bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How to cope with drought and not die trying: Drought acclimation across tree species with contrasting niche breadth
Authors: Fajardo Alex , Piper Frida I. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Worldwide drought events have been reported to cause tree growth decline and mortality, thus altering the carbon (C) balance of forest ecosystems. While most of the attention has been focused on the physiological mechanisms associated with drought‐induced tree responses of a few species at specific locations, the ecological attributes of these species, like their niche breadth, may be also important in determining species’ sensitivity or resilience to drought. We postulated that wide‐niche breadth tree species should be more drought‐resilient than narrow‐niche breadth species.

Using the most severe 2015–2016 El Niño drought event in the last 70 years in Patagonia, we determined pre‐ and post‐drought growth (BAI, basal area increment), C reserves in the form of non‐structural carbohydrate concentrations (NSCs = starch and soluble sugars), wood isotope (δ13C, iWUE and δ18O) signalling and xylem anatomy (mean vessel diameter, mvd) in eight angiosperm tree species of contrasting niche breadth across a sharp precipitation gradient in southern Chile.

All species responded in unison after the drought with a non‐water‐conservative response, maintaining BAI and NSCs, decreasing δ13C, and increasing both mvd and the soluble sugars:NSCs ratio relative to pre‐drought time. Contrary to previous results reporting species‐specific drought responses, our results show unequivocally a functional coordination of organisms’ vital traits associated with a non‐water‐conservative strategy, and a drought‐induced acclimation based on starch conversion into soluble sugars in all of the tree species we examined, regardless of their niche breadth and habitat preference.

We state that abiotic drivers such as drought may have selected similar interspecific responses provided that they operate at the community level rather than at the species level. These findings mark the need to revise current views about the ultimate interspecific functional coordination of organisms’ vital traits when facing more frequent and intensive drought events.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Predicting the structure and functions of peatland microbial communities from Sphagnum phylogeny, anatomical and morphological traits and metabolites
Authors: Sytiuk Anna , Céréghino Régis , Hamard Samuel , Delarue Frédéric , Guittet Amélie , Barel Janna M. , Dorrepaal Ellen , Küttim Martin , Lamentowicz Mariusz , Pourrut Bertrand , Robroek Bjorn J. M. , Tuittila Eeva‐Stiina , Jassey Vincent E. J. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Sphagnum mosses are keystone species in northern peatlands. Notably, they play an important role in peatland carbon (C) cycling by regulating the composition and activity of microbial communities. However, it remains unclear whether information on Sphagnum phylogeny and/or traits‐based composition (i.e. anatomical and morphological traits and metabolites) can be used to predict the structure of microbial communities and their functioning. Here we evaluated whether Sphagnum phylogeny and traits predict additional variation in peatland microbial community composition and functioning beyond what would be predicted from environmental characteristics (i.e. climatic and edaphic conditions).

We collected Sphagnum and microbial data from five European peatlands distributed along a latitudinal gradient from northern Sweden to southern France. These data allowed us to assess Sphagnum anatomical and morphological traits and metabolites at different sites along changing environmental conditions. Using structural equation modelling (SEM) and phylogenetic distance analyses, we investigated the role of Sphagnum traits in shaping microbial community composition and functioning along with environmental conditions.

We show that microbial community composition and traits varied independently from both Sphagnum phylogeny and the latitudinal gradient. Specifically, the addition of Sphagnum traits to climatic and edaphic variables to the SEM allowed it to explain a larger proportion of the explained variance (R2). This observation was most apparent for the biomass of decomposers (+42%) and phototrophs (+19%), as well as for growth yield microbial traits (+10%). As such, that Sphagnum metabolites were important drivers for microbial community structure and traits, while Sphagnum anatomical and morphological traits were poor predictors.

