bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeted invalidation of SR-B1 in macrophages reduces macrophage apoptosis and accelerates atherosclerosis
Authors: Galle-Treger Lauriane , Moreau Martine , Ballaire Raphaëlle , Poupel Lucie , Huby Thomas , Sasso Emanuele , Troise Fulvia , Poti Francesco , Lesnik Philippe , Le Goff Wilfried , Gautier Emmanuel L , Huby Thierry 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Aims
SR-B1 is a cholesterol transporter that exerts anti-atherogenic properties in liver and peripheral tissues in mice. Bone marrow (BM) transfer studies suggested an atheroprotective role in cells of haematopoietic origin. Here, we addressed the specific contribution of SR-B1 in the monocyte/macrophage.

Methods and results
We generated mice deficient for SR-B1 in monocytes/macrophages (Lysm-Cre × SR-B1f/f) and transplanted their BM into Ldlr−/− mice. Fed a cholesterol-rich diet, these mice displayed accelerated aortic atherosclerosis characterized by larger macrophage-rich areas and decreased macrophage apoptosis compared with SR-B1f/f transplanted controls. These findings were reproduced in BM transfer studies using another atherogenic mouse recipient (SR-B1 KOliver × Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein). Haematopoietic reconstitution with SR-B1−/− BM conducted in parallel generated similar results to those obtained with Lysm-Cre × SR-B1f/f BM; thus suggesting that among haematopoietic-derived cells, SR-B1 exerts its atheroprotective role primarily in monocytes/macrophages. Consistent with our in vivo data, free cholesterol (FC)-induced apoptosis of macrophages was diminished in the absence of SR-B1. This effect could not be attributed to differential cellular cholesterol loading. However, we observed that expression of apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM) was induced in SR-B1-deficient macrophages, and notably upon FC-loading. Furthermore, we demonstrated that macrophages were protected from FC-induced apoptosis by AIM. Finally, AIM protein was found more present within the macrophage-rich area of the atherosclerotic lesions of SR-B1-deficient macrophages than controls.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that macrophage SR-B1 plays a role in plaque growth by controlling macrophage apoptosis in an AIM-dependent manner.
Effects of Urbanization on the Diversity, Abundance, and Composition of Ant Assemblages in an Arid City
Authors: Miguelena Javier G , Baker Paul B 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCities within arid regions make up a significant but understudied subset of the urban ecosystems of the world. To assess the effects of urbanization, fragmentation, and land-use change in an arid city, we sampled the ant assemblages in three habitat types in Tucson, Arizona: irrigated neighborhood parks, urban desert remnants, and preserved desert. We analyzed the abundance, species richness, evenness, as well as the species and functional group composition of ant assemblages. We found no significant differences in species richness or evenness. However, irrigated parks had significantly greater ant abundances. Although some exotic species were present in the urban habitats, they did not have significant effects on ant diversity. Ant assemblages from all three habitat types were distinct from each other in their composition. Irrigated parks included a significantly higher proportion of species typically found in cooler and wetter climates. The differences in abundance and species composition between irrigated parks and the other habitats are likely the effect of irrigation removing water as a limiting factor for colony growth and increasing resource availability, as well as producing a localized cooling effect. Our results show that arid urban ecosystems may include considerable biodiversity, in part thanks to increased landscape heterogeneity resulting from the irrigation of green areas.
Acts of God? Religiosity and Natural Disasters Across Subnational World Districts*
Authors: Sinding Bentzen Jeanet 
Published: May 2019

AbstractReligious beliefs potentially influence individual behaviour. But why are some societies more religious than others? One possible answer is religious coping: individuals turn to religion to deal with unbearable and unpredictable life events. To investigate whether coping can explain global differences in religiosity, I combine a global dataset on individual-level religiosity with spatial data on natural disasters. Individuals become more religious if an earthquake recently hit close by. Even though the effect decreases after a while, data on children of immigrants reveal a persistent effect across generations. The results point to religious coping as the main mediating channel, but alternative explanations such as mutual insurance or migration cannot be ruled out entirely. The findings may help explain why religiosity has not vanished as some scholars once predicted.
