bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
History matters: Heterotrophic microbial community structure and function adapt to multiple stressors
Authors: Feckler Alexander , Goedkoop Willem , Konschak Marco , Bundschuh Rebecca , Kenngott Kilian G. J. , Schulz Ralf , Zubrod Jochen P. , Bundschuh Mirco 
Published: August 2017

AbstractEcosystem functions in streams (e.g., microbially mediated leaf litter breakdown) are threatened globally by the predicted agricultural intensification and its expansion into pristine areas, which is associated with increasing use of fertilizers and pesticides. However, the ecological consequences may depend on the disturbance history of microbial communities. To test this, we assessed the effects of fungicides and nutrients (four levels each) on the structural and functional resilience of leaf‐associated microbial communities with differing disturbance histories (pristine vs. previously disturbed) in a 2 × 4 × 4‐factorial design (n = 6) over 21 days. Microbial leaf breakdown was assessed as a functional variable, whereas structural changes were characterized by the fungal community composition, species richness, biomass, and other factors. Leaf breakdown by the pristine microbial community was reduced by up to 30% upon fungicide exposure compared with controls, whereas the previously disturbed microbial community increased leaf breakdown by up to 85%. This significant difference in the functional response increased in magnitude with increasing nutrient concentrations. A pollution‐induced community tolerance in the previously disturbed microbial community, which was dominated by a few species with high breakdown efficacies, may explain the maintained function under stress. Hence, the global pressure on pristine ecosystems by agricultural expansion is expected to cause a modification in the structure and function of heterotrophic microbial communities, with microbially mediated leaf litter breakdown likely becoming more stable over time as a consequence of fungal community adaptions.
Pulmonary Elastic Recoil and Diffusing Capacity in Subjects with Intermediate Concentrations of Alpha‐1 Antitrypsin
Authors: Musk A. W. , Robertson P. W. 
Published: August 2017