Synthesis. Our results highlight that Sphagnum metabolites are more likely to influence peatland microbial food web structure and functioning than Sphagnum anatomical and morphological traits. We provide further evidence that measurements of the plant metabolome, when combined with classical functional traits, improve our understanding of how the plants interact with their associated microbiomes.
‘This could be my last chance’: Therapeutic optimism in a randomised controlled trial for substance use disorders
Authors: Jaffe Kaitlyn , Korthuis Todd , Richardson Lindsey 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn randomised controlled trials (RCTs), ‘therapeutic optimism’ describes a participant's belief they will benefit from the study treatment, despite the express goal of RCTs to test unknown aspects of interventions. Harbouring such expectations may interfere with RCT participation experiences, particularly among marginalised populations, such as people with substance use disorders (PSUD) who may experience social and structural barriers to participation that also increase their vulnerability to therapeutic optimism. However, little research explores therapeutic optimism within substance use trials. Thus, we conducted a nested qualitative study within an RCT testing a treatment for alcohol and opioid use disorders in HIV clinics. Using interviews with 22 participants in Vancouver, Canada, analysis revealed themes relevant to therapeutic optimism, that were specifically linked to intrinsic (e.g. health‐related) or extrinsic motivations (e.g. stipend). First, compared to extrinsically motivated participants, intrinsically motivated participants held high expectations for the trial and attributed greater agency to the study medication. Second, intrinsically motivated participants expressing therapeutic optimism anticipated marked changes in their lives from the study/medication. Finally, some participants predicted the treatment would solve substance‐related issues in their communities. These findings highlight the interplay between therapeutic optimism and complex interpretations of RCT objectives among PSUD.
The impact of financialisation on public health in times of COVID‐19 and beyond
Authors: Gouzoulis Giorgos , Galanis Giorgos 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe substantial literature in political economy and sociology has shown that the increasing importance of financial activities (financialisation) exhibits significant effects on many socioeconomic conditions. While these conditions are relevant to public health, the dominant focus of the literature has been centred on the impact of financial markets on health services and health‐care systems. This paper analyses how the financialisation of non‐financial corporations, real estate and pensions can worsen public health through the transformation of workplace and living conditions as well as financially dependent social groups' perception of health risk. Our analysis raises several questions which aim to provide the basis of a future research agenda on the effects of financialisation on public and global health.
Natural antimicrobials and antioxidants added to polylactic acid packaging films. Part I: Polymer processing techniques
Authors: Velásquez Eliezer , Patiño Vidal Cristian , Rojas Adrián , Guarda Abel , Galotto María José , López de Dicastillo Carol 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCurrently, reducing packaging plastic waste and food losses are concerning topics in the food packaging industry. As an alternative for these challenges, antimicrobial and antioxidant materials have been developed by incorporating active agents (AAs) into biodegradable polymers to extend the food shelf life. In this context, developing biodegradable active materials based on polylactic acid (PLA) and natural compounds are a great alternative to maintain food safety and non‐toxicity of the packaging. AAs, such as essential oils and polyphenols, have been added mainly as antimicrobial and antioxidant natural compounds in PLA packaging. In this review, current techniques used to develop active PLA packaging films were described in order to critically compare their feasibility, advantages, limitations, and relevant processing aspects. The analysis was focused on the processing conditions, such as operation variables and stages, and factors related to the AAs, such as their concentrations, weight losses during processing, and incorporation technique, among others. Recent developments of active PLA‐based monolayers and bi‐ or multilayer films were also considered. In addition, patents on inventions and technologies on active PLA‐based films for food packaging were reviewed. This review highlights that the selection of the processing technique and conditions to obtain active PLA depends on the type of the AA regarding its volatility, solubility, and thermosensitivity.
A comprehensive review on molecular mechanism of defective dry‐cured ham with excessive pastiness, adhesiveness, and bitterness by proteomics insights
Authors: Zhou Chang‐Yu , Pan Dao‐Dong , Cao Jin‐Xuan , Zhou Guang‐Hong 
Published: June 2021

AbstractExcessive bitterness, pastiness, and adhesiveness are the main organoleptic and textural defects of dry‐cured ham, which often cause a lot of financial losses to manufacturers and seriously damage the quality of the product. These sensory and textural defects are related to the protein degradation of dry‐cured ham. Proteomics shows great potential to improve our understanding of the molecular mechanism of sensory and textural defects and identify biomarkers for monitoring their quality traits. This review presents some of the major achievements and considerations in organoleptic and textural defects of dry‐cured ham by proteomics analysis in the recent decades and gives an overview about how to correct sensory and textural defects of dry‐cured ham. Proteomics reveals that muscle proteins derived from myofibril and cytoskeleton and involved in metabolic enzymes and oxygen transport have been identified as potential biomarkers in defective dry‐cured ham. Relatively high residual activities of cathepsin B and L are responsible for the excessive degradation of these protein biomarkers in defective dry‐cured ham. Ultrasound‐assisted mild thermal or high‐pressure treatment shows a good correction for the organoleptic and textural defects of dry‐cured ham by changing microstructure and conformation of muscle proteins by accelerating degradation of proteins and polypeptides into free amino acids.
Silencing of transcription factor E93 inhibits adult morphogenesis and disrupts cuticle, wing and ovary development in Locusta migratoria
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Jian , Jun Guo , Liang Xiao‐Yu , Zhang Xue‐Yao , Zhang Ting‐Ting , Liu Wei‐Min , Zhang Jian‐Zhen , Zhang Min 
Published: June 2021

