bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surviving heatwaves: thermal experience predicts life and death in a Southern Ocean diatom
Authors: Samuels Toby , Rynearson Tatiana A. , Collins Sinéad 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTExtreme environmental fluctuations such as marine heatwaves (MHWs) can have devastating effects on ecosystem health and functioning through rapid population declines and destabilisation of trophic interactions. However, recent studies have highlighted that population tolerance to MHWs is variable, with some populations even benefitting from MHWs. A number of factors can explain variation in responses between populations including their genetic variation, previous thermal experience and the intensity and duration of the heatwave itself. We disentangle the contributions of these factors on population survival and post-heatwave growth rates by experimentally simulating heatwaves (7.5 or 9.2 °C, for up to nine days) for three genotypes of the Southern Ocean diatomActinocyclus actinochilus. The effects of simulated heatwaves on mortality and population growth varied with both genotype and thermal experience. Firstly, hotter and longer heatwaves increased mortality and decreased post-heatwave growth rates relative to milder, shorter heatwaves. Secondly, growth above the thermal optimum before heatwaves exacerbated heatwave-associated negative effects, leading to higher mortality during heatwaves and slower growth after heatwaves. Thirdly, hotter and longer heatwaves resulted in more pronounced changes to thermal optima (Topt) immediately following heatwaves. Finally, there is substantial intraspecific variation in mortality during heatwaves and in post-heatwave growth. Our findings shed light on the potential of Southern Ocean diatoms to tolerate MHWs, which will increase both in frequency and in intensity under future climate change.
Employing scan-SCAM to identify residues that compose transmembrane helix 1 (TM1) of EnvZ
Authors: Chavalwan Thanwarat , Hasan Fadhael Alrahman H. , Cheesman Phillipa , Yusuf Rahmi , Draheim Roger R. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTheEscherichia colisensor kinase EnvZ modulates porin expression in response to various stimuli including intracellular osmolarity, intracellular pH and periplasmic interaction with MzrA. The expression of two major outer membrane porins, OmpF and OmpC, are regulated by EnvZ, and act as passive diffusion-limited pores allowing compounds, including certain classes of antibiotics such as β-lactams and fluoroquinolones, to enter the bacterial cell. Even though allosteric processing occurs within both the periplasmic and cytoplasmic domains of EnvZ, how the transmembrane domain bi-directionally transmits these signals remains not fully understood. Here, we employ a library of single-Cys-containing EnvZ proteins to perform scan-SCAM in order to map the precise residue composition of TM1. Our results demonstrate that residue positions 19 through 30 reside within the membrane core and compose a tightly packed portion of TM1. We also show that positions 15 through 18 and position 31 are interfacial and slightly splayed apart compared to those tightly packed within the hydrophobic core. Finally, we reveal that residue positions 33 and 34 reside in the periplasm and participate in robust protein-protein interactions, while the periplasmic positions 35 through 41 exhibit helical periodicity. We conclude by synthesizing these new insights with recent high-resolution structural information into a model of membrane-spanning allosteric coupling between the periplasmic and cytoplasmic domains of EnvZ.
Multivariate associative patterns between the gut microbiota and large-scale brain network connectivity
Authors: Kohn N. , Szopinska-Tokov J. , Llera A. , Beckmann C. , Arias Vasquez A. , Aarts E. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractResearch on the gut-brain axis has accelerated substantially over the course of the last years. Many reviews have outlined the important implications of understanding the relation of the gut microbiota with human brain function and behavior. One substantial drawback in integrating gut microbiome and brain data is the lack of integrative multivariate approaches that enable capturing variance in both modalities simultaneously. To address this issue, we applied a linked independent component analysis (LICA) to microbiota and brain connectivity data.We analyzed data from 58 healthy females (mean age = 21.5 years). Magnetic Resonance Imaging data were acquired using resting state functional imaging data. The assessment of gut microbial composition from feces was based on sequencing of the V4 16S rRNA gene region. We used the LICA model to simultaneously factorize the subjects’ large-scale brain networks and microbiome relative abundance data into 10 independent components of spatial and abundance variation.LICA decomposition resulted in four components with non-marginal contribution of the microbiota data. The default mode network featured strongly in three components, whereas the two-lateralized fronto-parietal attention networks contributed to one component. The executive-control (with the default mode) network was associated to another component. We found the abundance ofPrevotellagenus was associated to the strength of expression of all networks, whereasBifidobacteriumwas associated with the default mode and frontoparietal-attention networks.We provide the first exploratory evidence for multivariate associative patterns between the gut microbiota and brain network connectivity in healthy humans, taking into account the complexity of both systems.
