bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amino acid δ13C fingerprints of nearshore marine autotrophs are consistent across broad spatiotemporal scales: An intercontinental isotopic dataset and likely biochemical drivers
Authors: Elliott Smith Emma A. , Fox Michael D. , Fogel Marilyn L. , Newsome Seth D. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Carbon isotope fingerprinting, or multivariate analysis using δ13C values of individual compounds, is a powerful tool in ecological studies, particularly measurements of essential amino acids (EAA δ13C). Despite the widespread application of this technique, there has been little methodological validation to determine (a) whether multivariate EAA δ13C signatures (fingerprints) of primary producer groups vary across space and time and (b) what biochemical mechanisms drive these patterns.

Here, we evaluate the spatiotemporal consistency in EAA δ13C fingerprints among nearshore primary producers: Chlorophyta (Ulva sp.), Ochrophyta (kelps), particulate organic matter (POM) and phytoplankton, and Rhodophyta. We analysed 135 samples from 14 genera collected in Alaska, California and Chile. The collections included historical museum samples (1896–1980 CE) of the giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera. We employed canonical analysis of principal coordinates and generalized linear models (GLMs) to, respectively, characterize isotopic fingerprints and evaluate the effect of taxonomy, local upwelling regimes, ecological setting, and time on individual EAA δ13C values and associated fingerprints. We also calculated amino acid discrimination values (∆13C) to identify key biochemical pathways responsible for these patterns.

We found remarkable consistency in EAA δ13C fingerprints of marine algae across space and through time. Kelps and rhodophytes exhibited statistically distinct multivariate isotopic patterns regardless of geographical location, species identity or time (kelps). In contrast, isotopic fingerprints of POM/phytoplankton and Ulva overlapped substantially. GLMs indicated that producer family, presumably due to the presence/absence of carbon concentrating mechanisms, and site locality are important determinants of individual amino acid δ13C values. Taxonomy was also a key variable for EAA δ13C fingerprints. The calculated discrimination values suggest variation in (a) metabolism of pyruvate and oxaloacetate‐derived amino acids and (b) production of storage and structural carbohydrates are responsible for taxonomic differences in isotopic fingerprints.

We conclude EAA δ13C fingerprinting is a robust method for tracing the contribution of diverse primary producer taxa to coastal food webs. We show that this technique can be applied to modern and historical samples, as well as consumers collected across continental scales. The high fidelity of EAA δ13C multivariate patterns coupled with biochemical mechanisms provides a powerful framework for future studies of carbon flow across broad biogeographical and ecological contexts.

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Price wars in strategical price‐setting supergames: Application to the retail oil industry
Authors: Badra Yassine 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn the gasoline retailing industry, firms are divided into two classes: major integrated international firms and independent local ones. This paper seeks to define the optimal pricing strategy to adopt in a price war situation with the majors in one side and the locals in the other. A sequential infinite horizon game model assuming an initial state of tacit collusion with linear demand and total cost functions is developed. It turns out that the optimal strategy is discontinuous. The duopoly's profit maximisation is achieved with a collusion price higher than the competitive Nash price. Finally, statics comparatives show how the variations in the parameters of the model impact the pricing strategy of each firm, whether it is an international major firm or an independent local firm.
Long‐term results of laparoscopic Hassab's procedure for esophagogastric varices with portal hypertension
Authors: Fujisaki Hiroyuki , Fukami Yasuyuki , Arikawa Takashi , Saito Takuya , Osawa Takaaki , Komatsu Shunichiro , Kaneko Kenitiro , Kurokawa Tsuyoshi , Nonami Toshiaki , Sano Tsuyoshi 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIntroductionRecent reports have shown laparoscopic gastric devascularization and splenectomy (Hassab's procedure) to be a safe and effective treatment for esophagogastric varices with portal hypertension. However, the long‐term postoperative results remain unclear.MethodsBetween 2009 and 2015, 17 patients with portal hypertension and esophagogastric varices underwent laparoscopic Hassab's procedure at our institution. Two patients were lost to long‐term follow‐up (at least 2 years) and excluded. The remaining 15 patients' data and endoscopic findings were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsThe median postoperative follow‐up period was 56 months. The median spleen volume, operation time, blood loss, and length of postoperative hospital stay were 651 (320–1,265) mL, 305 (275–547) minutes, 347 (24–1,131) mL, and 20 (8–41) days, respectively. According to the endoscopic findings 1 year after surgery, the esophagogastric varices disappeared in three patients and improved in 12 patients. The median platelet count was significantly higher 1 year after surgery (19.7 × 104/dL) than before surgery (5.5 × 104/dL) (P < .001) and remained stable 2 years after surgery. Two patients died of liver disease. The remaining 13 patients, with a median postoperative follow‐up of 57 months, were alive without bleeding from esophagogastric varices.ConclusionLaparoscopic Hassab's procedure is a feasible treatment for esophagogastric varices with portal hypertension in terms of both short‐ and long‐term results.
Addressing racism in the healthcare encounter: The role of clinical ethics consultants
Authors: MacDuffie Katherine E. , Patneaude Arika , Bell Shaquita , Adiele Alicia , Makhija Neena , Wilfond Benjamin , Opel Douglas 
Published: February 2022

