation using a combination of genetic and ground‐based and airborne remote sensing methods.

We show that ground‐based leaf spectra and airborne canopy spectra can both classify aspen by ploidy level with a precision‐recall harmonic mean of 0.75–0.95 and Cohen's kappa of c. 0.6–0.9. Ground‐based bark spectra cannot classify ploidy level better than chance. We also found that diploids are more common on higher elevation and steeper sites in a network of forest plots in Colorado, and that ploidy level distribution varies at subkilometer spatial scales.

Synthesis. Our proof‐of‐concept study shows that remote sensing of ploidy level could become feasible in this tree species. Mapping ploidy level across landscapes could provide insights into the genetic basis of species' responses to climate change.
Retracted: KIF20A silence inhibits the migration, invasion and proliferation of non‐small cell lung cancer and regulates the JNK pathway
Authors: Xie Feng , He Chengyan , Gao Shen , Yang Zhaowei , Li Lihong , Qiao Lu , Fang Ling 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAn increasing number of studies have shown that kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A) was overexpressed in several types of cancer, and its overexpression correlated with the oncogenesis and prognosis of cancers. However, little is known about the roles of KIF20A in human non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Thus, the aim of the present study was to demonstrate the expression of KIF20A in human NSCLC and reveal its biological functions and the underlying mechanisms. qRT‐PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the expression of NSCLC patient specimens and NSCLC cell lines. The functions of KIF20A in migration and invasion were determined using Transwell assay. Cell proliferation capacity was performed by CKK‐8 assay. We demonstrated that KIF20A was overexpressed in NSCLC specimens compared with the adjacent non‐tumorous specimens, and high expression of KIF20A was associated with clinical stage and metastasis in NSCLC. Decreased expression of KIF20A inhibited NSCLC cells migration, invasion and proliferation. Most importantly, further experiments demonstrated that decreased the expression of KLF20A significantly downregulated expression of p‐JNK and MMP7, which indicated that knockdown of KIF20A alters lung cancer cell phenotype and regulates JNK pathways. These results suggest that KIF20A may act as a putative oncogene and a potential therapeutic target in NSCLC.
‘They think of a family only in their thirties’: gendered subfertility and emergent intimate modernities in India
Authors: Pathak Gauri 
Published: September 2019

AbstractRecent anthropological scholarship on marriage in South Asia has chronicled a shift towards companionate marriage, with ideals of companionate conjugality becoming central to middle‐class self‐representations. However, the role of child‐bearing and fertility within these marriages, as emerging life projects related to new family ideals, has not received much attention, even as literature on India has recorded extensive family concern with fertility. In this article, I focus on the endocrine disorder polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – one of the leading causes of female infertility world‐wide – to examine emerging conceptions of fertility and intimate modernities among the urban middle class in India. I argue that a comparatively limited concern with fertility forms a part of this class's self‐representations and practices of distinction. Such attitudes to fertility, enabled by new orientations towards medical risk and ideals of companionate marriage, also function as markers of the emerging ‘modern’ subjectivity of this class.
Will OECD Governments Avoid the Path Towards a New Credit War?
Authors: Søndergaard‐Jensen Mariane 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAfter 50 years of successfully avoiding a costly credit war, OECD governments find themselves back at a “race to the bottom” crossroad. Will OECD governments succeed in maintaining a level playing field? Or will the allure of promoting national interests in this new world order with new global political priorities, increasing competition and a complex globalized world lead governments to restart a race to the bottom and ultimately towards a new credit war? To avoid the path towards a credit war not seen since the 1970s, a renewed commitment is required. Securing a level playing field for OECD exporters and business should have high‐level political priority. The OECD Arrangement for export credits is in need of modernization, but governments must also recognize that securing a level playing field in terms of government financing goes beyond export credits and export finance. Official government involvement in international finance can be trade distortive regardless of the primary purpose of financing. A whole‐of‐government approach to the provision of official international financing, regardless of whether the primary purpose of financing is exports, development or climate, is necessary if OECD governments wish to avoid starting down a costly and destructive path.
Early‐life exposure to high‐fat diet influences brain health in aging mice
Authors: Di Meco Antonio , Praticò Domenico 
Published: September 2019