Differential Performance in High Versus Low Stakes Tests: Evidence from the Gre Test*
Authors: Schlosser Analia , Neeman Zvika , Attali Yigal 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
We study how different demographic groups respond to incentives by comparing their performance in ‘high’ and ‘low’ stakes situations. The high stakes situation is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and the low stakes situation is a voluntary experimental section of the GRE. We find that males exhibit a larger drop in performance between the high and low stakes examinations than females, and that whites exhibit a larger drop in performance than minorities. Differences between high and low stakes tests are partly explained by the fact that males and whites exert lower effort in low stakes tests compared with females and minorities.
Anisotropy of (partial) isothermal remanent magnetization: DC-field-dependence and additivity
Authors: Biedermann Andrea R , Jackson Mike , Bilardello Dario , Feinberg Joshua M 
Published: May 2019

SUMMARY
Anisotropy of isothermal remanent magnetization (AIRM) is useful for describing the fabrics of high-coercivity grains, or alternatively, the fabrics of all remanence-carrying grains in rocks with weak remanence. Comparisons between AIRM and other measures of magnetic fabric allow for description of mineral-specific or grain-size-dependent fabrics, and their relation to one another. Additionally, when the natural remanence of a rock is carried by high-coercivity minerals, it is essential to isolate the anisotropy of this grain fraction to correct paleodirectional and paleointensity data. AIRMs have been measured using a wide range of applied fields, from a few  mT to several T. It has been shown that the degree and shape of AIRM can vary with the strength of the applied field, for example, due to the contribution of separate grain subpopulations or due to field-dependent properties. To improve our understanding of these processes, we systematically investigate the variation of AIRM and the anisotropy of partial isothermal remanence (ApIRM) with applied field for a variety of rocks with different magnetic mineralogies. We also test the additivity of A(p)IRMs and provide a definition of their error limits. While A(p)IRM principal directions can be similar for a range of applied field strengths on the same specimen, the degree and shape of anisotropy often show systematic changes with the field over which the (p)IRM was applied. Also, the data uncertainty varies with field window; typically, larger windows lead to better-defined principal directions. Therefore, the choice of an appropriate field window is crucial for successful anisotropy corrections in paleomagnetic studies. Due to relatively large deviations between AIRMs calculated by tensor addition and directly measured AIRMs, we recommend that the desired A(p)IRM be measured directly for anisotropy corrections.
Site-specific abnormalities in the visual system of a mouse model of CDKL5 deficiency disorder
Authors: Lupori Leonardo , Sagona Giulia , Fuchs Claudia , Mazziotti Raffaele , Stefanov Antonia , Putignano Elena , Napoli Debora , Strettoi Enrica , Ciani Elisabetta , Pizzorusso Tommaso 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a severe global developmental delay and early-onset seizures. Notably, patients show distinctive visual abnormalities often clinically diagnosed as cortical visual impairment. However, the involvement of cerebral cortical dysfunctions in the origin of the symptoms is poorly understood. CDD mouse models also display visual deficits, and cortical visual responses can be used as a robust biomarker in CDKL5 mutant mice. A deeper understanding of the circuits underlying the described visual deficits is essential for directing preclinical research and translational approaches. Here, we addressed this question in two ways: first, we performed an in-depth morphological analysis of the visual pathway, from the retina to the primary visual cortex (V1), of CDKL5 null mice. We found that the lack of CDKL5 produced no alteration in the organization of retinal circuits. Conversely, CDKL5 mutants showed reduced density and altered morphology of spines and decreased excitatory synapse marker PSD95 in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and in V1. An increase in the inhibitory marker VGAT was selectively present in V1. Second, using a conditional CDKL5 knockout model, we showed that selective cortical deletion of CDKL5 from excitatory cells is sufficient to produce abnormalities of visual cortical responses, demonstrating that the normal function of cortical circuits is dependent on CDKL5. Intriguingly, these deficits were associated with morphological alterations of V1 excitatory and inhibitory synaptic contacts. In summary, this work proposes cortical circuit structure and function as a critically important target for studying CDD.
