bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘One physical system’: Tansley's ecosystem as Earth's critical zone
Authors: Richter Daniel deB. , Billings Sharon A. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryIntegrative concepts of the biosphere, ecosystem, biogeocenosis and, recently, Earth's critical zone embrace scientific disciplines that link matter, energy and organisms in a systems‐level understanding of our remarkable planet. Here, we assert the congruence of Tansley's (1935) venerable ecosystem concept of ‘one physical system’ with Earth science's critical zone. Ecosystems and critical zones are congruent across spatial–temporal scales from vegetation‐clad weathering profiles and hillslopes, small catchments, landscapes, river basins, continents, to Earth's whole terrestrial surface. What may be less obvious is congruence in the vertical dimension. We use ecosystem metabolism to argue that full accounting of photosynthetically fixed carbon includes respiratoryCO2and carbonic acid that propagate to the base of the critical zone itself. Although a small fraction of respiration, the downward diffusion ofCO2helps determine rates of soil formation and, ultimately, ecosystem evolution and resilience. Because life in the upper portions of terrestrial ecosystems significantly affects biogeochemistry throughout weathering profiles, the lower boundaries of most terrestrial ecosystems have been demarcated at depths too shallow to permit a complete understanding of ecosystem structure and function. Opportunities abound to explore connections between upper and lower components of critical‐zone ecosystems, between soils and streams in watersheds, and between plant‐derivedCO2and deep microbial communities and mineral weathering.ContentsSummary900I.Introduction900II.Tansley's ecosystem as ‘one physical system’901III.Earth's critical zone901IV.Historic developments in ecosystem science902V.The metabolism of ecosystems and critical zones905VI.Towards a more active biogeoscience908Acknowledgements909References909
Cooperative induction of apoptosis in NRAS mutant melanoma by inhibition of MEK and ROCK
Authors: Vogel Celia J. , Smit Marjon A. , Maddalo Gianluca , Possik Patricia A. , Sparidans Rolf W. , van der Burg Sjoerd H. , Verdegaal Els M. , Heck Albert J. R. , Samatar Ahmed A. , Beijnen Jos H. , Altelaar A. F. Maarten , Peeper Daniel S. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryNo effective targeted therapy is currently available for NRAS mutant melanoma. Experimental MEK inhibition is rather toxic and has only limited efficacy in clinical trials. At least in part, this is caused by the emergence of drug resistance, which is commonly seen for single agent treatment and shortens clinical responses. Therefore, there is a dire need to identify effective companion drug targets for NRAS mutant melanoma. Here, we show that at concentrations where single drugs had little effect, ROCK inhibitors GSK269962A or Fasudil, in combination with either MEK inhibitor GSK1120212 (Trametinib) or ERK inhibitor SCH772984 cooperatively caused proliferation inhibition and cell death in vitro. Simultaneous inhibition of MEK and ROCK caused induction of BimEL, PARP, and Puma, and hence apoptosis. In vivo, MEK and ROCK inhibition suppressed growth of established tumors. Our findings warrant clinical investigation of the effectiveness of combinatorial targeting of MAPK/ERK and ROCK in NRAS mutant melanoma.
Activating the Forces of Public Service Motivation: Evidence from a Low‐Intensity Randomized Survey Experiment
Authors: Pedersen Mogens Jin 
Published: March 2015

AbstractEmployees with higher public service motivation (PSM) are likely to perform better in public service jobs. However, research on how practitioners may capitalize on this knowledge is sparse. This article expands the understanding of how to activate employeePSM, which is understood as a human resource that is present in the work environment. Using a randomized survey experiment with 528 law students, this article shows how low‐intensity treatments may activatePSMand how the effect ofPSMactivation efforts compares with efforts to activate another, less self‐determined type of motivation (relating to the need for feelings of self‐importance). The findings are robust and suggest that low‐intensity efforts to activatePSMhave a positive effect on an individual's behavioral inclinations. However, efforts toward the activation of motivation relating to feelings of self‐importance appear to engender an effect of similar size.
