bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trophic plasticity in a common reef‐building coral: Insights from δ13C analysis of essential amino acids
Authors: Fox Michael D. , Elliott Smith Emma A. , Smith Jennifer E. , Newsome Seth D. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Reef‐building corals are mixotrophic organisms that can obtain nutrition from endosymbiotic microalgae (autotrophy) and particle capture (heterotrophy). Heterotrophic nutrition is highly beneficial to many corals, particularly in times of stress. Yet, the extent to which different coral species rely on heterotrophic nutrition remains largely unknown because it is challenging to quantify.

We developed a quantitative approach to investigate coral nutrition using carbon isotope (δ13C) analysis of six essential amino acids (AAESS) in a common Indo‐Pacific coral (Pocillopora meandrina) from the fore reef habitat of Palmyra Atoll. We sampled particulate organic matter (POM) and zooplankton as the dominant heterotrophic food sources in addition to the coral host and endosymbionts. We also measured bulk tissue carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope values of each sample type.

Patterns among δ13C values of individual AAESS provided complete separation between the autotrophic (endosymbionts) and heterotrophic nutritional sources. In contrast, bulk tissue δ13C and δ15N values were highly variable across the putative food sources and among the coral and endosymbiont fractions, preventing accurate estimates of coral nutrition on Palmyra.

We used linear discriminant analysis to quantify differences among patterns of AAESS δ13C values, or ‘fingerprints’, of the food resources available to corals. This allowed for the development of a quantitative continuum of coral nutrition that can identify the relative contribution of autotrophic and heterotopic nutrition to individual colonies. Our approach revealed exceptional variation in conspecific colonies at scales of metres to kilometres. On average, 41% of AAESS in P. meandrina on Palmyra are acquired via heterotrophy, but some colonies appear capable of obtaining the majority of AAESS from one source or the other.

The use of AAESS δ13C fingerprinting analysis offers a significant improvement on the current methods for quantitatively assessing coral trophic ecology. We anticipate that this approach will facilitate studies of coral nutrition in the field, which are essential for comparing coral trophic ecology across taxa and multiple spatial scales. Such information will be critical for understanding the role of heterotrophic nutrition in coral resistance and/or resilience to ongoing environmental change.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
When history matters: The overlooked role of priority effects in grassland overyielding
Authors: Delory Benjamin M. , Weidlich Emanuela W. A. , von Gillhaussen Philipp , Temperton Vicky M. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Biodiversity–ecosystem functioning experiments have shown that plant species and functional group richness are important drivers of grassland productivity, but the impact that plant order of arrival (i.e. priority effects) has on grassland overyielding and its drivers (complementarity and dominance effects) has been overlooked so far.

Using species‐specific plant biomass data collected in mixture and monoculture plots of a grassland field experiment (Jülich Priority Effect experiment) that manipulated the order of arrival of three plant functional groups (forbs, grasses and legumes), we quantified net biodiversity effects (overyielding) as well as complementarity and dominance effects in mixtures one and 2 years after sowing. In this experiment, priority effects were created by sowing one functional group 6 weeks before the two others. First, we tested whether plant order of arrival affected overyielding, complementarity and dominance effects. Second, we investigated whether the magnitude of net biodiversity, complementarity and dominance effects was dependent on the strength and direction of priority effects.

We found that complementarity and dominance effects were affected by plant order of arrival during community assembly. In addition, we found that moving from negative to positive priority effects increased grassland overyielding, mainly via increased complementarity effects.