Challenges in IBD Research: Environmental Triggers
Authors: Ho Shuk-Mei , Lewis James D , Mayer Emeran A , Bernstein Charles N , Plevy Scott E , Chuang Emil , Rappaport Stephen M , Croitoru Kenneth , Korzenik Joshua R , Krischer Jeffrey , Hyams Jeffrey S , Judson Richard , Kellis Manolis , Jerrett Michael , Miller Gary W , Grant Melanie L , Shtraizent Nataly , Honig Gerard , Hurtado-Lorenzo Andrés , Wu Gary D 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Environmental triggers is part of five focus areas of the Challenges in IBD research document, which also includes preclinical human IBD mechanisms, novel technologies, precision medicine and pragmatic clinical research. The Challenges in IBD research document provides a comprehensive overview of current gaps in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) research and delivers actionable approaches to address them. It is the result of a multidisciplinary input from scientists, clinicians, patients, and funders, and represents a valuable resource for patient centric research prioritization. In particular, the environmental triggers section is focused on the main research gaps in elucidating causality of environmental factors in IBD. Research gaps were identified in: 1) epidemiology of exposures; 2) identification of signatures of biological response to exposures; and 3) mechanisms of how environmental exposures drive IBD. To address these gaps, the implementation of longitudinal prospective studies to determine disease evolution and identify sub-clinical changes in response to exposures is proposed. This can help define critical windows of vulnerability and risk prediction. In addition, systems biology analysis and in silico modeling were proposed as approaches to integrate the IBD exposome for the identification of biological signatures of response to exposures, and to develop prediction models of the effects of environmental factors in driving disease activity and response to therapy. This research could lead to identification of biomarkers of exposures and new modalities for therapeutic intervention. Finally, hypothesis-driven mechanistic studies to understand gene-environment interactions and to validate causality of priority factors should be performed to determine how environment influences clinical outcomes.
Timing of Antiretroviral Therapy and Systemic Inflammation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Results From the META Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Siedner Mark J , Bwana Mwebesa Bosco , Asiimwe Stephen , Amanyire Gideon , Musinguzi Nicholas , Castillo-Mancilla Jose , Tracy Russell P , Katz Ingrid T , Bangsberg David R , Hunt Peter W , Orrell Catherine , Haberer Jessica E ,   META study investigators, Ware Norma , Elioda Tumwesigye , Tsai Alexander C , Matthews Lynn , Wyatt Monique 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Chronic inflammation predicts complications in persons with human immunodeficiency virus infection. We compared D-dimer, soluble CD14, and interleukin 6 levels before and 12 months after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, among individuals starting ART during earlier-stage (CD4 T-cell count >350/µL) or late-stage disease (CD4 T-cell count <200/µL). Female sex, older age, viral load, and late-stage disease were associated with pre-ART biomarkers (n = 661; P < .05). However, there were no differences in biomarkers by disease stage after 12 months of ART (n = 438; P > .05), owing to loss from observation and greater declines in biomarkers in late-stage initiators (P < .001). Earlier initiation of ART is associated with decreased inflammation, but levels seem to converge between earlier and later initiators surviving to 12 months.
