bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic Analysis of the Ocular Posterior Segment Completes a Cell Atlas of the Human Eye
Authors: Monavarfeshani Aboozar , Yan Wenjun , Pappas Christian , Odenigbo Kenechukwu A. , He Zhigang , Segrè Ayellet V. , Zyl Tavé van , Hageman Gregory S. , Sanes Joshua R.
Published: April 2023

Although the visual system extends through the brain, most vision loss originates from defects in the eye. Its central element is the neural retina, which senses light, processes visual signals, and transmits them to the rest of the brain through the optic nerve (ON). Surrounding the retina are numerous other structures, conventionally divided into anterior and posterior segments. Here we used high-throughput single nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) to classify and characterize cells in the extraretinal components of the posterior segment: ON, optic nerve head (ONH), peripheral sclera, peripapillary sclera (PPS), choroid, and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Defects in each of these tissues are associated with blinding diseases – for example, glaucoma (ONH and PPS), optic neuritis (ON), retinitis pigmentosa (RPE), and age-related macular degeneration (RPE and choroid). From ∼151,000 single nuclei, we identified 37 transcriptomically distinct cell types, including multiple types of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, fibroblasts, and vascular endothelial cells. Our analyses revealed a differential distribution of many cell types among distinct structures. Together with our previous analyses of the anterior segment and retina, the new data complete a “Version 1” cell atlas of the human eye. We used this atlas to map the expression of >180 genes associated with the risk of developing glaucoma, which is known to involve ocular tissues in both anterior and posterior segments as well as neural retina. Similar methods can be used to investigate numerous additional ocular diseases, many of which are currently untreatable.
Marine bacterial enrichment in the sea surface microlayer, and surface taxa aerosolization potential in the Western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Dinasquet Julie , Zäncker Birthe , Nicosia Alessia , Bigeard Estelle , Baudoux Anne-Claire , Engel Anja , Guieu Cecile , Obernosterer Ingrid , Sellegri Karine
Published: April 2023

The sea surface microlayer (SSML) is critical to air-sea exchanges of gases and primary aerosols. However, despite the extent of this boundary layer, little is known about its specific bacterial community (bacterioneuston) and how it may affect ocean-atmosphere exchanges. Here, we studied the bacterial community composition in the surface waters of three different basins of the Western Mediterranean Sea and assessed the selective air-sea transfer of marine bacteria through experimental nascent sea spray aerosol production in a 10 L tank with plunging jets. In situ, the bacterioneuston harbored basin-specific enriched taxa and followed a similar spatial pattern as the underlying bacterioplankton community. Aerosolization potential showed that sea spray taxa might be recruited from both the underlying water and the SSML, and that taxa enriched in the bacterioneuston were not always aerosolized. Our results suggest that the Mediterranean nutrient gradient, as well as pulse events such as dust deposition, affect the distribution of the bacterial community at the ocean-atmosphere interface, which may impact biogeochemical processes, climate regulation and bacterial dispersal through aerosolization.
Mapping the Dynamics of Visual Feature Coding: Insights into Perception and Integration
Authors: Grootswagers Tijl , Robinson Amanda K. , Shatek Sophia M. , Carlson Thomas A
Published: April 2023

The basic computations performed in the human early visual cortex are the foundation for visual perception. While we know a lot about these computations, a key missing piece is how the coding of visual features relates to our perception of the environment. To investigate visual feature coding, interactions, and their relationship to human perception, we investigated neural responses and perceptual similarity judgements to a large set of visual stimuli that varied parametrically along four feature dimensions. We measured neural responses using electroencephalography (N=16) to 256 grating stimuli that varied in orientation, spatial frequency, contrast, and colour. We then mapped the response profiles of the neural coding of each visual feature and their interactions, and related these to independently obtained behavioural judgements of stimulus similarity. The results confirmed fundamental principles of feature coding in the visual system, such that all four features were processed simultaneously but differed in their dynamics, and there was distinctive conjunction coding for different combinations of features in the neural responses. Importantly, modelling of the behaviour revealed that every stimulus feature contributed to perceptual judgements, despite the untargeted nature of the behavioural task. Further, the relationship between neural coding and behaviour was evident from initial processing stages, signifying that the fundamental features, not just their interactions, contribute to perception. This study highlights the importance of understanding how feature coding progresses through the visual hierarchy and the relationship between different stages of processing and perception.

