bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial resilience of the Great Barrier Reef under cumulative disturbance impacts
Authors: Mellin Camille , Matthews Samuel , Anthony Kenneth R.N. , Brown Stuart C. , Caley M. Julian , Johns Kerryn A. , Osborne Kate , Puotinen Marjetta , Thompson Angus , Wolff Nicholas H. , Fordham Damien A. , MacNeil M. Aaron 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn the face of increasing cumulative effects from human and natural disturbances, sustaining coral reefs will require a deeper understanding of the drivers of coral resilience in space and time. Here we develop a high‐resolution, spatially explicit model of coral dynamics on Australia's Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Our model accounts for biological, ecological and environmental processes, as well as spatial variation in water quality and the cumulative effects of coral diseases, bleaching, outbreaks of crown‐of‐thorns starfish (Acanthaster cf. solaris), and tropical cyclones. Our projections reconstruct coral cover trajectories between 1996 and 2017 over a total reef area of 14,780 km2, predicting a mean annual coral loss of −0.67%/year mostly due to the impact of cyclones, followed by starfish outbreaks and coral bleaching. Coral growth rate was the highest for outer shelf coral communities characterized by digitate and tabulate Acropora spp. and exposed to low seasonal variations in salinity and sea surface temperature, and the lowest for inner‐shelf communities exposed to reduced water quality. We show that coral resilience (defined as the net effect of resistance and recovery following disturbance) was negatively related to the frequency of river plume conditions, and to reef accessibility to a lesser extent. Surprisingly, reef resilience was substantially lower within no‐take marine protected areas, however this difference was mostly driven by the effect of water quality. Our model provides a new validated, spatially explicit platform for identifying the reefs that face the greatest risk of biodiversity loss, and those that have the highest chances to persist under increasing disturbance regimes.
Congenital Factor X deficiency in women: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Spiliopoulos Dimitrios , Kadir Rezan A. 
Published: March 2019

Factor X deficiency (FXD) is a rare autosomal recessive bleeding disorder with a variable phenotypic severity. In women, heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), recurrent ovulation bleeding with haemoperitoneum and bleeding complications in pregnancy such as retroplacental haematoma and postpartum haemorrhage have been reported. The aim of this review was to examine gynaecological problems and obstetric complications in women with congenital FXD. A total number of 49 relevant articles were identified, including 332 women, dating from 1960 to 2018. Heavy menstrual bleeding was reported in 72/284 (25%) women in total, 14/30 (47%) in case reports and 58/254 (23%) in 11 case series, 64% and 10% required blood products and blood transfusion, respectively. Haemoperitoneum from ovulation bleeding or ruptured haemorrhagic ovarian cyst requiring blood transfusion occurred in 8/322 (2.4%) women, six required surgical intervention, including oophorectomy in two. 31 pregnancies were reported in 19 women. There were four miscarriages (including a late miscarriage at 21 weeks). There was a high rate of preterm birth and neonatal death occurring in eight (30%) and three (11%) of pregnancies reaching viability stage. Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) occurred in six (22%) of deliveries, one requiring hysterectomy. In conclusion, women with FXD are at an increased risk of heavy bleeding during menstruation and ovulation as well as adverse pregnancy outcome and postpartum haemorrhage. Collaboration in a multidisciplinary team including an obstetrician/gynaecologist, a perinatologist and a haematologist is necessary for the prevention and management of these complications.
How Democracy Can Inform Consent: Cases of the Internet and Bioethics
Authors: Gould Carol C. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTraditional conceptions of informed consent seem difficult or even impossible to apply to new technologies like biobanks, big data, or GMOs, where vast numbers of people are potentially affected, and where consequences and risks are indeterminate or even unforeseeable. Likewise, the principle has come under strain with the appropriation and monetisation of personal information on digital platforms. Over time, it has largely been reduced to bare assent to formalistic legal agreements. To address the current ineffectiveness of the norm of informed consent, I suggest that we need a notion of structural injustice (on a distinctive interpretation, elaborated here, which takes account of unequal power and property relations). I then argue that in order to protect and enhance people's freedom, we have to go beyond traditional applied ethics and introduce perspectives from democratic theory and social philosophy. I attempt to show how applications of the ‘all‐affected principle’, together with new forms of democratic participation, deliberation, and representation can helpfully frame the narrower principle of informed consent. There is an important role for what we could call collective consent, and informed consent can only succeed in increasing individual agency if it is situated within enhanced forms of democratic decision‐making.
