bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Necator americanus Ancylostoma secreted protein-2 (Na-ASP-2) selectively binds an ascaroside (ascr#3)
Authors: El Atab Ola , Darwiche Rabih , Truax Nathanyal J. , Schneiter Roger , Hull Kenneth G. , Romo Daniel , Asojo Oluwatoyin A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDuring their infective stages, hookworms release excretory-secretory (E-S) products, including small molecules and proteins, to help evade and suppress the host’s immune system. Small molecules found in E-S products of mammalian hookworms include nematode derived metabolites like ascarosides, which are composed of the sugar ascarylose linked to a fatty acid side chain. Ascarosides play vital roles in signaling, development, reproduction, and survival. The most abundant proteins found in hookworm E-S products are members of the protein family known asAncylostomasecreted protein (ASP). ASP belongs to the SCP/TAPS (sperm-coating protein / Tpx / antigen 5 / pathogenesis related-1 / Sc7) superfamily of proteins, members of which have previously been shown to bind to eicosanoids and fatty acids. These molecules are structurally similar to the fatty acid moieties of ascarosides. The objective of this study was to determine if the hookworm ASP;N. americanus Ancylostomasecreted protein 2 (Na-ASP-2) binds to the ascarosides or their fatty acid moieties. We describe investigations of our hypothesis that there is a functional relationship between the major secreted proteins and signaling small molecules found in hookworm E-S products. To accomplish this, several ascarosides and their fatty acid moieties were synthesized and tested forin vitrobinding toNa-ASP-2 using a ligand competition assay and microscale thermophoresis. Our results reveal that the fatty acid moieties of the ascarosides, bind specifically to the palmitic acid binding cavity ofNa-ASP-2. Additionally, ascr#3, an ascaroside that is present in mammalian hookworm E-S products binds to the palmitic acid binding cavity ofNa-ASP-2, whereas oscr#10 which is not found in hookworm E-S products does not bind. Future studies are required to determine the structural basis of ascaroside binding byNa-ASP-2 and to understand the physiological significance of these observations.
Driving Hierarchical Collagen Fiber Formation for Functional Tendon, Ligament, and Meniscus Replacement
Authors: Puetzer Jennifer L. , Ma Tianchi , Sallent Ignacio , Gelmi Amy , Stevens Molly M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHierarchical collagen fibers are the primary source of strength in musculoskeletal tendons, ligaments, and menisci. It has remained a challenge to develop these large fibers in engineered replacements orin vivoafter injury. The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of restrained cell-seeded high density collagen gels to drive hierarchical fiber formation for multiple musculoskeletal tissues. We found boundary conditions applied to high density collagen gels were capable of driving tenocytes, ligament fibroblasts, and meniscal fibrochondrocytes to develop native-sized hierarchical collagen fibers 20-40 µm in diameter. The collagen fibers organize similar to native collagen with native fibril banding patterns and hierarchical fiber bundles 50-350 µm in diameter by 6 weeks. Mirroring fiber organization, tensile properties of restrained samples improved significantly with time, reaching ∼1 MPa. Additionally, tendon, ligament, and meniscal cells produced significantly different sized fibers, different degrees of crimp, and different GAG concentrations, which corresponded with respective native tissue. To our knowledge, these are some of the largest, most organized fibers produced to datein vitro. Further, cells produced tissue specific hierarchical fibers, suggesting this system is a promising tool to better understand cellular regulation of fiber formation to better stimulate itin vivoafter injury.
Impact of community-based business model and competitive advantage on exports: evidence from diamond industry
Authors: Kumar Shubham , Kumar Deepak , Sengupta Keya , Giri Tapas Kumar 
Published: August 2020

Purpose
This study aims to examine the altering paradigms for two specific characteristics of the international diamond industry: community-based business model and competitive advantage and their impact and interaction effect.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses global value chain (GVC) analysis to understand the industry characteristics, social impacts and disruption in the international diamond industry. Further, normalized revealed comparative advantage is used to measure the competitiveness of different countries over time. Finally, stochastic frontier analysis is used to test the impact of the community-based business model and competitiveness on exports and estimate the technical efficiency.

Findings
The international diamond industry is witnessing changes in the business model, competitiveness, processes, policies and consumer behavior. While competitive advantage and community have a positive impact on exports, the relationship between competitive advantage and exports gets negatively moderated by the community. Further, insights from the GVC analysis indicate that though the industry is facing several disruptions and challenges, it has shown the unique quality of community reconfiguration and relocation.