Author summary

This study investigates the foundational computations in the human early visual cortex that underlie visual perception. Using electroencephalography (EEG), neural responses to 256 grating stimuli with variations in orientation, spatial frequency, contrast, and colour were measured in 16 participants. We explored how the neural coding of these visual features and their interactions relate to perceptual similarity judgments. Results confirmed simultaneous processing of all four features with distinct dynamics, revealing conjunction coding for various feature combinations. Behavioural modelling demonstrated that each stimulus feature contributes to perceptual judgments. This work emphasizes the significance of understanding feature coding progression through the visual hierarchy and its relationship to perception from early processing stages.
The Impact of Flood Adaptation Measures on Affected Population’s Mental Health: A mixed method Scoping Review
Authors: El-Mousawi Fatima , Ortiz Ariel Mundo , Berkat Rawda , Nasri Bouchra
Published: April 2023

The frequency and severity of floods has increased in different regions of the world due to climate change. Although the impact of floods on human health has been extensively studied, the increase in the segments of the population that are likely to be impacted by floods in the future makes it necessary to examine how adaptation measures impact the mental health of individuals affected by these natural disasters. The goal of this scoping review is to document the existing studies on flood adaptation measures and their impact on the mental health of affected populations, in order to identify the best preventive strategies as well as limitations that deserve further exploration. This study employed the methodology of the PRISMA-ScR extension for scoping reviews to systematically search the databases Medline and Web of Science to identify studies that examined the impact of adaptation measures on the mental health of flood victims. The database queries resulted in a total of 857 records from both databases. Following two rounds of screening, 9 studies were included for full-text analysis. Most of the analyzed studies sought to identify the factors that drive resilience in flood victims, particularly in the context of social capital (6 studies), whereas the remaining studies analyzed the impact of external interventions on the mental health of flood victims, either from preventive or post-disaster measures (3 studies). There is a very limited number of studies that analyze the impact of adaptation measures on the mental health of populations and individuals affected by floods, which complicates the generalizability of their findings. There is a need for public health policies and guidelines for the development of flood adaptation measures that adequately consider a social component that can be used to support the mental health of flood victims.
Outbreak of High-risk XDR CRAB of International Clone 2 (IC2) in Rio Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Morgado Sérgio M. , Fonseca Érica L. , Freitas Fernanda S. , Bighi Nathalia S. , Oliveira Priscila P. C. , Monteiro Priscilla M. , Lima Lorena S. , Santos Bianca P. , Sousa Maria A. R. , Assumpção Adriana O. , Mascarenhas Luiz A. , Vicente Ana Carolina P.
Published: April 2023

The high-risk clones ofAcinetobacter baumannii, called international clones (ICs), span several ICs, IC1 to IC7 being the most reported. Among them, IC2 represents the main lineage causing outbreaks worldwide. IC2 presents a great diversity of sub-lineages with different sequence types (ST). Despite successful global spread, the occurrence of IC2 is rarely reported in Latin America, including Brazil. Here, through genomic analysis, we investigated 16 IC2/ST2 strains obtained from a clinical setting in Brazil (2022). These strains represented carbapenem-resistantA. baumannii(CRAB) with an extensively drug-resistant (XDR) profile, with most showing some resistance to tigecycline. Overall, these strains showed susceptibility only to polymyxins, thus leading to restricted therapeutic choices. Based onin silicoanalysis, the relationship between Brazilian CRAB genomes and IC2/ST2 genomes circulating in the world, particularly in South America, was established. The Brazilian IC2 strains belonged to three discrete and distinct sub-lineages, being more associated with IC2/ST2 genomes from countries in Europe, North America and Asia, suggesting their epidemiological link. These Brazilian strains were characterized by the co-presence ofblaOXA-23 andblaOXA-66, in addition to the genes APH(6), APH(3”), ANT(3”), AAC(6’),armA, and the efflux pumpsadeABC andadeIJK, associated with the XDR/CRAB phenotype. Furthermore, the three sub-lineages presented three distinct capsules, KL7, KL9 and KL56, the latter not yet associated with IC2 genomes. A large set of virulence genes was also identified in the genomes:adeFGH/efflux pump, the siderophoresbarAB,basABCDFGHIJ andbauBCDEF,lpxABCDLM/capsule,tssABCDEFGIKLM/T6SS,pgaABCD/biofilm.
Ferroptosis-Protective Membrane Domains in Quiescence
Authors: Megarioti Amalia H. , Athanasopoulos Alexandros , Koulouris Dimitrios , Esch Bianca M. , Makridakis Manousos , Lygirou Vasiliki , Samiotaki Martina , Zoidakis Jerome , Sophianopoulou Vicky , André Bruno , Fröhlich Florian , Gournas Christos
Published: April 2023

