bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex-specific plasticity and the nutritional geometry of insulin-signaling gene expression inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: McDonald Jeanne M.C. , Nabili Pegah , Thorsen Lily , Jeon Sohee , Shingleton Alexander 
Published: November 2020

1.AbstractBackgroundSexual-size dimorphism (SSD) is replete among animals, but while the selective pressures that drive the evolution of SSD have been well studied, the developmental mechanisms upon which these pressures act are poorly understood. Ours and others’ research has shown that SSD inDrosophilareflects elevated levels of nutritional plasticity in females versus males, such that SSD increases with dietary intake and body size, a phenomenon called sex-specific plasticity (SSP). Additional data indicate that while body size in both sexes responds to variation in protein level, only female body size is sensitive to variation in carbohydrate level. Here we explore whether these difference in sensitivity at the morphological level are reflected by differences in how the insulin/IGF-signaling (IIS) and TOR-signaling pathways respond to changes in carbohydrates and proteins in females versus males, using a nutritional geometry approach.ResultsThe IIS-regulated transcripts of4E-BPandInRmost strongly correlated with body size in females and males respectively, but neither responded to carbohydrate level and so could not explain the sex-specific response to body size to dietary carbohydrate. Transcripts regulated by TOR-signaling did, however, respond to dietary carbohydrate in a sex-specific manner. In females, expression ofdILP5positively correlated with body size, while expression ofdILP2,3and8,was elevated on diets with a low concentration of both carbohydrate and protein. In contrast, we detected lower levels of dILP2 and 5 protein in the brains of females fed on low concentration diets. We could not detect any effect of diet ondILPexpression in males.ConclusionAlthough females and males show sex-specific transcriptional responses to changes in protein and carbohydrate, the patterns of expression do not support a simple model of the regulation of body-size SSP by either insulin-or TOR-signaling. The data also indicate a complex relationship between carbohydrate and protein level,dILPexpression and dILP peptide levels in the brain. In general, diet quality and sex both affect the transcriptional response to changes in diet quantity, and so should be considered in future studies that explore the effect of nutrition on body size.
Novel quaternary structures of the human prion protein globular domain
Authors: Bortot Leandro Oliveira , Rangel Victor Lopes , Pavlovici Francesca A. , Omari Kamel El , Wagner Armin , Brandao-Neto Jose , Talon Romain , von Delft Frank , Reidenbach Andrew G , Vallabh Sonia M , Minikel Eric Vallabh , Schreiber Stuart , Nonato Maria Cristina 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPrion disease is caused by the misfolding of the cellular prion protein, PrPC, into a self-templating conformer, PrPSc. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and X-ray crystallography revealed the 3D structure of the globular domain of PrPC and the possibility of its dimerization via an interchain disulfide bridge that forms due to domain swap or by non-covalent association of two monomers. On the contrary, PrPSc is composed by a complex and heterogeneous ensemble of poorly defined conformations and quaternary arrangements that are related to different patterns of neurotoxicity. Targeting PrPC with molecules that stabilize the native conformation of its globular domain emerged as a promising approach to develop anti-prion therapies. One of the advantages of this approach is employing structure-based drug discovery methods to PrPC. Thus, it is essential to expand our structural knowledge about PrPC as much as possible to aid such drug discovery efforts. In this work, we report a crystallographic structure of the globular domain of human PrPC that shows a novel dimeric form and a novel oligomeric arrangement. We use molecular dynamics simulations to explore its structural dynamics and stability and discuss potential implications of these new quaternary structures to the conversion process.
Re-evaluating the risk costing agenda in PPP projects
Authors: Almarri Khalid , Boussabaine Halim 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe level at which risk is priced and the magnitude of risks transferred to the private sector will have a significant impact on the cost of the public–private partnership (PPP) deals as well as on the value for money analysis and on the section of the optimum investment options. The price of risk associated with PPP schemes is complex, dynamic and continuous throughout the concession agreement. Risk allocation needs to be re-evaluated to ensure the optimum outcome of the PPP contract.Design/methodology/approachThis paper provides a coherent theoretical framework for dealing with scenarios of potential gain and loss from retaining or transferring risks.FindingsThe outcome indicates that using the proposed framework will provide innovative ways of deriving risk prices in PPP projects using several risk determinants strategies.Practical implicationsIn costing risks, analysts have to take into consideration the balance between the cost of risk transfer and the cost of losses if risk is retained.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the PPP literature and practice by proposing a framework which is consistent with a risk allocation approach in PPP projects, where the key proposition is that risk pricing can overload project debt leading to loss of value.
Exploring the career trajectories of Black male educators in p-12 education
Authors: Underwood Kimberly , Taylor Joy , Smith Donna , Roberts J. Medgar 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to provide a critical examination of the career trajectories of Black male educators through the discussion of key issues relevant to the professional development and advancement of this population.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors approach this paper through the examination of literature related to Black male educators. The authors seek to provide insight into the status of Black male educators through a critical focus of scholarship in the three critical areas of Black male educator recruitment, retention and mobility.