Originality/value
This paper provides insights into the diamond industry facing multiple disruptions at various stages of GVC and contributes to the literature on international trade, community-based business models and GVC.
The legacy of stress: Coral bleaching impacts reproduction years later
Authors: Johnston Erika C. , Counsell Chelsie W. W. , Sale Tayler L. , Burgess Scott C. , Toonen Robert J. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

The extent to which populations persist under environmental stress depends on the reproductive output of individuals that survive the stress. In coral systems, corals bleach in response to stress from elevated water temperature. However, little is known of the extent to which thermal stress impairs the reproductive capacity of the survivors over the following years, limiting the capacity to predict how populations will persist in the Anthropocene.

Using histology to quantify the abundance and size of oocytes and spermaries per polyp, we tested how bleaching impairs the reproductive response of the coral Pocillopora meandrina over two reproductive seasons following the 2015 mass bleaching event in the Hawaiian Islands.

We found that smaller colonies not only had a greater probability of bleaching but also suffered greater reproductive impacts over a longer time. In contrast, larger colonies generated comparable reproductive output regardless of bleaching severity, although bleached colonies generated smaller oocytes the year after bleaching.

These results show that reproductive impacts of bleaching are more complex and size‐specific than commonly assumed. Therefore, estimates of bleaching mortality may underestimate the true impact of thermal stress on populations, especially as populations lose larger individuals from repeated and co‐occurring stressors.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Isotope analyses of amino acids in fungi and fungal feeding Diptera larvae allow differentiating ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi‐based food chains
Authors: Pollierer Melanie M. , Scheu Stefan , Tiunov Alexei V. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Both ectomycorrhizal (ECM) and saprotrophic fungi are fundamental to carbon and nutrient dynamics in forest ecosystems; however, the relative importance of these different fungal functional groups for higher trophic levels of the soil food web is virtually unknown.

To explore differences between fungal functional groups and their importance for higher trophic levels, we analysed isotopic composition of nitrogen and carbon in amino acids (AAs) and bulk tissue of leaf litter, fungi and fungal‐feeding Diptera larvae.

By accounting for isotopic variability of utilized substrates, compound‐specific isotope analyses of nitrogen in AAs yielded more realistic results for the trophic position of fungi than bulk isotope analyses, with converging trophic positions of saprotrophic and ECM fungi.

Saprotrophic and ECM fungi possessed different AA δ13C signatures separating fungal functional groups and their consumers in fingerprinting approaches, thereby allowing to trace energy fluxes from these basal resources to higher trophic levels.

A pronounced isotopic fractionation even in essential/source AAs of fungal‐feeding Diptera larvae necessitates further studies on tissue‐/compound‐specific isotopic differences in fungi and on potential supplementation by gut micro‐organisms.

The results highlight the potential of compound‐specific isotope analysis of amino acids to identify and integrate contributions of different fungal functional groups to higher trophic levels in soil food webs.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Waterbird seed‐dispersal networks are similarly nested but less modular than those of frugivorous birds, and not driven by functional traits
Authors: Sebastián‐González Esther , Lovas‐Kiss Ádám , Soons Merel B. , van den Broek Bas , Green Andy J. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Frugivory is widely recognized as vital for the dispersal of many plants. Moreover, plant species and their frugivorous dispersers form seed‐dispersal assemblages whose structure has important implications for the persistence and stability of the community. However, dispersal interactions between plants and non‐frugivorous animal groups such as waterbirds remain largely understudied.

We aimed to characterize the structure of waterbird seed‐dispersal networks, assess if this structure is similar to that of networks formed between frugivorous birds and fleshy‐fruited plants, and identify bird or plant functional traits important for the maintenance of network structure.

We used network analyses and data from four community‐level studies on waterbird gut contents, including 12 bird and 88 plant species. We compared the network structure of waterbirds to those from previous studies of frugivorous birds. We also related the contribution of each species to the network structure with functional traits (e.g. size, habitat requirements, diet).

Waterbird seed‐dispersal networks are similarly nested (i.e. specialists interact with a subset of those species that interact with generalists) but less modular (i.e. fewer semi‐independent groups of highly interacting species) than those of frugivores. Dabbling ducks, diving ducks and rallids did not separate into modules. The contribution of bird or plant species to network structure was not related to any functional trait.