Association between methylation potential and nutrient metabolism throughout the reproductive cycle of sows
Authors: van Riet Miriam M. J. , Millet Sam , Langendries Karolien C. M. , van Zelst Bertrand D. , Janssens Geert P. J. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDNA methylation is an important epigenetic strategy for embryo development and survival. The one‐carbon metabolism can be disturbed by inadequate provision of dietary methyl donors. Because of the continuous selection for larger litters, it is relevant to explore if highly prolific sows might encounter periods of methyl donor deficiency throughout their reproductive cycles. This study, therefore, assesses the fluctuation(s) in methylation potential (MP) and aims to link possible methyl donor deficiencies to nutrient metabolism. In total, 15 hybrid sows were followed from weaning of the previous reproductive cycle (d‐5) to weaning of the present cycle. Blood samples were taken at d‐5, 0, 21, 42, 63, 84 and d108 of gestation, the day of parturition (d115), two weeks of lactation (d129) and at weaning (d143). Blood plasma samples were analysed for S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM), S‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), free methionine, free glycine, acetylcarnitine and 3‐hydroxybutyrylcarnitine. Serum samples were analysed for urea and creatinine. Generally, MP (i.e. ratio SAM:SAH) increased throughout gestation (p = 0.009), but strongly fluctuated in the period around parturition and weaning. From d108 to parturition, absolute plasma levels of SAM (p < 0.001), SAH (p = 0.031) and methionine (p = 0.001) increased. The first two weeks of lactation were characterised by an increase in MP (p = 0.039) due to a remaining high value of SAM and a distinct decrease in SAH (p = 0.008). During the last two weeks of lactation, MP decreased (p = 0.038) due to a decrease in SAM (p < 0.001) and a stable value for SAH. The methylation reactions seem to continue after weaning, a period crucial for the follicular and embryonic development of the subsequent litter. This study thus demonstrates that the methylation status fluctuates substantially throughout a sow's reproductive cycle, and further research is needed to identify the factors affecting methylation status.
Exploring distraction and the impact of a child life specialist: Perceptions from nurses in a pediatric setting
Authors: Drayton Nicola A. , Waddups Shannan , Walker Tanya 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore perceptions held by nurses on the use of distraction and the role of a child life specialist in caring for children undergoing painful procedures.Design and MethodsA qualitative focus‐group design was conducted with 18 nurses from a 24‐bed pediatric unit in New South Wales, Australia; this represented 51% of the staff from the unit. Three focus groups were conducted and transcribed verbatim followed by thematic analysis.ResultsFindings revealed five main themes that reflected the perceptions of the nurses’ use of distraction and the impact of the child life specialist. The theme “Distraction as part of everyday nursing practice” was viewed by nurses as an integral component of nursing practice. The theme “Influence of child life specialist” revealed that the child life specialist created a feeling of ease during procedures. Differences were acknowledged between the two roles, “Contrast of roles” the child life specialist was seen as positive for children and families, whereas nurses viewed themselves as mean and unkind due to the nature of their work. The theme “The value of collaboration for positive healthcare experiences” acknowledged distraction as a contributing factor in ensuring the child and their family had a positive healthcare experience. The types of “nurses perception of the child’s experience with distraction” shared in each of the focus groups identified nurses felt their techniques for distraction were much more simplified than the child life specialist; nurses felt disadvantaged at times in not having access to the same tools.Practice ImplicationsThe findings indicate the positive impact that a child life specialist has on a nurse’s role while caring for children undergoing painful procedures. Nurses felt they were able to focus on the procedure, therefore ensuring the physician received the right amount of assistance. This reassured the nurses in knowing the child and their families emotional needs were being taken care of. The child life specialist was viewed as being able to provide a positive healthcare experience for the child and families, nurses felt this added to the value of care provided in the pediatric unit. Recommendations include further exploration of the child life specialist role in the pediatric inpatient setting.
The Path of Reform: The Consequences of Institutional Volatility
Authors: Bolen J. Brandon , Williamson Claudia R. 
Published: March 2019

SummaryThe new institutional literature widely acknowledges the benefits of growth‐enhancing institutions but rarely discusses the path of institutional reform. While good institutions stabilize the structure of exchange and decrease uncertainty in market transactions, institutional reform may involve institutional volatility. If institutional volatility increases uncertainty, it can mitigate the benefits of reform. Using a sample of 89 countries from 2000‐2015, this paper empirically examines the effects of institutional volatility on economic growth. We find that institutional volatility decreases economic growth, particularly during liberalization for countries with low quality institutions and low income. In fact, a one standard deviation increase in volatility decreases growth by about 0.50 percentage points. This finding is robust to multiple estimation techniques and omitted variable bias. Evidence is provided suggesting that this effect is partially mediated through volatility's impact on private investment. These results support prior works that policy makers should pursue economic freedom, but our work indicates they should do so along a stable reform path to maximize economic growth.