AbstractEcdysone‐induced protein 93F (E93) plays important roles during the metamorphosis process in insects. In this study, a cDNA of the LmE93 gene was identified from the transcriptome of Locusta migratoria, which consists of the 3378‐nucleotide open‐reading frame (ORF) and encodes 1125 amino acids with helix–turn–helix (HTH) motifs. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that LmE93 was highest expressed in ovary. The LmE93 expression level was markedly low from the 3rd to 4th instar nymphs, and greatly increased in 1‐day‐old 5th instar nymphs with a peak on middle nymphal days, then declined in the late nymphal days. Moreover, injected dsLmE93 into 4th and 5th instar nymphs greatly reduced LmE93 transcripts, respectively, and prevented the process of metamorphosis, causing supernumerary nymphal stages. Hematoxylin–eosin staining of the integument showed that the apolysis occurred in advance in 4th instar nymphs, and old cuticle degradation was decreased in dsLmE93‐injected locusts of 5th instar nymphs. Smaller and no fully developed wings with reduced columns between the anterior and posterior regions were found in N6 and N7 supernumerary nymphs. In addition, the development of the ovary in dsLmE93‐injected locusts was severely blocked, the yolk was almost not formed and there was no development of ovarioles. The results indicated that LmE93 play key roles in the metamorphosis, cuticle, wing and ovarian development of locusts.
Synergistic effect of docosahexaenoic acid or conjugated linoleic acid with caffeic acid on ameliorating oxidative stress of HepG2 cells
Authors: Liu Yumeng , Bian Yuanyuan , Luo Xue , Wang Cong , Mu Delun , Pan Guoyang , Wu Junrui , Shi Haisu 
Published: June 2021

AbstractExploring the synergistic effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) with caffeic acid (CA) on ameliorating oxidative stress, thereby introducing CA to DHA or CLA will contribute significantly to enhance the bioactivity. We observed that DHA or CLA with CA promoted the recovery of intact individual morphology and the decline of cavities inside the nucleus and apoptosis under the observation of confocal laser scanning microscopy and fluorescent inverted microscope. The activity of intracellular antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, pyruvate and malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species (ROS), cellular morphology, and cell cycle were analyzed. Our results showed that DHA or CLA with CA enhanced the activity of CAT and GSH‐Px, decreased LDH leakage and the number of apoptotic, significantly inhibited (ROS‐induced cellular injury. Cell arrest in G1 and G2 phase during cell mitosis was reduced by the measurement of flow cytometry. DHA or CLA combined with CA could markedly strengthen the free radical scavenging and endogenous antioxidant defense capacity on HepG2 cells. This study provides a new direction in the application of synergies to antioxidant compounds.Practical ApplicationCaffeic acid (CA) can synergize with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) to enhance antioxidant capacity. This study highlighted an effect of ameliorating oxidative stress injury DHA or CLA with CA on HepG2 cells. The data indicated that DHA or CLA with CA might be used to relieve oxidative stress damage.
Efficacy of aqua‐based plyometric exercises in the rehabilitation of patients with juvenile dermatomyositis: A randomized crossover pilot study
Authors: Elnaggar Ragab K. , Abd El‐Nabie Walaa A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundPatients with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) experience muscle weakness, tiredness, and loss of energy, which restrict their abilities in performance of their daily living activities.ObjectiveTo explore the effect of aquatic‐based plyometric (Aqua‐PLYO) exercises on muscle strength, fatigue, and functional ability in patients with JDM.MethodsThis was a randomized, single‐blind, crossover pilot study that included 16 patients with JDM (age 13.44 ± 2.85 years). They were assigned randomly to receive either the Aqua‐PLYO exercises (n = 8) or the standard outpatient care (SoC ; n = 8) first. After a 1‐month washout, the treatment was reversed. Lower limb muscle strength, fatigue perception, functional ability, and disease activity were evaluated before and after each treatment period.ResultsIrrespective of the treatment order, the Aqua‐PLYO treatment yielded greater improvement in muscle strength (hip flexors and abductors [P < 0.001] or knee flexors [P < 0.001] and extensors [P = 0.0008]), fatigue perception (P < 0.001), functional ability (P = 0.009), and disease activity (P = 0.0001) than the SoC treatment. By using the shortest confidence intervals (100[1–2α]%) of the difference, the average bioequivalence of the Aqua‐PLYO and SoC has not been established atP = 0.05, because the upper and lower confidence bounds of all outcomes were not between the acceptance limits. No period or carryover effects were detected in all outcomes.ConclusionThe Aqua‐PLYO exercise protocol as implemented in this study is safe, feasible, and well‐tolerated in patients with JDM and seemingly useful to help increase muscle strength, reduce fatigue, and enhance functional ability in such a patient population.
Stagnated Liberalization, Long‐term Convergence, and Index Methodology: Three Lessons from the CITRIX Citizenship Policy Dataset
Authors: Schmid Samuel D. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this article, I present the second version of the Citizenship Regime Inclusiveness Index (CITRIX 2.0). It measures the inclusiveness of regulations for immigrants’ access to citizenship across 23 OECD countries from 1980 to 2019, zooming in on four essential policy components: conditions regarding (1) birthright; (2) residence; (3) renunciation; and (4) integration. While explaining the construction of the dataset, I advance a synthetic approach to index methodology. The main idea of this approach is to use statistical dimensionality tests to validate deductively specified additive concept structures. This is the first lesson we can learn from CITRIX. After validating the index in terms of content, dimensionality, and convergence, a short empirical analysis presents two additional lessons. First, after two cycles of liberalization and subsequent restrictive turns, mostly in integration conditions, aggregate citizenship policy inclusiveness has stagnated, but liberalized overall. 2003 marks the peak of liberalization. Second, there has been long‐term convergence constituted by two phases of convergence with one diverging phase in between. I conclude that liberalization is more limited, and convergence more pronounced, than often assumed. CITRIX offers a versatile toolbox for future research to explore citizenship policies and their correlates. Regular updates are planned.
Beyond immigration: Moving from Western to Global Indexes of Migration Policy
Authors: Solano Giacomo , Huddleston Thomas 
Published: June 2021

