bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alternative plant designs: consequences for community assembly and ecosystem functioning
Authors: Corrêa Dias André Tavares , Rosado Bruno H P , Bello Francesco de , Pistón Nuria , Mattos Eduardo A de 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Alternative organism designs (i.e., the existence of distinct combinations of traits leading to the same function or performance) are a widespread phenomenon in nature and are considered an important mechanism driving the evolution and maintenance of species trait diversity. However, alternative designs are rarely considered when investigating assembly rules and species effects on ecosystem functioning, assuming that single traits trade-offs affect linearly species fitness and niche differentiation.

Scope
Here, we first review the concept of alternative designs, and the empirical evidence in plants indicating the importance of the complex effects of multiple traits on fitness. We then discuss how the potential decoupling of single traits with performance and function of species can compromise our ability to detect the mechanisms responsible for species coexistence and the effects of species on ecosystems. Placing traits in the continuum of organism integration level (i.e., traits hierarchically structured ranging from organ-level traits to whole-organism traits) can help in choosing traits more directly related to performance and function.

Conclusions
We conclude that alternative designs have important implications for the resulting trait patterning expected from different assembly processes. For instance, when only single trade-offs are considered, environmental filtering is expected to result in decreased functional diversity. Alternatively, it may result in increased functional diversity as an outcome of alternative strategies providing different solutions to local conditions and thus supporting coexistence. Additionally, alternative designs can result in higher stability of ecosystem functioning as species filtering due to environmental changes would not result in directional changes in (effect) trait values. Assessing the combined effects of multiple plant traits and their implications for plant functioning and functions will improve our mechanistic inferences about the functional significance of community trait patterning.
Ultrastructural and biochemical analyses reveal cell wall remodelling in lichen-forming microalgae submitted to cyclic desiccation–rehydration
Authors: González-Hourcade María , Braga Marcia R , del Campo Eva M , Ascaso Carmen , Patiño Cristina , Casano Leonardo M 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackground and AimsOne of the most distinctive features of desiccation-tolerant plants is their high cell wall (CW) flexibility. Most lichen microalgae can tolerate drastic dehydration–rehydration (D/R) conditions; however, their mechanisms of D/R tolerance are scarcely understood. We tested the hypothesis that D/R-tolerant microalgae would have flexible CWs due to species-specific CW ultrastructure and biochemical composition, which could be remodelled by exposure to cyclic D/R.MethodsTwo lichen microalgae, Trebouxia sp. TR9 (TR9, adapted to rapid D/R cycles) and Coccomyxa simplex (Csol, adapted to seasonal dry periods) were exposed to no or four cycles of desiccation [25–30 % RH (TR9) or 55–60 % RH (Csol)] and 16 h of rehydration (100 % RH). Low-temperature SEM, environmental SEM and freeze-substitution TEM were employed to visualize structural alterations induced by D/R. In addition, CWs were extracted and sequentially fractionated with hot water and KOH, and the gel permeation profile of polysaccharides was analysed in each fraction. The glycosyl composition and linkage of the main polysaccharides of each CW fraction were analysed by GC–MS.Key ResultsAll ultrastructural analyses consistently showed that desiccation caused progressive cell shrinkage and deformation in both microalgae, which could be rapidly reversed when water availability increased. Notably, the plasma membrane of TR9 and Csol remained in close contact with the deformed CW. Exposure to D/R strongly altered the size distribution of TR9 hot-water-soluble polysaccharides, composed mainly of a β-3-linked rhamnogalactofuranan and Csol KOH-soluble β-glucans.ConclusionsCyclic D/R induces biochemical remodelling of the CW that could increase CW flexibility, allowing regulated shrinkage and expansion of D/R-tolerant microalgae.
Long-term Complications of Ebola Virus Disease: Prevalence and Predictors of Major Symptoms and the Role of Inflammation
Authors: Tozay Sam , Fischer William A , Wohl David A , Kilpatrick Kayla , Zou Fei , Reeves Edwina , Pewu Korto , DeMarco Jean , Loftis Amy James , King Katie , Grant Donald , Schieffelin John , Gorvego Galakpai , Johnson Henrietta , Conneh Tonia , Williams Gerald , Nelson Julie A E , Hoover David , McMillian Darrius , Merenbloom Carson , Hawks Darrell , Dube Karine , Brown Jerry 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Cohort studies have reported a high prevalence of musculoskeletal, neurologic, auditory, and visual complications among Ebola virus disease (EVD) survivors. However, little is known about the host- and disease-related predictors of these symptoms and their etiological mechanisms.

