bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What positives can be taken from the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia?
Authors: Cornell S , Nickel B , Cvejic E , Bonner C , McCaffery KJ , Ayre J , Copp T , Batcup C , Isautier JMJ , Dakin T , Dodd RH
Published: December 2020

Objective

To investigate whether Australians have experienced any positive effects during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the disruption to society and daily life.

Methods

National online longitudinal survey. As part of a June 2020 survey, participants (n=1370) were asked ‘In your life, have you experienced any positive effects from the COVID-19 pandemic’ (yes/no), with a free-text explanation if yes, and also completed the WHO-Five well-being index. Differences were explored by demographic variables. Free-text responses were thematically coded.

Results

960 participants (70%) reported experiencing at least one positive effect during the COVID-19 pandemic. Living with others (p=.045) and employment situation (p<.001) at baseline (April), were associated with experiencing positive effects. Individuals working for pay from home were more likely to experience positive effects compared to those who were not working for pay (aOR=0.45, 95%CI: 0.32, 0.63, p<.001), or who were working for pay outside the home (aOR=0.40, 95%CI: 0.28, 0.58, p<.001). Age and education were not associated with positive effects when controlling for employment and household numbers. There was an overall effect of gender (p=.001), where those identifying as female were more likely than males (aOR=1.62, 95%CI: 1.25, 2.09) to report experiencing a positive effect. 54.2% of participants reported a sufficient level of wellbeing, 23.2% low wellbeing and a further 22.6% very low wellbeing. Of those experiencing positives, 945/960 (98%) provided an explanation. The three most common themes were ‘Family time’ (33%), ‘Work flexibility’ (29%), and ‘Calmer life’ (19%).

Conclusion

A large proportion of surveyed Australians reported positive effects resulting from changes to daily life due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. Enhancing these aspects may build community resilience to cope with future pandemic responses. The needs of people living alone, and of those having to work outside the home or who are unemployed, should be considered by health policy makers and employers in future pandemic preparedness efforts, as these groups were least likely to report positive experiences and may be more vulnerable.
Impaired phosphatidylethanolamine metabolism activates a reversible stress response that detects and resolves mutant mitochondrial precursors
Authors: Sam Pingdewinde N. , Calzada Elizabeth , Acoba Michelle Grace , Zhao Tian , Watanabe Yasunori , Nejatfard Anahita , Trinidad Jonathan C. , Shutt Timothy E. , Neal Sonya E. , Claypool Steven M.
Published: December 2020

Phosphatidylethanolamine made in mitochondria has long been recognized as an important precursor for phosphatidylcholine production that occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Recently, the strict mitochondrial localization of the enzyme that makes PE in the mitochondrion, phosphatidylserine decarboxylase 1 (Psd1), was questioned. Since a dual localization of Psd1 to the ER would have far-reaching implications, we initiated our study to independently re-assess the subcellular distribution of Psd1. Our results support the unavoidable conclusion that the vast majority, if not all, of functional Psd1 resides in the mitochondrion. Through our efforts, we discovered that mutant forms of Psd1 that impair a self-processing step needed for it to become functional are dually localized to the ER when expressed in a PE-limiting environment. We conclude that severely impaired cellular PE metabolism provokes an ER-assisted adaptive response that is capable of identifying and resolving nonfunctional mitochondrial precursors.
DETECTION OF SURFACE FORCES BY A CELL WALL MECHANOSENSOR
Authors: Neeli-Venkata Ramakanth , Celador Ruben , Sanchez Yolanda , Minc Nicolas
Published: December 2020

Surface receptors of animal cells, such as integrins, promote mechanosensation by forming local clusters as signaling hubs that transduce tensile forces. Walled cells of plants and fungi also feature surface sensors, with long extracellular domains embedded in their cell wall (CW), thought to detect CW injuries and promote repair. How these sensors probe surface forces remains unknown. By studying the conserved CW sensor Wsc1 in fission yeast, we uncovered the formation of micrometer-sized clusters at sites of local force application onto the CW. These clusters form within minutes of CW compression, in dose-dependence with mechanical stress and dissolve upon stress relaxation. Our data support that Wsc1 senses CW mechanical stress and accumulates to local sites of enhanced stress through its CW-associated extracellular WSC domain, independently of canonical polarity, trafficking and downstream CW regulatory pathways. Wsc1 may represent an autonomous module to detect and transduce local surface forces onto the CW.
Phylogeography of Ryukyu insular cicadas: Extensive vicariance by island isolation vs accidental dispersal by super typhoon
Authors: Osozawa Soichi , Kanai Kenichi , Fukuda Haruo , Wakabayashi John
Published: December 2020

