Showing papers by "University of Haifa published in 2019"
University of Würzburg1, National University of Comahue2, Spanish National Research Council3, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences4, Universidade Federal de Goiás5, University of Lisbon6, Stanford University7, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation8, National University of Río Negro9, ETH Zurich10, Cornell University11, University of California, Davis12, The Nature Conservancy13, Wageningen University and Research Centre14, University of British Columbia15, Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center16, University of California, Santa Cruz17, University of Padua18, University of New England (Australia)19, Lund University20, University of Göttingen21, University of La Rochelle22, Institut national de la recherche agronomique23, Federal University of Ceará24, University of Freiburg25, Concordia University Wisconsin26, University of Belgrade27, National University of Tucumán28, Michigan State University29, University of Brasília30, University of Greenwich31, University of Reading32, University of Wisconsin-Madison33, National Institute of Amazonian Research34, Boise State University35, University of Texas at Austin36, University of Haifa37, Kansas State University38, University of Hamburg39, Bioversity International40, University of California, Santa Barbara41, Seattle University42, University of Vienna43, University of Florida44, Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza45, National Audubon Society46, University of Buenos Aires47, Virginia Tech48, University of Bordeaux49, University of Auckland50, University of California, Berkeley51, University College Dublin52, Trinity College, Dublin53, University of Tokyo54, Federal University of Bahia55, Lincoln University (New Zealand)56, National Institute for Environmental Studies57, International Food Policy Research Institute58, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University59
TL;DR: Using a global database from 89 studies (with 1475 locations), the relative importance of species richness, abundance, and dominance for pollination; biological pest control; and final yields in the context of ongoing land-use change is partitioned.
Abstract: Human land use threatens global biodiversity and compromises multiple ecosystem functions critical to food production. Whether crop yield-related ecosystem services can be maintained by a few dominant species or rely on high richness remains unclear. Using a global database from 89 studies (with 1475 locations), we partition the relative importance of species richness, abundance, and dominance for pollination; biological pest control; and final yields in the context of ongoing land-use change. Pollinator and enemy richness directly supported ecosystem services in addition to and independent of abundance and dominance. Up to 50% of the negative effects of landscape simplification on ecosystem services was due to richness losses of service-providing organisms, with negative consequences for crop yields. Maintaining the biodiversity of ecosystem service providers is therefore vital to sustain the flow of key agroecosystem benefits to society.
434 citations
TL;DR: These international clinical practice recommendations (CPR) for developmental coordination disorder (DCD) aim to address key questions on the definition, diagnosis, assessment, intervention, and psychosocial aspects of DCD relevant for clinical practice.
Abstract: Aim: These international clinical practice recommendations (CPR) for developmental coordination disorder (DCD), initiated by the European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD), aim to address key questions on the definition, diagnosis, assessment, intervention, and psychosocial aspects of DCD relevant for clinical practice. Method: Key questions in five areas were considered through literature reviews and formal expert consensus. For recommendations based on evidence, literature searches on ‘mechanisms’, ‘assessment’, and ‘intervention’ were updated since the last recommendations in 2012. New searches were conducted for ‘psychosocial issues’ and ‘adolescents/adults’. Evidence was rated according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (level of evidence [LOE] 1–4) and transferred into recommendations. For recommendations based on formal consensus, two meetings of an international, multidisciplinary expert panel were conducted with a further five Delphi rounds to develop good clinical practice (GCP) recommendations. Results: Thirty-five recommendations were made. Eight were based on the evidence from literature reviews (three on ‘assessment’, five on ‘intervention’). Twenty-two were updated from the 2012 recommendations. New recommendations relate to diagnosis and assessment (two GCPs) and psychosocial issues (three GCPs). Additionally, one new recommendation (LOE) reflects active video games as adjuncts to more traditional activity-oriented and participation-oriented interventions, and two new recommendations (one GCP, one LOE) were made for adolescents and adults with DCD. Interpretation: The CPR–DCD is a comprehensive overview of DCD and current understanding based on research evidence and expert consensus. It reflects the state of the art for clinicians and scientists of varied disciplines. The international CPR–DCD may serve as a basis for national guidelines. What this paper adds: Updated international clinical practice guidelines on developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Refined and extended recommendations on clinical assessment and intervention for DCD. A critical synopsis of current research on mechanisms of DCD. A critical synopsis of psychosocial issues in DCD, with implications for clinical practice. The first international recommendations to consider adolescents and adults with DCD.
356 citations
TL;DR: The pattern of daily use presented a descriptive peak toward the evening for apps incorporating most techniques (tracker, psychoeducation, and peer support) except mindfulness/meditation, which exhibited two peaks (morning and night).
