bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of antifungal treatments during chytridiomycosis epizootics in populations of an endangered frog
Authors: Knapp Roland A. , Joseph Maxwell B. , Smith Thomas C. , Hegeman Ericka E. , Vredenburg Vance T. , Erdman James E. , Boiano Daniel M. , Jani Andrea J. , Briggs Cheryl J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe recently-emerged amphibian chytrid fungusBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis(Bd) has had an unprecedented impact on global amphibian populations, and highlights the urgent need to develop effective mitigation strategies against this pathogen. We conducted field antifungal treatment experiments in populations of the endangered mountain yellow-legged frog during or immediately after Bd-caused mass die-off events. The objective of the treatments was to reduce Bd infection intensity (“load”) and in doing so alter frog-Bd dynamics and increase the probability of frog population persistence despite ongoing Bd infection. Experiments included treatment of early life stages (tadpoles and subadults) with the antifungal drug itraconazole, treatment of adults with itraconazole, and augmentation of the skin microbiome of subadults withJanthinobacterium lividum, a commensal bacterium with antifungal properties. All itraconazole treatments caused immediate reductions in Bd load, and produced longer-term effects that differed between life stages. In experiments focused on early life stages, Bd load was reduced in the two months immediately following treatment and was associated with increased survival of subadults. However, Bd load and frog survival returned to pre-treatment levels in less than one year, and treatment had no effect on population persistence. In adults, treatment reduced Bd load and increased frog survival over the three-year post-treatment period, consistent with frogs having developed an effective adaptive immune response against Bd. Despite this protracted period of reduced impacts of Bd on adults, recruitment of new individuals into the adult population was limited and the population eventually declined to near-extirpation. In the microbiome augmentation experiment, bathing frogs in aJ. lividumsolution after Bd load reduction with itraconazole increased concentrations of this bacterium on frogs, but concentrations declined to baseline levels within one month and did not have a protective effect against Bd infection. Collectively, these results suggest that Bd mitigation efforts focused on frog populations that have recently declined due to Bd emergence are ineffective in causing long-term changes in frog-Bd dynamics and increasing population persistence, due largely to the inability of early life stages to mount an effective immune response against Bd and resulting high susceptibility. This results in repeated recruitment failure and a low probability of population persistence in the face of ongoing Bd infection.
TMEM120 is a coenzyme A-binding membrane protein with structural similarities to ELOVL fatty acid elongase
Authors: Xue Jing , Han Yan , Baniasadi Hamid , Zeng Weizhong , Pei Jimin , Grishin Nick , Wang Junmei , Tu Benjamin P. , Jiang Youxing 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTMEM120A, also named as TACAN, is a novel membrane protein highly conserved in vertebrates and was recently proposed to be a mechanosensitive channel involved in sensing mechanical pain. Here we present the single particle cryo-EM structure of human TMEM120A which forms a tightly packed dimer with extensive interactions mediate by the N-terminal coiled coil domain (CCD), the C-terminal transmembrane domain (TMD), and the re-entrant loop between the two domains. The TMD of each TMEM120A subunit contains six transmembrane helices (TMs) and has no clear structural feature of a channel protein. Instead, the six TMs form an α-barrel with a deep pocket where a coenzyme A (CoA) molecule is bound. Intriguingly, some structural features of TMEM120A resemble those of elongase for very long-chain fatty acid (ELOVL) despite low sequence homology between them, pointing to the possibility that TEME120A may function as an enzyme for fatty acid metabolism, rather than a mechanosensitive channel.
Schizophrenia polygenic risk during typical development reflects multiscale cortical organization
Authors: Kirschner Matthias , Paquola Casey , Khundrakpam Budhachandra S. , Vainik Uku , Bhutani Neha , Hodzic-Santor Benazir , Georgiadis Foivos , Al-Sharif Noor B. , Misic Bratislav , Bernhardt Boris , Evans Alan C. , Dagher Alain 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSchizophrenia is widely recognized as a neurodevelopmental disorder. Abnormal cortical development may by revealed using polygenic risk scoring for schizophrenia (PRS-SCZ). We assessed PRS-SCZ and cortical morphometry in typically developing children (3–21 years) using whole genome genotyping and T1-weighted MRI (n=390) from the Pediatric Imaging, Neurocognition and Genetics (PING) cohort. We contextualise the findings using (i) age-matched transcriptomics, (ii) histologically-defined cytoarchitectural types and functionally-defined networks, (iii) case-control differences of schizophrenia and other major psychiatric disorders. Higher PRS-SCZ was associated with greater cortical thickness, which was most prominent in areas with heightened gene expression of dendrites and synapses. PRS-SCZ related increases in vertex-wise cortical thickness were especially focused in the ventral attention network, while koniocortical type cortex (i.e. primary sensory areas) was relatively conserved from PRS-SCZ related differences. The large-scale pattern of cortical thickness increases related to PRS-SCZ mirrored the pattern of cortical thinning in schizophrenia and mood-related psychiatric disorders. Age group models illustrate a possible trajectory from PRS-SCZ associated cortical thickness increases in early childhood towards thinning in late adolescence, which resembles the adult brain phenotype of schizophrenia. Collectively, combining imaging-genetics with multi-scale mapping, our work provides novel insight into how genetic risk for schizophrenia impacts the cortex early in life.
Plasmodium falciparumprotein Pfs16 is a target for transmission-blocking antimalarial drug development
Authors: Yahiya Sabrina , Saunders Charlie N. , Straschil Ursula , Fischer Oliver J. , Rueda-Zubiaurre Ainoa , Haase Silvia , Vizcay-Barrena Gema , Jordan Sarah , Hassan Sarah , Delves Michael J. , Tate Edward W. , Barnard Anna , Fuchter Matthew J. , Baum Jake 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTPhenotypic cell-based screens are critical to the discovery of new antimalarial lead compounds. However, identification and validation of cellular targets of lead compounds is required following discovery in a phenotypic screen. We recently discovered aPlasmodiumtransmission-blocking N-((4-hydroxychroman-4-yl)methyl)-sulfonamide (N-4HCS) compound,DDD01035881, in a phenotypic screen.DDD01035881and its potent derivatives have been shown to blockPlasmodiummale gamete formation (microgametogenesis) with nanomolar activity. Here, we synthesised a photoactivatable N-4HCS derivative, probe2, to identify the N-4HCS cellular target. Using probe2in photo-affinity labelling coupled with mass spectrometry, we identified the 16 kDaPlasmodium falciparumparasitophorous vacuole membrane protein Pfs16 as the likely cellular target of the N-4HCS series. Further validating Pfs16 as the cellular target of the N-4HCS series, the Cellular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA) confirmed DDD01035881 stabilised Pfs16 in lysate from activated mature gametocytes. Additionally, photo-affinity labelling combined with in-gel fluorescence and immunoblot analysis confirmed the N-4HCS series interacted with Pfs16. High-resolution, widefield fluorescence and electron microscopy of N-4HCS-inhibited parasites was found to result in a cell morphology entirely consistent with targeted gene disruption ofPfs16. Taken together, these data strongly implicate Pfs16 as the target ofDDD01035881and establish the N-4HCS scaffold family as a powerful starting point from which future transmission-blocking antimalarials can be developed.
Drivers of genetic differentiation and recent evolutionary history of an Eurasian wild pea
Authors: Hellwig Timo , Abbo Shahal , Ophir Ron 
Published: June 2021