These results highlight the need to combine biodiversity and assembly approaches in future ecosystem functioning research, as this will increase the predictive power of community ecology in conservation and ecological restoration.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
The patient–doctor relationship in the transnational healthcare context
Authors: Skountridaki Lila 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMoving away from paternalism to more equal forms of interaction in the patient–doctor relationship has been seen in positive light by policymakers, patients’ rights advocates and scholars alike. Nonetheless, against the background of commercialisation and consumerism, empirical research showcases how reduced asymmetries bring in tensions and friction between patients and doctors (Greenfield et al. 2012). This paper contributes to the discussion through the examination of the patient–doctor relationship in the niche setting of private transnational healthcare markets which involve patients travelling overseas for care and where commodification, consumerism and care go hand‐in‐hand. It is geographically focused on two large cities in South‐Eastern Europe as settings where health care is provided to foreign patients – Athens and Istanbul – and empirically draws on qualitative interviews with doctors who run small/medium practices. The findings highlight that, despite excessive consumerism, power asymmetries are not mitigated but patient vulnerability shapes the patient–doctor relationship. In the transnational context, the patient faces an additional source of vulnerability: a condition of foreignness. As such, the findings stress that one relationship model (the consumerist) does not, per se, replace an older one (e.g. the Parsonian). Instead, the consumer–provider dimension co‐exists with the client–expert, patient–doctor and, finally, host–guest relation.
Quercetin Mitigates Hepatic Insulin Resistance in Rats with Bile Duct Ligation Through Modulation of the STAT3/SOCS3/IRS1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Khodarahmi Ameneh , Eshaghian Azam , Safari Fatemeh , Moradi Ali 
Published: September 2019

AbstractInsulin resistance (IR) and inflammatory mediators are correlated with hepatic fibrosis. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid with well‐known antidiabetic and antifibrotic properties. Bile duct ligation (BDL) is a surgical model performed on animals to produce a murine model in which increased oxidative stress occurs, which results in liver fibrosis. Our study aimed to determine whether quercetin improves hepatic IR as well as hepatic fibrosis in rats experiencing BDL. Male Wistar rats were allocated to four groups according to a random pattern, including a sham group, a sham and quercetin group (30 mg/kg/day), a BDL alone group, and a BDL and quercetin group (30 mg/kg/day). Evaluation of STAT3, SOCS3, IRS1, Rac1, Rac1‐GTP, Sp1, NOX1, HIF‐1α, and ERK1 expression was performed by RT‐PCR along with the western blot analytical technique in liver tissue. The antidiabetic impact of quercetin was associated with reduction in mRNA and expression of protein in STAT3 and SOCS3, along with an increase in IRS1. The antifibrotic effect of quercetin was also determined by downregulation of mRNA or the levels of protein expression of Rac1‐GTP, Rac1, HIF‐1α, NOX1, and Sp1, along with ERK1. Our study indicates that quercetin may improve hepatic fibrosis via inhibiting ROS‐associated inflammation as well as ameliorating hepatic IR by beneficial regulation of the STAT3/SOCS3/IRS1 signaling pathway.
Age at first intercourse, number of partners and sexually transmitted infection prevalence among Danish, Norwegian and Swedish women: estimates and trends from nationally representative cross‐sectional surveys of more than 100 000 women
Authors: Hansen Bo T. , Kjær Susanne K. , Arnheim‐Dahlström Lisen , Liaw Kai‐Li , Juul Kirsten E. , Thomsen Louise T. , Frederiksen Kirsten , Elfström K. Miriam , Munk Christian , Nygård Mari 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIntroductionSexual behavior at the population level impacts on public health. Recent representative sexual behavior data are lacking.Material and methodsCross‐sectional surveys in 2005 and 2012 on women age 18‐45 years randomly selected from the general population in Denmark (n = 40 804), Norway (n = 30 331) and Sweden (n = 32 114).ResultsMedian (interquartile range) age at first intercourse was 16 (15‐18) years in Denmark, 17 (16‐18) years in Norway, and 17 (15‐18) years in Sweden. Women in the most recent birth cohort had sexual debut at the lowest age, and were most likely to have sexual debut before the legal age of consent. Proportions with debut age ≤14 years among women born 1989‐1994 vs 1971‐1976, odds ratio (95% confidence interval) were: 18.4% vs 10.9%, 1.95 (1.74‐2.18) in Denmark, 12.9% vs 6.3%, 2.38 (2.01‐2.82) in Norway, 17.8% vs 11.4%, 1.75 (1.55‐1.98) in Sweden. Median (interquartile range) number of lifetime sexual partners was 6 (3‐10) in Denmark, 5 (2‐10) in Norway, and 6 (3‐11) in Sweden. The proportion of women reporting >10 sexual partners was also highest in the most recent survey. The percentage with odds ratio (95% confidence interval) in 2012 vs 2005 surveys were: 24.9% vs 22.8%, 1.13 (1.07‐1.18) for Denmark; 23.8% vs 19.8%, 1.27 (1.19‐1.34) for Norway; and 28.3% vs 23.8%, 1.31 (1.24‐1.38) for Sweden. Similarly, the proportion of women reporting ever having had a sexually transmitted infection among women age <30 years were: 29.4% vs 26.4%, 1.21 (1.13‐1.31) in Denmark, 28.9% vs 25.0%, 1.20 (1.10‐1.31) in Norway, and 29.4% vs 22.2%, 1.45 (1.33‐1.58) in Sweden.ConclusionsScandinavian women reported lower age at first intercourse in younger birth cohorts. Moreover, they reported more lifetime sexual partners and a higher prevalence of ever having a sexually transmitted infection in 2012 than in 2005. Our findings may inform the interpretation of trends in outcomes associated with sexual health, and public health policies.
A detailed lipoprotein profile in relation to intima‐media thickness and echogenicity of three major arteries
Authors: Lind Lars 
Published: September 2019