Abstract: BACKGROUND Understanding patterns of real-world usage of mental health apps is key to maximizing their potential to increase public self-management of care. Although developer-led studies have published results on the use of mental health apps in real-world settings, no study yet has systematically examined usage patterns of a large sample of mental health apps relying on independently collected data. OBJECTIVE Our aim is to present real-world objective data on user engagement with popular mental health apps. METHODS A systematic engine search was conducted using Google Play to identify Android apps with 10,000 installs or more targeting anxiety, depression, or emotional well-being. Coding of apps included primary incorporated techniques and mental health focus. Behavioral data on real-world usage were obtained from a panel that provides aggregated nonpersonal information on user engagement with mobile apps. RESULTS In total, 93 apps met the inclusion criteria (installs: median 100,000, IQR 90,000). The median percentage of daily active users (open rate) was 4.0% (IQR 4.7%) with a difference between trackers (median 6.3%, IQR 10.2%) and peer-support apps (median 17.0%) versus breathing exercise apps (median 1.6%, IQR 1.6%; all z≥3.42, all P<.001). Among active users, daily minutes of use were significantly higher for mindfulness/meditation (median 21.47, IQR 15.00) and peer support (median 35.08, n=2) apps than for apps incorporating other techniques (tracker, breathing exercise, psychoeducation: medians range 3.53-8.32; all z≥2.11, all P<.05). The medians of app 15-day and 30-day retention rates were 3.9% (IQR 10.3%) and 3.3% (IQR 6.2%), respectively. On day 30, peer support (median 8.9%, n=2), mindfulness/meditation (median 4.7%, IQR 6.2%), and tracker apps (median 6.1%, IQR 20.4%) had significantly higher retention rates than breathing exercise apps (median 0.0%, IQR 0.0%; all z≥2.18, all P≤.04). The pattern of daily use presented a descriptive peak toward the evening for apps incorporating most techniques (tracker, psychoeducation, and peer support) except mindfulness/meditation, which exhibited two peaks (morning and night). CONCLUSIONS Although the number of app installs and daily active minutes of use may seem high, only a small portion of users actually used the apps for a long period of time. More studies using different datasets are needed to understand this phenomenon and the ways in which users self-manage their condition in real-world settings.
346 citations
The Chinese University of Hong Kong1, Karolinska Institutet2, California Department of Public Health3, Turku University Hospital4, University of Western Australia5, Israel Ministry of Health6, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai7, Mount Sinai Hospital8, National Institutes of Health9, Aarhus University10, University of Haifa11, Columbia University12, University of York13
TL;DR: In this article, the authors estimate the additive genetic, maternal, and environmental effects in ASD using a multirelational cohort of children from Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Israel, and Western Australia.
Abstract: Importance The origins and development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain unresolved No individual-level study has provided estimates of additive genetic, maternal, and environmental effects in ASD across several countries Objective To estimate the additive genetic, maternal, and environmental effects in ASD Design, Setting, and Participants Population-based, multinational cohort study including full birth cohorts of children from Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Israel, and Western Australia born between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2011, and followed up to age 16 years Data were analyzed from September 23, 2016 through February 4, 2018 Main Outcomes and Measures Across 5 countries, models were fitted to estimate variance components describing the total variance in risk for ASD occurrence owing to additive genetics, maternal, and shared and nonshared environmental effects Results The analytic sample included 2 001 631 individuals, of whom 1 027 546 (513%) were male Among the entire sample, 22 156 were diagnosed with ASD The median (95% CI) ASD heritability was 808% (732%-855%) for country-specific point estimates, ranging from 509% (251%-756%) (Finland) to 868% (698%-1000%) (Israel) For the Nordic countries combined, heritability estimates ranged from 812% (739%-853%) to 827% (791%-860%) Maternal effect was estimated to range from 04% to 16% Estimates of genetic, maternal, and environmental effects for autistic disorder were similar with ASD Conclusions and Relevance Based on population data from 5 countries, the heritability of ASD was estimated to be approximately 80%, indicating that the variation in ASD occurrence in the population is mostly owing to inherited genetic influences, with no support for contribution from maternal effects The results suggest possible modest differences in the sources of ASD risk between countries
286 citations
Wageningen University and Research Centre1, University of Puerto Rico2, National Autonomous University of Mexico3, Colby College4, National Institute of Amazonian Research5, University of São Paulo6, Federal University of Pernambuco7, University of Alberta8, Paul Sabatier University9, University of Connecticut10, University of Colorado Boulder11, International Institute of Minnesota12, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute13, Tulane University14, University of Stirling15, Clemson University16, Comisión Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad17, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais18, Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza19, Alexander von Humboldt Biological Resources Research Institute20, The Catholic University of America21, Colorado Mesa University22, State University of New York at Purchase23, University of Haifa24, University of Wisconsin-Madison25, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul26, Universidade Federal de Viçosa27, Costa Rica Institute of Technology28, University of Minnesota29, Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia30, University of California, Santa Barbara31, Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi32, University of California, Berkeley33, Columbia University34, New York Botanical Garden35, National University of Singapore36, Yale-NUS College37, Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture38, University of Amsterdam39, Louisiana State University40, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras41
TL;DR: This work assesses how tree species richness and composition recover during secondary succession across gradients in environmental conditions and anthropogenic disturbance in an unprecedented multisite analysis for the Neotropics.
Abstract: Old-growth tropical forests harbor an immense diversity of tree species but are rapidly being cleared, while secondary forests that regrow on abandoned agricultural lands increase in extent. We assess how tree species richness and composition recover during secondary succession across gradients in environmental conditions and anthropogenic disturbance in an unprecedented multisite analysis for the Neotropics. Secondary forests recover remarkably fast in species richness but slowly in species composition. Secondary forests take a median time of five decades to recover the species richness of old-growth forest (80% recovery after 20 years) based on rarefaction analysis. Full recovery of species composition takes centuries (only 34% recovery after 20 years). A dual strategy that maintains both old-growth forests and species-rich secondary forests is therefore crucial for biodiversity conservation in human-modified tropical landscapes.
273 citations
07 Jul 2019
TL;DR: The Age of Surveillance Capitalism as discussed by the authors is a seminal work about the risks inherent in the transition to an information-theoretic information society, which is the focus of this paper.