Quiescence is a common cellular state, required for stem-cell maintenance and microorganismal survival under stress conditions or starvation. However, the mechanisms promoting quiescence maintenance remain poorly known. Plasma membrane components segregate into distinct microdomains, yet the role of this compartmentalization in quiescence remains unexplored. Here, we show that Flavodoxin-like proteins (FLPs), ubiquinone reductases of the yeast eisosome membrane compartment, protect quiescent cells from lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. Eisosomes and FLPs expand specifically in respiratory-active quiescent cells, and mutants lacking either show accelerated aging, defective quiescence maintenance, and accumulate peroxidized phospholipids with monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). FLPs are essential for the extra-mitochondrial regeneration of the lipophilic antioxidant ubiquinol. FLPs, alongside the Gpx1/2/3 glutathione peroxidases, prevent iron-driven, PUFA-dependent ferroptotic cell death. Our work is the first description of ferroptosis-protective mechanisms in yeast and introduces plasma membrane compartmentalization as an important factor for the long-term survival of quiescent cells.
MYPT1 is a non-canonical AKAP that tethers PKA to the MLCP signaling node
Authors: Khalil Jawad S , Saldanha Paulo A. , Blair Connor M , Ling Jiayue , Ji Wei , Baillie George S. , Naseem Khalid M , Nikitenko Leonid L , Rivero Francisco
Published: April 2023

The activity of myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) is fine-tuned by the phosphorylation status of the MLCP target subunit 1 (MYPT1), which is determined by the antagonistic effects of Rho kinase (ROCK) and cAMP/cGMP-dependent protein kinases (PKA and PKG). PKA is composed of two regulatory (PKA-R, of which four variants exist) and two catalytic (PKAcat) subunits. PKA is targeted to the vicinity of its substrates by binding to A kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs). MYPT1 is part of a complex signaling node that includes kinases and other enzymes involved in signal transduction. We hypothesized that MYPT1 might function as an AKAP to target PKA to the MLCP signaling node. Using a combination of immunoprecipitation, affinity pulldown andin situproximity ligation assay (PLA) in human platelets and endothelial cells, we show that MYPT1 directly interacts with all four PKA-R variants and mapped the interaction to a 200 residues long central region of MYPT1. The interaction does not involve the docking and dimerization domain of PKA-R typically required for binding to AKAPs. Using peptide array overlay we identified K595, E676 and the PKA/ROCK kinase substrate motif R693/R694/S695/T696 as critical for the interaction. Substitution of S695, T696 or both by aspartic acid or the corresponding phosphorylated residue abolished binding. Our findings reveal that MYPT1 functions as a non-canonical AKAP to anchor PKA to the vicinity of non-phosphorylated S695/T696, where PKA-R would prevent PKAcat, and potentially also ROCK, from interacting with and phosphorylating MYPT1.
PALS1 is a key regulator of the lateral distribution of tight junction proteins in renal epithelial cells
Authors: Groh Ann-Christin , Kleimann Simon , Nedvetsky Pavel , Behrens Malina , Möller-Kerutt Annika , Höffken Verena , Ghosh Sujasha , Hansen Uwe , Krahn Michael P. , Ludwig Alexander , Ebnet Klaus , Pavenstädt Hermann , Weide Thomas
Published: April 2023

The evolutionarily conserved Crumbs (CRB) polarity complex, which consists of the core components CRB3a, PALS1 and PATJ, plays a key role in epithelial cell-cell contact formation and cell polarization. Recently we observed that deletion of onePals1allele in mice results in functional haploinsufficiency characterized by renal cysts. To address the role of PALS1 at the cellular level, we generated PALS1 knockout MDCKII cell lines using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The loss of PALS1 resulted in increased paracellular permeability indicative of an epithelial barrier defect. This barrier defect was associated with a redistribution of several tight junction-associated proteins from bicellular cell-cell contacts to tricellular junctions. The regulation of tight junction protein localization at bicellular junctions by PALS1 was dependent on its interaction with PATJ. Together, our data uncover a critical role of PALS1 in the correct positioning of tight junction proteins to bicellular junctions.
Crystal structure of MAB_4123, a putative flavin-dependent monooxygenase fromMycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Ung Kien Lam , Poussineau Chloé , Couston Julie , Alsarraf Husam M. A. B. , Blaise Mickaël
Published: April 2023

Numerous bacteria from different phylae can perform desulfurization reactions of organosulfur compounds. In these degradation or detoxification pathways, two-component flavin-dependent monooxygenases that use flavins (FMN or FAD) as a cofactor play important roles as they catalyse the first steps of these metabolic routes. The TdsC or DszC and MsuC proteins belong to this class of enzymes as they process dibenzothiophene (DBT) and methanesulfinate. Elucidation of their X-ray structures in apo, ligand-bound and cofactor-bound forms has provided important molecular insights into their catalytic reaction. Mycobacterial species have also been shown to possess a DBT degradation pathway, but no structural information is available on these two-component flavin-dependent monooxygenases. In this study, the crystal structure of the uncharacterized MAB_4123 protein from the human pathogenMycobacterium abscessusis presented. The structure solved at high resolution displays high similarity to homologs fromRhodococcus,PaenibacillusandPseudomonasspecies.In silicodocking approaches suggest that MAB_4123 binds FMN and may use it as a cofactor. Structural analysis strongly suggests that MAB_4123 is a two-component flavin-dependent monooxygenase that could act as a detoxifying enzyme of organosulfur compounds in mycobacteria.
Employee voice behavior and perceived control: does remote work environment matter?
Authors: O'Brien Kelly Irene , Ravichandran Swathi , Brodke Michelle
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study's purpose is to explore the difference in employee voice behavior along with its modalities and employee perceived control in a remote vs an in-office work situation.