Cicadas tend to be affected by vicariance reflecting poor mobility of nymphs underground and weak flying ability of adults. However, modern collection records of invasive cicada, combined with records of typhoon tracks, and newly obtained phylogeographic data suggest long distance, relatively instantaneous, dispersal of some vicariantly speciated cicadas. We address the importance of this typhoon dispersal mechanism applied to representative species of east Asian endemic cicadas ofCryptotympana,Mogannia,EuterpnosiaandMeimuna. We combine BEAST-dated phylogenic and haplotype network analyses, modern collection data of non-native cicadas available in reports of the Japanese insect associations, modern typhoon records by Japan Meteorological Agency, and our own Quaternary geological constriction data. In conclusion, although Ryukyu endemic cicadas were vicariantly speciated, endemic cicadas on some islands were accidentally dispersed long distances to another island by typhoons, particularly those associated with super typhoons generated since 1.55 Ma.
The apicoplast link to fever-survival and artemisinin-resistance in the malaria parasite
Authors: Zhang Min , Wang Chengqi , Oberstaller Jenna , Thomas Phaedra , Otto Thomas D. , Casandra Debora , Boyapalle Sandhya , Adapa Swamy R. , Xu Shulin , Button-Simons Katrina , Mayho Matthew , Rayner Julian C. , Ferdig Michael T. , Jiang Rays H. Y. , Adams John H.
Published: December 2020

Background

The emergence and spread ofPlasmodium falciparumparasites resistant to front-line antimalarial artemisinin-combination therapies (ACT) threatens to erase the considerable gains against the disease of the last decade. We developed a new large-scale phenotypic screening pipeline and used it to carry out the first large-scale forward-genetic phenotype screen inP. falciparumto identify genes that allow parasites to survive febrile temperatures.

Results

Screening identified more than 200P. falciparummutants with differential responses to increased temperature. These mutants were more likely to be sensitive to artemisinin derivatives as well as to heightened oxidative stress. Major processes critical forP. falciparumtolerance to febrile temperatures and artemisinin included highly essential, conserved pathways associated with protein-folding, heat-shock and proteasome-mediated degradation, and unexpectedly, isoprenoid biosynthesis, which originated from the ancestral genome of the parasite’s algal endosymbiont-derived plastid, the apicoplast. Apicoplast-targeted genes in general were up-regulated in response to heat shock, as were otherPlasmodiumgenes with orthologs in plant and algal genomes.

Conclusions

Plasmodium falciparumparasites appear to exploit their innate febrile-response mechanisms to mediate resistance to artemisinin. Both responses depend on endosymbiotic cynobacterium-related ancestral genes in the parasite’s genome, suggesting a link to the evolutionary origins ofPlasmodiumparasites in free-living ancestors.
SARS-CoV-2 Nsp16 activation mechanism and a cryptic pocket with pan-coronavirus antiviral potential
Authors: Vithani Neha , Ward Michael D. , Zimmerman Maxwell I. , Novak Borna , Borowsky Jonathan H. , Singh Sukrit , Bowman Gregory R.
Published: December 2020

Coronaviruses have caused multiple epidemics in the past two decades, in addition to the current COVID-19 pandemic that is severely damaging global health and the economy. Coronaviruses employ between twenty and thirty proteins to carry out their viral replication cycle including infection, immune evasion, and replication. Among these, nonstructural protein 16 (Nsp16), a 2’-O-methyltransferase, plays an essential role in immune evasion. Nsp16 achieves this by mimicking its human homolog, CMTr1, which methylates mRNA to enhance translation efficiency and distinguish self from other. Unlike human CMTr1, Nsp16 requires a binding partner, Nsp10, to activate its enzymatic activity. The requirement of this binding partner presents two questions that we investigate in this manuscript. First, how does Nsp10 activate Nsp16? While experimentally-derived structures of the active Nsp16/Nsp10 complex exist, structures of inactive, monomeric Nsp16 have yet to be solved. Therefore, it is unclear how Nsp10 activates Nsp16. Using over one millisecond of molecular dynamics simulations of both Nsp16 and its complex with Nsp10, we investigate how the presence of Nsp10 shifts Nsp16’s conformational ensemble in order to activate it. Second, guided by this activation mechanism and Markov state models (MSMs), we investigate if Nsp16 adopts inactive structures with cryptic pockets that, if targeted with a small molecule, could inhibit Nsp16 by stabilizing its inactive state. After identifying such a pocket in SARS-CoV-2 Nsp16, we show that this cryptic pocket also opens in SARS-CoV-1 and MERS, but not in human CMTr1. Therefore, it may be possible to develop pan-coronavirus antivirals that target this cryptic pocket.