Exploring stress urinary incontinence outcomes after sling excision for perforation or exposure
Authors: Syan Raveen , Peyronnet Benoit , Drain Alice , Enemchukwu Ekene , Malacarne Dominique R. , Rosenblum Nirit , Nitti Victor W. , Brucker Benjamin M. 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveThis study assessed stress urinary incontinence (SUI) outcomes after sling excision for urinary tract perforation or vaginal exposure, and compared the outcomes of concomitant versus staged autologous fascia pubovaginal sling (AFPVS).MethodsA retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent midurethral sling (MUS) excision for urinary tract perforation or vaginal exposure at a tertiary referral center between 2010 and 2015 was performed. Therapeutic strategies were categorized as concomitant AFPVS, staged AFPVS, and no anti‐incontinence procedure.ResultsIn all, 32 patients were included for analysis: 13 with vaginal tape exposure (40.6%) and 19 with urinary tract tape exposure (59.4%). In patients who had SUI prior to sling excision (43.8%), the rate of resolved or improved SUI postoperatively was higher in the concomitant AFPVS group than in those who underwent sling excision alone (83.3% vs 12.5%, respectively; P = 0.03). Of 18 patients with no SUI prior to sling excision, 12 experienced recurrent SUI after sling removal (66.7%). The rate of recurrent SUI was lower in patients with vaginal MUS exposure than urinary tract MUS perforation, but this did not reach statistical significance (57.1% vs 72.7%, respectively; P = 0.63). The rates of resolved SUI after AFPVS were comparable in patients with concomitant and staged AFPVS (66.7% vs 71.4%, respectively; P = 0.99).ConclusionsMany patients with MUS perforations or exposures will have SUI at initial presentation or develop SUI after removal of the synthetic sling. The decision to perform a concomitant AFPVS or to stage the surgical management of SUI can be individualized.
An insight into the Italian economy from an analysis based on the industrial production index in both frequency and time domains
Authors: Zoia Maria Grazia , Barbieri Laura , Bagnato Luca 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis paper aims to gain new insights into the Italian economic tendency toward recovery by investigating the Industrial Production Index series (IPI). The trend and cyclical components of the series are determined using a novel technique which hinges on optimal truncated ideal low‐pass filters. The contributions of the latent components to the IPI series are brought to the fore by a spectrum analyzer that evaluates the spectra of the said components in the bands of interest. The analysis results corroborate that the Italian economy is still subject to cyclical effects that can compromise its recovery.
CyaC, a redox‐regulated adenylate cyclase of Sinorhizobium meliloti with a quinone responsive diheme‐B membrane anchor domain
Authors: Wissig Juliane , Grischin Julia , Bassler Jens , Schubert Christopher , Friedrich Thorsten , Bähre Heike , Schultz Joachim E. , Unden Gottfried 
Published: March 2019

SummaryThe nucleotide cyclase CyaC of Sinorhizobium meliloti is a member of class III adenylate cyclases (AC), a diverse group present in all forms of life. CyaC is membrane‐integral by a hexahelical membrane domain (6TM) with the basic topology of mammalian ACs. The 6TM domain of CyaC contains a tetra‐histidine signature that is universally present in the membrane anchors of bacterial diheme‐B succinate‐quinone oxidoreductases. Heterologous expression of cyaC imparted activity for cAMP formation from ATP to Escherichia coli, whereas guanylate cyclase activity was not detectable. Detergent solubilized and purified CyaC was a diheme‐B protein and carried a binuclear iron‐sulfur cluster. Single point mutations in the signature histidine residues caused loss of heme‐B in the membrane and loss of AC activity. Heme‐B of purified CyaC could be oxidized or reduced by ubiquinone analogs (Q0 or Q0H2). The activity of CyaC in bacterial membranes responded to oxidation or reduction by Q0 and O2, or NADH and Q0H2 respectively. We conclude that CyaC‐like membrane anchors of bacterial ACs can serve as the input site for chemical stimuli which are translated by the AC into an intracellular second messenger response.
Knockdown of endothelin receptor B inhibits the progression of triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Gu Xi , Han Shuai , Cui Meizi , Xue Jinqi , Ai Liping , Sun Lisha , Zhu Xudong , Wang Yulun , Liu Caigang 
Published: March 2019

AbstractEndothelin receptor B (EDNRB) is one of the receptors in the endothelin axis and its upregulated expression is associated with tumorigenesis and metastasis of several types of solid tumors. However, the expression profile of EDNRB in breast cancer and its role in the progression of breast cancer are unclear. Here, we show that EDNRB expression is higher in metastatic tumors than in primary breast cancer, and is associated significantly with lymph node metastasis and poor survival in Chinese patients with breast cancer. EDNRB expression was particularly upregulated in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Moreover, EDNRB silencing by a specific shRNA significantly attenuated the proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of MDA‐MB‐231 and BT549 cells and increased their apoptosis, as well as retarded the growth of implanted tumors in mice. Tandem mass spectrometry analysis indicated that 248 proteins were differentially expressed in EDNRB‐silenced cells and their cellular organelles, and these proteins participate in many processes. EDNRB silencing decreased protein kinase B and extracellular regulated protein kinase phosphorylation and promoted the mesenchymal‐to‐epithelial transition process in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Therefore, our findings provide strong evidence for the first time that knockdown of EDNRB expression inhibits the progression of TNBC and that EDNRB can serve as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for the treatment of TNBC.