Effects of Pregnancy‐associated Malaria on T Cell Cytokines in Cameroonian Women
Authors: Megnekou R. , Lissom A. , Bigoga J. D. , Djontu J. C. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAlthough Th17 cells subsets improve immunity against extra and intracellular pathogens, and in modulating Th1 and other immune responses, its role on pregnancy‐associated malaria (PAM) is unknown. This study aims to investigate the effects of PAM on Th1 (IFN‐γ, TNF‐α), IL‐10 family (IL‐10, IL‐19, IL‐22), Th17 (IL‐17A, IL‐23) cytokines and on CXCL‐10 chemokine profiles in pregnant women. Between 2010 and 2011, venous blood specimens from 107 volunteer pregnant Cameroonian women was used to determine parasitaemia microscopically and haemoglobin levels using HemoCue analyzer. Plasma levels of the biomarkers were determined by ELISA. Parasitaemia was higher in women with low haemoglobin levels, parity and mother's age. IL‐10 and CXCL‐10 plasma levels were higher in the malaria infected and in anaemic women while IFN‐γ and IL‐17A levels were higher in malaria non‐infected and in non‐anaemic women. Parasitaemia correlated positively with IL‐10 and CXCL‐10 levels but inversely with IFN‐γ and IL‐17A. Haemoglobin levels were higher in women with low IL‐10 and CXCL‐10 levels, and in group with high IFN‐γ, IL‐17A and IL‐23 levels. Only IL‐10 levels associated negatively with parity. Positive correlations were observed between Th17 (IL‐17A) and Th1 (IFN‐γ, TNF‐α), IL‐10 family (IL‐19 and IL‐22) and Th17 (IL‐23) cytokines. Multivariate analysis showed association between: mother's age and IFN‐γ levels, parasitaemia and IL‐10 and CXCL‐10 levels and haemoglobin levels, gestational age and IL‐17A levels. In conclusion, during PAM, CXCL‐10 and IL‐10 responses are implicated in the pathogenesis while Th17 and Th1 immune responses, via IL‐17A and IFN‐γ might play protective roles.
Immunological Profiling of Haemodialysis Patients and Young Healthy Individuals with Implications for Clinical Regulatory T Cell Sorting
Authors: Bergström M. , Joly A.‐L. , Seiron P. , Isringhausen S. , Modig E. , Fellström B. , Andersson J. , Berglund D. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWith the increasing interest in clinical trials with regulatory T cells (Tregs), immunological profiling of prospective target groups and standardized procedures for Treg isolation are needed. In this study, flow cytometry was used to assess peripheral blood lymphocyte profiles of young healthy individuals and patients undergoing haemodialysis treatment. Tregs obtained from the former may be used in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and Tregs from the latter in the prevention of kidney transplant rejection. FOXP3 mRNA expression with accompanying isoform distribution was also assessed by the quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Flow‐cytometric gating strategies were systematically analysed to optimize the isolation of Tregs. Our findings showed an overall similar immunological profile of both cohorts in spite of great differences in both age and health. Analysis of flow‐cytometric gating techniques highlighted the importance of gating for both CD25high and CD127low expression in the isolation of FOXP3‐positive cells. This study provides additional insight into the immunological profile of young healthy individuals and uraemic patients as well as in‐depth analysis of flow‐cytometric gating strategies for Treg isolation, supporting the development of Treg therapy using cells from healthy donors and uraemic patients.
Contested Cosmopolitanisms: Global Meetings and Local Mobilizations
Authors: Kutz‐Flamenbaum Rachel V. , Duncan Brittany 
Published: March 2015

This article analyzes the ways that Pittsburgh anarchist activists, politicians, and journalists framed the 2009 G‐20 meetings and protests through a content analysis of newspaper articles and activist documents. Our analysis found that cosmopolitanism was a central discourse, but it was also contested. Pittsburgh anarchists introduced an open‐community cosmopolitanism that prioritizes the local over the global as a site of struggle and also embraces expansion of rights and commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Somewhat unexpectedly, this open‐community cosmopolitanism was successfully transmitted beyond activist discourse into the public and the local media. The anarchist activist open‐community framing challenged Pittsburgh residents to question whether increased global corporate investments were best for Pittsburgh and, in doing so, fostered connections between local anarchist activists, local journalists, and local Pittsburgh residents. To reflect on the ways that activists contribute to ideas of cosmopolitanism, this article presents a theoretical model that incorporates individual and collective dispositions and multiple ideological standpoints. We also show how movement groups may strategically draw on these shared cosmopolitan dispositions to expand their movement base, communicate their messages, and challenge the hegemony of global capitalism.