Findings
This examination supports the need to generate sustainable initiatives to diversify our nation’s classrooms and create additional opportunities for Black male representation in school leadership positions. Effectively dismantling the entrenched hurdles many encounter within their teaching careers requires a concerted commitment by advocates, policymakers and school administrators at all levels. Additionally, there is a continued need for stakeholders to keep the diversification of P-12 schools as a key priority in current education reform strategies.

Social implications
This paper serves as an impetus to highlight the continued need for further exploration and consequential action to increase the numbers of Black males in the teaching profession.

Originality/value
This paper adds to the literature surrounding Black male educators by providing a holistic view of their career trajectories of Black male educators and shedding light on the need for ongoing efforts to diversify the P-12 teaching workforce.
A networked public: formal and relational approaches to the public sphere
Authors: Erikson Emily A. 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential for conceptualizing the public sphere through the tools of network analysis.

Design/methodology/approach
To do so, this paper combines comparative historical analysis of the early modern expansion of the public sphere with a review of relevant literature and logical exposition.

Findings
The paper develops several hypotheses about the potential of the approach and areas that may require advances in methodology and additional theoretical development.

Originality/value
The paper encourages the development and use of formal approaches for the analysis and conceptualization of the public sphere.
Does people-related total quality management “work” for people? An empirical study of the Sri Lankan apparel industry
Authors: Durairatnam Sakunthala , Chong Siong Choy , Jusoh Mazuki , Dharmaratne Isuri Roche 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between people-related total quality management (PTQM) practices and employee work attitudes, as well as the impact of the specific PTQM practices on work attitudes in the context of the Sri Lankan apparel industry.Design/methodology/approachThe five PTQM practices included top management commitment, employee empowerment, training, employee involvement and teamwork. Employee work attitudes comprised of job satisfaction, affective commitment, job involvement and turnover intention. Data collected from the machine operator-level employees in the top 100 apparel exporters in Sri Lanka were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM).FindingsThe findings suggest that the PTQM practices were significant drivers of job involvement but not of job satisfaction, affective commitment and turnover intentions. It was also found that teamwork, training and employee involvement were the most important PTQM practices towards employee work attitudes. Top management commitment drove affective commitment and job involvement, while employee empowerment was important only for job involvement.Research limitations/implicationsThe research only considered the top 100 export- apparel manufacturers in Sri Lanka; hence, care has to be taken for the findings to represent the entire manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka.Originality/valueBased on the perceptions of floor level employees, which is scarcely investigated in the PTQM domain, the paper presents an interesting and unique perspective on the relationship between the PTQM practices and employee work attitudes, challenging majority of previous research findings. Besides making theoretical contributions, the findings offer valuable insights into the management of Sri Lankan apparel companies by highlighting the PTQM practices, which need to be strengthened.
Macroclimate drives growth of hair lichens in boreal forest canopies
Authors: Phinney Nathan H. , Gauslaa Yngvar , Palmqvist Kristin , Esseen Per‐Anders 
Published: November 2020