Abstract: For thirty years, Shoshana Zuboff has written prolifically about the risks inherent in the transition to an information civilisation. In her new book, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, Zuboff ref...
249 citations
University of Würzburg1, National University of Comahue2, Spanish National Research Council3, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences4, University of Lisbon5, Universidade Federal de Goiás6, Stanford University7, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation8, National University of Río Negro9, ETH Zurich10, Cornell University11, University of California, Davis12, The Nature Conservancy13, Wageningen University and Research Centre14, University of British Columbia15, Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center16, University of California, Berkeley17, University of Padua18, University of New England (United States)19, Lund University20, University of Göttingen21, Institut national de la recherche agronomique22, University of La Rochelle23, Federal University of Ceará24, Concordia University Wisconsin25, University of Belgrade26, National University of Tucumán27, Michigan State University28, University of Brasília29, University of Greenwich30, University of Reading31, University of Wisconsin-Madison32, Boise State University33, University of Texas at Austin34, University of Haifa35, Kansas State University36, University of Freiburg37, University of Hamburg38, University of California, Santa Barbara39, Seattle University40, University of Vienna41, University of Florida42, Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza43, National Audubon Society44, University of Buenos Aires45, Virginia Tech46, University of Bordeaux47, University of Auckland48, University College Dublin49, Trinity College, Dublin50, University of Tokyo51, Federal University of Bahia52, Lincoln University (Pennsylvania)53, National Institute for Environmental Studies54, International Food Policy Research Institute55, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University56
TL;DR: Using a global database from 89 crop systems, the relative importance of abundance and species richness for pollination, biological pest control and final yields in the context of on-going land-use change is partitioned.
Abstract: Human land use threatens global biodiversity and compromises multiple ecosystem functions critical to food production. Whether crop yield-related ecosystem services can be maintained by few abundant species or rely on high richness remains unclear. Using a global database from 89 crop systems, we partition the relative importance of abundance and species richness for pollination, biological pest control and final yields in the context of on-going land-use change. Pollinator and enemy richness directly supported ecosystem services independent of abundance. Up to 50% of the negative effects of landscape simplification on ecosystem services was due to richness losses of service-providing organisms, with negative consequences for crop yields. Maintaining the biodiversity of ecosystem service providers is therefore vital to sustain the flow of key agroecosystem benefits to society.
237 citations
The Chinese University of Hong Kong1, Karolinska Institutet2, California Department of Public Health3, Turku University Hospital4, University of Western Australia5, Israel Ministry of Health6, Mount Sinai Hospital7, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai8, National Institutes of Health9, Aarhus University10, University of Haifa11, Columbia University12, University of York13
TL;DR: Based on population data from 5 countries, the heritability of ASD was estimated to be approximately 80%, indicating that the variation in ASD occurrence in the population is mostly owing to inherited genetic influences, with no support for contribution from maternal effects.
Abstract: Importance The origins and development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain unresolved. No individual-level study has provided estimates of additive genetic, maternal, and environmental effects in ASD across several countries. Objective To estimate the additive genetic, maternal, and environmental effects in ASD. Design, Setting, and Participants Population-based, multinational cohort study including full birth cohorts of children from Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Israel, and Western Australia born between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2011, and followed up to age 16 years. Data were analyzed from September 23, 2016 through February 4, 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures Across 5 countries, models were fitted to estimate variance components describing the total variance in risk for ASD occurrence owing to additive genetics, maternal, and shared and nonshared environmental effects. Results The analytic sample included 2 001 631 individuals, of whom 1 027 546 (51.3%) were male. Among the entire sample, 22 156 were diagnosed with ASD. The median (95% CI) ASD heritability was 80.8% (73.2%-85.5%) for country-specific point estimates, ranging from 50.9% (25.1%-75.6%) (Finland) to 86.8% (69.8%-100.0%) (Israel). For the Nordic countries combined, heritability estimates ranged from 81.2% (73.9%-85.3%) to 82.7% (79.1%-86.0%). Maternal effect was estimated to range from 0.4% to 1.6%. Estimates of genetic, maternal, and environmental effects for autistic disorder were similar with ASD. Conclusions and Relevance Based on population data from 5 countries, the heritability of ASD was estimated to be approximately 80%, indicating that the variation in ASD occurrence in the population is mostly owing to inherited genetic influences, with no support for contribution from maternal effects. The results suggest possible modest differences in the sources of ASD risk between countries.
208 citations
TL;DR: Critical areas for the development of the field include integration of different types of information in data mashups, development of quality assurance procedures and ethical codes, improved integration with existing methods, and assurance of long-term, free and easy-to-access provision of public social media data for future environmental researchers.
Abstract: The analysis of data from social media and social networking sites may be instrumental in achieving a better understanding of human-environment interactions and in shaping future conservation and environmental management. In this study, we systematically map the application of social media data in environmental research. The quantitative review of 169 studies reveals that most studies focus on the analysis of people’s behavior and perceptions of the environment, followed by environmental monitoring and applications in environmental planning and governance. The literature testifies to a very rapid growth in the field, with Twitter (52 studies) and Flickr (34 studies) being most frequently used as data sources. A growing number of studies combine data from multiple sites and jointly investigates multiple types of media. A broader, more qualitative review of the insights provided by the investigated studies suggests that while social media data offer unprecedented opportunities in terms of data volume, scale of analysis, and real-time monitoring, researchers are only starting to cope with the challenges of data’s heterogeneity and noise levels, potential biases, ethics of data acquisition and use, and uncertainty about future data availability. Critical areas for the development of the field include integration of different types of information in data mashups, development of quality assurance procedures and ethical codes, improved integration with existing methods, and assurance of long-term, free and easy-to-access provision of public social media data for future environmental researchers.