Statement of Significance

Coronaviruses are a major threat to human health. These viruses employ molecular machines, called proteins, to infect host cells and replicate. Characterizing the structure and dynamics of these proteins could provide a basis for designing small molecule antivirals. In this work, we use computer simulations to understand the moving parts of an essential SARS-CoV-2 protein, understand how a binding partner turns it on and off, and identify a novel pocket that antivirals could target to shut this protein off. The pocket is also present in other coronaviruses but not in the related human protein, so it could be a valuable target for pan-coronavirus antivirals.
Effective host-directed therapy for tuberculosis by targeted depletion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells using a diphtheria toxin-based fusion protein
Authors: Parveen Sadiya , Lun Shichun , Urbanowski Michael E. , Cardin Mitchell , Murphy John R. , Bishai William R.
Published: December 2020

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are present in elevated numbers in TB patients and have been found to be permissive forMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) proliferation. To determine whether depletion of MDSCs may improve host control of TB, we used a novel diphtheria toxin-based fusion protein known as DABIL-4 that targets and depletes IL-4-receptor positive cells. We show that DABIL-4 depletes both PMN-MDSCs and M-MDSC in the mouse TB model, and that it reduces the lung bacillary burden ofMtb. These results indicate that MDSC-depleting therapies targeting the IL4 receptor are beneficial in TB and offer an avenue towards host-directed TB therapy.
Did people really drink bleach to prevent COVID-19? A tale of problematic respondents and a guide for measuring rare events in survey data
Authors: Litman Leib , Rosen Zohn , Rosenzweig Cheskie , Weinberger-Litman Sarah L. , Moss Aaron J. , Robinson Jonathan
Published: December 2020

Society is becoming increasingly dependent on survey research. However, surveys can be impacted by participants who are non-attentive, respond randomly to survey questions, and misrepresent who they are and their true attitudes. The impact that such respondents can have on public health research has rarely been systematically examined. In this study we examine whether Americans began to engage in dangerous cleaning practices to avoid Covid-19 infection. Prior findings reported by the CDC have suggested that people began to engage in highly dangerous cleaning practices during the Covid-19 pandemic, including ingesting household cleansers such as bleach. In a series of studies totaling close to 1400 respondents, we show that 80-90% of reports of household cleanser ingestion are made by problematic respondents. These respondents report impossible claims such as ‘recently having had a fatal heart attack’ and ‘eating concrete for its iron content’ at a similar rate to ingesting household cleaners. Additionally, respondents’ frequent misreading or misinterpreting the intent of questions accounted for the rest of such claims. Once inattentive, mischievous, and careless respondents are taken out of the analytic sample we find no evidence that people ingest cleansers to prevent Covid-19 infection. The relationship between dangerous cleaning practices and health outcomes also becomes non-significant once problematic respondents are taken out of the analytic sample. These results show that reported ingestion of household cleaners and other similar dangerous practices are an artifact of problematic respondent bias. The implications of these findings for public health and medical survey research, as well as best practices for avoiding problematic respondents in surveys are discussed.
The COVID University Challenge: a Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points Assessment of the Return of Students to Higher Education Establishments
Authors: Edmunds Kelly L. , Bowater Laura , Brainard Julii , de Coriolis Jean-Charles , Lake Iain , Malik Rimsha R. , Newark Lorraine , Ward Neil , Yeoman Kay , Hunter Paul R.
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted economies and societies throughout the world in 2020. Education was especially affected, with schools and universities widely closed for long periods. People under 25 years have the lowest risk of severe disease but their activities can be key to persistent ongoing community transmission. A challenge arose for how to provide education, including university level, without the activities of students increasing wider community SARS- CoV-2 infections.

We used a Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (HACCP) framework to assess the risks associated with university student activity and recommend how to mitigate these risks. This tool appealed because it relies on multi-agency collaboration and interdisciplinary expertise and yet is low cost, allowing rapid generation of evidence-based recommendations.

We identified key critical control points associated with university student’ activities, lifestyle and interaction patterns both on-and-off campus. Unacceptable contact thresholds and the most up-to-date guidance were used to identify levels of risk for potential SARS-CoV-2 transmission, as well as recommendations based on existing research and emerging evidence for strategies that can reduce the risks of transmission. Employing the preventative measures we suggest can reduce the risks of SARS-CoV-2 transmission among and from university students. Reduction of infectious disease transmission in this demographic will reduce overall community transmission, lower demands on health services and reduce risk of harm to clinically vulnerable individuals while allowing vital education activity to continue. HACCP assessment proved a flexible tool for risk analysis in a specific setting in response to an emerging infectious disease threat.
Cis-acting variation is common across regulatory layers but is often buffered during embryonic development
Authors: Floc'hlay Swann , Wong Emily S. , Zhao Bingqing , Viales Rebecca R. , Thomas-Chollier Morgane , Thieffry Denis , Garfield David A. , Furlong Eileen E.M.
Published: December 2020