AbstractJustice is a core principle in bioethics, and a fair opportunity to achieve health is central to this principle. Racism and other forms of prejudice, discrimination, or bias directed against people on the basis of their membership in a particular racial or ethnic group are known contributors to health inequity, defined as unjust differences in health or access to care. Though hospital‐based ethics committees and consultation services routinely address issues of justice that arise in the course of patient care, there is variability in whether and how racism and other causes of health inequities are addressed. In this paper, we describe a novel structure and process for addressing health equity within clinical ethics consultation. In addition, we discuss the barriers and challenges to its success, many of which are rooted in the identities, norms and assumptions that underlie traditional clinical ethics consultation. We offer pragmatic recommendations and conclude with unresolved questions that remain as we work to adapt the structure of a clinical ethics consultation service to improve attention to issues of health equity and promote anti‐racism in patient care and institutional policy.
Heterozygote loss‐of‐function variants in the LRP5 gene cause familial exudative vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Zhao Rulian , Wang Shiyuan , Zhao Peiquan , Dai Erkuan , Zhang Xiang , Peng Li , He Yunqi , Yang Mu , Li Shujin , Yang Zhenglin 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundFamilial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is an inherited ocular disease with clinical manifestations of aberrant retinal vasculature. We aimed to identify novel causative variants responsible for FEVR and provided evidence for the genetic counselling of FEVR.MethodsWe applied whole‐exome sequencing (WES) on the genomic DNA samples from the probands and performed Sanger sequencing for variant validation. Western blot analysis and luciferase assays were performed to test the expression levels and the activity of mutant proteins.ResultsWe identified one novel heterozygous nonsense variant, and three novel heterozygous frameshift variants including c.1801G>T (p.G601*), c.1965delC (p.H656Tfs*41), c.4445delC (p.S1482Cfs*17), and c.4482delC (p.P1495Rfs*4), which disabled the function of LRP5 on the Norrin/β‐catenin signalling. Overexpression of variant‐carrying LRP5 proteins resulted in down regulation of the protein levels of β‐catenin and the Norrin/β‐catenin signalling target genes c‐Myc and Glut1.ConclusionOur study showed that four inherited LRP5 variants can cause autosomal dominant FEVR via down regulation of Norrin/β‐catenin signalling and expanded the spectrum of FEVR‐associated LRP5 variants.
World Christianity and Global Justice
Authors: Barreto Raimundo C. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis article raises the question of whether increasing emphasis on the reconfiguration of World Christianity hinders or helps ecumenical convivência. In doing this, it invites the reader to dive into contrasting views of World Christianity to find its potential to transform and even expand the notion of the oikoumene, especially through concerted attention to emerging demands of global justice – in particular, the demands of epistemic justice. Drawing on an intercultural dialogue involving a Candomblé practitioner and a Krenak Indigenous leader, the article advances the proposal of a liberative intercultural dialogue in response to lingering colonial disparities that continue to challenge Christians and non‐Christians today. It concludes that, if approached through proper lenses, World Christianity might point the way to ecumenical renewal and to the expansion of our understanding of the “ecumenical” in the coming decades.
World Christianity as a Critique of Whiteness in Theological Education
Authors: Parker Eve 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThere is a need to confront Christianity’s history of colonialism, conquest, empire, racism, and domination as a means of challenging the theological truth claims, curricula, and pedagogies that have enabled the West to construct a world where whiteness dominates. As whiteness is power, it enables Eurocentric and patriarchal theological epistemologies to dominate theological curricula and dehumanizes those who challenge the white norm. This paper suggests that World Christianity offers a potential emancipatory framework to deconstruct whiteness, arguing that teaching World Christianity(s) as a means of transformative pedagogy enables students to reinterpret the impact of whiteness in different places and periods of history, including the present day.
Dissertations into Practice: 10 years on, 40 articles later
Authors: Johnson Frances 
Published: February 2022