203 citations
Max Planck Society1, Leiden University2, California Pacific Medical Center3, Johns Hopkins University4, VU University Amsterdam5, Delft University of Technology6, University of Southern Denmark7, Washington University in St. Louis8, University of Washington9, Erasmus University Rotterdam10, University of Haifa11, Yeshiva University12, University of Michigan13, Boston University14, Newcastle University15, University of Kiel16, Mount Sinai Hospital17, Council on Education for Public Health18, University of Copenhagen19, University of Montpellier20, University of Paris21, University of Iceland22, National Institutes of Health23, University of Amsterdam24, Harvard University25, Bar-Ilan University26, Zhejiang University27, University of Pittsburgh28, Oregon Health & Science University29, Kaiser Permanente30, University of Turku31, University of California, Los Angeles32, University of Bristol33, University of Oxford34, Peking University35, Duke University36, Broad Institute37
TL;DR: A case–control design based on phenotype definitions of individuals surviving at or beyond the age corresponding to the 90th and 99th survival percentile, and two additional loci located in the APOE locus and near GPR78 are reported, revealing a role for tissue-specific expression of multiple genes in longevity.
Abstract: Human longevity is heritable, but genome-wide association (GWA) studies have had limited success. Here, we perform two meta-analyses of GWA studies of a rigorous longevity phenotype definition including 11,262/3484 cases surviving at or beyond the age corresponding to the 90th/99th survival percentile, respectively, and 25,483 controls whose age at death or at last contact was at or below the age corresponding to the 60th survival percentile. Consistent with previous reports, rs429358 (apolipoprotein E (ApoE) e4) is associated with lower odds of surviving to the 90th and 99th percentile age, while rs7412 (ApoE e2) shows the opposite. Moreover, rs7676745, located near GPR78, associates with lower odds of surviving to the 90th percentile age. Gene-level association analysis reveals a role for tissue-specific expression of multiple genes in longevity. Finally, genetic correlation of the longevity GWA results with that of several disease-related phenotypes points to a shared genetic architecture between health and longevity.
191 citations
TL;DR: A publicly available dataset of 227 healthy participants comprising a young and elderly group acquired cross-sectionally in Leipzig, Germany, between 2013 and 2015 to study mind-body-emotion interactions is presented.
Abstract: We present a publicly available dataset of 227 healthy participants comprising a young (N=153, 25.1±3.1 years, range 20-35 years, 45 female) and an elderly group (N=74, 67.6±4.7 years, range 59-77 years, 37 female) acquired cross-sectionally in Leipzig, Germany, between 2013 and 2015 to study mind-body-emotion interactions. During a two-day assessment, participants completed MRI at 3 Tesla (resting-state fMRI, quantitative T1 (MP2RAGE), T2-weighted, FLAIR, SWI/QSM, DWI) and a 62-channel EEG experiment at rest. During task-free resting-state fMRI, cardiovascular measures (blood pressure, heart rate, pulse, respiration) were continuously acquired. Anthropometrics, blood samples, and urine drug tests were obtained. Psychiatric symptoms were identified with Standardized Clinical Interview for DSM IV (SCID-I), Hamilton Depression Scale, and Borderline Symptoms List. Psychological assessment comprised 6 cognitive tests as well as 21 questionnaires related to emotional behavior, personality traits and tendencies, eating behavior, and addictive behavior. We provide information on study design, methods, and details of the data. This dataset is part of the larger MPI Leipzig Mind-Brain-Body database.
Roy Burstein1, Nathaniel J Henry1, Michael Collison1, Laurie B. Marczak1 +663 more•Institutions (290)
TL;DR: A high-resolution, global atlas of mortality of children under five years of age between 2000 and 2017 highlights subnational geographical inequalities in the distribution, rates and absolute counts of child deaths by age.
Abstract: Since 2000, many countries have achieved considerable success in improving child survival, but localized progress remains unclear. To inform efforts towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3.2—to end preventable child deaths by 2030—we need consistently estimated data at the subnational level regarding child mortality rates and trends. Here we quantified, for the period 2000–2017, the subnational variation in mortality rates and number of deaths of neonates, infants and children under 5 years of age within 99 low- and middle-income countries using a geostatistical survival model. We estimated that 32% of children under 5 in these countries lived in districts that had attained rates of 25 or fewer child deaths per 1,000 live births by 2017, and that 58% of child deaths between 2000 and 2017 in these countries could have been averted in the absence of geographical inequality. This study enables the identification of high-mortality clusters, patterns of progress and geographical inequalities to inform appropriate investments and implementations that will help to improve the health of all populations.
Tel Aviv University1, University of Cincinnati2, Harvard University3, University of Haifa4, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology5, University of Pittsburgh6, University of California, San Diego7, Georgia Institute of Technology8, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill9, Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo10, Emory University11, Riley Hospital for Children12, Boston Children's Hospital13, Nationwide Children's Hospital14, University of Pennsylvania15, University of California, San Francisco16, University of Toronto17, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center18, Medical College of Wisconsin19, Research Triangle Park20
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used RNAseq to define pre-treatment rectal gene expression, and fecal microbiota profiles, in 206 pediatric ulcerative colitis patients receiving standardised therapy.
