bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mutualistic cross-feeding in microbial systems generates bistability via an Allee effect
Authors: Vet Stefan , Gelens Lendert , Gonze Didier 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTMutualistic interactions are characterized by the positive influence that two species exert on each other. Such mutualism can lead to bistability. Depending on the initial population size species will either survive or go extinct. Various phenomenological models have been suggested to describe bistability in mutualistic systems. However, these models do not account for interaction mediators such as nutrients. In contrast, nutrient-explicit models do not provide an intuitive understanding of what causes bistability. Here, we reduce a theoretical nutrient-explicit model of two mutualistic cross-feeders in a chemostat, uncovering an explicit relation to a growth model with an Allee effect. We show that the dilution rate in the chemostat leads to bistability by turning a weak Allee effect into a strong Allee effect. This happens as long as there is more production than consumption of cross-fed nutrients. Thanks to the explicit relationship of the reduced model with the underlying experimental parameters, these results allow to predict the biological conditions that sustain or prevent the survival of mutualistic species.
Insights into the involvement of spliceosomal mutations in myelodysplastic disorders from an analysis of SACY-1/DDX41 inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Tsukamoto Tatsuya , Gearhart Micah D. , Kim Seongseop , Mekonnen Gemechu , Spike Caroline A. , Greenstein David 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTMutations affecting spliceosomal proteins are frequently found in hematological malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. DDX41/Abstrakt is a metazoan-specific spliceosomal DEAD-box RNA helicase found to be recurrently mutated in inherited myelodysplastic syndromes and in relapsing cases of acute myeloid leukemia. The genetic properties and genomic impacts of disease-causing missense mutations in DDX41 and other spliceosomal proteins have been uncertain. Here we conduct a comprehensive molecular genetic analysis of theC. elegansDDX41 ortholog, SACY-1. Our results reveal general essential functions for SACY-1 in both the germline and the soma, as well as specific functions affecting germline sex determination and cell cycle control. Certainsacy-1/DDX41mutations, including the R525H human oncogenic variant, confer antimorphic activity, suggesting that they compromise the function of the spliceosome. Consistent with these findings,sacy-1exhibits synthetic lethal interactions with several spliceosomal components, and biochemical analyses suggest that SACY-1 is a component of theC. elegansspliceosome. We used the auxin-inducible degradation system to analyze the impact of SACY-1 on the transcriptome using RNA sequencing. SACY-1 depletion impacts the transcriptome through splicing-independent and splicing-dependent mechanisms. The observed transcriptome changes suggest that disruption of spliceosomal function induces a stress response. Altered 3’ splice site usage represents the predominant splicing defect observed upon SACY-1 depletion, consistent with a role for SACY-1 as a second-step splicing factor. Missplicing events appear more prevalent in the soma than the germline, suggesting that surveillance mechanisms protect the germline from aberrant splicing.Author SummaryMutations affecting spliceosomal proteins are frequently found in hematological malignancies. DDX41/Abstrakt is a metazoan-specific spliceosomal DEAD-box RNA helicase recurrently mutated in inherited and relapsing myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. The genetic properties and genomic impacts of disease-causing mutations in spliceosomal proteins have been uncertain. Here we conduct a comprehensive molecular genetic analysis of theC. elegansDDX41 ortholog, SACY-1. Our results reveal that multiplesacy-1/DDX41missense mutations, including the R525H human oncogenic variant, exhibit antimorphic activity that likely compromises the function of the spliceosome. The genomic consequences of SACY-1 depletion include splicing-splicing-independent and splicing-dependent alterations in the transcriptome.
Supply chain risk mitigation in South Africa: a case study of Eskom
Authors: Jonathan Ellsworth Chouncey , Mafini Chengedzai , Bhadury Joyendu 
Published: December 2019

Purpose
Interferences to supply chains (SC), regardless of whether they are regular, unplanned or intentional, are progressively distorting SC execution. As such, risk mitigation in SCs has received sufficient attention in the academic literature. However, there is scant research done on this topic within the African context, and none on the SC of electrical energy on that continent. In an effort to address this gap, the purpose of this paper is to focus on the SC department of Eskom, the primary utility company of South Africa and one of the largest on the continent.