Methods
The presence and patterns of 8 cardinal symptoms that are most commonly reported following EVD survival were assessed in the 326 EVD survivors who participated in the ongoing longitudinal Liberian EVD Survivor Study. At quarterly study visits, symptoms that developed since acute EVD were recorded and blood was collected for biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation.

Results
At baseline (mean 408 days from acute EVD), 75.5% of survivors reported at least 1 new cardinal symptom since surviving EVD, which in 85.8% was rated as highly interfering with life. Two or more incident symptoms were reported by 61.0% of survivors, with pairings of joint pain, headache, or fatigue the most frequent. Women were significantly more likely than men to report headache, while older age was significantly associated with musculoskeletal and visual symptoms. In analyses adjusted for multiple comparisons, no statistically significant association was found between any symptom and 26 markers of inflammation and immune activation. Symptom frequency remained largely unchanged during study follow-up.

Conclusions
Post-EVD complications occur in a majority of survivors and remain present more than 4 years after acute infection. An association between markers of inflammation and immune activation and individual symptoms was not found, suggesting an alternative etiology for persistent post-EVD symptomatology.
The Part-Time Revolution: Changes in the Parenthood Effect on Women’s Employment in Austria across the Birth Cohorts from 1940 to 1979
Authors: Riederer Bernhard , Berghammer Caroline 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Comparing employment rates of mothers and childless women over the life course across the birth cohorts from 1940 to 1979 in Austria, we address the question of whether the parenthood effect on employment has declined. By following synthetic cohorts of mothers and childless women up to retirement age, we can study both the short-term and long-term consequences of having a child. We consider employment participation as well as working time and also perform analyses by educational level. Our study is based on the Austrian microcensus, conducted between 1986 and 2016, and uses descriptive methods, logistic regression models, and decomposition analysis. The results show that the increase in the proportion of part-time work has led to a declining work volume of mothers with young children, despite employment rates of mothers having increased across cohorts. Return to the workplace is progressively concentrated when the child is 3–5 years old, but the parenthood effect has become weaker only from the time children enter school. Part-time employment is primarily adopted (at least with younger children) by highly educated mothers and often remains a long-term arrangement.
Knowledge and beliefs on vaccines among a sample of Italian pregnant women: results from the NAVIDAD study
Authors: Bert Fabrizio , Olivero Elena , Rossello Paola , Gualano Maria R , Castaldi Silvana , Damiani Gianfranco , D’Errico Marcello M , Di Giovanni Pamela , Fantini Maria P , Fabiani Leila , Gabutti Giovanni , Loperto Ilaria , Marranzano Marina , Masanotti Giuseppe , Nante Nicola , Rosso Annalisa , Squeri Raffaele , Signorelli Carlo , Siliquini Roberta ,   Collaborating Group
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Vaccine hesitancy is an emerging phenomenon in European countries and leads to decreasing trends in infant vaccine coverage. The aim of this study was to analyze the level of confidence and correct awareness about immunizations, which are crucial for the success of vaccination programmes.

Methods
As part of the NAVIDAD multicentre study, we examined vaccination confidence and complacency among a sample of 1820 pregnant women from 14 Italian cities. The questionnaire assessed the interviewee's knowledge, beliefs and misconceptions, as well as their socioeconomic status, information sources about vaccines and confidence in the Italian National Healthcare Service.