Precise patterns of gene expression are driven by interactions between transcription factors, regulatory DNA sequences, and chromatin. How DNA mutations affecting any one of these regulatory “layers” are buffered or propagated to gene expression remains unclear. To address this, we quantified allele-specific changes in chromatin accessibility, histone modifications, and gene expression in F1 embryos generated from eight Drosophila crosses at three embryonic stages, yielding a comprehensive data set of 240 samples spanning multiple regulatory layers. Genetic variation (allelic imbalance) impacts gene expression more frequently than chromatin features, with metabolic and environmental response genes being most often affected. Allelic imbalance in cis-regulatory elements (enhancers) is common and highly heritable, yet its functional impact does not generally propagate to gene expression. When it does, genetic variation impacts RNA levels through two alternative mechanisms involving either H3K4me3 or chromatin accessibility and H3K27ac. Changes in RNA are more predictive of variation in H3K4me3 than vice versa, suggesting a role for H3K4me3 downstream from transcription. The impact of a substantial proportion of genetic variation is consistent across embryonic stages, with 50% of allelic imbalanced features at one stage being also imbalanced at subsequent developmental stages. Crucially, buffering, as well as the magnitude and evolutionary impact of genetic variants, is influenced by regulatory complexity (i.e., number of enhancers regulating a gene), with transcription factors being most robust to cis-acting, but most influenced by trans-acting, variation.
Local structure investigation of Co–Fe–Si–B ribbons by extended X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy
Authors: Deshmukh A. A. , Srivastava A. P. , Singh J. P. , Kumar Manish , Chae K. H. , Asokan K. , Palikundwar U. A.
Published: December 2020

In the present work, extended X-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) investigations of Co69Fe
x
Si21–x
B10 (x = 3, 5, 7) glassy ribbons were performed at the Co K-edge. The magnitude of the first peak of the Fourier transforms of the EXAFS signals is found to increase monotonically with increasing Si concentrations indicating the formation of the localized ordered structure at the atomic scale. The Co–Si coordination number (CN) increases at the expense of the CN of Co/Fe. Smaller interatomic distances are observed in the glassy phase compared with that in the crystalline phase which promotes the stability of the glassy phase. Calculations of the thermodynamic parameter (P
HSS), cohesive energy (E
C) and the atomic radius difference (δ) parameter show that the alloy composition Co69Fe3Si18B10 has a good glass-forming ability (GFA) with the highest CN of Si compared with other compositions. A linear correlation of CN with that of the GFA parameter (P
HSS) exists and the CN also plays a crucial role in the GFA of the glassy alloys. This parameter should be considered in developing different GFA criteria.
Two 3-amino-1H-pyrazol-2-ium salts containing organic anions, and an orthorhombic polymorph of 3-amino-1H-pyrazol-2-ium nitrate
Authors: Archana Sreeramapura D. , Kavitha Channappa N. , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Foro Sabine , Glidewell Christopher
Published: December 2020

Co-crystallization from methanol of 3-amino-1H-pyrazole with 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid produces 3-amino-1H-pyrazol-2-ium 3,5-dinitrobenzoate monohydrate, C3H6N3
+·C7H3N2O6
−·H2O, (I), while similar co-crystallization of this pyrazole with an equimolar quantity of fumaric acid produces bis(3-amino-1H-pyrazol-2-ium) fumarate–fumaric acid (1/1), 2C3H6N3
+·C4H2O4
2−·C4H4O4, (II). The reaction of 3-amino-1H-pyrazole with a dilute solution of nitric acid in methanol yields a second, orthorhombic polymorph of 3-amino-1H-pyrazol-2-ium nitrate, C3H6N3
+·NO3
−, (III). In each of (I)–(III), the bond distances in the cation provide evidence for extensive delocalization of the positive charge. In each of (I) and (II), an extensive series of O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds links the components into complex sheets, while in the structure of (III), the ions are linked by multiple N—H...O hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional arrangement. Comparisons are made with the structures of some related compounds.
Transnational immigrant entrepreneurship: effects of home-country entrepreneurial ecosystem factors
Authors: Duan Carson , Kotey Bernice , Sandhu Kamaljeet
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this theoretical paper is to explore how immigrants' home-country entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) factors impact transnational immigrant entrepreneurs (TIEs). The paper draws on the dual embeddedness and transnational entrepreneurship theories to explore how the home-country EE influences transnational immigrant entrepreneurship (TIE).

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopted a qualitative case study methodology involving content analysis of secondary data. It analyzed data set against the existing EE framework to constructively explore the home-country effects.

Findings

The findings reveal that all home-country EE domains and associated factors affect TIEs. The paper established six testable propositions with regard to the home-country EE domains: accessible market, human capital, social culture, infrastructure and business support and government policies. A number of new factors were identified for each home-country EE domain. Finally, the paper provided future research directions.

Research limitations/implications

Care has to be taken in generalizing the findings from this research due to the small sample of contemporary Chinese immigrants in Australia and New Zealand. The propositions also require empirical testing.

Practical implications

The findings contribute to the TIE literature by identifying new factors of the home-country EE and presenting testable propositions. The results have impact on immigration policies and programs.

Social implications

Transnational immigrant entrepreneurship can be a pathway to help immigrants to integrate into mainstream society. The findings from this article indirectly contribute to immigrant social development.