Design/methodology/approach
Adopting a non-probability sampling approach utilising the purposive sampling technique to choose the sampling components from the target population, data were collected through semi-structured interviews as well as additional documentation in various forms. Data interpretation and codification thereof were done using ATLAS.ti 8 from which ten themes emerged.

Findings
The ten themes that emerged from the analysis of data show that SC risks emanate from value streams, information and affiliations, SC activities and external situations. Furthermore, these are brought into relief within the African context through examples and quotes from Eskom managers.

Research limitations/implications
Based on the findings, the paper makes five major recommendations that would broadly apply not only to SC risk management (SCRM) in Eskom, but also other African utility companies.

Practical implications
Companies in emerging economies such as South Africa and other Sub-Saharan countries face a unique set of challenges with regards to SCRM. Some of these are identified in this paper and appropriate recommendations have been made.

Social implications
Being the largest utility provider in Africa, services offered by Eskom are vital for economic development of South Africa as well as neighbouring countries. As such, the findings of this paper as well as the recommendations have social implications for economic development in that country as well as the region.

Originality/value
While SC risk management has been studied extensively in the academic literature, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that attempts to study it within the context of South Africa with focal emphasis on one of the largest corporations in that country.
Economic empowerment of Iranian women through the internet
Authors: Golzard Vahideh 
Published: December 2019

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the extent to which the internet has created new opportunities for Iranian women in Tehran. It analyses both challenges and opportunities offered to Iranian women by the internet as a means of economic empowerment.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopts a qualitative approach and based on 13 semi-structured interviews with female internet users between the ages of 20 and 55 years. The qualitative data was collected through open-ended questions in face-to-face interviews. This study uses ethnography as a research tool to explore the question of whether the internet has made a difference in the economic lives of Iranian women.FindingsResult reveals that the internet and working online have significant impact on the economic lives of Tehrani women by enabling them to engage in new forms of online business. This technology is being used for online advertising to attract more clients, to establish business contacts with peers and to manage households positively.Research limitations/implicationsThe result of the research cannot be regarded as applicable to all women in Iran, as the opportunity to access online economic activities is only available to those women who are highly trained and well-educated. In addition, the result of the research may not reflect the barriers that women from different social classes and ethnic groups have faced in the achievement of economic empowerment online.Practical implicationsThe study highlights that due to a generally lack of computer proficiency, women in these areas are unable to effectively maximise their participation in the online economic sphere. This barrier must be removed by enhancing women’s computer literacy and ICT (information, communication and technologies) and establishing development networking programme centres for internet skills training.Originality/valueThe internet has created opportunity for Iranian women to expand their participation in the online economic sphere. However, research in the field of online economic activities in Iran, especially concerning women working online, is scant. The key contribution of this paper is to fill the gap in this area of study, in particular offering insights into the ways in which women use the internet to overcome the boundaries of physical space and become empowered.
A model for promoting student participation in school governance
Authors: Cheng Eric C.K. , Leung Yan Wing , Yuen Wai Wa , Tang Hei Hang Hayes 
Published: December 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight the urgent need for a genuinely effective and attainable citizenship education model in Hong Kong’s schools, which focusses on promoting student participation in school governance. It is an empirical citizenship education management model for school leaders that illustrates the predictive effects of personally responsible, participatory, justice-oriented and patriotic citizenship, necessarily supported by school management practices, school ethos and teacher beliefs.Design/methodology/approachA total of 3,209 students from 51 secondary schools in Hong Kong participated in a quasi-experimental design questionnaire survey. A structural equation model (SEM) was applied to confirm the model.FindingsThe results of the SEM show that the values and cultural practices held by a school’s teachers drive the implementation of its citizenship education. Moreover, it is well known that organizational values can exert a powerful influence and it is the same within educational structures: management practices in schools have an impact on ethos, teachers’ beliefs and student participation in school governance.Practical implicationsThe paper provides practical proposals for school leaders to create opportunities for student participation in school governance.Originality/valueThis study builds on existing literature and provides school leaders with a practical model for implementing student participation in school governance.
Examining the impact of perceived source credibility on attitudes and intentions towards taking advice from others on university choice
Authors: Wong Phoebe , Ng Peggy M.L. , Lee Daisy , Lam Regan 
Published: December 2019