Results
Only 9% of women completely believed to the efficacy, necessity and safety of vaccinations. Almost 20% of them had misconceptions on most of the themes. There was a significant difference in the level of knowledge considering educational level: women with a high educational level have less probability of obtaining a low knowledge score (odds ratio (OR) 0.43 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.54]). The level of knowledge was also influenced by the sources of information: women who received information from their general practitioner (GP) and from institutional websites had a significantly lower chance of having misconceptions (OR 0.74 [95% CI 0.58–0.96]; OR 0.59 [95% CI 0.46–0.74]). Finally, the results underlined the influence of trust in healthcare professional information on the likelihood of having misconceptions (OR 0.49 [95% CI 0.27–0.89]).

Conclusions
The data suggest the efficacy of GPs and institutional websites as a source of information to contrast misconceptions and underline the importance of confidence in the healthcare system to increase complacency and confidence in vaccines.
The mitochondrial intergenic regions nad1-cob and cob-rps3 as molecular identification tools for pathogenic members of the genus Cryptococcus
Authors: Kortsinoglou Alexandra M , Korovesi Artemis G , Theelen Bart , Hagen Ferry , Boekhout Teun , Kouvelis Vassili N 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACT
Cryptococcus spp. are fungal species belonging to Tremellomycetes, Agaricomycotina, Basidiomycota, and several members are responsible for cryptococcosis, one of the most ubiquitous human mycoses. Affecting mainly immunosuppressed patients, but also immunocompetent ones, the members of this genus present a high level of genetic diversity. In this study, two mitochondrial intergenic regions, i.e. nad1-cob and cob-rps3, were tested for the intra- or interspecies discrimination and identification of strains and species of the genus Cryptococcus. Phylogenetic trees were constructed based on individual and concatenated sequences from representative pathogenic strains of the Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii complex, representing serotypes and AFLP genotypes of all newly introduced species of this complex. Using both intergenic regions, as well as the concatenated dataset, the strains clustered in accordance with the new taxonomy. These results suggest that identification of Cryptococcus strains is possible by employing these mitochondrial intergenic regions using PCR amplification as a quick and effective method to elucidate genotypic and taxonomic differences. Thus, these regions may be applicable to a broad range of clinical studies, leading to a rapid recognition of the clinical profiles of patients.
From duties to rights: revisiting the ‘Social Catholics’ in twentieth-century France
Authors: Chessel Marie-Emmanuelle 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Apropos the history of human rights in France, one spontaneously thinks of the French Revolution and then of left-wing activists, particularly socialists. Their opponents, the Catholics, normally considered to be right wing and usually opposed to socialism, appear as a counterpoint. This article argues that some Catholics, especially those who referred to themselves as ‘social Catholics’, also contributed to the adoption of certain rights, particularly social rights, in France in unexpected and paradoxical ways. Their contribution was made through their social activities, visible in their organizations’ archives more than through their discourse. Social Catholics spoke little of ‘rights’. Yet paradoxically, discourses about ‘duties’ can lead to the defence of rights, especially through the practice of social surveys and the importance of social ‘facts’. Examples are taken from the history of the Ligue Sociale d’Acheteurs, the Union Féminine Civique et Sociale and other French Catholic organizations such as the Secrétariats sociaux.
Development of an inversion method to extract information on fault geometry from teleseismic data
Authors: Shimizu Kousuke , Yagi Yuji , Okuwaki Ryo , Fukahata Yukitoshi 
Published: October 2019

