bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Hemorheological Parameters as Biomarkers of Calcium Metabolism and Insulin Resistance in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Farber Paulo L. , Dias Ana , Freitas Teresa , Pinho Ana C. , Viggiano Diego , Saldanha Carlota , Silva-Herdade Ana S. 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDCalcium, vitamin D and insulin resistance are linked to osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease in menopause.OBJECTIVEDetermine if hemorheological parameters related to blood viscosity in microcirculation are linked to calcium metabolism and insulin resistance in menopause.METHODS25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D), Parathyroid Hormone, ionized calcium, Glucose, Insulin and Hemoglobin A1c were measured in blood from 43 volunteers. Red blood cells (RBC) aggregation, RBC deformability and Whole Blood Viscosity were also performed.RESULTS25(OH)D showed a positive correlation with RBC deformability 0.60 Pa. Subjects with 25(OH)D ≤ 29.00 ng/mL had lower RBC deformability 0.60 Pa. and higher RBC Aggregation and higher HOMA-IR. Ionized calcium showed a negative correlation with RBC Aggregation. Subjects with ionized calcium ≤1.24 mmol/L showed higher RBC Aggregation. There was a positive correlation between HOMA-IR and RBC Aggregation and HOMA-IR showed a negative correlation with RBC deformability 0.30 Pa. Subjects with HOMA-IR<1.80 showed lower RBC aggregation and higher RBC deformability at 0.30 Pa, 0.60 Pa, 1.20 Pa, 3.0 Pa and 6.0 Pa.CONCLUSIONLow 25(OH)D, low ionized calcium and high HOMA-IR are related to impaired hemorheology in menopause. RBC aggregation and deformability can be used as biomarkers of calcium metabolism and insulin resistance in menopause.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and resistance: Correlates in a nationally representative longitudinal survey of the Australian population
Authors: Edwards Ben , Biddle Nicholas , Gray Matthew , Sollis Kate 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundHigh levels of vaccination coverage in populations will be required even with vaccines that have high levels of effectiveness to prevent and stop outbreaks of coronavirus. The World Health Organisation has suggested that governments take a proactive response to vaccine hesitancy ‘hotspots’ based on social and behavioural insights.MethodsRepresentative longitudinal online survey of over 3000 adults from Australia that examines the demographic, attitudinal, political and social attitudes and COVID-19 health behavior correlates of vaccine hesitance and resistance to a COVID-19 vaccine.ResultsOverall, 59% would definitely get the vaccine, 29% had low levels of hesitancy, 7% had high levels of hesitancy and 6% were resistant. Females, those living in disadvantaged areas, those who reported that risks of COVID-19 was overstated, those who had more populist views and higher levels of religiosity were more likely to be hesitant or resistant while those who had higher levels of household income, those who had higher levels of social distancing, who downloaded the COVID-Safe App, who had more confidence in their state or territory government or confidence in their hospitals, or were more supportive of migration were more likely to intend to get vaccinated.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that vaccine hesitancy, which accounts for a significant proportion of the population can be addressed by public health messaging but for a significant minority of the population with strongly held beliefs, alternative policy measures may well be needed to achieve sufficient vaccination coverage to end the pandemic.
Biotic homogenisation in bird communities leads to large-scale changes in species associations
Authors: Rigal Stanislas , Devictor Vincent , Gaüzère Pierre , Kéfi Sonia , Forsman Jukka T , Kajanus MIra H , Mönkkönen Mikko , Dakos Vasilis 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimThe impact of global change on biodiversity is commonly assessed in terms of changes in species distributions, community richness and community composition. Whether and how much associations between species,i.e. the degree of correlation in their spatial co-occurrence, are also changing is much less documented and mostly limited to local studies of ecological networks. In this study, we quantify changes in large-scale patterns of species associations in bird communities in relation to changes in species composition.LocationFrance.Time period2001-2017.Major taxa studiedCommon breeding birds.MethodsWe use network approaches to build three community-aggregated indices reflecting complementary aspects of species association networks. We characterise the spatio-temporal dynamics of these indices using a large-scale and high-resolution dataset of bird co-abundances