Design/methodology/approach

Employees who worked remotely and in-person at a local municipal government in the Great Lakes Region of the United States were surveyed.

Findings

Findings suggest voice behavior and perceived control are stable attitudes and not impacted by a move from in-person to remote work. Participants indicated both Zoom staff meetings and Zoom one-to-one meetings with their supervisor were important; however, only Zoom one-to-one meetings with the supervisor were indicated to be satisfactory.

Practical implications

This study suggests that organizations considering moving some of their operations to a fully remote work situation would not experience differences in employee voice or perceived control. Implications related to utilizing specific communication modalities are also discussed.

Originality/value

This is the only study that focuses on differences in employee voice, its modalities and perceived control comparing in-person vs remote work.
Listening to strangers more than friends: how recommendations from close- (vs distant-) others influence consumption
Authors: Dong Meichen , Saini Ritesh
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how recommendations from close- versus distant-others influence consumer preferences. This paper explores how the consumption setting (public vs private) differentially affects the relative weight given to recommendations from these two sources.

Design/methodology/approach

Through five scenario-based experiments and an internal meta-analysis, this paper examines whether consumers are more likely to follow recommendations from distant- (vs close-) others in public consumption settings. As a test of the underlying process, this study also investigates the mediating role of distinctiveness-signaling motivation in why consumers overweight recommendations from distant others in public settings, and the moderating role of atypical product design.

Findings

The findings of this study support the hypothesis that recommendations from distant-others have a greater impact on consumer preferences in public consumption contexts, as opposed to recommendations from close-others. This result can be attributed to the heightened salience of consumers’ distinctiveness-signaling motives in public consumption contexts, leading them to prioritize exhibiting uniqueness over conforming to close-others’ recommendations. However, this study also reveals that the presence of alternative sources of distinctiveness, such as atypically designed products, can mitigate this effect, leading consumers to seek conformity to close-others’ recommendations even in public consumption contexts.

Research limitations/implications

This research did not look into the possible culture impact on the nonconforming consumption behavior. Previous research indicates that in collectivist cultures, nonconformity and distinctiveness are valued less (Kim and Drolet, 2003). This may imply that even with provoked signaling motives, collectivist consumers may not exhibit divergence from close-others. In fact, they may do the exact opposite and possibly become even more conforming to recommendations from close-others.

Practical implications

This research shed light on the business practice regarding word-of-mouth (WOM). Specifically, this research results suggest that for publicly consumed product, companies may need to seek a nontraditional WOM and use less WOM from consumer’s close-others.

Originality/value

Marketers often use referrals and recommendations from close-others to shape consumers’ preferences. In contrast, this study shows that for publicly consumed products, consumers may diverge from conforming to their close-others.
Cultural communication differences in initial public offering documentation: the case of China
Authors: Irizarry Quintero Anamari , Rodríguez Ramírez Javier , Villafañe-Rodríguez Camille
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Written communication differences across cultures can set the tone for effective or disastrous business relationships. Although English has been the go-to language in business, managers from different countries can significantly differ in how they convey the firms' information. This study explored these differences by examining the documentation presented by foreign corporations as part of their initial public offering (IPO) in the USA, particularly Chinese firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This work examined cultural-related differences in written communications by looking at foreign corporations' descriptions of their strengths, strategies and challenges included in F-1 documents submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of the IPO process. The sample consisted of 97 American depositary receipts (ADRs) identified in the Bank of New York Mellon's ADR directory from 2003 to 2015.

Findings

This study found that Chinese firms significantly differ from other countries' firms in depicting their strengths, strategies and challenges.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations have to do with the sample size. Future research may address this by considering other depositary markets, not just the USA.

Originality/value

The results will be significant for potential ADRs investors; they must be conscious of these differences in the written documentation submitted by Chinese firms compared to other foreign firms. The market should also be aware of these differences, as the Chinese seem less open to sharing information about the under spinning of their operations and financial prospects.
Humor, laughter and mental health: a case study of Mary Kay Morrison
Authors: Morrison Mary Kay , Ben-Moshe Ros , Gonot-Schoupinsky Freda
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to meet Mary Kay Morrison, an active member and past president of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH).

Design/methodology/approach

This case study is presented in two sections: an autobiography of Mary Kay Morrison, followed by a ten-question interview.

Findings

Mary Kay recommends exploration of the benefits of humor and laughter for mental health professionals. In recognition of the need for clarifying terminology, she coined the terms Humergy, which is joyful, optimistic, healthy energy and Humordoomer, which denotes a person who zaps that energy from us. Her work includes exploring the five stages of Humor Development as a significant factor in understanding cognitive development.