Originality/value

This original article fills research gaps by analyzing how home-country EE elements affect TIE. It reveals that the EE framework is effective for investigating it.
Improvement of C5.0 algorithm using internet of things with Bayesian principles for food traceability systems
Authors: Souprayen Balamurugan , Ayyanar Ayyasamy , K Suresh Joseph
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the food traceability is used to retain the good quality of raw material supply, diminish the loss and reduced system complexity.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed hybrid algorithm is for food traceability to make accurate predictions and enhanced period data. The operation of the internet of things is addressed to track and trace the food quality to check the data acquired from manufacturers and consumers.

Findings

In order to survive with the existing financial circumstances and the development of global food supply chain, the authors propose efficient food traceability techniques using the internet of things and obtain a solution for data prediction.

Originality/value

The operation of the internet of things is addressed to track and trace the food quality to check the data acquired from manufacturers and consumers. The experimental analysis depicts that proposed algorithm has high accuracy rate, less execution time and error rate.
Employee outcomes of supporting and valuing diversity: mediating role of diversity climate
Authors: Mansoor Sadia , Tran Phuong Anh , Ali Muhammad
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Diversity management is gaining attention in the organizations. This study aims to theorize and test a model linking efforts to support diversity and organizational value of diversity with job satisfaction and organizational identification and to propose that these relationships are mediated by an organization’s diversity climate.

Design/methodology/approach

Employee survey was used to collect data from employees at an Australian manufacturing organization. Structural equation modelling in AMOS was performed for the proposed model, controlling for age and gender.

Findings

The mediating role of diversity climate in the relationship of organizational value of diversity and outcomes (job satisfaction and organizational identification) is significant. The authors discuss theoretical, research and practical contributions.

Originality/value

The present study extends the literature by testing a mediation model derived from the signalling and social exchange theories.
Investor attention and the response of US stock market sectors to the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Smales Lee A.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

COVID-19 has had an immense impact on global stock markets, with no sector escaping its effects. Investor attention towards COVID-19 surged as the virus spread, the number of cases grew and its consequences imposed on everyday life. We assess whether this increase in investor attention may explain stock returns across different sectors during this unusual period.

Design/methodology/approach

We adopt the methodology of Da et al. (2015), using Google search volume (GSV) as a proxy for investor attention to examine the relationship between investor attention and stock returns across 11 sectors.

Findings

Our results demonstrate that heightened attention towards COVID-19 negatively influences US stock returns. However, relatively speaking, some sectors appear to have gained from the increased attention. This outperformance is centred in the sectors most likely to benefit (or likely to lose least) from the crisis and associated spending by households and government (i.e. consumer staples, healthcare and IT). Such results may be explained by an information discovery hypothesis in the sense that investors are searching online for information to enable a greater understanding of COVID-19's impact on relative stock sector performance.

Originality/value

While we do not claim that investor attention is the only driver of stock returns during this unique period, we do provide evidence that it contributes to the market impact and to the heterogeneity of returns across stock market sectors.
Numerical investigation on pile group efficiency embedded in soft clay
Authors: Ferchat Abdelkrim , Houhou Mohamed Nabil , Benmebarek Sadok
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the pile group efficiency based on the load-settlement response in soft clay conditions, considering several pile configurations using a variable number of piles and pile spacing. The overall objective of the present paper is to provide further insight into the mechanical response of the pile group and aim at helping the engineers in taking a logical path in an iterative design process for pile group efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the pile group efficiency, three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulations were performed using the finite-difference code FLAC3D.

Findings

The obtained numerical results are validated by comparing them to those of similar subgrade structure and in comparable geological conditions provided within the literature. The results indicated that although the bearing capacity of the pile group increases with increasing number of piles, the efficiency of the pile group is very important for a small number of piles. However, increasing of pile spacing has a positive effect on pile group efficiency depending on piles number and settlement level. The pertinence of the 3D numerical results of efficiency coefficient is judged by comparison with those obtained from the most popular formulas available in the literature.

Originality/value

A predicted model is also proposed which is validated with the obtained numerical results to a better goodness of fit.
The influence of species life history and distribution characteristics on species responses to habitat fragmentation in an urban landscape
Authors: Amburgey Staci M. , Miller David A. W. , Rochester Carlton J. , Delaney Katy S. , Riley Seth P. D. , Brehme Cheryl S. , Hathaway Stacie A. , Fisher Robert N.
Published: December 2020

Fragmentation within urbanized environments often leads to a loss of native species diversity; however, variation exists in responses among‐species and among‐populations within species.

We aimed to identify patterns in species biogeography in an urbanized landscape to understand anthropogenic effects on vertebrate communities and identify species that are more sensitive or resilient to landscape change.

We investigated patterns in species richness and species responses to fragmentation in southern Californian small vertebrate communities using multispecies occupancy models and determined factors associated with overall commonness and sensitivity to patch size for 45 small vertebrate species both among and within remaining non‐developed patches.