AbstractFrances Johnson, Regular Feature Editor, looks back on the first 10 years of student projects published in Dissertations into Practice. Forty articles later, she notes that the value of these short features, then as now, is in recognising the potential of student research to a wider audience and the implications of their research on practice.
Experiences and characteristics of men working in dental hygiene
Authors: Diaz Jeannette , Boyd Linda D. , Giblin‐Scanlon Lori , Smethers Robert , Vineyard Jared 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjective/PurposeThere is limited research available about men working in the profession of dental hygiene. The purpose of this study was to explore the characteristics and experiences of men in dental hygiene.MethodsCross‐sectional survey research was conducted with a purposive sample of male dental hygienists (n = 288). Participants were recruited via social media and snowball sampling. The survey was developed based on nursing literature and validated with a panel of experts with a final S‐CVI of 98.5%. Descriptive statistics and correlations were used for data analysis.ResultsThe completion rate was 80.9% (n = 233). Results revealed participants were more likely to be White (59.7%), hold an associate's entry‐level dental hygiene degree (60.9%) and work in a private practice dental setting (73.4%). Sixty‐one per cent reported full‐time employment, and 50% was satisfied or very satisfied with benefits offered by their place of employment. All three sources of gender discrimination (patients, co‐workers and employers) were related to experiencing a desire to leave the field. Experiencing gender discrimination from patients indicated a higher likelihood of desire to leave the field (49%) comparatively (33%), χ2 = 5.94, p = 0.02. Half of the respondents reported (56.7%) patients had refused to see them based on their gender.ConclusionThis research provides a snapshot of demographics and professional characteristics of male dental hygienists. Gender discrimination from patients emerged as an area that needs to be addressed in practice settings. It will be important to identify ways to make the profession more inviting to encourage men to join the profession.
House and cave edible bird’s nest: Characteristics and quality of sterilised beverages containing the selected bird’s nest
Authors: Chantakun Kasidate , Nilsuwan Krisana , Sripradit Autthapon , Benjakul Soottawat 
Published: February 2022

SummaryEdible bird’s nests (Bnest) collected from house and cave of eight provinces in the southern part of Thailand were characterised. Bnest from different locations had differences in Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and energy‐ dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy patterns but there was no distinctive difference in protein patterns. Crystallinity values of cave‐Bnest from Phatthalung province (PL‐C) and house‐Bnest from Songkhla province (SK‐H) (38.79% and 35.52%, respectively) were higher than those of other samples. PL‐C and SK‐H samples had different thermal behaviours, as determined by the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Both samples were used for the production of Bnest beverage using the retort process (121 °C for 11 min). Colour, soluble solid content, drained weight, and sterility were determined in both beverages. Average L*‐value and soluble solid content of SK‐H were higher than those of PL‐C (P < 0.05). Higher a* and b*‐values and drained weight were found in the latter. However, aerobic/anaerobic mesophiles and thermophiles were not detected in both samples. The beverage containing PL‐C generally showed higher acceptability for all attributes, especially appearance, texture, and overall likeness (P < 0.05), than that with SK‐H. Therefore, the habitat, where bird’s nest was collected, had a marked influence on the characteristics of both dried nest and resulting sterilised bird’s nest beverages.
Importance of considering interest in sex when evaluating satisfaction after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Kohada Yuki , Ito Jun , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Kusumoto Hiroki , Kukimoto Takashi , Mikami Jotaro , Hinata Nobuyuki , Sato Makoto 
Published: February 2022