AbstractGenetic diversity a major determinant for the capacity of species to persist and adapt to their environments. Unraveling the factors affecting genetic differentiation is crucial to understand how genetic diversity is shaped and species may react to changing environments. We employed genotyping by sequencing to test the influence of climate, space, latitude, altitude and land cover on genetic differentiation in a collection of 81 wild pea samples (Pisum sativumssp.elatius) from across its distribution range from western Europe to central Asia. We also attempted to elucidate the species recent evolutionary history and its effect on the current distribution of genetic diversity. Association of single SNPs with climate variables were analyses to test for signatures of local adaptation. Genetic variation was geographically structured into six distinct genetic cluster. Two of which were associated with a taxonomic group (Pisum sativumssp.humile) that according to some researchers does not qualify for a sub-species rank due to its alleged lack of genetic distinctness from other conspecific groups. The effect of the tested factors influencing genetic differentiation were rather variable among genetic clusters. The climate predictors were most important in all clusters. Land use was more important in clusters from areas strongly influenced by human land use, especially by agriculture. We found a statistically significant association of 3,623 SNPs (2.4 % of all SNPs) with one of the environmental predictors. Most of them were correlated with latitude followed by temperature, precipitation and altitude. Estimation of SNP effects of the candidates resulted in a missense to silent ratio of 0.45, suggesting many of the observed candidates SNPs may alter the encoded amino acid sequence. Wild peas went through a genetic bottleneck during the last glacial period followed by population recovery. Probably associated with this population recovery, we detected a range expansion, which may have led to an eastward range expansion of the European cluster to Turkey and thereof southwards and eastwards. Overall, the interplay of several environmental factors and the recent evolutionary history affected the distribution of genetic diversity in wild peas where each subpopulations were differently affected by those factors and processes.
Effect of rust inhibitors and surface strengthening materials on service life of marine RC structures
Authors: Zhu Haiwei , Yu Hongfa , Ma Haiyan , Da Bo , Mei Qiquan 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to compare the effect of rust inhibitors and surface strengthening materials on the service life of RC structures in tropical marine environments and ultimately to provide basis and recommendations for the durability design of reinforced concrete (RC) structures.