Sorting Out the Genetic Background of the Last Surviving South China Tigers
Authors: Zhang Wenping , Xu Xiao , Yue Bisong , Hou Rong , Xie Junjin , Zou Zheng-Ting , Han Yu , Shen Fujun , Zhang Liang , Xie Zhong , Yuan Yaohua , Yin Yuzhong , Fu Wenyuan , Chen Daqing , Huang Wei , Liu Zaoyang , Tang Yao , Zhao Bo , Zhang Qiang , Chen Wu , Zhang Rongying , Chen Jun , Luo Shu-Jin , Zhang Zhihe 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe South China tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis) is endemic to China and also the most critically endangered subspecies of living tigers. It is considered extinct in the wild and only about 150 individuals survive in captivity to date, whose genetic heritage, however, is ambiguous and controversial. Here, we conducted an explicit genetic assessment of 92 studbook-registered South China tigers from 14 captive facilities using a subspecies-diagnostic system in the context of comparison with other voucher specimens to evaluate the genetic ancestry and level of distinctiveness of the last surviving P. t. amoyensis. Three mtDNA haplotypes were identified from South China tigers sampled in this study, including a unique P. t. amoyensis AMO1 haplotype not found in other subspecies, a COR1 haplotype that is widespread in Indochinese tigers (P. t. corbetti), and an ALT haplotype that is characteristic of Amur tigers (P. t. altaica). Bayesian STRUCTURE analysis and parentage verification confirmed the verified subspecies ancestry (VSA) as the South China tiger in 74 individuals. Genetic introgression from other tigers was detected in 18 tigers, and subsequent exclusion of these and their offspring from the breeding program is recommended. Both STRUCTURE clustering and microsatellite-based phylogenetic analyses demonstrated a close genetic association of the VSA South China tigers to Indochinese tigers, an issue that could only be elucidated by analysis of historical South China tiger specimens with wild origin. Our results also indicated a moderate level of genetic diversity in the captive South China tiger population, suggesting a potential for genetic restoration.
Conservation of the Threatened Species, Pulsatilla vulgaris Mill. (Pasqueflower), is Aided by Reproductive System and Polyploidy
Authors: Gargiulo Roberta , Worswick Gemma , Arnold Corinne , Pike Lindsay J , Cowan Robyn S , Hardwick Kate A , Chapman Ted , Fay Michael F 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPopulation loss due to habitat disturbance is a major concern in biodiversity conservation. Here we investigate the genetic causes of the demographic decline observed in English populations of Pulsatilla vulgaris and the consequences for conservation. Using 10 nuclear microsatellite markers, we compare genetic variation in wild populations with restored and seed-regenerated populations (674 samples). Emergence of genetic structure and loss of allelic variation in natural populations are not as evident as expected from demographic trends. Restored populations show genetic variation comparable to their source populations and, in general, to the wild ones. Genetic homogeneity is observed in regeneration trials, although some alleles not captured in source populations are detected. We infer that polyploidy, longevity, and clonal reproduction have provided P. vulgaris with the standing genetic variation necessary to make the species resilient to the effects of demographic decline, suggesting that the use of multiple sources for reintroduction may be beneficial to mimic natural gene flow and the availability of multiple allele copies typical of polyploid species.
Dispersal of the Mosquito Aedes vigilax (Diptera: Culicidae) From Urban Estuarine Wetlands in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Webb Cameron E , Russell Richard C 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Aedes vigilax (Skuse) is a pest and vector species associated with coastal wetlands and the abundance of this mosquito has been identified as contributing to increased risk of mosquito-borne disease outbreaks. As urban development continues to encroach on these coastal wetlands, pest and public health impacts are becoming of increasing concern and in the absence of broadscale mosquito control. Urban planners are looking to buffer zones and other land use planning options to minimize contact between mosquitoes and humans but gaps in the understanding of dispersal ranges of mosquitoes hamper the adoption of these strategies. A mark-release-recapture experiment was conducted to measure the dispersal of this mosquito from an urban estuarine wetland in Sydney, Australia. An estimated total of over 150,000 wild caught female mosquitoes were marked with fluorescent dust and then released. A network of 38 traps was then operated for 5 d within an area of 28 km2. A total of 280 marked mosquitoes was recaptured, representing less than 1% of the estimate 250,000 marked mosquitoes released. Marked mosquitoes were recaptured up to 3 km from the release point, providing an insight into the dispersal range of these mosquitoes. The mean distance traveled by marked mosquitoes was 0.83 km, a result reflecting the greater proportion of marked mosquitoes recaptured near release point. The findings of this study indicate that effective buffer zones between estuarine wetlands and high-density urban developments would be an impractical approach to minimizing pest and public health impacts associated with this mosquito.