SummarySerum from 224 males investigated in a prospective study of respiratory disorders in a recently established asbestos industry has been estimated for alpha‐1 antitrypsin (AAT) concentration by single radial immunodiffusion. Mean AAT concentration was 213·4 mg/dl (range 91–400 mg/dl and SD 55·7 mg/dl). No subject with a markedly reduced level was found. A comprehensive range of lung function tests sensitive to changes anticipated in emphysema at a preclinical stage, included measurements of diffusing capacity and pulmonary elastic recoil. The 26 subjects with AAT concentration less than 150 mg/dl, were regarded as likely to comprise a majority of genotypes MZ and SS, and the 19 subjects with AAT concentration greater than 300 mg/dl were considered to comprise mainly MM. No difference in pulmonary function could be demonstrated between these two groups. Evidence of diminished pulmonary elastic recoil was found in nine smoking subjects whose AAT concentrations were normal and also in one young non‐smoking subject with moderately severe asthma, whose AAT concentration was 140 mg/dl. It is concluded that in a male working population, evidence of diminished pulmonary elastic recoil is not a function of AAT concentration.
Histocompatibility Antigens in Graves' Disease
Authors: Ford D. , Knight J. G. , Reeve J. K. , Stewart R. D. H. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryHistocompatibility antigen typing was undertaken in 100 Caucasian patients with Graves' disease (autoimmune thyrotoxicosis) and in 100 healthy Caucasian blood donors. Standard lymphocyte microcytotoxicity methods were used to test for the presence of 22 HL‐A antigens in all subjects. There was a significant difference between the groups in respect of the HL‐A 8 antigen which was present in 40 patients and in 25 controls (P < 0.0023). There was no significant difference between the patients and controls with respect to the frequency of occurrence of any of the other HL‐A antigens tested.
Evidence that Mouse Thyroid Stimulator does not Stimulate the Human Thyroid Gland
Authors: Adams D. D. , Kennedy T. H. , Stewart R. D. H. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryThyroid 131/ uptake and human thyroid stimulator (HTS) level were measured in 20 untreated thyrotoxic patients who also showed mouse thyroid stimulator (MTS) activity. The correlation between thyroid uptake and HTS level was highly significant (P < 0·005), the coefficient, r, being 0·66, comparable with the value 0·68 obtained in a previous study of patients not showing MTS. Thus, the presence of widely varying amounts of MTS does not impair the close correlation existing between HTS level and thyroid131/ uptake in thyrotoxic people. There was no correlation between MTS level and thyroid 131/ uptake (r = 0·11, n.s.). It is concluded that MTS, a potent stimulator of the thyroid glands of mice, guinea pigs and monkeys, does not stimulate the human thyroid gland.
T3 Toxicosis and its Relation to the Iodide Status in Singapore
Authors: Yeo Peter P. B. , Gwee H. M. , Tan N. B. , Ho C. L. , Cheah J. S. , Lee G. S. , Lim P. , Jacob E. , Tan Y. T. , Tambyah J. A. , Tan B. Y. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryBaseline thyroid function tests (including total serum thyroxine iodide‐T4I, total serum tri‐iodothyronine T3 as well as T3 Sephadex Uptake Studies (T3U)) were determined in 82 normal Asian subjects. In addition, another group of normal volunteers (39) were assessed as regards serum and 24‐hour urinary iodide levels to gauge the iodide status of the community; the results were comparable to that of goitre‐free regions of the world.Having established the range of values of normal thyroid function tests, 103 consecutive clinically thyrotoxic patients (both new and relapsed cases) were similarly studied in an attempt to elucidate the magnitude of the problem of T3 toxicosis, and its relation to the iodide status in Singapore. Only three clinically hyperthyroid patients were found to have normal PBI (protein‐bound iodine), T4I, T3U but raised T3 levels. A detailed analysis and discussion of the data is presented. It is concluded that T3 toxicosis is a rarity in Singapore.
Growth and Immune Function in Aboriginal Children during Recovery from Malnutrition and Infection
Authors: Ford G. W. , Belbin R. , Jose D. G. , Vorbach E. A. , Kirke D. K. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryThe clinical, nutritional progress and immunological changes of 30 Aboriginal children admitted to the Alice Springs Hospital with malnutrition and infection, and 11 adequately nourished children admitted with acute infection were studied. The initial toxic phase of infection lasted from six to 21 days during which the mean weight velocity of malnourished children averaged 8·8 g/kg/day. The subsequent period of nutritional rehabilitation was accompanied by a slower weight velocity of 3·7 g/kg/day up to a body weight at discharge of approximately 80% standard weight for age. The principal clinical form of malnutrition was moderate protein calorie malnutrition of marasmic type. All children showed laboratory evidence of persistent immunological stimulation with leukocytosis, elevated numbers of T and B lymphoid cells, raised erythrocyte sedimentation rates and hyperimmunoglobulinaemia. These findings were not significantly changed by short‐term antibiotic therapy and nutritional rehabilitation and may indicate an underlying defect resulting in the high rate of reinfection and readmission of these children.
Salmonella Typhimurium Colitis
Authors: Green P. H. R. , Middleton W. R. J. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryA patient in whom Salmonella typhimurium infection caused a localised colitis is described. Colitis has been demonstrated in experimental animals infected with S. typhimurium and noted at post mortem in patients dying from S. typhimurium infection. However colitis is an infrequently recognised feature of this infection in man, the usual diagnosis being one of gastroenteritis. There have been four other cases reported with radiological evidence of colonic involvement due to salmonella infection. Colitis probably occurs more frequently than is usually recognised in this condition and must be distinguished from ulcerative colitis.
Stressors affecting nursing students in Pakistan
Authors: Watson R. , Rehman S. , Ali P.A. 
Published: August 2017