In general, smaller patches had fewer species, with amphibian species richness being particularly sensitive to patch size effects. Mammals were generally more common, occurring both in a greater proportion of patches and a higher proportion of the sites within occupied patches. Alternatively, amphibians were generally restricted to larger patches but were more ubiquitous within smaller patches when occupied. Species range size was positively correlated with how common a species was across and within patches, even when controlling for only patches that fell within a species' range. We found sensitivity to patch size was greater for more fecund species and depended on where the patch occurred within a species' range. While all taxa were more likely to occur in patches in the warmer portions of their ranges, amphibians and mammals were more sensitive to fragmentation in these warmer areas as compared to the rest of their ranges. Similarly, amphibians occurred at a smaller proportion of sites within patches in drier portions of their ranges. Mammals occurred at a higher proportion of sites that were also in drier portions of their range while reptiles did not differ in their sensitivity to patch size by range position.

We demonstrate that taxonomy, life history, range size and range position can predict commonness and sensitivity of species across this highly fragmented yet biodiverse landscape. The impacts of fragmentation on species communities within an urban landscape depend on scale, with differences emerging among and within species and populations.
Biologging reveals individual variation in behavioural predictability in the wild
Authors: Hertel Anne G. , Royauté Raphaël , Zedrosser Andreas , Mueller Thomas
Published: December 2020

Recent research highlights the ecological importance of individual variation in behavioural predictability. Individuals may not only differ in their average expression of a behavioural trait (their behavioural type) and in their ability to adjust behaviour to changing environmental conditions (individual plasticity), but also in their variability around their average behaviour (predictability). However, quantifying behavioural predictability in the wild has been challenging due to limitations of acquiring sufficient repeated behavioural measures.

We here demonstrate how common biologging data can be used to detect individual variation in behavioural predictability in the wild and reveal the coexistence of highly predictable individuals along with unpredictable individuals within the same population.

We repeatedly quantified two behaviours—daily movement distance and diurnal activity—in 62 female brown bears Ursus arctos tracked across 187 monitoring years. We calculated behavioural predictability over the short term (50 consecutive monitoring days within 1 year) and long term (across monitoring years) as the residual intra‐individual variability (rIIV) of behaviour around the behavioural reaction norm. We tested whether predictability varies systematically across average behavioural types and whether it is correlated across functionally distinct behaviours, that is, daily movement distance and amount of diurnal activity.

Brown bears showed individual variation in behavioural predictability from predictable to unpredictable individuals. For example, the standard deviation around the average daily movement distance within one monitoring year varied up to fivefold from 1.1 to 5.5 km across individuals. Individual predictability for both daily movement distance and diurnality was conserved across monitoring years. Individual predictability was correlated with behavioural type where individuals which were on average more diurnal and mobile were also more unpredictable in their behaviour. In contrast, more nocturnal individuals moved less and were more predictable in their behaviour. Finally, individual predictability in daily movement distance and diurnality was positively correlated, suggesting that individual predictability may be a quantitative trait in its own regard that could evolve and is underpinned by genetic variation.

Unpredictable individuals may cope better with stochastic events and unpredictability may hence be an adaptive behavioural response to increased predation risk. Coexistence of predictable and unpredictable individuals may therefore ensure adaptable and resilient populations.
Can we manage marine mammal bycatch effectively in low‐data environments?
Authors: Punt André E. , Siple Margaret C. , Francis Tessa B. , Hammond Philip S. , Heinemann Dennis , Long Kristy J. , Moore Jeff , Sepúlveda Maritza , Reeves Randall R. , Sigurðsson Guðjón Már , Víkingsson Gísli , Wade Paul R. , Williams Rob , Zerbini Alexandre N.
Published: December 2020

Determining acceptable rates of human‐caused mortality in low‐data situations is a concern for many taxa world‐wide. An established approach for determining acceptable levels of human‐caused mortality of marine mammals and other species of conservation concern is the Potential Biological Removal (PBR) framework, but PBR requires near‐unbiased estimates of absolute abundance, constraining its use in systems with limited data.

We develop three alternative methods for identifying acceptable levels of human‐caused mortality for long‐lived, slowly reproducing species, using indices of relative abundance combined with estimates of bycatch mortality in fisheries, and evaluate these methods using simulations similar to those used to develop PBR.

Across a variety of scenarios, the parameters of the three methods can be tuned to achieve conservation performance similar to that of PBR in scenarios that represent nearly ideal conditions. However, these methods produce lower and more variable bycatch mortality limits, depend upon reasonably accurate estimates of bycatch mortality and are more sensitive to uncertainties.