A general central limit theorem and a subsampling variance estimator for α‐mixing point processes
Authors: Biscio Christophe Ange Napoléon , Waagepetersen Rasmus 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe establish a central limit theorem for multivariate summary statistics of nonstationary α‐mixing spatial point processes and a subsampling estimator of the covariance matrix of such statistics. The central limit theorem is crucial for establishing asymptotic properties of estimators in statistics for spatial point processes. The covariance matrix subsampling estimator is flexible and model free. It is needed, for example, to construct confidence intervals and ellipsoids based on asymptotic normality of estimators. We also provide a simulation study investigating an application of our results to estimating functions.
Political Protesting, Race, and College Athletics: Why Diversity Among Coaches Matters*
Authors: Druckman James N. , Howat Adam J. , Rothschild Jacob E. 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveAthletes have long used their platform to stage political protests on issues ranging from racial oppression to athlete compensation. For college student athletes, protesting is complicated by their amateur status and dependence on their schools. As a result, college coaches hold particular power over student athletes’ decisions in this realm. We seek to better understand the determinants of coaches’ attitudes toward student athlete protests.MethodsWe use a novel survey to study what college coaches think when student athletes participate in various forms of political protests.ResultsWe find that African‐American coaches exhibit greater support for protests and are more likely to believe protests reflect concern about the issues, rather than attention‐seeking behavior.ConclusionOur results isolate a major driver of opinions about athletic protests and reveal why the relatively low number of minority college coaches matters: greater diversity in the coaching ranks would lead to more varied opinions about the politicization of student athletes.
A comparison of haematopoietic stem cells from umbilical cord blood and peripheral blood for platelet production in a microfluidic device
Authors: Six Katrijn R. , Sicot Géraldine , Devloo Rosalie , Feys Hendrik B. , Baruch Dominique , Compernolle Veerle 
Published: March 2019

Background and objectivesSeveral sources of haematopoietic stem cells have been used for static culture of megakaryocytes to produce platelets in vitro. This study compares and characterizes platelets produced in shear flow using precursor cells from either umbilical (UCB) or adult peripheral blood (PB).Materials and methodsThe efficiency of platelet production of the cultured cells was studied after perfusion in custom‐built von Willebrand factor‐coated microfluidic flow chambers. Platelet receptor expression and morphology were investigated by flow cytometry and microscopy, respectively.ResultsProliferation of stem cells isolated out of UCB was significantly higher (P < 0·0001) compared to PB. Differentiation of these cells towards megakaryocytes was significantly lower from PB compared to UCB where the fraction of CD42b/CD41 double positive events was 44 ± 9% versus 76 ± 11%, respectively (P < 0·0001). However, in vitro platelet production under hydrodynamic conditions was more efficient with 7·4 platelet‐like particles per input cell from PB compared to 4·2 from UCB (P = 0·02). The percentage of events positive for CD42b, CD41 and CD61 was comparable between both stem cell sources. The mean number of receptors per platelet from UCB and PB was similar to that on blood bank platelets with on average 28 000 CD42b, 57 000 CD61 and 5500 CD49b receptors. Microscopy revealed platelets appearing similar to blood bank platelets in morphology, size and actin cytoskeleton, alongside smaller fragments and source megakaryocytes.ConclusionThis characterization study suggests that platelets produced in vitro under flow either from UCB or from PB share receptor expression and morphology with donor platelets stored in the blood bank.
In Vitro
Activities of the Novel Investigational Tetrazoles VT-1161 and VT-1598 Compared to the Triazole Antifungals against Azole-Resistant Strains and Clinical Isolates of
Candida albicans
Authors: Nishimoto Andrew T. , Wiederhold Nathan P. , Flowers Stephanie A. , Zhang Qing , Kelly Steven L. , Morschhäuser Joachim , Yates Christopher M. , Hoekstra William J. , Schotzinger Robert J. , Garvey Edward P. , Rogers P. David 
Published: March 2019

The fungal Cyp51-specific inhibitors VT-1161 and VT-1598 have emerged as promising new therapies to combat fungal infections, including
Candida
spp. To evaluate their
in vitro
activities compared to other azoles, MICs were determined by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) method for VT-1161, VT-1598, fluconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, and posaconazole against 68
C. albicans
clinical isolates well characterized for azole resistance mechanisms and mutant strains representing individual azole resistance mechanisms.