AbstractEpiphytic lichens are important biodiversity components of forest canopies world‐wide, significantly contributing to ecosystem function. The RGR, a measure of fitness, drives population dynamics and shapes lichens’ large‐scale distributions. In a climate change scenario, we need to know how external (macro‐ and microclimate, and nitrogen deposition) and internal factors (cortical pigments, chlorophyll and specimen size) affect RGR in these ecologically important canopy organisms.We used dominant pendulous hair lichens widely distributed across the boreal biome to test the hypothesis that precipitation drives RGR of pale (Alectoria sarmentosa,Usnea dasopoga) and dark speciesBryoria fuscescensdifferently across a large‐scale gradient from continental to oceanic climates (precipitation: 450–2,600 mm) in Scandinavia (60–64°N, 5–19°E). After transplanting lichens to lower branches ofPicea abiesin nine boreal forest sites for 1 year, we used linear mixed effects models to analyse how total precipitation, rainfall, number of days with rain, temperature sum, nitrogen deposition, light, chlorophylla(an indicator of photosynthetic capacity) and size influenced their RGR.RGR was highest in the pale species (AlectoriaandUsnea) and increased with amount and frequency of precipitation, with >3 times higher RGR in the wettest compared to the driest site. The number of days with rain was a better predictor of RGR than total precipitation or rain. By contrast, RGR of the darkBryoriaweakly increased with precipitation. RGR in all species increased with light and decreased with size. Chlorophyllaconcentration, boosted by moderate nitrogen deposition, increased RGR of all species.In conclusion, rainfall likely drives the distribution of the pale species due to their higher RGR and abundance in wet climates but cannot explain whyBryoriadominates drier inland forests. Our results highlight that the functional links between rainfall and RGR depends on both colour of the lichens (pale vs. dark pigments) and water storage traits.Synthesis. Our findings may explain the global, regional and local distribution patterns of hair lichens and help us to predict how environmental hazards such as climate change and forestry influence these important boreal canopy components.
Transgender medicalization and the attempt to evade psychological distress
Authors: Withers Robert 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this paper the author argues that trans‐identification and its associated medical treatment can constitute an attempt to evade experiences of psychological distress. This occurs on three levels. Firstly, the trans person themselves may seek to evade dysregulated affects associated with such experiences as attachment trauma, childhood abuse, and ego‐alien sexual feelings. Secondly, therapists may attempt to evade feelings, such as fear and hatred, evoked by engaging with these dysregulated affects. Thirdly, we, as a society, may wish to evade acknowledging the reality of such trauma, abuse and sexual distress by hypothesizing that trans‐identification is a biological issue, best treated medically. The author argues that the quality of evidence supporting the biomedical approach is extremely poor. This puts young trans people at risk of receiving potentially damaging medical treatment they may later seek to reverse or come to regret, while their underlying psychological issues remain unaddressed.
Patterning of fractures in a case of intimate partner homicide (IPH)
Authors: Steyn Maryna , Bacci Nicholas , Holland Shakeera 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSouth Africa is a country overwhelmed by crime and violence, with very high incidences of abuse against women and children. It is not often that a case of intimate partner homicide is seen in a forensic anthropological context. Here, we report on such a case where the remains of the victim had been buried for some time. The victim was a middle‐aged female, while the suspect was a younger adult male. The deceased had suffered massive, repeated trauma during her lifetime with healed fractures and evidence of soft tissue trauma to virtually all parts of her body. A partly healed rib fracture indicates that the abuse continued until shortly before her death. She ultimately succumbed after suffering trauma to her head and face after reportedly being hit by a brick, evidence of which can be seen as perimortem fractures of the face. It is important for forensic anthropologists to identify specific patterns and report on the presence of healed fractures, as they can raise suspicion as to the possibility of chronic abuse. In this case, the evidence suggests a very long period of extreme and repeated trauma, which were apparently not reported or noticed by family members or the medical fraternity.
How Do States Renegotiate International Institutions? Japan’s Renegotiation Diplomacy Since World War II
Authors: Lipscy Phillip Y. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractHow do states renegotiate their status in international organizations? I evaluate two hypotheses about renegotiation strategy choice. The first hypothesis conceptualizes renegotiation strategies as intertwined with challenger state objectives: reformist states will opt for integrative strategies – principled persuasion or strategic cooptation – while revisionist states will pursue distributive strategies – power bargaining or rhetorical coercion. The second hypothesis assumes states choose renegotiation strategies instrumentally, combining integrative and distributive strategies to maximize the likelihood of a successful alteration of the status quo. I evaluate the hypotheses by examining Japan, a country that has pursued renegotiation diplomacy across many institutional contexts. The case study evidence broadly favors the instrumental hypothesis: despite reformist objectives, Japan has often used power bargaining in tandem with integrative strategies. Contrary to the first hypothesis, Japanese objectives have not been clearly intertwined with renegotiation strategy choice. I further argue that future research should examine domestic political determinants of strategy choice, which have been important in the evolution of Japanese renegotiation diplomacy.
‘Most Potent and Irresistible Moral Influence’: Public Opinion, Rhetorical Coercion, and the Hague Conferences
Authors: MacDonald Paul K. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractInternational relations scholars debate whether the current liberal order can adapt to power shifts among the great powers. Yet historically, contestation among the great powers has often revolved around the question of whether the international system should be organized along liberal and institutional lines in the first place. In this paper, I examine great power negotiation strategies at the 1899 and 1907 Hague conferences, an often overlooked yet critical episode of liberal order‐building. As rising powers shuffled the great power ranks, many hoped that the Hague conferences would prevent arms racing, reduce the barbarity of war, and promote peaceful solutions to international crises. Champions of liberal rules and institutions used principled persuasion, appealing to shared norms and collective identities. They also engaged in rhetorical coercion, seeking at times to shame potential obstructionists. Yet the conferences revealed the profound limitations of these soft‐power based negotiation strategies. For a brief moment in 1899, circumstances allowed champions of the Hague system to persuade states to sign on to the laws of war and to embarrass states into accepting arbitration. Yet by 1907, conditions had changed and obstructionists were able to mobilize broad coalitions to block significant change. The Hague conferences highlight the importance of interstate coalitional networks in institutional adaptation.
Revolution from the Inside: Institutions, Legitimation Strategies, and Rhetorical Pathways of Institutional Change
Authors: Goddard Stacie E. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWhy and under what conditions do a challenger’s legitimation strategies shape decisions for institutional reform? I argue that legitimation strategies are critical in defining how institutional defenders evaluate the costs and benefits of institutional reform, and thus in shaping their reaction to a challenger’s demands. Legitimation strategies do so through principled persuasion, where defenders come to believe that accepting a challenger’s demands will have both material and symbolic benefits, and rhetorical coercion, where defenders accept change out of fear that they will bear costs by undercutting their own legitimacy. Not all challengers effectively legitimate their demands, however. A challenger’s capacity to affect change depends on its position within institutions, which gives it the authority to effectively deploy rhetoric. I demonstrate this argument with a brief case of Japan’s challenge to the unequal treaty system in the late 19th century.
US Strategies of Institutional Adaptation in the Face of Hegemonic Decline
Authors: Viola Lora Anne 
Published: November 2020