AimTo determine factors contributing to stress experienced by preregistration nursing students in Pakistan, using the Stressors in Nursing Students scale. The aim was to explore the psychometric properties of this instrument and to investigate the effect of a range of demographic variables on the perception of stressors in nursing students.BackgroundNursing is a stressful profession, and nursing students may experience more stress due to competing demands and challenges of nursing education, assessment, placements and worries about employment prospects.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional survey, data from 726 nursing students from 11 schools of nursing in Karachi, Pakistan, were collected using a questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive as well inferential statistics. An exploratory factor analysis was also conducted.ResultsThere was no apparent factor structure to the Stressors in Nursing Students scale, unlike in previous studies. The total score on the Stressors in Nursing Students scale was related to gender with males scoring higher. The score generally increased over 4 years of the programme, and students in private schools of nursing scored higher than those in public schools of nursing.ConclusionNursing students in Pakistan do not appear to differentiate between different stressors, and this may be due to cultural differences in the students and to the structure of the programme and the articulation between the academic and clinical aspects. Likewise, cultural reasons may account for differences between stress experienced by male and female students.Implications for nursing and policyThe fact that scores on the Stressors in Nursing Students scale increased over 4 years of the programme and males scored higher than females should alert nursing schools and policymakers related to nursing education and workforce to pay attention to prevent attrition from nursing programmes.
Multi‐Factor Effective Corporate Taxation, Firms’ Mark‐Ups and Tax Incidence: Evidence from OECD Countries
Authors: Barrios Salvador , Nicodème Gaëtan , Fuentes A. Jesús Sánchez 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis paper provides novel evidence on the multi‐factor effective marginal tax rates (EMTRs) for a sample of 17 OECD countries and 11 manufacturing sectors. We use a single framework encompassing capital, labour and energy taxes. Our cross‐country/cross‐sector approach allows us to analyse the contributions of these input factors to the effective tax borne by firms, taking explicitly into account their degree of substitution, their tax incidence and the role of mark‐ups. We find that the labour tax plays a particularly important role in the overall level of the EMTR and that the presence of mark‐ups can significantly alter the levels of the multi‐factor EMTR, although without significantly altering the ranking of countries. We also find that the bulk of the variation in EMTRs is across countries, rather than across sectors (within countries).
The {110} reflection in X‐ray diffraction of MXene films: Misinterpretation and measurement via non‐standard orientation
Authors: Ghidiu Michael , Barsoum Michel W. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIt has been claimed that disappearance of the {110} reflection in powder X‐ray diffraction of MXene films and powders is indicative of shearing or general disorder of restacking of the flakes. Here we show this to be incorrect and provide experimental justification. The disappearance of this peak arises from a combination of sample texture and orientation. Furthermore, our methods provide a simple way to estimate a unit cell parameters when the relevant reflections are not present in most reports of MXene films.
Evidence of opposing fitness effects of parental heterozygosity and relatedness in a critically endangered marine turtle?
Authors: Phillips K. P. , Jorgensen T. H. , Jolliffe K. G. , Richardson D. S. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractHow individual genetic variability relates to fitness is important in understanding evolution and the processes affecting populations of conservation concern. Heterozygosity–fitness correlations (HFCs) have been widely used to study this link in wild populations, where key parameters that affect both variability and fitness, such as inbreeding, can be difficult to measure. We used estimates of parental heterozygosity and genetic similarity (‘relatedness’) derived from 32 microsatellite markers to explore the relationship between genetic variability and fitness in a population of the critically endangered hawksbill turtle,Eretmochelys imbricata. We found no effect of maternalMLH(multilocus heterozygosity) on clutch size or egg success rate, and no single‐locus effects. However, we found effects of paternalMLHand parental relatedness on egg success rate that interacted in a way that may result in both positive and negative effects of genetic variability. Multicollinearity in these tests was within safe limits, and null simulations suggested that the effect was not an artefact of using paternal genotypes reconstructed from large samples of offspring. Our results could imply a tension between inbreeding and outbreeding depression in this system, which is biologically feasible in turtles: female‐biased natal philopatry may elevate inbreeding risk and local adaptation, and both processes may be disrupted by male‐biased dispersal. Although this conclusion should be treated with caution due to a lack of significant identity disequilibrium, our study shows the importance of considering both positive and negative effects when assessing how variation in genetic variability affects fitness in wild systems.
Looks matter: changes in flower form affect pollination effectiveness in a sexually deceptive orchid
Authors: Rakosy D. , Cuervo M. , Paulus H. F. , Ayasse M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMany species of the sexually deceptive genus Ophrys are characterized by insect‐like flowers. Their form has been traditionally considered to play an important role in pollinator attraction and manipulation. Yet, the evolution of the floral form remains insufficiently understood. We hypothesize that pollinator‐mediated selection is essential for driving floral form evolution in Ophrys, but that form components are being subjected to varying selection pressures depending on their role in mediating interactions with pollinators. By using the Eucera‐pollinated Ophrys leochroma as a model, our aim has been to assess whether and in what manner pollination effectiveness is altered by experimental manipulation of the flower form. Our results show that floral form plays an essential and, so far, underestimated role in ensuring effective pollination by mechanically guiding pollinators towards the reproductive structures of the flower. Pollinators are significantly less effective in interacting with flowers having forms altered to resemble those of species pollinated by different hymenopteran genera. Further, those components used by pollinators as gripping points were found to be more effective in ensuring pollinia transfer than those with which pollinators do not directly interact. Thus, mechanically active and inactive components appear to be under different selection pressures. As a consequence, mechanically active components of the flower form could reflect adaptations to the interaction with particular pollinator groups, whereas mechanically inactive components can vary more freely. Disentangling selection patterns between the functionally different components of flower form may provide valuable insights into the mechanisms driving the morphological diversification of sexually deceptive pollination systems.
Apoptosis of Acanthamoeba castellanii Trophozoites Induced by Oleic Acid
Authors: Wu Duo , Qiao Ke , Feng Meng , Fu Yongfeng , Cai Junlong , Deng Yihong , Tachibana Hiroshi , Cheng Xunjia 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAcanthamoeba spp. can be parasitic in certain situations and are responsible for serious human infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and cutaneous acanthamoebiasis. We analyzed the fatty acid composition of Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and tested the inhibitory activity of the main fatty acids, oleic acid and arachidonic acid, in vitro. Oleic acid markedly inhibited the growth of A. castellanii, with trophozoite viability of 57.4% at a concentration of 200 μM. Caspase‐3 staining and annexin V assays showed that apoptotic death occurred in A. castellanii trophozoites. Quantitative PCR and dot blot analysis showed increased levels of metacaspase and interleukin‐1β converting enzyme, which is also an indication of apoptosis. In contrast, arachidonic acid showed negligible inhibition of growth of A. castellanii trophozoites. Stimulated expression of Atg3, Atg8 and LC3A/B genes and monodansylcadaverine labeling suggested that oleic acid induces apoptosis by triggering autophagy of trophozoites.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of the bacterial microbiota on lacustrine Cladophora glomerata (Chlorophyta)
Authors: Braus Michael J. , Graham Linda E. , Whitman Thea L. 
Published: August 2017