AbstractEpidemiological studies have suggested a link between exposure to environmental factors early in life and susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases in adulthood. In the short term, maternal diet is important for the growth and development of the fetus; however, it may also have long‐term effects on the health status of the offspring. Here, we investigate the effect that maternal high‐fat diet during gestation has on brain health of the offspring later in life. B6129SF2/J dams were fed a high‐fat diet during the 3 weeks’ gestation, then switched to standard chow diet after delivery. Offspring were always fed regular diet for the entire study and assessed in learning, memory, and brain pathology when 18 months old. Compared with offspring from control mothers, the ones from mothers exposed to high‐fat diet had significant better performance in learning and memory tests, which associated with an amelioration of synaptic integrity. Additionally, they had a significant reduction in total tau, a decrease in its pathological conformational changes and lower levels of caspase‐3‐cleaved isoforms. Our findings demonstrate that in utero exposure to high‐fat diet plays a protective role for offspring brain health later in life. They support the novel hypothesis that targeted dietary intervention specifically restricted to the gestation period could be implemented as preventative strategy for the age‐dependent decline in brain health.
Demethylation and derepression of genomic retroelements in the skeletal muscles of aged mice
Authors: Min Byungkuk , Jeon Kyuheum , Park Jung Sun , Kang Yong‐Kook 
Published: September 2019

AbstractChanges in DNA methylation influence the aging process and contribute to aging phenotypes, but few studies have been conducted on DNA methylation changes in conjunction with skeletal muscle aging. We explored the DNA methylation changes in a variety of retroelement families throughout aging (at 2, 20, and 28 months of age) in murine skeletal muscles by methyl‐binding domain sequencing (MBD‐seq). The two following contrasting patterns were observed among the members of each repeat family in superaged mice: (a) hypermethylation in weakly methylated retroelement copies and (b) hypomethylation in copies with relatively stronger methylation levels, representing a pattern of “regression toward the mean” within a single retroelement family. Interestingly, these patterns depended on the sizes of the copies. While the majority of the elements showed a slight increase in methylation, the larger copies (>5 kb) displayed evident demethylation. All these changes were not observed in T cells. RNA sequencing revealed a global derepression of retroelements during the late phase of aging (between 20 and 28 months of age), which temporally coincided with retroelement demethylation. Following this methylation drift trend of “regression toward the mean,” aging tended to progressively lose the preexisting methylation differences and local patterns in the genomic regions that had been elaborately established during the early period of development.
The role of lipid metabolism in aging, lifespan regulation, and age‐related disease
Authors: Johnson Adiv A. , Stolzing Alexandra 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAn emerging body of data suggests that lipid metabolism has an important role to play in the aging process. Indeed, a plethora of dietary, pharmacological, genetic, and surgical lipid‐related interventions extend lifespan in nematodes, fruit flies, mice, and rats. For example, the impairment of genes involved in ceramide and sphingolipid synthesis extends lifespan in both worms and flies. The overexpression of fatty acid amide hydrolase or lysosomal lipase prolongs life in Caenorhabditis elegans, while the overexpression of diacylglycerol lipase enhances longevity in both C. elegans and Drosophila melanogaster. The surgical removal of adipose tissue extends lifespan in rats, and increased expression of apolipoprotein D enhances survival in both flies and mice. Mouse lifespan can be additionally extended by the genetic deletion of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1, treatment with the steroid 17‐α‐estradiol, or a ketogenic diet. Moreover, deletion of the phospholipase A2 receptor improves various healthspan parameters in a progeria mouse model. Genome‐wide association studies have found several lipid‐related variants to be associated with human aging. For example, the epsilon 2 and epsilon 4 alleles of apolipoprotein E are associated with extreme longevity and late‐onset neurodegenerative disease, respectively. In humans, blood triglyceride levels tend to increase, while blood lysophosphatidylcholine levels tend to decrease with age. Specific sphingolipid and phospholipid blood profiles have also been shown to change with age and are associated with exceptional human longevity. These data suggest that lipid‐related interventions may improve human healthspan and that blood lipids likely represent a rich source of human aging biomarkers.
Clinical and demographic correlates of stigma in first‐episode psychosis: the impact of duration of untreated psychosis
Authors: Mueser K. T. , DeTore N. R. , Kredlow M. A. , Bourgeois M. L. , Penn D. L. , Hintz K. 
Published: September 2019

ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationships between perceived stigma and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), demographic characteristics, and clinical and psychosocial functioning in persons with a first episode of psychosis (FEP).MethodA total of 399 participants with FEP presenting for treatment at 34 sites in 21 states throughout the United States were evaluated using standardized instruments to assess diagnosis, symptoms, psychosocial functioning, perceived stigma, wellbeing, and subjective recovery.ResultsPerceived stigma was correlated with a range of demographic and clinical variables, including DUP, symptoms, psychosocial functioning, and subjective experience. After controlling for symptom severity, perceived stigma was related to longer DUP, schizoaffective disorder diagnosis, more severe depression, and lower wellbeing and recovery. The associations between stigma and depression, wellbeing, and recovery were stronger in individuals with long than short DUP, suggesting the effects of stigma on psychological functioning may be cumulative over the period of untreated psychosis.ConclusionThe findings suggest that independent of symptom severity, perceived stigma may contribute to delay in seeking treatment for FEP, and this delay may amplify the deleterious effects of stigma on psychological functioning. The results point to the importance of reducing DUP and validating interventions targeting the psychological effects of stigma in people with FEP.
Why Underachievers Dominate Secret Police Organizations: Evidence from Autocratic Argentina
Authors: Scharpf Adam , Gläßel Christian 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAutocrats depend on a capable secret police. Anecdotal evidence, however, often characterizes agents as surprisingly mediocre in skill and intellect. To explain this puzzle, this article focuses on the career incentives underachieving individuals face in the regular security apparatus. Low‐performing officials in hierarchical organizations have little chance of being promoted or filling lucrative positions. To salvage their careers, these officials are willing to undertake burdensome secret police work. Using data on all 4,287 officers who served in autocratic Argentina (1975–83), we study biographic differences between secret police agents and the entire recruitment pool. We find that low‐achieving officers were stuck within the regime hierarchy, threatened with discharge, and thus more likely to join the secret police for future benefits. The study demonstrates how state bureaucracies breed mundane career concerns that produce willing enforcers and cement violent regimes. This has implications for the understanding of autocratic consolidation and democratic breakdown.
Recent developments and highlights in drug hypersensitivity
Authors: Mayorga Cristobalina , Fernandez Tahia D. , Montañez Maria Isabel , Moreno Esther , Torres María José 
Published: September 2019

AbstractDrug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) are nowadays the third cause of allergy after rhinitis and asthma with a significant increase in prevalence in both adults and paediatric population with new drugs included as culprit. For this, DHRs represent not only a health problem but also a significant financial burden for affected individuals and health systems. Mislabelling DHRs is showing to be a relevant problem for both, false label of drug allergic and false label of nonallergic. All this reinforces the need to improve accurate diagnostic approaches that allow an appropriate management. Moreover, there is a need for training both, nonallergist stakeholders and patients to improve the reaction identification and therefore decrease the mislabelling. The use of allergy cards has shown to be relevant to avoid the induction of DHRs due to the prescription of wrong medication.Recent developments over the last 2 years and highlights about risk factors, diagnostic approaches, mechanisms involved as well as prevention actions, and management have been reviewed. In these papers, it has been outlined the need for correct diagnosis and de‐labelling of patients previously false‐reported as allergic, which will improve the management and treatment of patients with DHRs.
Risk of nonarteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Penedones Ana , Alves Carlos , Batel Marques Francisco 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe development of nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy has been described to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to assess the risk of nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy associated with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors exposure. A literature search was performed at MEDLINE, EMBASE, Toxline and VigiBase. Randomized controlled trials, observational studies, case reports and spontaneous reports describing nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy associated with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors exposure were included. The risk of bias was assessed according to Centre for Reviews and Dissemination's (CRD) guidance. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and meta‐analysis. Four observational studies, 50 case reports and 608 spontaneous reports were identified. All observational studies evaluated males treated for erectile dysfunction. Treatment with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors is not associated with an increased risk of definitive nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy [odds ratio (OR) 1.16; 95% CI 0.89, 1.52, p = 0.046; I2 = 62.6%]. The methodological quality was assessed as good for three studies. Among case reports, 12 (23%) patients did not have risk factors to develop nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. Thirty‐nine (78%) patients were treated for erectile dysfunction. A regular administration of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors was observed in 24 (48%) case reports. All case reports were assessed as higher risk of bias. According to the available evidence, the treatment with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors was not found to be associated with nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. Further research is needed to study such association, including possible confounding factors.
In-vivo assessment of T cell kinetics in individuals at risk for type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hao W , Bahnson H T , Speake C , Cerosaletti K , Greenbaum C J 
Published: September 2019