of 109 species monitored for 17 years (2001-2017) from 1,969 sites across France. We finally test whether spatial and temporal changes in species association networks are related to species homogenisation estimated as the spatio-temporal dynamics of β-diversity and the proportion of habitat generalists. The consistency of these relationships is tested across three main habitats, namely woodland, grassland and human settlements.ResultsWe document a directional change in association-based indices in response to modifications in β-diversity and in the proportion of generalists in space and time. Weaker associations and sparser networks were related to lower β-diversity and a higher proportion of generalists, suggesting an overlooked aspect of biotic homogenisation affecting species associations. We report that this overall pattern is not constant across habitats, with opposite relationships between biotic homogenisation and change in species association networks in urban versus forest communities suggesting distinct homogenisation processes.Main ConclusionsAlthough species association contain only partial signatures of species interactions, our study highlights that biotic homogenisation translates to finer changes in community structure by affecting the number, strength and type of species associations.
Triplex and other DNA motifs show motif-specific associations with mitochondrial DNA deletions and species lifespan
Authors: Pabis Kamil 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTThe “theory of resistant biomolecules” posits that long-lived species show resistance to molecular damage at the level of their biomolecules. Here, we test this hypothesis in the context of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) as it implies that predicted mutagenic DNA motifs should be inversely correlated with species maximum lifespan (MLS).First, we confirmed that guanine-quadruplex and direct repeat (DR) motifs are mutagenic, as they associate with mtDNA deletions in the human major arc of mtDNA, while also adding mirror repeat (MR) and intramolecular triplex motifs to a growing list of potentially mutagenic features. What is more, triplex motifs showed disease-specific associations with deletions and an apparent interaction with guanine-quadruplex motifs.Surprisingly, even though DR, MR and guanine-quadruplex motifs were associated with mtDNA deletions, their correlation with MLS was explained by the biased base composition of mtDNA. Only triplex motifs negatively correlated with MLS even after adjusting for body mass, phylogeny, mtDNA base composition and effective number of codons.Taken together, our work highlights the importance of base composition for the comparative biogerontology of mtDNA and suggests that future research on mitochondrial triplex motifs is warranted.
Augmented hip proprioception influences mediolateral foot placement during walking
Authors: Knapp Holly A. , Sobolewski Blaire A. , Dean Jesse C. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractHip abductor proprioception contributes to the control of mediolateral foot placement, which varies with step-by-step fluctuations in pelvis dynamics. While prior work has used hip abductor vibration as a sensory perturbation to investigate this role of hip proprioception, we here tested whether time-varying vibration can predictably manipulate the relationship between pelvis dynamics and foot placement. We compared participants’ (n=32; divided into two groups of 16 with slightly different vibration control) gait behavior across four treadmill walking conditions: 1) No feedback; 2) Random feedback, with vibration unrelated to pelvis motion; 3) Augmented feedback, with vibration designed to evoke proprioceptive feedback paralleling the actual pelvis motion; 4) Disrupted feedback, with vibration designed to evoke proprioceptive feedback inversely related to pelvis motion. We hypothesized that the relationship between pelvis dynamics and foot placement would be strengthened by Augmented feedback but weakened by Disrupted feedback. For both participant groups, the strength of the relationship between pelvis dynamics at the start of a step and foot placement at the end of a step was significantly (p≤0.0002) influenced by the feedback condition. This metric was highest with Augmented feedback, but not significantly reduced with Disrupted feedback, partially supporting our hypotheses. Our approach to augmenting proprioceptive feedback during gait may have implications for clinical populations with a weakened relationship between pelvis motion and foot placement.
Robust vestibular self-motion signals in macaque posterior cingulate region