Seed‐dispersal networks of waterbirds share some organizational patterns with those of frugivores, but the underlying processes are not related to functional traits. This is probably related to fundamental differences between waterbirds and frugivores in how seeds are ingested. Differences in the functional role of waterbirds for seed dispersal are likely driven by other processes such as differences in population size, movement, ecology or gut processing of seeds.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Root herbivory controls the effects of water availability on the partitioning between above‐ and below‐ground grass biomass
Authors: Franco André L. C. , Gherardi Laureano A. , de Tomasel Cecilia M. , Andriuzzi Walter S. , Ankrom Katharine E. , Bach Elizabeth M. , Guan Pingting , Sala Osvaldo E. , Wall Diana H. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe fraction of primary productivity allocated below‐ground accounts for a larger flow of carbon than above‐ground productivity in most grassland ecosystems. Here, we addressed the question of how root herbivory affects below‐ground allocation of a dominant shortgrass prairie grass in response to water availability. We predicted that high levels of root herbivory by nematodes, as seen under extreme drought in sub‐humid grasslands, would prevent the high allocation to root biomass normally expected in response to low water availability.We exposed blue gramaBouteloua gracilis, which accounts for most of the net primary productivity in the shortgrass steppe of the central and southern Great Plains, to three levels of water availability from extreme low to intermediate and extreme high crossed with a gradient of root­herbivore per cent abundance relative to the total nematode community in soil microcosms.As hypothesized, the effect of water availability on below‐ground biomass allocation was contingent on the proportion of root herbivores in the nematode community. The relationship between below‐ground biomass allocation and water availability was negative in the absence of root herbivory, but tended to reverse with increasing abundance of root feeders. Increasing abundance of root‐feeding nematodes prevented grasses from adjusting their allocation patterns towards root mass that would, in turn, increase water uptake under dry conditions. Therefore, below‐ground trophic interactions weakened plant responses and increased the negative effects of drought on plants.Our work suggests that plant responses to changes in precipitation result from complex interactions between the direct effect of precipitation and indirect effects through changes in the below‐ground trophic web. Such complex responses challenge current predictions of increasing plant biomass allocation below‐ground in water‐stressed grasslands, and deserve further investigation across ecosystems and in field conditions.A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Dynamic shifts in social network structure and composition within a breeding hybrid population
Authors: Zonana David M. , Gee Jennifer M. , Breed Michael D. , Doak Daniel F. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMating behaviour and the timing of reproduction can inhibit genetic exchange between closely related species; however, these reproductive barriers are challenging to measure within natural populations. Social network analysis provides promising tools for studying the social context of hybridization, and the exchange of genetic variation, more generally.We test how social networks within a hybrid population of CaliforniaCallipepla californicaand Gambel's quailCallipepla gambeliichange over discrete periods of a breeding season. We assess patterns of phenotypic and genotypic assortment, and ask whether altered associations between individuals (association rewiring), or changes to the composition of the population (individual turnover) drive network dynamics. We use genetic data to test whether social associations and relatedness between individuals correlate with patterns of parentage within the hybrid population.To achieve these aims, we combine RFID association data, phenotypic data and genomic measures with social network analyses. We adopt methods from the ecological network literature to quantify shifts in network structure and to partition changes into those due to individual turnover and association rewiring. We integrate genomic data into networks as node‐level attributes (ancestry) and edges (relatedness, parentage) to test links between social and parentage networks.We show that rewiring of associations between individuals that persist across network periods, rather than individual turnover, drives the majority of the changes in network structure throughout the breeding season, and that the traits involved in phenotypic/genotypic assortment were highly dynamic over time. Social networks were randomly assorted based on genetic ancestry, suggesting weak behavioural reproductive isolation within this hybrid population. Finally, we show that the strength of associations within the social network, but not levels of genetic relatedness, predicts patterns of parentage.Social networks play an important role in population processes such as the transmission of disease and information, yet there has been less focus on how networks influence the exchange of genetic variation. By integrating analyses of social structure, phenotypic assortment and reproductive outcomes within a hybrid zone, we demonstrate the utility of social networks for analysing links between social context and gene flow within wild populations.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis increases phosphorus uptake and productivity of mixtures of maize varieties compared to monocultures
Authors: Wang Xin‐Xin , Hoffland Ellis , Feng Gu , Kuyper Thomas W. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Ecological intensification seeks to achieve crop yield increases by intensifying complementary or facilitative interactions between plant species or varieties. Different species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) exhibit niche differentiation and show selectivity towards certain plants, which can further enhance complementarity. It is not clear whether in the presence of one AMF species, where mycelial networks connect crop species, opportunities for complementarity effects may be reduced.

We grew monocultures and mixtures of maize varieties in a greenhouse with one species of AMF, Funneliformis mosseae, during two consecutive years to investigate whether under such conditions the mycorrhizal symbiosis would affect complementarity and overyielding compared to non‐mycorrhizal plants.