SummaryObjectiveTo investigate differences in risk‐factor profile, with special emphasis on detailed characterization of the lipoprotein profile, for intima‐media thickness (IMT) and echogenicity of the intima‐media complex (IM‐GSM) in three major arteries: the carotid, femoral and brachial arteries.MethodsIMT and IM‐GSM were measured by ultrasound in the carotid, femoral and brachial arteries in 778 subjects, all aged 75 years (50% women), in the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) study, in which a detailed lipoprotein profile was also determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.ResultsFirst, IMT was considerably lower, and IM‐GSM higher, in the brachial artery compared to the other two arteries. Second, IMT and IM‐GSM in the arteries were related to each other. Third, significant different traditional risk‐factor profiles were seen for both IMT and IM‐GSM, with generally weaker relationships for IMT in the femoral and brachial arteries compared with the carotid artery. Fourth, the strength of associations between an atherogenic lipoprotein profile and IMT in the carotid artery was attenuated in the femoral artery and virtually absent in the brachial artery. Fifth, slightly different lipoprotein profiles were seen for IM‐GSM in the three arteries.ConclusionDifferences between the carotid, femoral and brachial artery IMT and IM‐GSM were seen regarding the traditional risk factors, as well as the lipoprotein profile.
The implementation and utilization of an organ donation dedicated medical advisory service: A descriptive study
Authors: Cohen Jonathan , Ashkenazi Tamar 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundObstacles encountered during the organ donation process may result in the loss of organs. A centralized medical advisory service (MAS), providing a 24/7/365 service, was established in 2007 to respond to queries from healthcare professionals regarding organ safety, brain death (BD) determination, and donor management.MethodsData collected from 2007 to 2017 included the number and context of the queries and the mean number of organs transplanted/donor. Since 2012, the number of six donor management goals (DMGs) met at the time of consent has been monitored.ResultsThe number of queries relative to the number of potential donors increased from 12.4% (n = 78 queries) in 2007 to 48.2% (304 queries) in 2009 and has remained widely utilized, with most queries consistently related to organ safety. The context of the queries informed the formulation of protocols relating to donor infections and malignancy and identified difficulties regarding BD determination and subsequent implementation of solutions. A mean of 5.0 ± 0.7 DMGs was achieved, while the number of organs transplanted/donor increased from 3.4 in 2007 to 4.0 in 2017.ConclusionWe suggest that this model may provide a valuable resource to improve the safety, standardization, and quality of the donation process.
Investigating the presence of neutrophil extracellular traps in cutaneous lesions of different subtypes of lupus erythematosus
Authors: Safi Rémi , Al‐Hage Jana , Abbas Ossama , Kibbi Abdul‐Ghani , Nassar Dany 
Published: September 2019

AbstractNeutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, little is known about the implication of NETs in cutaneous lupus. In this case series of 30 patients, we compared the amounts of neutrophils producing NETs in cutaneous lesions of different subtypes of lupus (5 with discoid lupus or DLE, 5 with subacute cutaneous lupus or SCLE, 11 with acute cutaneous SLE, 7 with lupus panniculitis and 2 with chilblains). Immunofluorescence was performed on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded skin biopsies using antibodies against neutrophilic granules (elastase, myeloperoxidase, PR‐3 proteins and citrullinated histone 3). Dihydroethidium staining was performed to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS), known inducers of NETs. NETs were detected in the different subtypes of cutaneous lupus as well as in cutaneous lesions of SLE. The amounts of neutrophils producing NETs were significantly higher in lupus panniculitis (49%), acute cutaneous SLE (41%) and DLE (32%), in comparison with SCLE (5%) and chilblains (0%). This suggests that NETs might be associated with more tissue damage and scarring. ROS were observed in the different cutaneous subtypes of lupus independent of NETs.
Incorporation of Cró thermal water in a dermocosmetic formulation: cytotoxicity effects, characterization and stability studies and efficacy evaluation
Authors: Nunes F. , Rodrigues M. , Ribeiro M. P. , Ugazio E. , Cavalli R. , Abollino O. , Coutinho P. , Araujo A. R. T. S. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectiveDevelopment of cosmetic formulations to provide a controlled release of hydrophilic active compounds from mineral medicinal waters constitutes an attractive challenge. The objective of this study was the development and the characterization of a dermocosmetic gel formulation with Cró thermal water, from Beira Interior of Portugal, as a major functional ingredient.MethodsConcentrations of mineral chemical elements of Cró thermal water were previously determined by inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry or mass spectrometry and cytotoxicity assays using thermal water were carried out on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) cells. Then, the Cró thermal water was included (more than 90%) in a developed gel formulation that was characterized through rheological and texture analysis and submitted to stability assays during 30 days. The effects on the skin volunteers, namely skin pH, the degree of hydration, transepidermal water loss and skin relief, were evaluated through non‐invasive biometric techniques. A gel formulation including purified water was used as a control.ResultsCró thermal water is rich on several chemical elements in particular sodium, silica, potassium and calcium besides some trace elements, with important functions for the skin. NHDF cells adhered and proliferated in the presence of thermal water confirming the biocompatibility of the major component of the gel formulation. The developed gel formulation based on thermal water resulted in an improvement of textural parameters, comparing with the purified water‐based one. Significant improvements in the cutaneous biometric parameters (degree of hydration, transepidermal water loss and skin relief) of volunteers were also registered for the gel formulation containing thermal water.ConclusionThis study demonstrated for the first time the potential benefits of Cró thermal water in a gel formulation to be used in cosmetic and dermatological applications.
Synthesis and mechanical properties of mullite ceramics with coal gangue and wastes refractory as raw materials
Authors: Liu Yin , Lian Wei , Su Wanfu , Luo Juhua , Wang Luming 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWith coal gangue and high alumina refractory solid wastes as raw materials, needle‐like mullite powder, with an average diameter of about 1 μm, was synthesized at 1300°C by using the conventional solid‐state reaction method. Mullite ceramics were derived from the inexpensive needle‐like powder. Phase composition was examined by using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), while morphologies of the ceramics were observed by using scanning electron microscopy. The content and distribution of elements in the sintered samples were characterized with energy dispersive spectrometer and X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Mechanical properties of the mullite ceramics were studied by using the three‐point bending method. The aspect ratio of the needle‐like mullite particles was up to 6. The mullite sample sintered at 1500°C for 3 hours had a density of 2.515 g·cm−3, which was slightly lower than the theoretical density. Maximum fracture toughness and bending strength of the mullite ceramics were 1.82 MPa·m1/2 and 71.76 MPa, respectively. This study realizes the resource utilization of gangue and high alumina refractory solid wastes, and the prepared mullite ceramics have good application prospect.
Applications of soy protein hydrolysates in the emerging functional foods: a review
Authors: Ashaolu Tolulope Joshua 
Published: September 2019