Does a diverse board matter? A mediation analysis of board racial diversity and firm performance
Authors: Vairavan Ashok , Zhang G. Peter 
Published: August 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to reexamine the link between board racial diversity and firm performance. It focuses on the mechanism through which board racial diversity could affect performance. The paper proposes and empirically tests the role of employee productivity and R&D productivity in the relationship between board racial diversity and firm financial performance.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a mediation analysis framework with the bootstrapping method to test both the direct and indirect effect of board diversity on firm performance. The data used in the study come from S&P 1500 with variables composed from COMPUSTAT, Institutional Shareholder Services and Wharton Research Data Services.FindingsContrary to prior findings, the results indicate that there is neither direct effect of board racial diversity on firm performance nor is there an indirect effect through either employee productivity or R&D productivity.Research limitations/implicationsBecause the data used in the paper are based on large public firms, the results may not generalize to small or private firms.Practical implicationsThe findings of the paper suggest that not all diversity measures matter in the same way and firms should carefully make board appointments to reduce the perception that they select directors for any reason other than qualifications.Originality/valueThe paper advances the literature on board diversity by examining two previously unexplored mediating variables of employee productivity and R&D productivity. It also uses more rigorous mediation analysis with bootstrapping method and a validation sample to improve robustness of the results.
A scientometric review and meta-analysis of the health and safety of women in construction: structure and research trends
Authors: Mariam Akinlolu Temisola , Olalusi Oladimeji Benedict , Haupt Theo C. 
Published: August 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to present a meta-analysis and scientometric review to explore the intellectual evolution of research on the health and safety of women in construction, identify trends and research patterns and workplace stressors and hazards encountered by women in the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachA combination of scientometric analysis and meta-analysis was adopted to systematically review 32 relevant studies from 1984 to 2020, to provide a holistic review of research on women’s health and safety in construction aimed to identify the trend of research development. Techniques such as co-authorship, keyword co-occurring and cluster analysis were adopted.FindingsFive main themes summarized by clustering focusing on Workplace Psychological Health, HIV/AIDS and Construction Work, Occupational Health and Safety Injuries, Gender Inclusivity and Sexism in Construction and Gender-specific Health and Safety Analysis. Findings revealed a slow growth in women’s health and safety research with the USA, South Africa, Australia and Japan leading research development. Additionally, the major stressors or hazards faced by women in construction were found to be biological related hazards.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of the study are limited, resulting from the use of one abstract and citation database.Practical implicationsFindings from the study provide insights to the health and safety challenges of women in construction and identifies of knowledge gaps in the existing literature could provide researchers and industry practitioners with a comprehensive insight into intellectual landscapes, potential research frontiers on technologies for women’s construction health and safety.Originality/valueWhile numerous studies have focused on the health and safety of workers in the construction industry, research on women’s health and safety is lacking. The study adopted a scientometric and meta-analysis approach to explore the intellectual evolution and reflect the research status on the subject.
SPARK-ing innovation: a model for elementary classrooms as COVID-19 unfolds
Authors: Powers Jeanne M. , Brown Mary , Wyatt Lisa G. 
Published: August 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe SPARK, an innovative elementary school that highlights the possibilities for elementary education as COVID-19 continues to unfold.Design/methodology/approachThe authors’ analysis is based on a research synthesis of the main features of the SPARK model, as it was operating when schools in Arizona closed because of the coronavirus pandemic: project-based learning, a teaming model, heterogeneously grouped multi-age classes, blended learning, supporting students' development as self-directed learners, mindfulness and looping.FindingsThis paper outlines the empirical grounding for the main features of the model and suggests how they might address elementary students' learning and social emotional needs when schools in Arizona reopen for in-person instruction either as full-service schools or on a staggered or hybrid schedule.Originality/valueEducators from other districts can use this model as a springboard for reimagining their own educational spaces and practices in this new and still uncertain period when schools and school districts consider how to move forward. While many of these practices are not novel, the authors’ research synthesis highlights how SPARK combines them in a way that is unique and particularly relevant for the present moment.
Network‐level consequences of outgroup threats in banded mongooses: Grooming and aggression between the sexes
Authors: Preston Elizabeth F. R. , Thompson Faye J. , Ellis Samuel , Kyambulima Solomon , Croft Darren P. , Cant Michael A. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Animal groups are heterogeneous assemblages of individuals with differing fitness interests, which may lead to internal conflict over investment in group territorial defence. Differences between individuals may lead to different behavioural responses to intergroup conflict, particularly between the sexes. These potential impacts have been little studied.