Design/methodology/approach
Slag concrete specimens mixed with four kinds of rust inhibitors and coated with four kinds of surface strengthening materials were corroded by seawater exposure for 365 days, and the key parameters of chloride ion diffusion were obtained by testing. Then a new service life prediction model, based on the modified model for chloride ion diffusion and reliability theory, was applied to analyze the effect of rust inhibitors and surface strengthening materials on the service life of RC structures in tropical marine environments.

Findings
Rust inhibitors and surface strengthening materials can effectively extend the service life of RC structures through different effects on chloride ion diffusion behavior. The effects of rust inhibitors and surface strengthening materials on the service life extension of RC structures adhered to the following trend: silane material > cement-based permeable crystalline waterproof material > hydrophobic plug compound > spray polyurea elastomer > water-based permeable crystalline waterproof material > calcium nitrite > preservative > amino-alcohol composite.

Originality/value
Using a new method for predicting the service life of RC structures, the attenuation law of the service life of RC structures under the action of rust inhibitors and surface strengthening materials in tropical marine environments is obtained.
Veronica Robles Cultural Center (VROCC): an NGO’s Journey in Time of Pandemic
Authors: Spiliakos Alexandra , Taywade Shubhalaxmi 
Published: June 2021

Study Level/Applicability
This case study is intended for an MBA level audience; however, it can be used for upper-level college students as well.

Subject Area
This case's main subject areas include the following: organizational strategy, NGO strategic management, strategy and management during pandemic and women entrepreneurs or women-led business.

Case Overview
This case is about the organizational strategy of the Veronica Robles Cultural Center, an NGO, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The central challenge of this case study is about decision-making for a sustainable future, given limited resources, and thus a great urgency to plan conservatively. The central protagonist of the case is Veronica Robles herself. Veronica is an entrepreneur in both her personal career as a performing and teaching artist as well as the founder and creator of many programs to help spread culture and unite communities, including the Veronica Robles Cultural Center.

Expected learning outcomes
Students will learn about entrepreneurial strategy, NGO creation and management, strategy to create social value and organizational management during time of pandemic or widespread crisis.

Social Implications
This case is focused on creating social value through the analysis of a woman-founded and managed NGO. While managing the NGO's strategy through the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, operations must proceed with the utmost level of sustainability. With a focus on the well-being of the community, Veronica Robles Cultural Center (VROCC) needs to find a way to remain relevant in the short term while building out a sustainable organizational structure to succeed in the long term.

Subject code
CSS 11: Strategy

Supplementary Materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only.
Digital sustainability: how information and communication technologies (ICTs) support sustainable development goals (SDGs) assessment in municipalities
Authors: Mantovani Ribeiro Daielly Melina Nassif , Hourneaux Junior Flavio , Lara Cunha Cristiana Lara , Kaetsu Patricia Taeko , Dionizio-Leite Patricia Fernanda , Machado Junior Celso 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to discuss the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the effective assessment of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to smart and sustainable city initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on a systematic review of the literature within the Web of Science and Scopus databases, comprising the studies about ICTs related to smart and sustainable city initiatives and sustainable assessment.

Findings
The main results point out that there are several different ways of assessing SDGs performance related to ICTs use in smart and sustainable city initiatives. However, the effectiveness of these assessments can be questioned. The intensive use of technology understood as the core of smart and sustainable cities does not imply an improvement in sustainability unless these technologies are strategically addressed to underpin those objectives. Moreover, not all SDGs have considered the use of ICTs in their targets.

Research limitations/implications
The scope of the study is limited to “how” the information is used and managed, rather than analysing the sustainable performance itself. As a limitation, the findings and conclusions do not consider other sources of studies, such as grey literature.

Practical implications
This study suggests some requirements for providing better and more reliable sustainable assessment, making smart and sustainable city initiatives more correlated with the SDGs.

Social implications
By acknowledging the difficulties associated with SDGs assessment, concerning the municipal level, the study offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of public policies and public management. Besides, the findings shed some light on if and how the use of ICTs can effectively enhance sustainable development issues.