Summary
We previously assessed the kinetics of T cell turnover in vivo by labeling cells with 2H-H2O over 42 days in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and demonstrated an increased turnover of CD4 memory T cells. We have now tested T cell turnover in individuals at risk for T1D using a 3–4-day labeling protocol with 2H-glucose. We studied 30 relatives with T1D with and without autoantibodies, and 10 healthy controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were flow-sorted into T cell subsets of interest; 2H-DNA enrichment was measured by mass spectrometry and in-vivo turnover was calculated as maximum fractional enrichment of deuterated adenosine (Fmax). Among CD4+ cells, Fmax was highest in regulatory T cells (Treg), followed by effector and central memory T cells and lowest in naive cells. Similarly, CD8+ central and effector memory T cells had a higher turnover than CD8+ terminally differentiated effector memory T cells (TEMRA) and CD8+-naive T cells. Relatives as a group showed significantly increased Treg turnover by Fmax compared to controls (1·733 ± 0·6784% versus 1·062 ± 0·3787%, P = 0·004), suggesting pre-existing immune dysfunction within families with T1D. However, there was no significant difference in Fmax between groups according to autoantibody or glucose tolerance status. Repeat testing in 20 subjects 1 year later demonstrated relatively higher within-subject compared to between-subject variability for the measurement of Fmax in various T cell subsets. The short labeling protocol with 2H-glucose should be applied in the context of a clinical trial in which the therapy is expected to have large effects on T cell turnover.
MicroRNA‐130a controls bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation towards the osteoblastic and adipogenic fate
Authors: Lin Zhangyuan , He Hongbo , Wang Min , Liang Jieyu 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectivesWith age, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) have reduced ability of differentiating into osteoblasts but have increased ability of differentiating into adipocytes which leads to age‐related bone loss. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play major roles in regulating BMSC differentiation. This paper explored the role of miRNAs in regulating BMSC differentiation swift fate in age‐related osteoporosis.Material and methodsMice and human BMSC were isolated from bone marrow, whose miR‐130a level was measured. The abilities of BMSC differentiate into osteoblast or fat cell under the transfected with agomiR‐130a or antagomiR‐130a were analysed by the level of ALP, osteocalcin, Runx2, osterix or peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptorγ (PPARγ), Fabp4. Related mechanism was verified via qT‐PCR, Western blotting (WB) and siRNA transfection. Animal phenotype intravenous injection with agomiR‐130a or agomiR‐NC was explored by Micro‐CT, immunochemistry and calcein double‐labelling.ResultsMiR‐130a was dramatically decreased in BMSC of advanced subjects. Overexpression of miR‐130a increased osteogenic differentiation of BMSC and attenuated adipogenic differentiation in BMSC, conversely, Inhibition of miR‐130a reduced osteogenic differentiation and facilitated lipid droplet formation. Consistently, overexpression of miR‐130a in elderly mice dropped off the bone loss. Furthermore, the protein levels of Smad regulatory factors 2 (Smurf2) and PPARγ were regulated by miR‐130a with an negative effect through directly combining the 3'UTR of Smurf2 and PPARγ.ConclusionsThe results indicated that miR‐130a promotes osteoblastic differentiation of BMSC by negatively regulating Smurf2 expression and suppresses adipogenic differentiation of BMSC by targeting the PPARγ, and supply a new target for clinical therapy of age‐related bone loss.
Reshaping Global Order in the 21st Century: G‐Plus Leadership in a Multiplex World
Authors: Acharya Amitav , Estevadeordal Antoni , Goodman Louis W. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis article identifies divergent views on the nature of the changing order and argues that collaborative rather than hegemonic leadership is necessary to sustain global peace, prosperity and justice. This collaborative leadership would increase the number of actors with effective voice. It calls the evolving order “multiplex” because of the overlapping yet divergent interests of the actors involved and “G‐Plus” signaling the importance of the increasing number and diversity of actors. It does so in the context of two of the many challenges facing this multiplex G‐Plus world: sustaining economic prosperity and coordinating global trade.
Pharmacological treatment initiation for type 2 diabetes in Australia: are the guidelines being followed?
Authors: Wood S. J. , Magliano D. J. , Bell J. S. , Shaw J. E. , Keen C. S. , Ilomäki J. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAimTo determine the patterns and predictors of pharmacological treatment initiation for type 2 diabetes and whether treatment initiation is consistent with Australian clinical practice guidelines that recommend metformin monotherapy.MethodsIndividuals aged 40–99 years initiating a non‐insulin type 2 diabetes medication between July 2013 and February 2018 were identified from a 10% random national sample of pharmacy dispensing data. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the predictors of initiating sulfonylurea monotherapy, non‐guideline monotherapy and combination therapy compared with metformin monotherapy. Predictors included age, sex, initiation year and comorbidities determined using the Rx‐Risk comorbidity index.ResultsOf the 47 860 initiators, [47% women, mean age 60.7 (sd 12.1) years], 85.8%, 4.6%, 1.9% and 7.7% received metformin monotherapy, sulfonylurea monotherapy, non‐guideline monotherapy and combination therapy, respectively. Increasing age was associated with increasing odds of initiating sulfonylurea monotherapy and non‐guideline monotherapy. Combination therapy initiation was less likely in women (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.69–0.79) and people with more comorbidities (e.g. OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.29–0.44 for seven or more comorbidities vs. no comorbidities) but more likely in congestive heart failure (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.22–1.65), cerebrovascular disease (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.32–1.69) and dyslipidaemia (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.19–1.40).ConclusionTreatment initiation in Australia is largely consistent with clinical practice guidelines, with 86% of individuals initiating metformin monotherapy. Initiation on combination therapy was more common in men and in those with fewer comorbidities.