Article 1—Scope of These Rules
Authors: Gusy Martin F , Hosking James M 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
This chapter discusses the scope of application of the ICDR Rules. Within its four paragraphs, Article 1 of the ICDR Rules introduces the ICDR’s mandate; sets the boundaries for institutional jurisdiction and delegates authority to the Administrator; provides for the ICDR to be the exclusive administrator of all international arbitrations under the auspices of the AAA; prescribes the ICDR Rules’ scope of application; declares the ICDR Rules subject to any mandatory laws; and deems smaller disputes to be handled pursuant to the new International Expedited Procedures. Importantly, Article 1(1) provides that the ICDR Rules will be applied in either of two ways: (i) with an agreement to arbitrate ‘under these International Arbitration Rules’; or (ii) if the parties have provided ‘for arbitration of an international dispute by the [ICDR] or the [AAA] without designating particular rules’. In either scenario, the parties agreed to institutional as opposed to ad hoc arbitration.
Article 11—Number of Arbitrators
Authors: Gusy Martin F , Hosking James M 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
This chapter assesses Article 11 of the ICDR Rules. One of the first questions that parties in arbitration must consider when constituting a tribunal is the number of arbitrators that will resolve their dispute. In most cases, this will be addressed either by an explicit agreement between the parties or, failing that, by the parties’ adoption of institutional rules that cover this issue. Where the parties do not select the number of arbitrators by agreement and also do not select a set of governing institutional rules, they will face default provisions of national arbitration laws. Article 11 provides a straightforward default rule that respects party autonomy but, absent party agreement, vests the determination of the number of arbitrators in the Administrator. In that respect, the presumption is that for reasons of procedural efficiency there will be a sole arbitrator unless the ‘size, complexity or other circumstances’ dictate that three arbitrators is appropriate.
Article 14—Challenge of an Arbitrator
Authors: Gusy Martin F , Hosking James M 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
This chapter studies Article 14 of the ICDR Rules, which sets forth a procedure for challenging arbitrators for lack of impartiality or independence. Article 14 provides that one may challenge an arbitrator ‘whenever circumstances exist that give rise to justifiable doubts as to the arbitrator’s impartiality or independence’ and establishes the challenge procedure itself. If the parties do not agree on the merits of the challenge and if the arbitrator does not voluntarily withdraw, it is for the ICDR, in its sole discretion, to decide the challenge. After the ICDR reviews the parties’ submissions and arbitrator’s comments, the Administrator ordinarily resolves the challenge quickly. If the challenge is rejected, the arbitration will proceed. If the challenge is granted, the arbitrator will be replaced pursuant to Article 15. Typically, the ICDR’s decision is final and the parties have no ability to object.
Article 17—Place of Arbitration
Authors: Gusy Martin F , Hosking James M 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
This chapter details Article 17 of the ICDR Rules, which presumes that the parties to an arbitration will choose the place or seat of arbitration in the arbitration agreement. Parties are well advised to do so due to the important role that the seat of arbitration plays in any arbitration. In practice, a majority of arbitration agreements specifically designate a seat of arbitration; for ICDR arbitrations, the US remains the most popular host country, and New York the most popular seat. Importantly, Article 17 provides for the situation in which the parties have failed to agree on a place of arbitration, authorizing the ICDR administrator initially to determine the place of arbitration for the parties, but with the final determination resting with the tribunal.
Article 20—Conduct of Proceedings
Authors: Gusy Martin F , Hosking James M 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
This chapter assesses Article 20 of the ICDR Rules, which regulates the procedure by which the parties will conduct their arbitration before the tribunal. Article 20 is said to grant the tribunal more discretion in this regard than the majority of other institutional rules. Still, in practice, the parties have significant influence over the process. The tribunal’s discretion is, of course, subject to the explicit directive of Article 20 that the parties be provided due process and a fair opportunity to be heard. Moreover, Article 20 mandates the tribunal to expedite the procedure to the extent possible. The 2014 amendments to the ICDR Rules added several provisions to Article 20 to further that mandate. The revised Rules also require the parties to ‘make every effort to avoid unnecessary delay and expense in the arbitration’.