Research limitations/implications

This is a personal narrative, albeit from an educator who has been active in the field of applied and therapeutic humor for over 30 years.

Practical implications

Humor and laughter research is recommended to explore their use in optimizing mental health. Mary Kay endorses expanding pioneering work in therapeutic humor as a treatment for anxiety and depression. She shares recommendations for humor practice in both prevention of mental health challenges and as a viable treatment for anxiety and depression.

Social implications

Three humor benefits with particular social applications are highlighted. Humor facilitates communication, creates an optimal learning environment and supports change.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case study about Mary Kay Morrison, Past President of the AATH and founder of the AATH Certified Humor Professional program.
Community-based model of tourism development in a biosphere reserve context
Authors: Darvishmotevali Mahlagha , Rasoolimanesh S. Mostafa , Dorbeiki Mazdak
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to introduce and evaluate a model of host community support for sustainable tourism development (SSTD) based on the influential factors contributing to community support in a biosphere reserve.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares structural equation modeling using SmartPLS 3 software is applied to analyze data collected from 473 residents of the Miankaleh Biosphere Reserve, Iran.

Findings

The findings reveal that the locals’ community support is affected by their level of environmental awareness, opportunity and attitudes toward SSTD. However, the results do not reveal an influence of environmental knowledge and community attachment on SSTD. The findings enrich the existing literature on community attitude predictors by showing that locals’ SSTD level is not consistently based on common predictors. Such support strongly depends on host communities’ attitudes toward supporting tourism, which is definitely not the same among residents. It is imperative to know whether people’s attitudes arise from a desire to protect the area or for reasons of self-interest.

Originality/value

The findings provide further support for the tenets of the segmentation approach and challenge existing knowledge on host communities’ attitudes about factors influencing residents toward SSTD. The findings have several practical implications regarding community participation for regional and national authorities and destination policymakers.
Numerical investigation on the effect of pressurization scenarios on the deformation behaviours and operating volume of a four-chambered soft actuator
Authors: Doreswamy Deepak , B.R. Abhijay , D’Souza Jeane Marina , H.K. Sachidananda , Bhat Subraya Krishna
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Soft actuators using pneumatic-chamber (PneuNet)-based designs have been of interest in the area of soft robotics with scope of application in the area of biomedical assistance and smart agriculture. Researchers have attempted to investigate multiple chambers in parallel to examine their deformation characteristics. However, there is a lacuna for investigation of the deformation characteristics of four parallel chambered soft actuators. The purpose of this study is to comprehensively investigate the different possible actuation scenarios and the resulting bending/deformation behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

Therefore, in this study, a four-chambered PneuNet actuator is numerically investigated to evaluate the effects of pressurization scenarios and pressure levels on its performance, operating reaching and working volume.

Findings

The results of this study revealed that two-adjacent chamber equal pressurization and three-chamber pressurizations result in increased bending. However, two-opposite chamber pressurization reduces the bending angle with pressure levels in the lower pressure chamber. The maximum bending angle of 97° was achieved for single-chamber pressurization of 300 kPa. The two-adjacent chamber unequal pressurization can achieve a sweeping motion in the actuator along with bending. The working volume and reaching capability analysis revealed that the actuator can reach around 71% of the dimensional operating space.

Practical implications

The results provide fundamental guidance on the output nature of motion which can be obtained under different pressurization scenarios using the four-chambered design soft actuator, thereby making it a practical guide for implementation for useful applications.

Originality/value

The comprehensive pressurization scenarios and pressure level variations reported in this study will serve as fundamental operating guidelines for any practical implementation of the four-chambered PneuNet actuator.
Rapidly progressing generalized bullous fixed drug eruption after the first dose of COVID‐19 messenger RNA vaccination
Authors: Choi Sooyeon , Kim Sung Hee , Hwang Ji‐Hye , Jang Hyun Woo , Oh Sang Ho , Kim Do‐Young , Kim Tae‐Gyun
Published: April 2023

Generalized bullous fixed drug eruption (GBFDE) is a rare type of life‐threatening severe cutaneous adverse reaction that is considered a medical emergency because of its potential lethality. Currently, only a few cases of bullous adverse reactions have been reported after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccination. We describe a patient with distinct clinical, histopathological, and immunological findings that are consistent with severe GBFDE, after Pfizer messenger RNA COVID‐19 vaccination. An 83‐year‐old man presented with a fever and well‐demarcated multiple erythematous patches that occurred only 4 h after receiving the first dose of COVID‐19 Pfizer vaccination. Over the next few days, the patches became generalized and turned into blisters covering approximately 30% of the body surface. The patient was started on intravenous methylprednisolone and oral cyclosporine. There were no additional blistering lesions after 10 days of treatment, prompting a gradual dose reduction. Our case suggests that a stepwise vaccination adhering to the standard dosing schedule should be warranted with close monitoring for possible significant side effects.
Nitrogen addition and experimental drought simplified arthropod network in temperate grassland
Authors: Zhang Bingchuan , Ma Wang , Song Lin , Liang Xiaosa , Xi Xinqiang , Wang Zhengwen
Published: April 2023

Biodiversity is threatened by global changes, but related research has focused primarily on species or functional group diversity, neglecting their interaction networks. The latter are particularly sensitive to global changes and essential for biodiversity maintenance. Furthermore, multiple global change factors are typically examined separately, rather than in concert which is more realistic in nature.