PurposeUnderstanding the influences in the decision-making process of prospective students when choosing a university is crucial in student recruitment. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of perceived source credibility on attitudes and intentions towards taking advice from significant others (e.g. parents, peers and teachers) on university choice.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 626 samples from eight government-subsidised secondary schools were collected and tested using the component-based structural equation modelling of partial least squares.FindingsThe findings verified factors of source credibility that determine prospective students’ attitudes towards taking advice from others. Attitudes and subjective norms explained 49 per cent of the variance in intention to take advice from others on university choice. The findings of the present study provide practical marketing insights for enrolment and recruitment managers.Originality/valueWhile most studies focus on students’ university choice in the recruitment process, studies on perceived source credibility of significant others in the university choice decision-making process are limited.
Fair-weather liberals and loyal conservatives
Authors: Soderberg Andrew T. , Zhang Teng , Lytle Brad 
Published: December 2019

Purpose
Drawing on moral foundations theory, this paper aims to investigate the moral component of loyalty, a critical determinant of long-term organisational success.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper contains two studies using archival data gathered from the Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association in the USA.

Findings
This paper finds empirical support for the “ideology-loyalty hypothesis” – namely, fans in more politically conservative communities are more loyal to their professional sports teams than those in more liberal ones.

Originality/value
These findings contribute to a growing literature on the moral roots of organisational phenomena by providing evidence of community-level effects of political ideology on loyalty. Based on these findings, this paper suggests that when making strategic decisions (e.g. expansion into a new market), organisations need to pay attention to the political climate of the communities in which they operate (or intend to operate) to achieve and sustain organisational success.
Design, fabrication and characterization of LTCC micro-hotplates for gas-sensing application
Authors: Kulhari Lokesh , Chandran Achu , Ray Kanad , Khanna P.K. 
Published: December 2019

Purpose
Low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) technology-based micro-hotplates are of immense interest owing to their ruggedness, high temperature stability and reliability. The purpose of this paper is to study the role of thermal mass of LTCC-based micro-hotplates on the power consumption and temperature for gas-sensing applications.

Design/methodology/approach
The LTCC micro-hotplates with different thicknesses are designed and fabricated. The role of thermal mass on power consumption and temperature of these hotplates are simulated and experimentally studied. Also, a comparison study on the performance of LTCC and alumina-based hotplates of equivalent thickness is done. A thick film-sensing layer of tin oxide is coated on LTCC micro-hotplate and demonstrated for the sensing of commercial liquefied petroleum gas.

Findings
It is found from both simulation and experimental studies that the power consumption of LTCC hotplates was decreasing with the decrease in thermal mass to attain the same temperature. Also, the LTCC hotplates are less power-consuming than alumina-based one, owing to their superior thermal characteristics (low thermal conductivity, 3.3 W/ [m-K]).