AbstractHow do shifts in the global distribution of power affect the US’ preferences for institutionalized cooperation? This article explains why and when the power shift creates incentives for the US to move cooperation out of universal multilateral institutions, such as the WTO, and into exclusive multilateral institutions where it seeks to create a leading consensus among a select group of ‘like‐minded’ states. An agreement reached within the sub‐group imposes costs on those excluded from the deal. This increases the hegemon’s power bargaining leveragevis‐à‐visoutsiders who can join the new agreement as price‐takers. In this scenario, the hegemon’s institutional response to the challenge of rising powers is a strategy of divide and conquer; that is,strategic cooptationbased on inducements followed bypower bargainingbased on coercion. The double move, however, puts the hegemon in the position of challenging the institutional status quo with potentially negative consequences for the original institutional order. A case study of negotiations over a new trade in services agreement (TiSA) shows this strategy of divide and conquer at work as the US tries to first achieve a deal without emerging economies, notably China, that can later be imposed on them.
Outcome and risk factor of immune‐related adverse events and pneumonitis in patients with advanced or postoperative recurrent non‐small cell lung cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Isono Taisuke , Kagiyama Naho , Takano Kenji , Hosoda Chiaki , Nishida Takashi , Kawate Eriko , Kobayashi Yoichi , Ishiguro Takashi , Takaku Youtaro , Kurashima Kazuyoshi , Yanagisawa Tsutomu , Takayanagi Noboru 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundNon‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with pre‐existing respiratory diseases have been excluded in clinical trials of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, and it is unknown whether the same degree of response can be expected as that in patients without pre‐existing respiratory diseases and if they are associated with increased risk for various immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) and ICI pneumonitis. This study aimed to evaluate predictive factors of clinical response, prognostic factors, risk factors of irAEs, and ICI pneumonitis in NSCLC patients with or without pre‐existing respiratory diseases.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of 180 NSCLC patients who received ICI monotherapy of nivolumab, pembrolizumab, or atezolizumab from 1 January 2016 to 31 March 2019.ResultsA total of 119 patients had pre‐existing respiratory diseases, including 20 with pre‐existing idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs). A total of 85 patients experienced irAEs, of which ICI pneumonitis was the most frequent adverse event, occurring in 27 patients. Of the three patients who died from irAEs, all from ICI pneumonitis, two had pulmonary emphysema and one had pre‐existing IIP. In multivariate analyses, irAEs were associated with objective response rate (ORR) and favorable OS, and IIPs were associated with increased risk for ICI pneumonitis. However, IIPs were not associated with low ORR or poor OS.ConclusionsPre‐existing IIPs were a risk factor for ICI pneumonitis. However, this study showed that ICI therapy can be offered to patients with pre‐existing respiratory diseases with the expectation of the same degree of response as that in patients without pre‐existing respiratory diseases.Key pointsSignificant findings of the study: Pre‐existing IIPs were a risk factor for ICI pneumonitis, but objective response rate and prognosis of patients with IIPs were similar to those of other patients.What this study adds: In patients with pre‐existing IIPs, ICI pneumonitis should be noted. However, ICI therapy can be offered to patients with pre‐existing respiratory diseases with the expectation of the same degree of response as that in patients without pre‐existing respiratory diseases