ObjectivesTo assess the impact of patients’ interest in sex on the satisfaction after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy, longitudinal changes of urinary and sexual functions and bothers were evaluated.MethodsA total of 101 patients underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy in our institution. Based on sexual interest, they were divided into the high‐interest and low‐interest groups. Overall satisfaction, urinary function, urinary bother, sexual function, and sexual bother were evaluated using the expanded prostate cancer index composite questionnaire preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. We investigated the associations between the overall satisfaction and urinary function/urinary bother/sexual function/sexual bother scores (with higher score indicating better function and less impairment).ResultsIn the high‐interest group (n = 45), satisfaction correlated with high urinary function and urinary bother scores early after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (urinary function: 1 and 3 months, urinary bother: 3 months postoperatively; P < 0.05) and then with high sexual bother score thereafter (sexual bother at 6 and 12 months after surgery; P < 0.05). Sexual function score did not correlate with satisfaction. In the low‐interest group (n = 56), satisfaction correlated with high urinary function and urinary bother scores over time (urinary function: 3 and 6 months, urinary bother: at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively; P < 0.05). Neither sexual function nor sexual bother correlated with satisfaction postoperatively in the low‐interest group.ConclusionsThe impact of urinary and sexual functions and bothers on patients’ overall satisfaction differed between patients with high‐ and low‐interest in sex. The patient’s interest in sex should be considered when assessing satisfaction after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy.
La legislación laboral y su contribución a la segmentación del mercado de trabajo en América Latina
Authors: BENSUSÁN AREOUS Graciela 
Published: February 2022