Abstract: Molecular mechanisms driving disease course and response to therapy in ulcerative colitis (UC) are not well understood. Here, we use RNAseq to define pre-treatment rectal gene expression, and fecal microbiota profiles, in 206 pediatric UC patients receiving standardised therapy. We validate our key findings in adult and paediatric UC cohorts of 408 participants. We observe a marked suppression of mitochondrial genes and function across cohorts in active UC, and that increasing disease severity is notable for enrichment of adenoma/adenocarcinoma and innate immune genes. A subset of severity genes improves prediction of corticosteroid-induced remission in the discovery cohort; this gene signature is also associated with response to anti-TNFα and anti-α4β7 integrin in adults. The severity and therapeutic response gene signatures were in turn associated with shifts in microbes previously implicated in mucosal homeostasis. Our data provide insights into UC pathogenesis, and may prioritise future therapies for nonresponders to current approaches.
15 Jun 2019
TL;DR: This work presents a method that recovers color with the revised model using RGBD images, and shows that this method outperforms those using the atmospheric model.
Abstract: Robust recovery of lost colors in underwater images remains a challenging problem. We recently showed that this was partly due to the prevalent use of an atmospheric image formation model for underwater images. We proposed a physically accurate model that explicitly showed: 1)~the attenuation coefficient of the signal is not uniform across the scene but depends on object range and reflectance, 2)~the coefficient governing the increase in backscatter with distance differs from the signal attenuation coefficient. Here, we present a method that recovers color with the revised model using RGBD images. The \emph{Sea-thru} method first calculates backscatter using the darkest pixels in the image and their known range information. Then, it uses an estimate of the spatially varying illuminant to obtain the range-dependent attenuation coefficient. Using more than 1,100 images from two optically different water bodies, which we make available, we show that our method outperforms those using the atmospheric model. Consistent removal of water will open up large underwater datasets to powerful computer vision and machine learning algorithms, creating exciting opportunities for the future of underwater exploration and conservation.
TL;DR: The central role of PKR in transferring metabolic information and regulating cellular function with a focus on cancer, inflammation, and brain function is portrayed and PKR is proposed as a therapeutic target to shift age/metabolic-dependent undesired steady states.
Abstract: Aging is a major risk factor for many diseases including metabolic syndrome, cancer, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. Identifying mechanistic common denominators underlying the impact of aging is essential for our fundamental understanding of age-related diseases and the possibility to propose new ways to fight them. One can define aging biochemically as prolonged metabolic stress, the innate cellular and molecular programs responding to it, and the new stable or unstable state of equilibrium between the two. A candidate to play a role in the process is protein kinase R (PKR), first identified as a cellular protector against viral infection and today known as a major regulator of central cellular processes including mRNA translation, transcriptional control, regulation of apoptosis, and cell proliferation. Prolonged imbalance in PKR activation is both affected by biochemical and metabolic parameters and affects them in turn to create a feedforward loop. Here, we portray the central role of PKR in transferring metabolic information and regulating cellular function with a focus on cancer, inflammation, and brain function. Later, we integrate information from open data sources and discuss current knowledge and gaps in the literature about the signaling cascades upstream and downstream of PKR in different cell types and function. Finally, we summarize current major points and biological means to manipulate PKR expression and/or activation and propose PKR as a therapeutic target to shift age/metabolic-dependent undesired steady states.
TL;DR: A novel 5-HT circuit from the dorsal raphe nucleus to somatostatin-expressing neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala that partially mediates depressive-like behavior in a mouse model of chronic pain is reported.
Abstract: Comorbid depressive symptoms (CDS) in chronic pain are a common health problem, but the neural circuit mechanisms underlying these symptoms remain unclear. Here we identify a novel pathway involving 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) projections from the dorsal raphe nucleus (5-HTDRN) to somatostatin (SOM)-expressing and non-SOM interneurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). The SOMCeA neurons project directly to the lateral habenula, an area known involved in depression. Inhibition of the 5-HTDRN→SOMCeA pathway produced depression-like behavior in a male mouse model of chronic pain. Activation of this pathway using pharmacological or optogenetic approaches reduced depression-like behavior in these mice. Human functional magnetic resonance imaging data showed that compared to healthy controls, functional connectivity between the CeA-containing centromedial amygdala and the DRN was reduced in patients with CDS but not in patients in chronic pain without depression. These findings indicate that a novel 5-HTDRN→SOMCeA→lateral habenula pathway may mediate at least some aspects of CDS.
01 Nov 2019-International Journal of Human-computer Studies \/ International Journal of Man-machine Studies
TL;DR: The history of collaborative Mixed Reality research is reviewed, investigating how the common taxonomies and frameworks in CSCW and MR research can be applied to existing work on collaborative MR systems, and future directions for MR are suggested.
Abstract: Collaborative Mixed Reality (MR) systems are at a critical point in time as they are soon to become more commonplace. However, MR technology has only recently matured to the point where researchers can focus deeply on the nuances of supporting collaboration, rather than needing to focus on creating the enabling technology. In parallel, but largely independently, the field of Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) has focused on the fundamental concerns that underlie human communication and collaboration over the past 30-plus years. Since MR research is now on the brink of moving into the real world, we reflect on three decades of collaborative MR research and try to reconcile it with existing theory from CSCW, to help position MR researchers to pursue fruitful directions for their work. To do this, we review the history of collaborative MR systems, investigating how the common taxonomies and frameworks in CSCW and MR research can be applied to existing work on collaborative MR systems, exploring where they have fallen behind, and look for new ways to describe current trends. Through identifying emergent trends, we suggest future directions for MR, and also find where CSCW researchers can explore new theory that more fully represents the future of working, playing and being with others.