The branched periphytic green alga Cladophora glomerata, often abundant in nearshore waters of lakes and rivers worldwide, plays important ecosystem roles, some mediated by epibiotic microbiota that benefit from host‐provided surface, organic C, and O2. Previous microscopy and high‐throughput sequencing studies have indicated surprising epibiont taxonomic and functional diversity, but have not included adequate consideration of sample replication or the potential for spatial and temporal variation. Here, we report the results of 16S rRNA amplicon‐based phylum‐to‐genus taxonomic analysis of Cladophora‐associated bacterial epibiota sampled in replicate from three microsites and at six times during the open‐water season of 2014, from the same lake locale (Picnic Point, Lake Mendota, Dane Co., WI, USA) explored by high‐throughput sequencing studies in two previous years. Statistical methods were used to test null hypotheses that the bacterial community: (i) is homogeneous across microsites tested, and (ii) does not change over the course of a growth season or among successive years. Results indicated a dynamic microbial community that is more strongly influenced by sampling day during the growth season than by microsite variation. A surprising diversity of bacterial genera known to be associated with the key function of methane‐oxidation (methanotrophy), including relatively high‐abundance of Crenothrix, Methylomonas, Methylovulum, and Methylocaldum–showed intraseasonal and interannual variability possibly related to temperature differences, and microsite preferences possibly related to variation in methane abundance. By contrast, a core assemblage of bacterial genera seems to persist over a growth season and from year to year, possibly transmitted by a persistent attached host resting stage.
Microtubule‐organizing centers of Aspergillus nidulans are anchored at septa by a disordered protein
Authors: Zhang Ying , Gao Xiaolei , Manck Raphael , Schmid Marjorie , Osmani Aysha H. , Osmani Stephen A. , Takeshita Norio , Fischer Reinhard 
Published: August 2017