Variety mixtures showed increased phosphatase activity and mycorrhizal colonization, enhanced phosphorus uptake and overyielding when plants were mycorrhizal. There was no overyielding when plants were non‐mycorrhizal. The increase in relative yield total was due to complementarity effects.

Synthesis and applications. Our study implies that appropriate agricultural management that enhances mycorrhizal fungal contribution to ecosystem services may result in overyielding in terms of yield or phosphorus uptake through mixing varieties within one crop species.
Hypothesis: The potential therapeutic role of nicorandil in COVID‐19
Authors: Ashour Hend , Elsayed Mohamed H. , Elmorsy Soha , Harb Inas A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAt present, there is yet no specific antiviral treatment or immunization against the newly identified human severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS‐CoV2) that results in a rapidly progressive pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). We believe in a crucial need for a clinical strategy to counteract this viral pandemic based on the known pathogenesis throughout the disease course. Evidence suggests that exaggerated patient's inflammatory response and oxidative stress are likely to aggravate the disease pathology. The resulting endothelial dysfunction further induces fibrosis and coagulopathy. These disturbances can generate severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) that can progress into respiratory and circulatory failure. Nicorandil is an anti‐anginal vasodilator drug acts by increasing nitric oxide bioavailability and opening of the KATP channel. Recently, nicorandil has been recognized to possess multiple protective effects against tissue injury. Here, we address a possible modulatory role of nicorandil against COVID‐19 pathogenesis. We hypothesise nicorandil would be an effective form of adjuvant therapy against COVID‐19.
Effects of maternal high‐fat/high sucrose diet on hepatic lipid metabolism in rat offspring
Authors: Ingvorsen Camilla , Lelliott Christopher J. , Brix Susanne , Hellgren Lars I. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMaternal obesity and/or high‐fat diet during pregnancy predispose the offspring to metabolic disease. It is however unclear how pre‐natal and post‐natal exposure respectively affect the risk of hepatic steatosis and the trajectory towards non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in the offspring. We investigate hepatic lipid metabolism and how these factors are related to metabolic outcome in new born and young rats. Rat dams were exposed to a high‐fat/high sucrose (HFHS) diet for 17 weeks prior to mating and during pregnancy. After birth, female offspring were killed and male offspring were cross‐fostered, creating four groups; Control‐born pups lactated by control (CC) or HFHS dams (CH) and HFHS‐born pups lactated by control (HC) or HFHS dams (HH). At 4 weeks of age, pups were killed and metabolic markers in plasma were assayed, together with hepatic lipid composition and expression of relevant genes. Female HFHS neonates had smaller livers at birth (P < .05), a reduced hepatic lipid content (P < .05) and altered lipid composition. The post‐natal environment dominated the metabolic profile in the male offspring at 4 weeks of age. Offspring exposed to a HFHS environment post‐natally had increased adiposity (P < .0001), increased hepatic triacylglycrol accumulation (P < .0001), and an altered lipid profile with elevated n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels (P < .0001) and a reduction in ceramide (P < .001) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) (P < .0001). In summary, maternal HFHS diet during gestation affects the hepatic lipid profile in neonates. The pre‐natal exposure becomes less pronounced in young male offspring at 4 weeks of age, where the post‐natal diet has the largest impact.
Professional boundary struggles in the context of healthcare change: the relational and symbolic constitution of nursing ethos in the space of possible professionalisation
Authors: Ernst Jette 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe paper draws on Bourdieu’s conceptualisation of the symbolic order and his little used concept of ethos in order to gain novel understandings of boundary struggles between nursing and medicine as well as internally in nursing. The constituents of boundary struggles are analysed in the context of healthcare transformation, focusing on organisational, institutional and political boundary undertakings. Changing conditions for boundary demarcations and professionalisation include a preference for evidence‐based knowledge and practice, seen as a remedy against common problems in health care. The paper shows how nurses use the changes in ‘the space of possible professionalisation’ in their struggle for professionalisation when they expand their scope of practice and embark on what is conceptualised as a curing ethos, where nursing is understood as a discipline performing practices that lead to cure. However, this is repudiated by the medical profession at all levels. Moreover, curing stands opposed to the caring ethos in nursing and boundary struggles surface as ‘ethos confrontation’ between caring‐ and curing‐oriented nurses in practice. The boundary struggles analysed in this paper raise important questions about healthcare manageability and the development of sustainable professional environments.