TL;DR: A model that views synchronized movement, emotional contagion, and social conformity as interrelated processes that rely on shared neural networks is proposed, suggesting that social alignment is mediated by a three-component feedback loop.
TL;DR: It is suggested that with an appropriate shift of practice, animal models are not only a valuable tool to enhance the authors' understanding of fear and memory processes, but could serve as effective platforms for understanding PTSD, for PTSD drug development and drug testing.
Abstract: Recent years have seen increased interest in psychopathologies related to trauma exposure. Specifically, there has been a growing awareness to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in part due to terrorism, climate change-associated natural disasters, the global refugee crisis, and increased violence in overpopulated urban areas. However, notwithstanding the increased awareness to the disorder, the increasing number of patients, and the devastating impact on the lives of patients and their families, the efficacy of available treatments remains limited and highly unsatisfactory. A major scientific effort is therefore devoted to unravel the neural mechanisms underlying PTSD with the aim of paving the way to developing novel or improved treatment approaches and drugs to treat PTSD. One of the major scientific tools used to gain insight into understanding physiological and neuronal mechanisms underlying diseases and for treatment development is the use of animal models of human diseases. While much progress has been made using these models in understanding mechanisms of conditioned fear and fear memory, the gained knowledge has not yet led to better treatment options for PTSD patients. This poor translational outcome has already led some scientists and pharmaceutical companies, who do not in general hold opinions against animal models, to propose that those models should be abandoned. Here, we critically examine aspects of animal models of PTSD that may have contributed to the relative lack of translatability, including the focus on the exposure to trauma, overlooking individual and sex differences, and the contribution of risk factors. Based on findings from recent years, we propose research-based modifications that we believe are required in order to overcome some of the shortcomings of previous practice. These modifications include the usage of animal models of PTSD which incorporate risk factors and of the behavioral profiling analysis of individuals in a sample. These modifications are aimed to address factors such as individual predisposition and resilience, thus taking into consideration the fact that only a fraction of individuals exposed to trauma develop PTSD. We suggest that with an appropriate shift of practice, animal models are not only a valuable tool to enhance our understanding of fear and memory processes, but could serve as effective platforms for understanding PTSD, for PTSD drug development and drug testing.
Zhejiang University1, University of Sydney2, Australian National University3, University of Florida4, University of Adelaide5, University of Glasgow6, Hangzhou Normal University7, University of Haifa8, University of Alberta9, Beijing Genomics Institute10, University of Georgia11, University of Cologne12
TL;DR: The findings suggest that the conquest of land by plants was enabled by rapid response to drought stress through the deployment of an ancestral SAL1-PAP signaling pathway, intersecting with the core abscisic acid signaling in stomatal guard cells.
Abstract: Chloroplast retrograde signaling networks are vital for chloroplast biogenesis, operation, and signaling, including excess light and drought stress signaling. To date, retrograde signaling has been considered in the context of land plant adaptation, but not regarding the origin and evolution of signaling cascades linking chloroplast function to stomatal regulation. We show that key elements of the chloroplast retrograde signaling process, the nucleotide phosphatase (SAL1) and 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphate (PAP) metabolism, evolved in streptophyte algae-the algal ancestors of land plants. We discover an early evolution of SAL1-PAP chloroplast retrograde signaling in stomatal regulation based on conserved gene and protein structure, function, and enzyme activity and transit peptides of SAL1s in species including flowering plants, the fern Ceratopteris richardii, and the moss Physcomitrella patens Moreover, we demonstrate that PAP regulates stomatal closure via secondary messengers and ion transport in guard cells of these diverse lineages. The origin of stomata facilitated gas exchange in the earliest land plants. Our findings suggest that the conquest of land by plants was enabled by rapid response to drought stress through the deployment of an ancestral SAL1-PAP signaling pathway, intersecting with the core abscisic acid signaling in stomatal guard cells.
Wageningen University and Research Centre1, Federal University of Pernambuco2, University of Florida3, Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza4, National Autonomous University of Mexico5, Colby College6, National Institute of Amazonian Research7, Thomas Jefferson University8, University of São Paulo9, Paul Sabatier University10, University of the Sunshine Coast11, University of Connecticut12, State University of Campinas13, University of Göttingen14, Tulane University15, University of Stirling16, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute17, Clemson University18, University of Alberta19, University of Arizona20, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais21, Colorado Mesa University22, University of Haifa23, College of the Atlantic24, University of Wisconsin-Madison25, Universidade Federal de Viçosa26, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul27, Aarhus University28, Uppsala University29, Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia30, Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología31, University of British Columbia32, University of Maryland, College Park33, New York Botanical Garden34, Columbia University35, Yale-NUS College36, National University of Singapore37, Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture38, Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi39, Louisiana State University40, University of Puerto Rico41, Macquarie University42
TL;DR: Forest recovery is analyzed using 1,403 plots that differ in age since agricultural abandonment from 50 sites across the Neotropics to analyse changes in community composition using species-specific stem wood density (WD), which is a key trait for plant growth, survival and forest carbon storage.