To explore the responses of arthropod networks to multiple global changes, we conducted a field experiment in temperate grassland in northeast China, in which nitrogen (N) deposition, drought, snowmelt timing and their interactions were manipulated. We constructed and assessed networks of arthropod functional groups, and explored their responses to changes in plant communities and the abiotic environments.

Nitrogen addition decreased arthropod network complexity because increased foliar N and simplified plant community strengthened trophic chains along a single pathway, weakening the net effect of other pathways. However, experimental drought decreased network complexity by filtering out plant species and changing micro‐habitats. While delayed snowmelt significantly increased arthropod abundance only in early spring, its interaction with N addition or with drought had various impacts on arthropod functional groups. Our results suggest that the interaction of arthropod consumers with plant species richness and with plant nutrients finally reduced the robustness, connectedness and function of entire species/functional group networks in response to global change factors.

In conclusion, species loss and increasing plant nutrient concentrations are key factors simplifying networks under multiple global changes, and such simplification is likely to be strengthened if coupled with changes in micro‐habitats. Our study highlighted that the effects of multiple global change factors should be studied in concert, even though they occur in different seasons, so that their effects on ecological networks can be perceived as a panorama.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Taxon‐specific responses to landscape‐scale and long‐term implementation of environmentally friendly rice farming
Authors: Katayama Naoki , Baba Yuki G. , Okubo Satoru , Matsumoto Hitoshi
Published: April 2023

Rice feeds about half of the world's population. The intensification of rice farming has threatened biodiversity and ecosystem services, such as pest control. A growing body of evidence suggests that Environmentally or wildlife‐friendly farming (EFF) can be effective in biodiversity conservation. However, its dependence on spatial and temporal scales of EFF implementation and surrounding semi‐natural habitats has remained largely unknown.

We evaluated the effects of three types of EFF (organic farming, winter flooding and integrated pest management [IPM]) against conventional farming on plants, spiders and waterbirds in Japan. Through systematic surveys of 254 rice fields across rice production areas, we monitored EFF implementation at field and landscape scales, considering the time since transition to EFF and the surrounding semi‐natural areas.

EFF implementation at the field scale, such as organic farming, was found to have positive effects on plant richness and spider abundance, whereas the percent area of EFF fields within a 200‐m radius positively affected Ardeidae abundance. However, as the percent area of surrounding semi‐natural habitats increased, the difference in the plant richness between organic and other fields decreased.

Prolonged implementation periods of IPM or winter flooding, together with a reduction of more than 50% in synthetic fertilisers and pesticides from conventional agriculture, led to an increase in the spider abundance. Conversely, no clear positive effect of longer implementation periods of organic farming resulted in similar spider abundance in the three EFF types after 20 years.

Synthesis and applications: This suggests that the benefits of EFF depend on their spatial and temporal scales and the surrounding semi‐natural areas. We propose that such a context dependency should be considered in future policy. Our findings also provide a starting point for future research to test the mixed biodiversity benefits of EFF across cropland types and around the world.
Whose policy uncertainty affects trade flows between Japan and the U.S.?
Authors: Bahmani‐Oskooee Mohsen , Nouira Ridha , Saafi Sami
Published: April 2023

Previous studies mostly assumed that the effects of policy uncertainty on trade flows are symmetric. In this article, we add to this literature by arguing and demonstrating that the effects could be asymmetric. Since asymmetry analysis requires using non‐linear models, such models yield a more significant outcome than linear models. We show this by considering the trade flows of 66 two‐digit U.S. exporting industries to Japan and 59 two‐digit Japanese exporting industries to the United States. While both the linear and non‐linear models predicted short‐run effects of the U.S. and Japanese policy uncertainty on exports of most industries, the long‐run effects were significantly different. In the long run, while the linear model predicted no significant effects of either uncertainty measure, the non‐linear model 12 (14) U.S. exporting industries that were affected by changes in the Japanese (the U.S.) policy uncertainty measure and six (10) Japanese exporting industries that were affected by changes in the Japanese (the U.S.) policy uncertainty measure. Several large industries were among the affected industries.
Well‐being and doctor visits: The mediating role of a healthy diet
Authors: Kesavayuth Dusanee , Shangkhum Prompong , Zikos Vasileios
Published: April 2023

Subjective well‐being is associated with many positive health outcomes. However, little is known about whether these favourable outcomes translate into a reduction in the number of doctor visits. Using large‐scale panel data from Australia, we find that individuals with high life satisfaction need fewer visits to their family doctor or general practitioner. We also present evidence on the pathways underlying this relationship, showing it is significantly explained by a person's diet. These findings remain after correcting for sample selection bias using Heckman's approach as well as controlling for various confounding factors.
US Policies That Define Foods for Junk Food Taxes, 1991–2021
Authors: POMERANZ JENNIFER L , CASH SEAN B , MOZAFFARIAN DARIUSH
Published: April 2023

Policy Points

Suboptimal diet is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States.