SummaryMicrotubule‐organizing centers (MTOCs) are large, multi‐subunit protein complexes. Schizosaccharomyces pombe harbors MTOCs at spindle pole bodies, transient MTOCs in the division plane (eMTOCs) and nuclear‐envelope associated MTOCs in interphase cells (iMTOCs). In the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans SPBs and septum‐associated MTOCs were described. Although comparable to S. pombe eMTOCs, A. nidulans sMTOCS are permanent septum‐associated structures. The composition of sMTOCs is poorly understood and how they are targeted to septa was unknown. Here, we show that in A. nidulans several SPB outer plaque proteins also locate to sMTOCs while other SPB proteins do not, including SfiA, a protein required for SPB duplication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and S. pombe and PcpA, the anchor for γ‐TuSCs at the SPB inner plaque. The A. nidulans disordered protein Spa18Mto2 and the centrosomin‐domain containing protein ApsBMto1 were required for recruiting the γ‐TuRC component GcpC to sMTOCs and for seeding MT formation from septa. Testing different septum‐associated proteins for a role in sMTOC function, Spa10 was identified. It forms a septal pore disc structure, recruits Spa18 and ApsB to septa and is required for sMTOC activity. This is the first evidence for a septum‐specific protein, Spa10, as anchor for a specific class of MTOCs.
Not all about sex: neural and biobehavioral functions of human dance
Authors: Christensen Julia F. , Cela‐Conde Camilo José , Gomila Antoni 
Published: August 2017

This paper provides an integrative review of neuroscientific and biobehavioral evidence about the effects of dance on the individual across cultural differences. Dance moves us, and many derive aesthetic pleasure from it. However, in addition—and beyond aesthetics—we propose that dance has noteworthy, deeper neurobiological effects. We first summarize evidence that illustrates the centrality of dance to human life indirectly from archaeology, comparative psychology, developmental psychology, and cross‐cultural psychology. Second, we review empirical evidence for six neural and biobehavioral functions of dance: (1) attentional focus/flow, (2) basic emotional experiences, (3) imagery, (4) communication, (5) self‐intimation, and (6) social cohesion. We discuss the reviewed evidence in relation to current debates in the field of empirical enquiry into the functions of human dance, questioning the positions that dance is (1) just for pleasure, (2) all about sex, (3) just for mood management and well‐being, and (4) for experts only.Being a young field, evidence is still piecemeal and inconclusive. This review aims to take a step toward a systematization of an emerging avenue of research: a neuro‐ and biobehavioral science of dance.
Ecological longevity of Polaskia chende (Cactaceae) seeds in the soil seed bank, seedling emergence and survival
Authors: Ordoñez‐Salanueva C. A. , Orozco‐Segovia A. , Canales‐Martínez M. , Seal C. E. , Pritchard H. W. , Flores‐Ortiz C. M. 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Soil seed banks are essential elements of plant population dynamics, enabling species to maintain genetic variability, withstand periods of adversity and persist over time, including for cactus species. However knowledge of the soil seed bank in cacti is scanty. In this study, over a 5‐year period we studied the seed bank dynamics, seedling emergence and nurse plant facilitation of Polaskia chende, an endemic columnar cactus of central Mexico.

P. chende seeds were collected for a wild population in Puebla, Mexico. Freshly collected seeds were sown at 25 °C and 12‐h photoperiod under white light, far‐red light and darkness. The collected seeds were divided in two lots, the first was stored in the laboratory and the second was use to bury seeds in open areas and beneath a shrub canopy. Seeds were exhumed periodically over 5 years. At the same time seeds were sown in open areas and beneath shrub canopies; seedling emergence and survival were recorded over different periods of time for 5 years.

The species forms long‐term persistent soil seed banks. The timing of seedling emergence via germination in the field was regulated by interaction between light, temperature and soil moisture. Seeds entered secondary dormancy at specific times according to the expression of environmental factors, demonstrating irregular dormancy cycling.

Seedling survival of P. chende was improved under Acacia constricta nurse plants. Finally, plant facilitation affected the soil seed bank dynamics as it promoted the formation of a soil seed bank, but not its persistence.