Abstract: Tropical forests are converted at an alarming rate for agricultural use and pastureland, but also regrow naturally through secondary succession. For successful forest restoration, it is essential to understand the mechanisms of secondary succession. These mechanisms may vary across forest types, but analyses across broad spatial scales are lacking. Here, we analyse forest recovery using 1,403 plots that differ in age since agricultural abandonment from 50 sites across the Neotropics. We analyse changes in community composition using species-specific stem wood density (WD), which is a key trait for plant growth, survival and forest carbon storage. In wet forest, succession proceeds from low towards high community WD (acquisitive towards conservative trait values), in line with standard successional theory. However, in dry forest, succession proceeds from high towards low community WD (conservative towards acquisitive trait values), probably because high WD reflects drought tolerance in harsh early successional environments. Dry season intensity drives WD recovery by influencing the start and trajectory of succession, resulting in convergence of the community WD over time as vegetation cover builds up. These ecological insights can be used to improve species selection for reforestation. Reforestation species selected to establish a first protective canopy layer should, among other criteria, ideally have a similar WD to the early successional communities that dominate under the prevailing macroclimatic conditions.
TL;DR: It is argued that adopting a real-life approach may radically change the understanding of brain and behavior and advocate in favor of a paradigm shift toward a nonreductionist approach, exploiting portable technology in semicontrolled environments, to explore behavior in real life.
Abstract: Owing to advances in neuroimaging technology, the past couple of decades have witnessed a surge of research on brain mechanisms that underlie human cognition. Despite the immense development in cog...
TL;DR: In this paper, an unprecedented coupled ocean-atmosphere heatwave, covering an area of 4 million km2, was reported in New Zealand, resulting in a 3.8±0.6 km3 loss of glacier ice in the Southern Alps, very early Sauvignon Blanc wine-grape maturation in Marlborough, and major species disruption in marine ecosystems.
Abstract: During austral summer (DJF) 2017/18, the New Zealand region experienced an unprecedented coupled ocean-atmosphere heatwave, covering an area of 4 million km2. Regional average air temperature anomalies over land were +2.2oC, and sea surface temperature anomalies reached +3.7oC in the eastern Tasman Sea. This paper discusses the event, including atmospheric and oceanic drivers, the role of anthropogenic warming, and terrestrial and marine impacts. The heatwave was associated with very low wind speeds, reducing upper ocean mixing and allowing heat fluxes from the atmosphere to the ocean to cause substantial warming of the stratified surface layers of the Tasman Sea. The event persisted for the entire austral summer resulting in a 3.8±0.6 km3 loss of glacier ice in the Southern Alps (the largest annual loss in records back to 1962), very early Sauvignon Blanc wine-grape maturation in Marlborough, and major species disruption in marine ecosystems. The dominant driver was positive Southern Annular Mode (SAM) conditions, with a smaller contribution from La Nina. The long-term trend towards positive SAM conditions, a result of stratospheric ozone depletion and greenhouse gas increase, is thought to have contributed through association with more frequent anticyclonic "blocking" conditions in the New Zealand region and a more poleward average latitude for the Southern Ocean storm track. The unprecedented heatwave provides a good analogue for possible mean conditions in the late 21st century. The best match suggests this extreme summer may be typical of average New Zealand summer climate for 2081-2100, under the RCP4.5 or RCP6.0 scenario.
TL;DR: It is shown that interferon-β produced by resolution phase macrophages promotes neutrophil apoptosis and efferocytosis and induces macrophage reprogramming to a pro-resolving phenotype, thereby identifying IFN-β as a multi-pronged pro-resolution cytokine.
Abstract: The uptake of apoptotic polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) by macrophages is critical for timely resolution of inflammation. High-burden uptake of apoptotic cells is associated with loss of phagocytosis in resolution phase macrophages. Here, using a transcriptomic analysis of macrophage subsets, we show that non-phagocytic resolution phase macrophages express a distinct IFN-β-related gene signature in mice. We also report elevated levels of IFN-β in peritoneal and broncho-alveolar exudates in mice during the resolution of peritonitis and pneumonia, respectively. Elimination of endogenous IFN-β impairs, whereas treatment with exogenous IFN-β enhances, bacterial clearance, PMN apoptosis, efferocytosis and macrophage reprogramming. STAT3 signalling in response to IFN-β promotes apoptosis of human PMNs. Finally, uptake of apoptotic cells promotes loss of phagocytic capacity in macrophages alongside decreased surface expression of efferocytic receptors in vivo. Collectively, these results identify IFN-β produced by resolution phase macrophages as an effector cytokine in resolving bacterial inflammation.
TL;DR: The algorithm, which combined machine-learning and deep-learning approaches, can be applied to assess breast cancer at a level comparable to radiologists and has the potential to substantially reduce missed diagnoses of breast cancer.
Abstract: Background Computational models on the basis of deep neural networks are increasingly used to analyze health care data. However, the efficacy of traditional computational models in radiology is a matter of debate. Purpose To evaluate the accuracy and efficiency of a combined machine and deep learning approach for early breast cancer detection applied to a linked set of digital mammography images and electronic health records. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, 52 936 images were collected in 13 234 women who underwent at least one mammogram between 2013 and 2017, and who had health records for at least 1 year before undergoing mammography. The algorithm was trained on 9611 mammograms and health records of women to make two breast cancer predictions: to predict biopsy malignancy and to differentiate normal from abnormal screening examinations. The study estimated the association of features with outcomes by using t test and Fisher exact test. The model comparisons were performed with a 95% confidence interval (CI) or by using the DeLong test. Results The resulting algorithm was validated in 1055 women and tested in 2548 women (mean age, 55 years ± 10 [standard deviation]). In the test set, the algorithm identified 34 of 71 (48%) false-negative findings on mammograms. For the malignancy prediction objective, the algorithm obtained an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.89, 0.93), with specificity of 77.3% (95% CI: 69.2%, 85.4%) at a sensitivity of 87%. When trained on clinical data alone, the model performed significantly better than the Gail model (AUC, 0.78 vs 0.54, respectively; P < .004). Conclusion The algorithm, which combined machine-learning and deep-learning approaches, can be applied to assess breast cancer at a level comparable to radiologists and has the potential to substantially reduce missed diagnoses of breast cancer. © RSNA, 2019 Online supplemental material is available for this article.