Excise taxes on junk food are not widely utilized in the United States. The development of a workable definition of the food to be taxed is a substantial barrier to implementation.

Three decades of legislative and regulatory definitions of food for taxes and related purposes provide insight into methods to characterize food to advance new policies. Defining policies through Product Categories combined with Nutrients or Processing may be a method to identify foods for health‐related goals.

Context

Suboptimal diet is a substantial contributor to weight gain, cardiometabolic diseases, and certain cancers. Junk food taxes can raise the price of the taxed product to reduce consumption and the revenue can be used to invest in low‐resource communities. Taxes on junk food are administratively and legally feasible but no definition of “junk food” has been established.

Methods

To identify legislative and regulatory definitions characterizing food for tax and other related purposes, this research used Lexis+ and the NOURISHING policy database to identify federal, state, territorial, and Washington DC statutes, regulations, and bills (collectively denoted as “policies”) defining and characterizing food for tax and related policies, 1991–2021.

Findings

This research identified and evaluated 47 unique laws and bills that defined food through one or more of the following criteria: Product Category (20 definitions), Processing (4 definitions), Product intertwined with Processing (19 definitions), Place (12 definitions), Nutrients (9 definitions), and Serving Size (7 definitions). Of the 47 policies, 26 used more than one criterion to define food categories, especially those with nutrition‐related goals. Policy goals included taxing foods (snack, healthy, unhealthy, or processed foods), exempting foods from taxation (snack, healthy, unhealthy, or unprocessed foods), exempting homemade or farm‐made foods from state and local retail regulations, and supporting federal nutrition assistance objectives. Policies based on Product Categories alone differentiated between necessity/staple foods on the one hand and nonnecessity/nonstaple foods on the other.

Conclusions

In order to specifically identify unhealthy food, policies commonly included a combination of Product Category, Processing, and/or Nutrient criteria. Explanations for repealed state sales tax laws on snack foods identified retailers’ difficulty pinpointing which specific foods were subject to the tax as a barrier to implementation. An excise tax assessed on manufacturers or distributors of junk food is a method to overcome this barrier and may be warranted.
Wee1 epigenetically modulates H2B mono‐ubiquitination at K120 lysine and DNA double‐strand break repair through phosphorylation of H2BY37‐dependent manner in small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhao Xiaoliang , Wen Xiaohua , Liu Bin
Published: April 2023

Background

DNA damage repair is a crucial mechanism highly related to therapy resistance for various therapeutic strategies. Our previous results have shown that the degree of drug resistance in small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines was proportional to both the transcription and expression levels of Wee1, indicating that Wee1, an evolutionarily highly conserved kinase, plays a vital role in the therapeutic resistance of SCLC. In the present study, we aim to determine the nonclassical mechanism of Wee1 on DNA repair regulation.

Methods

Western blot was conducted to determine the mono‐ubiquitination level of H2Bub. Comet assay was used to evaluate the degree of DNA damage. Immunofluorescence was conducted to determine the DNA repair markers. Co‐immunoprecipitation was utilized to assess the potential interactions with H2BY37ph. MTT assays were used to evaluate the survival rates of SCLC cells.

Results

Overexpression of Wee1 increases the level of H2BK120ub and alleviates ionizing radiation (IR)‐induced DNA damage in SCLC cells. Moreover, H2BK120ub is a crucial molecule in Wee1‐mediated double‐strain break (DSB) repair in SCLC cells. Mechanisms study indicated that H2BY37ph is involved in Wee1‐mediated H2BK120ub through interaction with the E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF20–RNF40 complex and upregulates its phosphorylation, mutation of H2BY37 phosphorylation sites attenuated DSB repair and enhanced the sensitivity of IR‐induced SCLC cell death.