Synthesis and applications. Here we develop three alternative methods that expand the toolbox of approaches available for use in determining marine mammal conservation reference points for human‐caused mortality when it is not possible to apply the more standard, data‐hungry PBR approach. These approaches may be useful in supporting the establishment of new bycatch management programmes, or until estimates of absolute abundance become available.
The impact of terrorism on agriculture in African countries
Authors: Noubissi Edmond , Njangang Henri
Published: December 2020

Despite the key role of agricultural development in the fight against hunger and the achievement of food security, little is known on the cross‐country effect of terrorism on agriculture. At the same time, there is some tentative evidence suggesting that conflicts reduce agricultural inputs and outputs such as land, production and income. This paper contributes to this emerging literature by investigating how terrorism affects agriculture on a panel of 48 African countries over the period 1998–2016. Six terrorism indicators are used, namely: domestic terrorism, transnational terrorism, unclear terrorism, total terrorism, number of attacks and number of deaths due to terrorism. Three agricultural indicators are used, namely: inputs (consisting of agricultural land and labour) and output (consisting of agricultural productivity growth). Using the generalized method of moments, the following findings are established. First, while transnational terrorism, unclear terrorism, the number of attacks and the number of deaths due to terrorism are positively associated with agricultural land, domestic and total terrorism reduce agricultural land. Second, all the terrorism indicators are negatively associated with agricultural productivity growth and agricultural labour in African countries. Globally, terrorism and terrorist threats are causing a decline in agricultural activity in Africa.
Increasing Heroin‐Methamphetamine (Goofball) Use and Related Morbidity Among Seattle Area People Who Inject Drugs
Authors: Glick Sara N. , Klein Kathryn S. , Tinsley Joe , Golden Matthew R.
Published: December 2020

Background and Objectives

Methamphetamine use is increasing in the United States, potentially including the simultaneous injection of methamphetamine with heroin (goofball). We compared demographic, behavioral, contextual, and health factors among people who inject drugs (PWID) in the Seattle area and who reported that their main drug was goofball, heroin, or methamphetamine.

Methods

We used data from 2017 and 2019 cross‐sectional surveys of clients at Public Health—Seattle & King County's syringe services program (N = 792).

Results

Among PWID participants, 55.3% reported using goofball in the last 3 months, and the proportion reporting goofball as their main drug doubled between 2017 (10.3%) and 2019 (20.1%, P < .001). The goofball group had the highest proportions of people who were aged less than 30, women, homeless or unstably housed, and recently incarcerated. PWID whose main drug was goofball reported considerable health risks and morbidity. Witnessing an opioid overdose was most commonly reported by participants whose main drug was goofball. This group also reported naloxone possession and use in an overdose situation more than other participants. The majority of participants were interested in reducing or stopping their opioid and stimulant use.

Discussion and Conclusions

Among PWID, using goofball as a main drug doubled over 2 years and was characterized by contextual and individual factors that increase the risk of morbidity and mortality.

Scientific Significance

This is the first study to characterize goofball use as a main drug. Clinical and public health efforts to diminish morbidity associated with opioid use need to integrate interventions that address the co‐use of methamphetamine. (Am J Addict 2020;00:00–00)
Chorioamnionitis and neurodevelopmental outcome in very preterm infants from 2007 to 2017—a population‐based study
Authors: Konzett Karin , Riedl David , Stark Carmen , Simma Burkhard
Published: December 2020

Aim

The study compares neurodevelopmental outcome at 24 months corrected age of very preterm infants exposed to chorioamnionitis and controls. Peripartal parameters which may influence outcome are also investigated.

Methods

In this observational population‐based study, very preterm infants born between 2007 and 2017 were eligible (n = 466) and included if a histological placental examination and a complete neurodevelopmental assessment (Bayley Scale of Infant Development II or III) (n = 168) were performed. Secondary analyses were calculated to identify peripartal factors that significantly influence mental and psychomotor outcome.

Results

Included infants showed a mean MDI of 91.2 (SD = 20.7) and a mean PDI of 99.4 (SD = 14.8). Infants with (n = 71) and without (n = 97) chorioamnionitis did not statistically differ either with mean MDI (91.8 vs. 90.3 points; p = 0.29) or mean PDI (98.3 vs. 100.9 points; p = 0.81), even after controlling for gestational age, mean APGAR scores and administration of antenatal steroids. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia was identified as the most influential factor for both MDI (p = .024) and PDI (p = .004).

Conclusion

We could not find an effect of chorioamnionitis on neurodevelopmental outcome of very preterm infants over an eleven‐year period. Analysis shows that postnatal factors have higher impacts than does chorioamnionitis.
Sex differences in acromegaly at diagnosis: A nationwide cohort study and meta‐analysis of the literature
Authors: Dal Jakob , Skov Benedikte G. , Andersen Marianne , Feldt‐Rasmussen Ulla , Feltoft Claus L. , Karmisholt Jesper , Nielsen Eigil H. , Dekkers Olaf M. , Jørgensen Jens Otto L.
Published: December 2020

Objective

Data on sex differences in acromegaly at the time of diagnosis vary considerably between studies.