Worthy of Recognition? How Second Home Owners Understand Their Own Group's Moral Worth in Rural Host Communities
Authors: Farstad Maja 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSecond home owners are conspicuous stakeholders in many rural areas, and their understanding of what would be the morally right position for them to occupy in the host community matters not only to themselves but also to the local authorities and potentially affected residents. Based on interviews with 23 owners of second homes in rural municipalities in Norway, this article examines second home owners' understanding of their own group's moral worth in their rural host communities and their expectations of receiving – or not receiving – distributional goods and other forms of recognition. Both the humble and the reward‐collecting perspective on second home owners' position are based on the perception of the rural community as weak and dependent upon second home owners' presence. Second home owners with a humble perspective think this unbalanced relationship is unpleasant, which weighs against the suggestion that second home owners be granted greater political power.
Activation Reform and Inter‐Agency Co‐operation – Local Consequences of Mixed Modes of Governance in Sweden
Authors: Qvist Martin 
Published: February 2015

AbstractOrganizational reform has become a recurring solution to problems of social exclusion and unemployment. In Europe, and other parts of the world, there is a trend towards policies of ‘activation’ in employment and social policy. The idea of flexible, individualized and tailor‐made services is coupled with managerial and market‐based reforms as well as collaborative governance. In these complex structures of service provision, coordination and inter‐agency co‐operation have become key concerns. Based on a study of a recent reform of programmes for newly arrived refugees in Sweden (Etableringsreformen), this article seeks to contribute to the literature on governance of ‘activation’ by examining the consequences of mixed modes of governance (market and collaborative) on local inter‐agency co‐operation. Drawing on data from in‐depth case studies in two municipalities, it is demonstrated how the coupling of managerial practices and quasi‐markets with existing collaborative arrangements has created barriers for inter‐agency co‐operation. The results indicate that institutional tensions between governance forms represent an important factor for explaining governance failure in this policy area.
Jack (and Jill?) of All Trades – A Canadian Case Study of Equity in Apprenticeship Supports
Authors: Levasseur Karine , Paterson Stephanie 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn the past decade, Canadian federal and provincial governments have designed programmes to facilitate entry into trades in an attempt to stimulate economic growth. As part of these efforts, increasing attention is focusing on programmes to encourage women to enter skilled trades, while paying little attention to those trades traditionally dominated by females. In this article, we explore the gendered dimensions of apprenticeship programmes in Canada, demonstrating the ways in which gender inequality is reproduced by programmes that situate employers and women as responsible for change. In particular, using a case study, we illustrate that the gendered structure of the labour market is preserved and reproduced. While efforts have targeted women to facilitate entry into non‐traditional occupations such as electricians and plumbers, female‐dominated trades such as hairstylists remain untouched, thereby sustaining the gendered wage structure of the economy. Thus women remain segregated in low‐paying trades and receive fewer public supports when pursuing training in these segregated trades. The article argues that apprenticeship training and certification is constructed to respond to the needs of male‐dominated trades, but not the needs of female‐dominated trades. Ultimately, the public policy decisions that make up the apprenticeship training and certification system in Canada reproduce gender inequality.