Authors: Liu Bingyu , Tian Qingyang , Gu Yong 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSelf-motion signals, distributed ubiquitously across parietal-temporal lobes, propagate to limbic hippocampal system for vector-based navigation via hubs including posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and retrosplenial cortex (RSC). Although numerous studies have indicated that posterior cingulate areas are involved in spatial tasks, it is unclear about how their neurons represent self-motion signals. By providing translation and rotation stimuli to macaques on a 6-degree-of-freedom motion platform, we discovered robust vestibular responses in PCC. A combined 3-dimensional spatiotemporal model captured data well and revealed multiple temporal components including velocity, acceleration, jerk, and position. The former three signals, but not position, conveyed consistent spatial information. Compared to PCC, RSC contained moderate vestibular temporal modulations and lacked significant spatial tuning. Visual self-motion signals were much weaker in both regions compared to the vestibular signals. We conclude that macaque posterior cingulate region carries vestibular-dominant self-motion signals with plentiful temporal components that could be useful for path integration.
A Bayesian semi-parametric model for thermal proteome profiling
Authors: Fang Siqi , Kirk Paul D.W. , Bantscheff Marcus , Lilley Kathryn S. , Crook Oliver M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe thermal stability of proteins can be altered when they interact with small molecules, other biomolecules or are subject to post-translation modifications. Thus monitoring the thermal stability of proteins under various cellular perturbations can provide insights into protein function, as well as potentially determine drug targets and off-targets. Thermal proteome profiling is a highly multiplexed mass-spectrommetry method for monitoring the melting behaviour of thousands of proteins in a single experiment. In essence, thermal proteome profiling assumes that proteins denature upon heating and hence become insoluble. Thus, by tracking the relative solubility of proteins at sequentially increasing temperatures, one can report on the thermal stability of a protein. Standard thermodynamics predicts a sigmoidal relationship between temperature and relative solubility and this is the basis of current robust statistical procedures. However, current methods do not model deviations from this behaviour and they do not quantify uncertainty in the melting profiles. To overcome these challenges, we propose the application of Bayesian functional data analysis tools which allow complex temperature-solubility behaviours. Our methods have improved sensitivity over the state-of-the art, identify new drug-protein associations and have less restrictive assumptions than current approaches. Our methods allows for comprehensive analysis of proteins that deviate from the predicted sigmoid behaviour and we uncover potentially biphasic phenomena with a series of published datasets.
Role of the Matrix-Capsid Cleavage Site Polymorphism S124V of HIV-1 Sub-subtype A2 in Gag Polyprotein Processing
Authors: Mavian Carla , Coman Roxana M , Dunn Ben M , Goodenow Maureen M 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSubtype C and A HIV-1 strains dominate the epidemic in Africa and Asia, while sub-subtype A2 is found at low frequency only in West Africa. To relate Gag processingin vitrowith viral fitness, viral protease (PR) enzymatic activity andin vitroGag processing were evaluated. The rate of sub-subtype A2 Gag polyprotein processing, as production of the p24 protein, was reduced compared to subtype B or C independent of PR subtype, indicating that subtype A2 Gag qualitatively differed from other subtypes. Introduction of subtype B matrix-capsid cleavage site in sub-subtype A2 Gag only partially restored the processing rate. Unique amino acid polymorphism V124S at the matrix-capsid cleavage site, together with other polymorphisms at non-cleavage sites, are differentially influencing the processing of Gag polyproteins. This genetic polymorphisms landscape defining HIV-1 sub-subtypes, subtypes and recombinant forms are determinants of viral fitness and frequency in the HIV-1 infected population.Graphical AbstractHighlightsThe polymorphism at matrix-capsid cleavage site, together with non-cleavage sites polymorphisms, direct the processing rate of the substrate, not the intrinsic activity of the enzyme.The less prevalent and less infectious sub-subtype A2 harbors the matrix-capsid cleavage site polymorphism that we report as a limiting factor for gag processing.Sub-subtype A2 Gag polyprotein processing rate is independent of the PR subtype.
Learning, development and change in a community-based enterprise in Myanmar
Authors: Crocco Oliver S. , Cseh Maria 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the process of large-scale organizational change in a community-based enterprise in Myanmar.

Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative case study methodology was selected to understand the phenomenon of change in a community-based enterprise in Myanmar. Data were collected over a four-week period of fieldwork through individual interviews, focus groups, observations and document collection. Data were analyzed via a modified inductive analytic strategy using constant comparative analysis.

Findings
Findings revealed the processes used in this large-scale organizational change as impacted by the national cultural dimensions of Myanmar and the social learning experienced by the participants. Learning about organization development and change and sharing that learning in the organization by its members who participated in a certificate program in organizational development designed by Payap University (Thailand) and the International Rescue Committee had a major role in the change processes. Myanmar’s high power distance and collectivist culture facilitated social learning by highlighting authority figures as role models and providing high interaction environments conducive to learning.

Originality/value
This study illuminates the change process in a community-based organization in the emerging economy of Myanmar where no roadmaps for change in these types of organizations exist. The findings of this study are transferrable to community-based organizations in emerging economies with similar national cultural characteristics and call for future case studies to understand the complexities of change in these unique organizations and environments.
Disability, employment and wages: evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Caron Laura 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to quantify the labor market outcomes of people with disabilities (PwD) in Indonesia and compares them to people without disabilities. It first studies the labor force participation of PwD before examining the large and persistent wage gaps they face. It explores whether these wage gaps are explained by differences in productivity, a distinction which has important implications for policies addressing these gaps.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is based on the Indonesian Family Life Survey Wave 5, which includes unique questions allowing for several definitions of disability. Multinomial logistic regression is used to study differences in type of employment for PwD. Wage gaps are estimated and corrected for selection using propensity score matching, supported by a Heckman selection model and Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition. Comparisons with other physically disadvantaged subgroups and the analysis of heterogeneity by job requirements and sector of work explore whether productivity gaps help explain wage gaps.FindingsPwD generally have lower unconditional labor force participation, but disparities largely disappear when controlling for characteristics. Moreover, patterns vary depending on whether the measure of disability used depends on prior medical diagnosis. PwD that do not require prior diagnosis tend to work in more vulnerable employment. When they are employed for wages, people with these types of disabilities face lower wages, up to 22% lower. Meanwhile, (surprisingly) those with medically diagnosed conditions face no difference or a wage premium. This paper finds compelling evidence that, where a wage penalty exists, a substantial part is unexplained by observable characteristics.Originality/valuePrevious literature on disability has been mostly based on studies of high-income economies. This paper extends the literature to Indonesia, which differs from high-income contexts due to lack of mental healthcare resources and assistive technologies, as well as weaker rule of law. It provides unique insights based on types of disability and the salient dimensions of disability in the workplace. It also provides evidence that productivity differences do not explain the wage gap.
The role of subjective knowledge and perceived trustworthiness in fair trade consumption for fashion and food products
Authors: Eberhardt Tim , Hubert Marco , Lischka Helena Maria , Hubert Mirja , Lin Zhibin 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine how subjective knowledge about fair trade products and the perceived trustworthiness of information about fair trade goods influence purchase intention and reported purchase behaviour across two product categories, namely, fashion and food.

Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from an online survey with a sample of 1,616 consumers in four European countries, namely, Germany, Italy, Austria and the UK.

Findings
The results show that subjective knowledge moderates the positive relationship between intentions to purchase and reported purchase behaviour of fair trade products, however, the moderating role of perceived information trustworthiness was not significant. Furthermore, both the intention to purchase and reported purchase behaviour are significantly lower for fair trade fashion products than for fair trade food products.

Practical implications
This paper shows how fair trade consumption behaviour is mainly influenced by subjective knowledge about fair trade products. It reveals existing differences in both the buying intentions and reported purchase behaviour in different European markets.

Originality/value
This research broadens the understanding of consumers’ fair trade consumption behaviour across two different product categories and four different countries, with a focus on the interaction effect of consumers’ subjective knowledge and information trustworthiness.
The circular economy and the implied terms of contract in English sales law
Authors: Beheshti Reza 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this article is to examine the contractual framework for the sale of goods in order to gauge whether the English sales law regime can promote a circular business model.

Design/methodology/approach
Theoretical and doctrinal legal analysis.

Findings
Due to the absence of rules and regulations requiring manufacturers produce goods compliant with the circular economy (CE), English Sale of Goods Act has limited capacity in holding manufacturers accountable and liable in failing to manufacture goods compliant with the CE. The only currently practical solution for this gap is that the buyers should ensure that their particular intention of obtaining goods compliant with the CE is fully communicated to manufacturers.

Originality/value
This is the first examination of the implied terms of English sales law from the perspective of the CE.
Understanding the determinants of online pharmacy adoption: a two-staged SEM-neural network analysis approach
Authors: Sabbir Md. Mahiuddin , Islam Mazharul , Das Samir 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
This study aims to understand the determinants of online pharmacy or epharmacy adoption among young consumers in Bangladesh using an extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model.

Design/methodology/approach
A structured Google Docs questionnaire was sent out to 420 respondents using messenger service; 285 useable responses were finally extracted. Data were empirically validated using the two-staged structural equation model (SEM)-neural network analysis approach.

Findings
The robustness of the classical UTAUT model remains intact in the context of online pharmacy adoption. Among the integrated variables, while perceived trust and health literacy were found significant, perceived risk and personal innovativeness were found insignificant in determining consumers’ intention to adopt online pharmacy. The neural network analysis provided further verification of these findings derived from the SEM.

Practical implications
The findings of this study would facilitate in devising better strategies for entering or expanding online pharmacy business in developing countries such as Bangladesh.

Originality/value
The originality of the current study relates to the two-fold contributions of this study. First, while this study extended the classical UTAUT model by incorporating perceived risk, perceived trust, personal innovativeness and health literacy, the inclusion of the following two variables is fresh within the extant online pharmacy literature. Second, by using a two-staged SEM-neural network analysis approach, this study advances the past studies on e-commerce adoption in pharmaceutical settings and provides a general understanding of the customers of developing countries.