Design

A nationwide cohort study including all incident cases of acromegaly (1978–2010, n = 596) and a meta‐analysis on sex differences in active acromegaly (40 studies) were performed.

Method

Sex‐dependent differences in prevalence, age at diagnosis, diagnostic delay, pituitary adenoma size, insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐I) and growth hormone (GH) concentrations were estimated.

Results

The cohort study identified a balanced gender distribution (49.6% females) and a comparable age (years) at diagnosis (48.2 CI95% 46.5–49.8 (males) vs. 47.2 CI95% 45.5–48.9 (females), p = 0.4). The incidence rate significantly increased during the study period (R2 = 0.42, p < 0.01) and the gender ratio (F/M) changed from female predominance to an even ratio (SR: 1.4 vs. 0.9, p = 0.03). IGF‐ISDS was significantly lower in females compared to males, whereas neither nadir GH nor pituitary adenoma size differed between males and females.

In the meta‐analysis, the weighted percentage female was 53.3% (CI95% 51.5–55.2) with considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 85%) among the studies. The mean age difference at diagnosis between genders was 3.1 years (CI95% 1.9–4.4), and the diagnostic delay was longer in females by 0.9 years (CI95% −0.4 to 2.1). Serum IGF‐I levels were significantly lower in female patients, whereas nadir GH, and pituitary adenoma size were comparable.

Conclusion

There are only a minor sex differences in the epidemiology of acromegaly at the time of diagnosis except that female patients are slightly older and exhibit lower IGF‐I concentrations and a longer diagnostic delay.
Male erectile function after treatment for colorectal cancer: a population‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Laurberg Jens Reumert , Laurberg Viktoria Reumert , Elfeki Hossam , Jensen Jørgen Bjerggaard , Emmertsen Katrine J.
Published: December 2020

Aim

The aim of this work was to determine the knowledge gap in the field of erectile function (EF) after colorectal cancer surgery and investigate and compare long‐term male EF in colon and rectal cancer survivors in a national population.

Method

Danish male patients alive without evidence of recurrence who were treated for colon or rectal cancer between May 2001 and December 2014 were invited to participate. Using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score the derived dichotomized erectile dysfunction (ED) was defined as moderate/severe or no/mild. Patients were grouped based on type of surgery [colon resection, rectal resection (RR) or local resection] and stratified for stoma, preoperative radiotherapy (RT), age and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score.

Results

Of 10 037 eligible patients, 4334 responded (43.18%). The EF score was significantly lower for RR (mean 12.14) compared with both colon resection (mean 15.82) and local resection (mean 14.81) (p < 0.0001). No significant difference between colon resection and local resection was found (p = 0.29). Both a stoma and the use of RT were independent risk factors for ED. After excluding patients with stoma and RT and adjusting for age and ASA score, RR still had a higher risk of ED (OR 1.42, CI 1.20–1.67) compared with colon resection.

Conclusion

RR has a negative affect on EF. No difference between patients who underwent colon resection and local resection was found. RT and stoma were independent risk factors for ED.
Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma–associated IL‐33 rewires macrophage polarization towards M2 via activating ornithine decarboxylase
Authors: Mai Shijie , Liu Le , Jiang Jianjun , Ren Pengfei , Diao Dingwei , Wang Haofei , Cai Kaican
Published: December 2020

Background

The tumour microenvironment primarily constitutes macrophages in the form of an immunosuppressive M2 phenotype, which promotes tumour growth. Thus, the development of methodologies to rewire M2‐like tumour‐associated macrophages (TAMs) into the M1 phenotype, which inhibits tumour growth, might be a critical advancement in cancer immunotherapy research.

Methods

The expressions of IL‐33 and indicators related to macrophage polarization in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)–derived macrophages were determined. Inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) with small interfering RNA was used to analyse the phenotype of macrophage polarization and polyamine secretory signals. CCK‐8, wound‐healing and Transwell assays were used to detect the proliferation and migration of ECA109 cells in vitro. The tumour xenograft assay in nude mice was used to examine the role of IL‐33 in ESCC development in vivo.

Results

This study showed the substantially elevated IL‐33 expression in ESCC tissues compared with the normal tissues. Additionally, enhanced infiltration of M2‐like macrophages into the ESCC tumour tissue was also observed. We observed a strong correlation between the IL‐33 levels and the infiltration of M2‐like macrophages in ESCC tumours locally. Mechanistically, IL‐33 induces M2‐like macrophage polarization by activating ODC, a key enzyme that catalyses the synthesis of polyamines. Inhibition of ODC suppressed M2‐like macrophage polarization. Finally, in vivo, we confirmed that IL‐33 promotes tumour progression.

Conclusions

This study revealed an oncogenic role of IL‐33 by actively inducing M2‐like macrophage differentiation; thus, contributing to the formation of an immunosuppressive ESCC tumour microenvironment. Thus, IL‐33 could act as a novel target for cancer immunotherapies.