Originality/value
This study offers valuable contributions to the literature by providing a collection of insights regarding how the ICTs may genuinely lead to a sound assessment of sustainable development, especially regarding the SDGs.
Empirically validating five propositions regarding 3D visualizations for subsurface utility projects
Authors: van Manen Mechiel , olde Scholtenhuis Léon , Voordijk Hans 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThis study aims to empirically validate five propositions about the benefits of three-dimensional (3D) visualizations for the management of subsurface utility projects. Specifically, the authors validate whether benefits from 3D in the literature of building construction project management also apply to subsurface utility projects and map them using a taxonomy of project complexity levels.Design/methodology/approachA multiple case study of three utility construction projects was carried out during which the first author was involved in the daily work practices at a utility contractor. 3D visualizations of existing project models were developed, and design and construction meetings were conducted. Practitioners' interactions with and reflections on these 3D visualizations were noted. Observational data from the three project types were matched with the five propositions to determine where benefits of 3D visualizations manifested themselves.FindingsPractitioners found that 3D visualizations had most merit in crowded urban environments when constructing rigid pipelines. All propositions were validated and evaluated as beneficial in subsurface utility projects of complexity level C3. It is shown that in urban projects with rigid pipelines (project with the highest complexity level), 3D visualization prevents misunderstanding or misinterpretations and increases efficiency of coordination. It is recommended to implement 3D visualization approaches in such complex projectsOriginality/valueThere is only limited evidence on the value 3D visualizations in managing utility projects. This study contributes rich empirical evidence on this value based on a six-month observation period at a subsurface contractor. Their merit was assessed by associating 3D approaches with project complexity levels, which may help utility contractors in strategically implementing 3D applications.
A sobering examination of how the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates the disparities of vulnerable populations
Authors: Williams Lilcelia A. 
Published: June 2021

PurposeIntersectionality theory is a social justice theory customarily employed to address inequities which arise in the academic or legal arenas as it relates to race and gender. The application of intersectionality theory extends beyond the convergence of multiple social identities. It provides an invaluable framework to examine the convergence of social identities, the social determinants of health and a global pandemic in communities of historically marginalized and underrepresented persons. The purpose of this paper is to examine how the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the disparities experienced by African American and Latinx persons using the principles of intersectionality theory as the schema.Design/methodology/approachA literature review was performed on the scholarly articles examining the disproportionate incidence and mortality rates of African Americans and Latinx persons in America.FindingsThe current literature confirms that the disparities which existed prior to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic have been magnified by systemic oppression and racism of historically marginalized and underrepresented persons in America. The coronavirus pandemic has spotlighted the disparities in sustainable employment and access to health care for African American and Latinx persons.Originality/valueEmploying a social justice theoretical framework of intersectionality provides an opportunity to examine the lived experiences of African American and Latinx persons without race/ethnicity being the primary focal point. Future research will illustrate the urgent need for public health policy reform to eradicate the disparities experienced by African American and Latinx populations.
Framework to structure the Brazilian electricity futures market
Authors: de Souza Waldemar , Campani Carlos Heitor , Bohl Martin , Palazzi Rafael , de Oliveira Felipe 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
This study aims to formulate a mechanism design in the derivatives market, summarizing a framework to set up the Brazilian electricity futures market.

Design/methodology/approach
This exploratory study formulates a mechanism design in the derivatives market, summarizing a framework to set up the Brazilian electricity futures market.

Findings
The results show a positive economic outcome for the creation of the Brazilian futures electricity market.

Originality/value
The main feature in this work is to summarize a framework to set up the Brazilian electricity futures market applying mechanism design, applicable in other countries. The features of the mechanism are the space of expected results (Z), the strategies to survey the environmental space (θ) and the mechanism design – messages space (M).
Lean waste assessment in a laboratory for training chemical analysts for the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Muiambo Cláudia C.E. , Joao Isabel M. , Navas Helena V.G. 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to make a lean assessment of a chemical analyst training laboratory in a higher education institution and identify the main types of waste on a daily basis and understand the lean maturity of the laboratory and establish priority areas of intervention to make the laboratory leanest.

Design/methodology/approach
A single descriptive case study methodology was used to carry out the lean laboratory evaluation. The lean manufacturing waste terminology was adapted to a lean analytical laboratory environment, and a lean waste assessment step-by-step procedure was developed to reach the study goal.

Findings
Three types of waste (i.e. transport, waiting and defects) were the main contributors of the problem. The Pareto analysis results showed that 37.5% of the different types of waste contributed to almost 51.4% of the problems. The case study allowed on diagnosing wastes, understanding the lean maturity in a teaching laboratory setting and priority areas of intervention

Practical implications
Some data collection methods were used, and tools were developed to answer the research questions. A waste measurement instrument was created to evaluate lean waste in a chemical analytical laboratory, and a lean classification scheme was built to understand the lean maturity of the laboratory. The lessons learnt of the lean assessment in a teaching laboratory and the developed tools will be helpful for future research and for practitioners in a teaching chemical analytical laboratory setting.

Originality/value
The number of lean assessment studies in teaching laboratories is not very significant, and this work contributes to overcome this gap illustrating the lean waste assessment foundation with a step-by-step procedure and tools used in a teaching laboratory to perform a lean assessment and identify opportunities for improvement. A generic roadmap to lean laboratory waste assessment and continuous improvement is proposed with the key elements to take into consideration.