We used social network analysis to investigate the impact of simulated intergroup conflicts on social relationships in groups of wild banded mongooses Mungos mungo, in which intergroup fights are more costly for males than females. We predicted that social cohesion (specifically male‐to‐male and female‐to‐male grooming) would increase after conflict, and aggression would decrease, to minimize conflict between the sexes.

Simulated intergroup conflicts were performed by exposing banded mongoose groups to scents, ‘war cry’ playbacks, and live intruders from a rival group. All grooming and aggression interactions between individuals were recorded, and grooming and aggression social networks were created for the 2 days preceding a simulated intergroup conflict (pre‐conflict network) and the 2 days after (post‐conflict network).

We found no evidence of an increase in social cohesion after simulated conflicts, measured as grooming eigenvector centrality. Male‐to‐male, male‐to‐female and female‐to‐male grooming strength decreased after simulated intrusions compared to female‐to‐female grooming strength. However, male–female aggression decreased in intrusion trials compared to other interaction types, consistent with the hypothesis that intergroup encounters reduce the level of intragroup conflict between males and females. Males were more affected socially by intergroup encounters than females, which may be because they are investing in defence rather than internal relationships.

Focusing on individual relationship changes, using social network analysis, can reveal changes in the directionality of behaviour in response to intergroup encounters, and highlight how individual responses to conflict may scale up to affect social networks and, potentially, group performance. This study highlights the importance of studying both group‐level behaviours and individual relationships to more fully understand responses to intergroup encounters.
Coordinate overexpression of two RND efflux systems, ParXY and TtgABC, is responsible for multidrug resistance in Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Puja Hélène , Comment Gwendoline , Chassagne Sophie , Plésiat Patrick , Jeannot Katy 
Published: August 2020

SummaryResistance Nodulation cell Division (RND) efflux pumps are known to contribute to the tolerance of Pseudomonas putida to aromatic hydrocarbons, but their role in antibiotic resistance has not been fully elucidated. In this study, two types of single‐step multidrug‐resistant (MDR) mutants were selected in vitro from reference strain KT2440. Mutants of the first type were more resistant to fluoroquinolones and β‐lactams except imipenem, and overproduced the efflux system TtgABC as a result of mutations occurring in regulator TtgR. In addition to TtgABC, mutants of the second type such as HPG‐5 were found to upregulate a novel RND pump, dubbed ParXY/TtgC, which accommodates cefepim, fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. As demonstrated by gene deletion experiments, TtgABC and ParXY/TtgC are both under the positive control of a two‐component system, PpeRS. Whole‐genome sequence analyses revealed that mutant HPG‐5 harbours a mutation inactivating the gene (sucD) of succinyl‐CoA synthetase, an enzyme of the tricarboxylic cycle. Disruption of sucD in strain KT2440 reproduced the resistance phenotype of HPG‐5, and activated the glyoxylate shunt. Finally, identification of two MDR clinical strains of P. putida that jointly overexpress TtgABC and ParXY/TtgC, of which one is a sucD mutant, highlights the role of these efflux systems as determinants of antibiotic resistance.
Climate Risk and Technology Adoption in the Midstream of Crop Value Chains: Evidence from Nigerian Maize Traders
Authors: Liverpool‐Tasie Lenis Saweda O , Parkhi Charuta M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractClimate induced events exacerbate food production and distribution risks, posing a threat to global food security. Though many studies focus on farmer adaptation to climate change, there are few studies of actors in the middle of agricultural value chains such as traders, logistics providers, and processors. The activities of these actors, referred to as the ‘hidden middle’, are key determinants of the prices received by farmers and the price and quality of food products for consumers. We explore how climate events and risk perceptions affect the adoption of value‐adding and damage control strategies among maize traders in Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous country. We find consistent evidence that climate events and climate risk perception discourage the adoption of value‐adding practices including storage. This potentially affects the availability and price of maize for consumers (household and industry) in the lean season. However, once traders store maize, climate risk does not affect the adoption of damage control, but training and social networks do. These findings suggest that actors in the midstream of food value chains are responding to climate change and more attention needs to be paid to these actors to maintain the availability of affordable and safe maize products throughout the year. There is also a need for strategies to reduce the risks of trading activities due to climate change.