Originality/value
This study will be beneficial for designing hotplates based on LTCC technology with low power consumption and better stability for gas-sensing applications.
Analysis of haemodynamics and angiogenic response to ischaemia in the obese type 2 diabetic model Spontaneously Diabetic Torii Leprfa (SDT fatty) rats
Authors: Murai Yasutaka , Sasase Tomohiko , Tadaki Hironobu , Heitaku Shiro , Imagawa Naoya , Yamada Takahisa , Ohta Takeshi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPeripheral artery disease (PAD) is defined as peripheral blood flow impairment, especially in the legs, caused by atherosclerotic stenosis. The disease decreases quality of life because of intermittent claudication or necrosis of the leg. The hindlimb ischaemia model, in which ischaemia is induced by femoral artery ligation, is often utilized as a PAD model. In the hindlimb ischaemia model, nonmetabolic syndrome animals are mainly used. In this study, we investigated the usefulness of Spontaneously Diabetic Torii Leprfa (SDT fatty) rats, a new model for obese type 2 diabetes, as a new PAD animal model. We found that hindlimb blood flow in SDT fatty rats was significantly lower than that in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats under nonischaemic conditions. Furthermore, SDT fatty rats showed a significantly higher plasma nitrogen oxide level, shorter prothrombin time, and shorter activated partial thromboplastin time than SD rats. In addition, we found that the change in blood flow 7 days after induction of hindlimb ischaemia and the number of Von Willebrand factor‐positive vessels in gastrocnemius muscles were significantly lower in SDT fatty rats than in SD rats. These results suggest that excess production of reactive oxygen species and coagulation activation could be involved in lower blood flow in non‐ischaemic rats and that decreased angiogenesis could be involved in the poor recovery of blood flow in SDT fatty rats with hindlimb ischaemia. Taken together, our results suggest that SDT fatty rats might be useful as a new model for PAD with metabolic syndrome.
Postmortem Diagnosis of Fatal Hypothermia by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis of Edema Fluid in Formalin‐Fixed, Paraffin‐Embedded Lung Tissues
Authors: Lin Hancheng , Guo Xiangshen , Luo Yiwen , Chen Yijiu , Zhao Rui , Guan Dawei , Wang Zhenyuan , Huang Ping 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe goal of this study was to investigate whether pulmonary edema could become a specific diagnostic marker for fatal hypothermia using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics. The spectral profile analysis indicated that hypothermia fatalities associated with pulmonary edema fluid contained more β‐sheet protein conformational structures than the control causes of death, which included sudden cardiac death, brain injury, cerebrovascular disease, mechanical asphyxiation, intoxication, and drowning. Subsequently, the results of principal component analysis (PCA) further revealed that the content of β‐sheet protein conformational structures in the pulmonary edema fluid was the main discriminatory marker between fatal hypothermia and the other causes of death. Ultimately, a robust postmortem diagnostic model for fatal hypothermia using a partial least‐squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) algorithm was constructed. Pulmonary edema fluid spectra collected from eight new forensic autopsy cases that did not participate in the construction of the diagnostic model were predicted using the model. The results showed the causes of death of all these eight cases were correctly classified. In conclusion, this preliminary study demonstrates that FTIR spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics could be a promising approach for the postmortem diagnosis of fatal hypothermia.
Improving emergency department transfer for patients arriving by ambulance: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Crilly Julia , Johnston Amy NB , Wallis Marianne , O'Dwyer John , Byrnes Joshua , Scuffham Paul , Zhang Ping , Bosley Emma , Chaboyer Wendy , Green David 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveExtended delays in the transfer of patients from ambulance to ED can compromise patient flow. The present study aimed to describe the relationship between the use of an Emergency Department Ambulance Off‐Load Nurse (EDAOLN) role, ED processes of care and cost effectiveness.