Impact of squalene‐based adjuvanted influenza vaccination on graft outcome in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Fernández‐Ruiz M. , Lumbreras C. , Arrazola M.P. , López‐Medrano F. , Andrés A. , Morales J.M. , de Juanes J.R. , Aguado J.M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundSafety concerns have been raised about the use of adjuvanted vaccines after kidney transplantation.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 65 kidney transplant (KT) recipients who received ≥1 dose of influenza vaccine (pandemic or seasonal) during the 2009–2010 campaign. Participants were classified into 2 groups: those who received a squalene‐based AS03‐ or MF59‐adjuvanted vaccine (“adjuvanted vaccination” [AV] group, n = 37) and those who exclusively received non‐adjuvanted vaccines (“non‐adjuvanted vaccination” [NAV] group, n = 28). Primary outcomes included occurrence of biopsy‐proven acute graft rejection (BPAR) and graft function at months 6 and 12 after vaccination. Patients were followed up until graft loss, death, or October 2010.ResultsFour episodes of BPAR occurred during post‐vaccination follow‐up, with no differences between the AV and NAV groups, in terms of cumulative incidence (5.4% vs. 7.1%, respectively; P = 0.581), incidence rate (0.22 vs. 0.18 episodes per 1000 transplant‐days; P = 0.950), or occurrence of severe episodes (T‐cell‐mediated BPAR of grade ≥2a) (2.7% vs. 3.6%; P = 0.680). No between‐group differences were seen in graft function after vaccination.ConclusionAdjuvanted influenza vaccination in KT recipients seems to be safe regarding graft outcome.
Nosocomial bloodstream infections in a nationwide study: comparison between solid organ transplant patients and the general population
Authors: Camargo L.F.A. , Marra A.R. , Pignatari A.C.C. , Sukiennik T. , Behar P.P.P. , Medeiros E.A.S. , Ribeiro J. , Girão E. , Correa L. , Guerra C. , Brites C. , Pereira C.A.P. , Carneiro I. , Reis M. , Souza M.A. , Barata C.U. , Edmond M.B. ,   the Brazilian SCOPE Study Group
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of bloodstream infection (BSI) varies according to the transplanted organ. Mortality can be as high as 24%, with a significant impact on graft survival. Transplantation is a risk factor for multidrug‐resistant (MDR) organisms, but comparison with a non‐transplanted population in a single large cohort has not been described.MethodsThis is a prospective nationwide study (16 centers) reporting data on 2364 monomicrobial nosocomial BSIs, comparing 83 episodes in solid organ transplant patients with 2447 BSIs occurring in the general hospital population.ResultsThe prevalence of groups of infecting organisms (gram‐positive, gram‐negative, and fungi) was similar between transplant patients and the general population and a similar crude mortality rate was observed (34.9% in transplant vs. 43.3% in non‐transplant patients). Staphylococcus aureus was the single most frequently isolated organism in both groups, and Acinetobacter species was more frequently isolated in the general population. Regarding MDR organisms, Klebsiella species, and Enterobacter species resistant to cefepime, as well as Acinetobacter species resistant to meropenem, were significantly more frequent in transplant patients.ConclusionAntimicrobial resistance is higher, particularly among gram‐negative bacteria in the transplant population, although the overall mortality rate between transplant and non‐transplant patients with nosocomial BSI is similar.