ResumenUsando la tipología de regímenes laborales de Dingeldey et al. (2021), basada en tres funciones —estandarización, constitución de privilegios e igualación— se estudia la segmentación legal del trabajo en cinco países latinoamericanos (Argentina, Brasil, Chile, México y Uruguay), distinguiendo tres modalidades —ausencia de cobertura, trato diferenciado y elusión de las normas— que se traducen en desigualdad y precariedad laboral. Las legislaciones estudiadas cubren el trabajo asalariado pero no el independiente. La informalidad resulta de la falta de fiscalización y de un entorno productivo desfavorable. Se observan diferentes formas y grados de protección del empleo estándar y no estándar, así como reglas compensatorias junto a otras destinadas a eliminar el trato desigual.
Opening up new avenues for research on social power
Authors: Scholl Annika , Sassenberg Kai 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPower shapes relations within social contexts—often with relevant consequences for those lower and higher in power. To inspire novel ideas and dialogue on this topic, this special issue presents a collection of articles that illustrates important aspects of power research that have often received little attention to date. Specifically, we present four aspects that, from our perspective, for now as well as in the future can contribute to understanding the effects of power even better: (1) Going beyond main effects and considering contextual moderators; (2) Studying the mechanisms that bring the effects of social power about; (3) Examining the way those high in power behave towards each other; and (4) Taking into account that lay persons’ perception of power might affect how they deal with power. To conclude, while we already know many answers to how power shapes social interactions within hierarchies, there are also open questions that remain to be addressed in future research. This special issue gives four examples that may contribute towards targeting these future avenues — in the hope that many more research on aspects like this will follow.
The fear of big brother: The potential negative side‐effects of proctored exams
Authors: Conijn Rianne , Kleingeld Ad , Matzat Uwe , Snijders Chris 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundOnline and blended learning need an appropriate assessment strategy which ensures academic integrity. During the pandemic, many universities have chosen for online proctoring. Although some earlier examples suggest that online proctoring may reduce cheating, the potential side‐effects of proctoring are largely unknown.ObjectivesTherefore, this study aims to identify the effects of proctoring on students' self‐reported temptation to cheat and potentially undesirable side‐effects, including test anxiety, perceived exam difficulty, and performance. In addition, we examine which contextual and student characteristics affect test anxiety during online exams.MethodsFor this, we collected four waves of survey data throughout a year of teaching during the pandemic at one faculty of a Dutch university, resulting in a total sample of 1760 students within 105 courses.Results and ConclusionsMulti‐level analyses showed that while proctoring had no effect on the temptation to cheat, exam difficulty or performance, students reported higher levels of test anxiety. Some learning strategies, internet literacy, access to a reliable technology and a dedicated study space as well as gender and financial stress affect their test anxiety. To conclude, the decision to use online proctoring needs to consider the undesirable side‐effect on test anxiety. We discuss practical implications for university administrators, educational designers and teachers to reduce test anxiety.
Reproducibility and predictive value of a simple novel method to measure atrial fibrillation cycle length in persistent atrial fibrillation – FARS‐AF study
Authors: Spera Francesco , Rodriguez‐Mañero Moises , Baluja Aurora , Saenen Johan , Huybrechts Wim , Miljoen Hielko , Tijskens Maxime , Vandaele Lien , Wittock Anouk , Claeys Marc J. , Heidbuchel Hein , Sarkozy Andrea 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIntroductionDifferent methods are used for atrial fibrillation (AF) cycle length (CL) measurement with variable results. Previous studies of pulmonary vein (PV) CL measurement showed contradictory results on predicting PV isolation (PVI) efficacy. A novel simple method of measuring the average of 10 consecutive Fastest Atrial Repetitive Similar morphology signal (FARS10)‐CL to characterize local atrial activity rate was evaluated prospectively.MethodsThe intra‐observer reproducibility of FARS10‐CL and traditional AF‐CL measurement of continuously fragmented coronary sinus (CS) signals were tested. We prospectively enrolled 100 consecutive patients (62 ± 10 years, 72% male) undergoing wide antral PVI only ablation for persistent AF, measured PV‐FARS10‐CLs, and evaluated long‐term outcome.ResultsThe Kendall area correlation between repeated traditional AF‐CL measurements was −0.006 and between repeated FARS10‐CL measurements in the right and left atrial appendages, CS and PVs were 0.944, 0.859, 0.882, 0.675–0.955, respectively. Patients with recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmia had significantly longer fastest PV‐FARS10‐CL (172 ± 41 vs. 156 ± 41 ms, p = .047). Patients with high burden of spontaneous low‐voltage zone (LVZ) had significantly longer fastest PV‐FARS10‐CL. Freedom from recurrent tachyarrhythmia at 24 months was 85% versus 59% in patients with fastest PV‐FARS10‐CL ≤ 140 versus >140 ms, p = .0018, respectively. In multivariable analysis fastest PV‐FARS10‐CL ≤ 140 ms was the only significant predictor of freedom from recurrent tachyarrhythmia.ConclusionsFARS10‐CL measurements have a high reproducibility in contrast to traditional AF‐CL measurement of continuously fragmented CS signals. Patients with high burden of LVZ have longer fastest PV‐FARS10‐CLs. Fastest PV‐FARS10‐CL ≤ 140 ms is associated with a high success of wide antral PVI‐only ablation approach in persistent AF.
The Convergent procedure for AF: A surgeon's perspective
Authors: Kiankhooy Armin , McMenamy Maureen E. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe Converge IDE Trial demonstrated improved patient outcomes in a challenging persistent and long‐standing persistent atrial fibrillation population using a heart team hybrid approach with epicardial and endocardial staged ablations. Surgeons encounter unique circumstances with the surgical epicardial stage of the Convergent procedure which includes unfamiliarity with left atrial posterior anatomy, endoscopic/thoracoscopic visualization, minimally invasive left atrial appendage management, and expanded indications for the procedure. Overcoming these unique challenges is key to the adoption of the Convergent procedure as a critical off‐pump approach that should be part of the surgical armamentarium in the treatment of atrial fibrillation.