SummarySeveral applications of protein hydrolysates have been documented including gelation, solubility and emulsifying properties. However, very rare reviews have solely explored the potentials of soy protein hydrolysates (SPHs). Varying and abundant pieces of information on the physicochemical properties of soy proteins, such as foaming, solubility, emulsifying, gelling, fat‐ and water‐holding capacities, suggest their hydrolysates to be equally or more important. In this regard, this review highlights the different methods that have been used to prepare SPHs, coupled with the most promising applications and potentials of SPHs. Nonetheless, further investigations are necessary to validate the potentialities of SPHs as food agents for the emerging functional foods.
Manipulation and free will in shared decision making
Authors: Christiansen Regina , Emiliussen Jakob 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn recent years, there has been an increased focus on patient involvement in treatment planning in the health care system. To reduce the risk of the clinician moving towards paternalism, various methods have been introduced—shared decision making, among others. The goal of shared decision making is for the clinician and patient to share available evidence on the best treatment and to raise awareness on the needs and preferences of the patient as to make a genuinely informed choice. However, in the present article, we discuss to which degree paternalism can be avoided in light of the clinician's role as an authority with certain knowledge and expertise. Through the philosophical theory of reasons‐responsiveness, we discuss to which extend free will and control applies to the patient. Through theoretical analysis, we come to suggest that the clinician has a role as an ally rather than manipulator.
Campaign Contributions by Non‐profit Executives and Government Grants
Authors: Cox Christian 
Published: September 2019

AbstractUnited States election candidates seek monetary support for their campaigns and many individuals oblige. Non‐profit organizations are limited in their political spending, but their executives, in a personal capacity, are not. This paper investigates whether individual campaign contributions are a political workaround for non‐profits. I pair non‐profit tax filings and Federal Election Commission records to form the first large‐scale panel linking non‐profit executive contributions and non‐profit financials. My analysis covers the 1998, 2000 and 2002 elections for 29,682 non‐profit organizations. I estimate a series of models and find an economically significant, robust and positive relationship.
Facial mobility and recovery in patients with unilateral facial paralysis
Authors: Trotman Carroll Ann , Faraway Julian , Hadlock Tessa A. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjective(a) To quantify longitudinal 3D changes in facial soft tissue movements in adults with unilateral facial paralysis, and (b) to compare the patients’ movements with an age‐ and sex‐frequency matched control group.Settings and Sample PopulationProspective 3D facial movement data of 36 patients and 68 control participants. Patients’ data were collected within 6 weeks of onset of symptoms (baseline) and then at 3 and 12 weeks after baseline.Materials and MethodsThe 3D facial movement data were collected during different facial animations. Mean group measurements of displacement, velocity and asymmetry were computed. Two sample t tests were used to test for significant group differences, and linear mixed models were fit to test for significant changes over time in the patient group. Also, 3D dynamic modelling and vector plots were computed to isolate the patients’ abnormal movements and/or paralysis.ResultsThe patients’ mean baseline movements were significantly less for both the paralysed and contralateral sides of the face with much greater movement asymmetry than the controls. Patients’ mean measures improved significantly from baseline to 12 weeks. The measures were closer to, but fell short of, the control values.ConclusionIn unilateral facial paralysis, the contralateral facial side was affected by the paralysis and may be tethered or limited in its movement by the paralysed side. The comprehensive measurement set and 3D facial mapping effectively tracked patient recovery and isolated paralysed facial regions. The 3D measures can be used for diagnosis and outcome assessment of different treatments.