Evaluation of human and non‐human primate antibody binding to pig cells lacking GGTA1/CMAH/β4GalNT2 genes
Authors: Estrada Jose L. , Martens Greg , Li Ping , Adams Andrew , Newell Kenneth A. , Ford Mandy L. , Butler James R. , Sidner Richard , Tector Matt , Tector Joseph 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundSimultaneous inactivation of pig GGTA1 and CMAH genes eliminates carbohydrate xenoantigens recognized by human antibodies. The β4GalNT2 glycosyltransferase may also synthesize xenoantigens. To further characterize glycan‐based species incompatibilities, we examined human and non‐human primate antibody binding to cells derived from genetically modified pigs lacking these carbohydrate‐modifying genes.MethodsThe Cas9 endonuclease and gRNA were used to create pigs lacking GGTA1, GGTA1/CMAH, or GGTA1/CMAH/β4GalNT2 genes. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from these animals and examined for binding to IgM and IgG from humans, rhesus macaques, and baboons.ResultsCells from GGTA1/CMAH/β4GalNT2 deficient pigs exhibited reduced human IgM and IgG binding compared to cells lacking both GGTA1 and CMAH. Non‐human primate antibody reactivity with cells from the various pigs exhibited a slightly different pattern of reactivity than that seen in humans. Simultaneous inactivation of the GGTA1 and CMAH genes increased non‐human primate antibody binding compared to cells lacking either GGTA1 only or to those deficient in GGTA1/CMAH/β4GalNT2.ConclusionsInactivation of the β4GalNT2 gene reduces human and non‐human primate antibody binding resulting in diminished porcine xenoantigenicity. The increased humoral immunity of non‐human primates toward GGTA1‐/CMAH‐deficient cells compared to pigs lacking either GGTA1 or GGTA1/CMAH/β4GalNT2 highlights the complexities of carbohydrate xenoantigens and suggests potential limitations of the non‐human primate model for examining some genetic modifications. The progressive reduction of swine xenoantigens recognized by human immunoglobulin through inactivation of pig GGTA1/CMAH/β4GalNT2 genes demonstrates that the antibody barrier to xenotransplantation can be minimized by genetic engineering.
Xenotransplantation—theological–ethical considerations in an interdisciplinary symposium
Authors: Sautermeister Jochen , Mathieu Richard , Bogner Veronika 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundUnlike allotransplantation, reflections on xenotransplantation are infrequent in theological literature. However, xenotransplantation poses questions specifically concerning ethical and theological aspects that are imperative to address, such as personal identity between the poles of body, soul, and mind, the relationship between humans and animals, as well as challenges regarding specific issues of medical and social ethics.MethodThis study summarizes the lectures of the symposium on “Xenotransplantation—a challenge to theological ethics,” which took place in Munich from September 30 until October 2, 2013, and analyses the implications of xenotransplantation from the perspectives of Christian theological ethics, biblical theology, and systematic theology. Furthermore, the issue of xenotransplantation is addressed from the perspectives of Judaism and Islam. Beyond these theological deliberations, the metaphorical and religious meaning of the human heart, which may have an impact on the societal acceptability of xenotransplantation, as well as the Christian notion of compassion regarding animals, is analyzed from the perspective of historical sciences.Results and ConclusionAccording to the perspectives of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, there are no specifically religious fundamental and generally binding reasons to prohibit xenotransplantation as a means of treating grave and life‐threatening organ insufficiencies.
Reduced human platelet uptake by pig livers deficient in the asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 protein
Authors: Paris Leela L. , Estrada Jose L. , Li Ping , Blankenship Ross L. , Sidner Richard A. , Reyes Luz M. , Montgomery Jessica B. , Burlak Christopher , Butler James R. , Downey Susan M. , Wang Zheng‐Yu , Tector Matthew , Tector A. Joseph 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe lethal thrombocytopenia that accompanies liver xenotransplantation is a barrier to clinical application. Human platelets are bound by the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGR) on pig sinusoidal endothelial cells and phagocytosed. Inactivation of the ASGR1 gene in donor pigs may prevent xenotransplantation‐induced thrombocytopenia.MethodsTranscription activator‐like effector nucleases (TALENs) were targeted to the ASGR1 gene in pig liver‐derived cells. ASGR1 deficient pig cells were used for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). ASGR1 knock out (ASGR1−/−) fetal fibroblasts were used to produce healthy ASGR1 knock out piglets. Human platelet uptake was measured in ASGR1+/+ and ASGR1−/− livers.ResultsTargeted disruption of the ASGR1 gene with TALENs eliminated expression of the receptor. ASGR1‐/‐ livers phagocytosed fewer human platelets than domestic porcine livers during perfusion.ConclusionsThe use of TALENs in liver‐derived cells followed by SCNT enabled the production of healthy homozygous ASGR1 knock out pigs. Livers from ASGR1‐/‐ pigs exhibit decreased human platelet uptake. Deletion of the ASGR1 gene is a viable strategy to diminish platelet destruction in pig‐to‐human xenotransplantation.