AbstractOver the last twenty years, researchers have undertaken systematic comparison of migration policy by creating sets of policy indicators/indexes at the national level. These indicators are designed to analyse the differences and trends in migration policy and then be used by the research community to assess the determinants and effects of policy. This article aims to assess the comprehensiveness of current migration policy indicators by analysing their thematic, geographical and temporal coverage as a way of understanding how migration policy has been conceptualised and measured in quantitative migration research. Our analysis of the 67 existing indexes shows that they disproportionally focus on immigration policy, mainly admission and citizenship, in OECD and particularly Western European countries, with limited opportunities for longitudinal analysis of policy change. These findings reveal that migration policy has been largely conceptualised in indexes as a contemporary phenomenon, concerning mainly Western countries that have become major destination countries.
Projecting General Assembly Voting Records onto an Enlarged Security Council: An Analysis of the G4 Reform Proposal
Authors: Rolf Jan Niklas , Janssen Niall Juval , Liedtke Max 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe paper examines the distributive and collective effects of the United Nations (UN) reform proposal by the Group of Four (G4) which envisions a 25‐member Security Council with four additional non‐permanent and six additional permanent members. Academic scholars and affected states have argued that adding more (veto) players to the Council would reduce the voting power of the five current permanent members (P5) and undermine the effectiveness of the body as a whole. Projecting General Assembly voting records of current and proposed permanent members from 1991 to 2017 onto an enlarged Security Council, our analysis suggests that the chance to pass a favorable resolution increases for most P5 members and that in most scenarios such a Council would pass not less but more resolutions. This should be of interest to UN members, and G4 countries in particular, as it allows them to argue more forcefully for the implementation of their proposal.
Do Diaspora Engagement Policies Endure? An Update of the Emigrant Policies Index (EMIX) to 2017
Authors: Palop‐García Pau , Pedroza Luicy 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHow states of origin regulate the rights, obligations, and services they extend to their emigrants has remained mostly in the shadows of migration policy research. We have tackled this gap in the literature by advancing the Emigrant Policies Index (EMIX), which was designed for comparing the degree of adoption of emigrant policies – also called ‘diaspora‐engagement policies’ – across countries in a whole region and, with the update provided in this paper, for the first time in a longitudinal direction. Having previously introduced the EMIX in a synchronic frame, this article presents its scores for 14 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean in 2015 and 2017. This effort already shows that some emigrant policies (e.g. citizenship policies) endure more than others (e.g. social policies). These suggestive findings support the need to compile not only cross‐national, but also longitudinal datasets on these policies.
Treaty Preambles and The Environmental Justice Gap
Authors: Scobie Michelle 
Published: June 2021

AbstractGlobal environmental architectures have the potential to reduce inequalities, however, legal, and political procedures and structures may also increase injustices and disempowerment. Multilateral environmental agreements create large regimes over some of the most expansive planetary systems. Contracting states list the purposes, motivations and considerations that led them to conclude legally binding agreements in treaty preambles that are an interpretive tool, a declaration of context, motivation, and intent of the contracting states or parties. This study produces anenvironmental justice conceptual frameworkthat references the scholarship on environmental justice and environmental governance, outlines the elements required to introduce environmental justice debates into treaty preambles, and gives an example of its application to determine whether the preambles include justice concepts. The preambles selected are from treaties with broad geographic and subject matter scope: they regulate oceans, climate, and biodiversity, the transport of waste, mercury pollution, migratory and endangered species, and wetlands. Using theenvironmental justice conceptual framework, the study found a justice gap between how justice is addressed in justice debates and literatures and the stated intent of the contracting parties in the preambles. The conclusions support the literature that argues that multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) are ahistorical as regards the moral responsibility that lies at the heart of the definitions of justice.