Delayed referral increases the need for surgery and intervention in patients with acute pancreatitis
Authors: Muktesh Gaurav , Samanta Jayanta , Kumar Singh Anupam , Gupta Pankaj , Sinha Saroj K. , Kumar Hemant , Gupta Vikas , Yadav Thakur D. , Kochhar Rakesh 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe aim was to study the outcomes of acute pancreatitis (AP) patients who were referred from other facilities to a tertiary care centre.MethodsPatients with AP were who were referred from other hospitals to a tertiary care centre between April 2013 and September 2019 were studied and their outcomes were analysed. Comparison was made between patients referred early (≤7 days) versus those referred late (>7 days).ResultsOf the 838 patients seen by us, 650 patients (77.6%) were referred from other centres. Median (interquartile range) onset to admission interval was 5 (4–7) days for those who were referred ≤7 days and was 16 (11–30) for those who were referred >7 days. Patients referred beyond 7 days of pain onset had higher rates of development of organ failure (P = 0.007), including acute lung injury (P = 0.008) and acute kidney injury (P = 0.026), infected necrosis (P < 0.0001), requirement of endoscopic/percutaneous drainage (P < 0.001) and need for surgery (P < 0.02) compared to patients who were referred ≤7 days of pain onset. Mortality was however similar in the two groups.ConclusionPatients with AP referred to a specialized centre with AP early (≤7 days) have better outcomes than those referred late (>7 days) from other facilities.
Faecal PCR panel results and clinical findings in Western Australian dogs with diarrhoea
Authors: Kim MW , Sharp CR , Boyd CJ , Twomey LN 
Published: August 2020

AimTo describe faecal PCR (fPCR) results and clinical findings of dogs seen at a university teaching hospital for diarrhoea.DesignRetrospective case series (April 2015 to July 2018).ProcedureData were collected from the hospital electronic medical records. Data extracted included signalment, history, clinical signs, treatment, fPCR panel results, other faecal diagnostic test results and antimicrobial use.ResultsOne hundred and sixty‐eight dogs with diarrhoea had a fPCR panel submitted. Most dogs (115, 68.5%) had diarrhoea of 3 days or less duration. Clostridium perfringens alpha toxin gene was most frequently detected (156, 92.9%) by fPCR, followed by Campylobacter spp. (55, 32.7%), canine parvovirus (CPV) (29, 17.3%), Salmonella spp. (14, 8.3%) and Giardia spp. (9, 5.4%). For the 45 dogs that had a negative point‐of‐care CPV test, 13 were CPV fPCR positive; some of which were adult dogs with current vaccination status. A total of 94/168 (56%) dogs received antimicrobials at some time during the treatment of diarrhoea.ConclusionFaecal PCR panels can identify dogs with enteric organisms in their faeces that traditional faecal diagnostics may miss, thus contributing additional information to the diagnostic process. Nonetheless, fPCR results should be interpreted in light of the clinical findings, and particular consideration given to avoiding inappropriate use of antimicrobials. This study highlights that testing for C. perfringens alpha toxin gene is not likely to be diagnostically helpful, and that adult dogs with diarrhoea might be identified as CPV positive with PCR testing, despite a negative point‐of‐care CPV test result and a current vaccination status.
The burden of alcohol on health care during COVID‐19
Authors: Stockwell Tim , Andreasson Sven , Cherpitel Cheryl , Chikritzhs Tanya , Dangardt Frida , Holder Harold , Naimi Timothy , Sherk Adam 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAlcohol's impact on global health is substantial and of a similar order of magnitude to that from COVID‐19. Alcohol now also poses specific concerns, such as increased risk of severe lung infections, domestic violence, child abuse, depression and suicide. Its use is unlikely to aid physical distancing or other preventative behavioural measures. Globally, alcohol contributes to 20% of injury and 11.5% of non‐injury emergency room presentations. We provide some broad comparisons between alcohol‐attributable and COVID‐19‐related hospitalisations and deaths in North America using most recent data. For example, for Canada in 2017 it was recently estimated there were 105 065 alcohol‐attributable hospitalisations which represent a substantially higher rate over time than the 10 521 COVID‐19 hospitalisations reported during the first 5 months of the pandemic. Despite the current importance of protecting health‐care services, most governments have deemed alcohol sales to be as essential as food, fuel and pharmaceuticals. In many countries, alcohol is now more readily available and affordable than ever before, a situation global alcohol producers benefit from and have helped engineer. We argue that to protect frontline health‐care services and public health more generally, it is essential that modest, evidence‐based restrictions on alcohol prices, availability and marketing are introduced. In particular, we recommend increases in excise taxation coupled with minimum unit pricing to both reduce impacts on health‐care services and provide much‐needed revenues for governments at this critical time.