SUMMARYTeleseismic waveforms contain information on fault slip evolution during an earthquake, as well as on the fault geometry. A linear finite-fault inversion method is a tool for solving the slip-rate function distribution under an assumption of fault geometry as a single or multiple-fault-plane model. An inappropriate assumption of fault geometry would tend to distort the solution due to Green’s function modelling errors. We developed a new inversion method to extract information on fault geometry along with the slip-rate function from observed teleseismic waveforms. In this method, as in most previous studies, we assumed a flat fault plane, but we allowed arbitrary directions of slip not necessarily parallel to the assumed fault plane. More precisely, the method represents fault slip on the assumed fault by the superposition of five basis components of potency-density tensor, which can express arbitrary fault slip that occurs underground. We tested the developed method by applying it to real teleseismic P waveforms of the MW 7.7 2013 Balochistan, Pakistan, earthquake, which is thought to have occurred along a curved fault system. The obtained spatiotemporal distribution of potency-density tensors showed that the focal mechanism at each source knot was dominated by a strike-slip component with successive strike angle rotation from 205° to 240° as the rupture propagated unilaterally towards the south-west from the epicentre. This result is consistent with Earth’s surface deformation observed in optical satellite images. The success of the developed method is attributable to the fact that teleseismic body waves are not very sensitive to the spatial location of fault slip, whereas they are very sensitive to the direction of fault slip. The method may be a powerful tool to extract information on fault geometry along with the slip-rate function without requiring detailed assumptions about fault geometry.
Inhibition of Nipah Virus by Defective Interfering Particles
Authors: Welch Stephen R , Tilston Natasha L , Lo Michael K , Whitmer Shannon L M , Harmon Jessica R , Scholte Florine E M , Spengler Jessica R , Duprex W Paul , Nichol Stuart T , Spiropoulou Christina F 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The error-prone nature of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases drives the diversity of RNA virus populations. Arising within this diversity is a subset of defective viral genomes that retain replication competency, termed defective interfering (DI) genomes. These defects are caused by aberrant viral polymerase reinitiation on the same viral RNA template (deletion DI species) or the nascent RNA strand (copyback DI species). DI genomes have previously been shown to alter the dynamics of a viral population by interfering with normal virus replication and/or by stimulating the innate immune response. In this study, we investigated the ability of artificially produced DI genomes to inhibit Nipah virus (NiV), a highly pathogenic biosafety level 4 paramyxovirus. High multiplicity of infection passaging of both NiV clinical isolates and recombinant NiV in Vero cells generated an extensive DI population from which individual DIs were identified using next-generation sequencing techniques. Assays were established to generate and purify both naturally occurring and in silico-designed DIs as fully encapsidated, infectious virus-like particles termed defective interfering particles (DIPs). We demonstrate that several of these NiV DIP candidates reduced NiV titers by up to 4 logs in vitro. These data represent a proof-of-principle that a therapeutic application of DIPs to combat NiV infections may be an alternative source of antiviral control for this disease.
Analysis of quality of life in breast cancer survivors using structural equation modelling: the role of spirituality, social support and psychological well-being
Authors: Firouzbakht Mojgan , Hajian-Tilaki Karimollah , Moslemi Dariush 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
To explore and characterize the inter-relationship between psychological well-being, spirituality, social support, comorbidity, demographic and lifestyle factors and quality of life (QoL).

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted with 305 breast cancer survivors in northern Iran in 2017. The demographic and socio-economic data and physical activity were measured with a standard questionnaire. The standard European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 QoL scale, a system-of-belief inventory questionnaire, the social support scale, the short form of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the fatigue severity scale (FSS) were used in data collection. In structural equation modelling analysis, we used the maximum likelihood procedure to estimate the direct and indirect effects of relevant factors on QoL.

Results
The median age (quartile 1 [Q1], quartile 3 [Q3]) of patients was 50 y (43, 55). The psychological factors designated by anxiety, depression and FSS had a negative significant direct effect on QoL (β=−0.62). Spirituality has a positive direct effect (β=0.089) but a negligible indirect effect (β=0.020) on QoL, while the direct association of social support was almost negligible.

Conclusions
The findings emphasized the unifying structure of the determinants of QoL and the mediating negative association of psychological factors with QoL. Thus the supportive education efforts should focus on improving psychological well-being along with standard treatment in breast cancer survivors.
Short-term medical service trips: what is the cost of patient care and student training?
Authors: Rovers John , Andreski Michael , Becker Michelle , Gray Jeffrey 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Evaluations of the costs and effects of medical service trips (MSTs) are increasingly necessary. Estimates of costs can inform decision making to determine if participation is likely to be a wise use of resources.