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study over three periods of before (T1), during (T2) and after (T3) the introduction of the EDAOLN role in 2012. Ambulance, ED and cost data were linked and used for analysis. Processes of care measures analysed included: time to be seen by a doctor from ED arrival (primary outcome), ambulance‐ED offload compliance, proportion of patients seen within recommended triage timeframe, ED length of stay (LoS), proportion of patients transferred, admitted or discharged from the ED within 4 h and cost effectiveness.ResultsA total of 6045 people made 7010 presentations to the ED by ambulance over the study period. Several measures improved significantly between T1 and T2 including offload compliance (T1: 58%; T2: 63%), time to be seen (T1: 31 min; T2: 28 min), ED LoS (T1: 335 min; T2: 306 min), ED LoS <4 h (T1: 31%; T2: 33%). Some measures carried over into T3, albeit to a lesser extent. Post‐hoc analyses showed that outcomes improved most for less urgent patients. The annualised net cost of the EDAOLN (if funded from additional resources) of $130 721 could result in an annualised reduction of approximately 3912 h in waiting time to be seen by a doctor.ConclusionWith the EDAOLN role in place, slight outcome improvements in several key ambulance and ED efficiency criteria were noted. During times of ED crowding, the EDAOLN role may be one cost‐effective strategy to consider.
Purification of the Cry1Ac protein of Bacillus thuringiensis and assessment against the Plutella xylostella and soil microbial community
Authors: Jung Young Jun , Yoo Su‐Hyang , Choi Wonkyun , Lee Jung Ro , Moon Jeong Chan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe insecticidal toxin gene of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is the most commonly used to develop insect‐resistant living modified organisms (LMOs). Insecticidal proteins produced in transgenic plants are released into the soil from the roots. In this study, possible effects of crystal 1Ac (Cry1Ac) protein on the soil microbial community in Korea were studied. To purify the insoluble Cry1Ac protein expressing Escherichia coli cells, we performed repeated sonication and PBS washing of the insoluble part and Cry1Ac protein was isolated in soluble form from the insoluble form using 100 mM Na2CO3 buffer (pH 9.6) without affinity bead. Also, size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) was performed to increase the purity of the isolated Cry1Ac protein. The final protein product was identified as Cry1Ac protein through MALDI‐TOF. Insecticidal activity of Cry1Ac protein was demonstrated through the death of Plutella xylostella treated with Cry1Ac protein. Purely isolated Cry1Ac protein showed the same insecticidal activity as Cry1Ac expressed in LM crops. To investigate the change of soil microbial distribution using maize field soils treated with Cry1Ac protein, we isolated high quality metagenomic DNAs from buffer‐ and Cry1Ac protein‐treated soil groups, and analyzed the distribution of soil microorganisms through next‐generation sequencing (NGS) analysis. NGS results showed a similar microbial distribution in both buffer‐ and Cry1Ac protein‐treated samples. These results suggest a useful risk assessment method for domestic targeted insect and soil microorganisms using the Cry1Ac protein.
Effect of pretreatment with paste and sauce extract made using Tenebrio molitor larvae on ethanol‐damaged HepG2 cells
Authors: Hwang Dooseon , Lee Woo Seok , Goo Tae‐Won , Park Seung‐Won , Yun Eun‐Young 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn this study, we made koji using protein‐rich Tenebrio molitor larvae (TML) inoculated with Aspergillus oryzae, and then used the koji to prepare a paste and a sauce. The TML koji showed the highest amino nitrogen, protease activity, and free amino acids content when it was fermented for 72 h after inoculation with 0.8% A. oryzae. The koji was aged in 20% saltwater for 50 days, and then the paste and sauce were separated. To evaluate the effect of TML paste and sauce on ethanol (EtOH)‐damaged hepatocytes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) were measured in EtOH‐treated HepG2 cells after pretreatment with TML paste and sauce extract. As a result, we confirmed that TML paste and sauce extracts lowered the AST and ALT content in the medium, compared to soybean sauce and paste extracts. TML paste and sauce extract significantly reduced the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐6, a biomarker of inflammation, and significantly increased the activity of the antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in proportion to the amount of TML added to the paste and sauce. These results suggest that the intake of TML paste and sauce, a new type of fermented food made from insects, may provide effective protection to the liver against hepatocyte injury by EtOH via anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative effects.