Centre national de la recherche scientifique1, University of Queensland2, University of the Aegean3, University of Vienna4, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn5, Spanish National Research Council6, University of Malta7, University of Haifa8, University of Montenegro9, University of Pavia10, National Institute of Oceanography, India11
TL;DR: Experts' knowledge was elicited to prioritize 11 management actions for controlling 12 model species, distinguished by differences in dispersion capacity, distribution in the area to be managed, and taxonomic identity, which can guide rapid decision-making on prioritizing management options for the control of invasive species.
TL;DR: Findings highlight the core nature of sensory symptoms in ASD and particularly SOR, which was significantly positive for SOR and Seeking; whereas compared with other clinical groups, only SOR was significant.
Abstract: This meta-analysis updated evidence regarding sensory over-responsivity (SOR), under-responsivity (SUR) and seeking symptoms in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) relative to typical controls and those with other conditions. Fifty-five questionnaire studies included 4606 individuals with ASD. Moderators tested were age, IQ, male ratio, matching group, and self-report. Compared to typical controls, effect size was large and significant for SOR, SUR, and Seeking but heterogeneous. For Seeking, age, IQ and self-report were significant moderators. Compared with developmental disorders (DDs) groups, effect size was significantly positive for SOR and Seeking; whereas compared with other clinical groups, only SOR was significant. These findings highlight the core nature of sensory symptoms in ASD and particularly SOR. Explanatory factors are yet to be revealed.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors synthesize recent neuroimaging findings into an extended two-fold model, and emphasize the important role of the evaluation phase, and further divide the evaluation process into three sub-stages: valuation, monitoring, and selection.
Abstract: It is increasingly acknowledged that creativity involves two phases: a generation phase and an evaluation phase. The two-fold model assumes a cyclic motion between the generation and the evaluation of ideas, as common or deviant ideas are rejected, and novel and appropriate ideas receive further attention and elaboration. Here we synthesize recent neuroimaging findings into an extended two-fold model, and emphasize the important role of the evaluation phase. The model aims to explain how different environmental processes, like expertise and enculturation, affect creativity. We further divide the evaluation phase into three sub stages: valuation, monitoring, and selection. We provide evidence for the model and suggest that creativity research would greatly benefit from incorporating the extended two-fold model into future research questions.
TL;DR: Two new neodymium isotope records from isolated carbonate platforms on both sides of the closing seaway are presented to constrain the evolution of past water mass exchange between the present day Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean via the Mesopotamian Seaway.
Abstract: The Tethys Ocean was compartmentalized into the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean during the early Miocene, yet the exact nature and timing of this disconnection are not well understood. Here we present two new neodymium isotope records from isolated carbonate platforms on both sides of the closing seaway, Malta (outcrop sampling) and the Maldives (IODP Site U1468), to constrain the evolution of past water mass exchange between the present day Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean via the Mesopotamian Seaway. Combining these data with box modeling results indicates that water mass exchange was reduced by ~90% in a first step at ca. 20 Ma. The terminal closure of the seaway then coincided with the sea level drop caused by the onset of permanent glaciation of Antarctica at ca. 13.8 Ma. The termination of meridional water mass exchange through the Tethyan Seaway resulted in a global reorganization of currents, paved the way to the development of upwelling in the Arabian Sea and possibly led to a strengthening of South Asian Monsoon.
01 Jan 2019
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors summarized the ecologically relevant aspects of light and temperature regimes of mesophotic coral ecosystems, as well as the depth-related photophysiological and adaptive strategies of coral holobionts.
Abstract: The attenuation of light with increasing depth, along with reduced exposure to wave stress, plays an important role in vertically structuring coral reef communities. Benthic photosynthetic organisms exhibit different depth distributions and abundance patterns which cause changes in community composition of associated reef fauna. This vertical zonation in coral reef community structure suggests special adaptations in response to the changing environmental regime with depth including changes in light intensity, light spectrum, and angular distribution. At the lower depth limits of mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs), both light and temperature can become limiting factors with the latter playing an important role at higher latitudes. The available evidence indicates that different species can exhibit distinct and sometimes opposing photophysiological adaptations with increasing depth. Some zooxanthellate corals appear to maximize ambient light utilization at the expense of efficiency, while others appear to maximize efficiency. Coral holobiont adaptations to mesophotic depths include changes in colony morphology, algal symbionts, pigment physiology, skeletal properties, and metabolic strategy. Given the scarcity of physiological studies at depths >60 m, the current understanding of how obligate zooxanthellate corals and other light-dependent organisms can inhabit such a broad depth distribution is far from complete. This chapter summarizes the ecologically relevant aspects of light and temperature regimes of MCEs, as well as the depth-related photophysiological and adaptive strategies of coral holobionts.