Methods
This study estimates the costs and effects of a 1-week MST for 20 health professions students and seven providers to the Dominican Republic. Costs were defined as direct costs for students and providers and opportunity costs for providers. Effects were defined as the cost to treat one patient and the cost to train one student. Students were surveyed about their costs before and after the MST. Most provider costs were assumed to be the same as those of the students.

Results
The mean direct cost per student was US${\$}$1764 and US${\$}$2066 for providers. Total opportunity costs for seven providers was US${\$}$19 869. The total cost for the trip was US${\$}$69 612 to treat 464 patients. With and without provider opportunity costs, the cost to treat one patient was US${\$}$150 and US${\$}$107, and the cost to train one student was US${\$}$3481 and US${\$}$2487, respectively.

Conclusions
Short-term MSTs may be more expensive than previously thought. The cost to treat one patient was similar to a medical office visit in the USA.
A Semantic Approach to Non-prioritized Belief Revision
Authors: Perrotin Elise , Velázquez-Quesada Fernando R 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBelief revision is concerned with belief change fired by incoming information. Despite the variety of frameworks representing it, most revision policies share one crucial feature: incoming information outweighs current information and hence, in case of conflict, incoming information will prevail. However, if one is interested in representing the way actual humans revise their beliefs, one might not always want for the agent to blindly believe everything they are told. This manuscript presents a semantic approach to non-prioritized belief revision. It uses plausibility models for depicting an agent’s beliefs, and model operations for displaying the way beliefs change. The first proposal, semantically-based screened revision, compares the current model with the one the revision would yield, accepting or rejecting the incoming information depending on whether the ‘differences’ between these models go beyond a given threshold. The second proposal, semantically-based gradual revision, turns the binary decision of acceptance or rejection into a more general setting in which a revision always occurs, with the threshold used rather to choose ‘the right revision’ for the given input and model.
Italian court confirms high standard of protection of image rights in Audrey Hepburn case
Authors: Carretta Silvia A 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Court of First Instance of Turin, Judgment No 940/2019, 27 February 2019, General Docket No 12322/2017
The Court of First Instance of Turin held that Audrey Hepburn’s image rights had been violated due to the unauthorized use and exploitation of her likeness for commercial purposes.
Unusual intraoperative finding of abnormal retroperitoneal ileum: a case report
Authors: Willburger Johanna C F , Steinemann Daniel C , Flüe Markus Von , Guenin Marc-Olivier 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
A 52-year-old female patient diagnosed with an adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon underwent anterior resection with direct anastomosis. Intraoperatively, we found the ileum completely retroperitonealized. Previously, the patient was asymptomatic and no congenital syndromes were diagnosed. The intraoperative finding of abnormal anatomy made the mobilization of the left hemicolon and the vessel ligation more challenging. This anatomical situation is a rare variation due to an embryonic malrotation, which occurs in about 1:500 newborns.
Current Practice and Regional Variability in Recommendations for Patient Preparation for Laboratory Testing in Primary Care
Authors: Salinas Maria , López-Garrigós Maite , Flores Emilio , Leiva-Salinas Carlos 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Preparation of the patient for laboratory tests is crucial. Our aim was to investigate the current practice and regional variability of recommendations regarding patient preparation for laboratory testing.

Methods
A call for data was posted by email. Spanish laboratories were invited to fill out and submit a survey.

Results
Sixty-eight laboratories participated in the study. In 73% of those laboratories, fasting was always recommended regardless of the requested tests. Only one-third of the laboratories systematically recommended a 12-hour fast before the tests. In 71% of the laboratories, water intake was allowed without restrictions during the fasting period. In 57% of the laboratories, computerized order entry offered the possibility to print customized recommendations automatically in the primary care doctor’s office according to the requested tests. Seventy-two percent of the laboratories agreed with the proposed recommendation.

Conclusions
There was high variability in patient preparation for laboratory testing. A significant proportion of centers did not follow international guidelines.