Conclusion

H2BY37ph produces crosstalk with H2BK120ub in an E3 ubiquitin ligase‐dependent manner, promoting Wee1‐mediated DSB repair in SCLC cells. This study clarifies the nonclassical mechanism of Wee1 regulation of DSB repair, which provides a theoretical basis for the clinical understanding of the regulatory network of Wee1 and its use as a target for overcoming multiple types of therapeutic resistance.
The association between marital locus of control and break‐up intentions
Authors: Boto‐García David , Perali Federico
Published: April 2023

Understanding couple instability is a topic of social and economic relevance. This paper investigates how the risk of dissolution relates to efforts to solve disagreements. We study whether marital locus of control (a noncognitive trait that captures individual's perception of control over problems within the couple) is associated with the prevalence of relationship instability in the past. We implement a list experiment using the count‐item technique to a sample of current real‐life couples to elicit truthful answers about couple break‐up intentions in the past at the individual level. We find that around 44% of our sample has considered to end their relationship with their current partner at least once in the past. The intention to break‐up is more prevalent among those who score low in marital locus of control, males, low‐income earners, individuals with university studies, and couples without children.
Australian experience of side‐to‐side isoperistaltic stricturoplasty in Crohn's disease
Authors: Petrucci Ryan , Papanikolas Michael , Gilmore Andrew
Published: April 2023

Background

The Michelassi stricturoplasty has demonstrated efficacy for Crohn's disease in European and American series but has not had uptake in Australia. We report the short‐term results of side‐to‐side isoperistaltic stricturoplasty (SSIS) in an Australian Practice.

Methods

Between March 2015 and October 2021 SSIS procedures were performed on Crohn's patients with long segment Crohn's strictures associated with obstructive symptoms, despite best medical therapy. Surgical demographics and results were recorded via inpatient and outpatient follow‐up in a prospective database.

Results

Twenty‐one SSIS performed in 16 patients, nine female, mean age 40 years. Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) was used in 10 patients. The standard Michelassi SSIS used for 11 strictures and a Poggioli variant used for 10. Mean stricture length 32 cm (range 5–100); mean SSIS length 24 cm (range 6–55). Associated bowel resection in seven cases with a mean length of 47 mm. Ten patients had an average of three additional stricturoplasties. Complications included central line sepsis in one, deep surgical site infection in one and superficial wound infection in four patients. Mean duration of operation; 346 min and length of stay 10 days.

Conclusion

SSIS techniques are safe for the management of long segment stricturing Crohn's disease. Although not widely used in Australia, surgeons should consider the Michelassi stricturoplasty, and its variants, for long Crohn's strictures as they are isoperistaltic whilst avoiding bowel resection and blind pouches.
Description of a new ultrasound sign to distinguish Crohn's anal fistula from cryptoglandular fistula: The rosary sign
Authors: de la Portilla F. , Sojo V. , Vázquez‐Monchul J. M. , Pintor‐Tortolero J. , Dios S. , Reyes‐Díaz M. L.
Published: April 2023

Aim

Endoanal and endorectal ultrasound are essential diagnostic tools for perianal fistula. Recent studies have examined ultrasound signs that help differentiate cryptoglandular anal fistula from perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease. The main aim of this work was to describe a new ultrasound sign for perianal fistula and to evaluate its ability to differentiate Crohn's disease from cryptoglandular anal fistula.

Method

This study included 363 patients (113 women; mean age 46.5 ± 14.3 years). Overall, 287 (79.1%) patients had a cryptoglandular perianal fistula and 76 (20.9%) had fistulizing Crohn's disease. All patients underwent three‐dimensional anal endosonography for perianal fistula. The reading was carried out by two observers.

Results

Observer 1, who was an experienced sonographer and colorectal surgeon, observed the ultrasound sign in 120 patients (33.1%), while observer 2, who was inexperienced, observed it in 129 patients (35.5%). The overall interobserver agreement was 67.22%. The Kappa coefficient measuring interobserver agreement was 0.273 (0.17–0.38). Among those patients with Crohn's disease, 48.68% had the sign and 16% did not (p = 0.001). A logistic regression study showed that the sign was a predictor of Crohn's disease (p = 0.001), with an odds ratio of 2.33 (1.39–3.91). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 38.68%, 71.08%, 30.83%, 83.95% and 66.39%, respectively.

Conclusion

This study provides a new ultrasound sign for perianal fistula (the rosary sign) in patients with Crohn's disease. The sign can be used to differentiate Crohn's disease from other types of fistula. This is useful in the management of patients with anal fistula.
A comparison between common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) and human infants sheds light on traits proposed to be at the root of human octave equivalence
Authors: Wagner Bernhard , Šlipogor Vedrana , Oh Jinook , Varga Marion , Hoeschele Marisa
Published: April 2023

Two notes separated by a doubling in frequency sound similar to humans. This “octave equivalence” is critical to perception and production of music and speech and occurs early in human development. Because it also occurs cross‐culturally, a biological basis of octave equivalence has been hypothesized. Members of our team previousy suggested four human traits are at the root of this phenomenon: (1) vocal learning, (2) clear octave information in vocal harmonics, (3) differing vocal ranges, and (4) vocalizing together. Using cross‐species studies, we can test how relevant these respective traits are, while controlling for enculturation effects and addressing questions of phylogeny. Common marmosets possess forms of three of the four traits, lacking differing vocal ranges. We tested 11 common marmosets by adapting an established head‐turning paradigm, creating a parallel test to an important infant study. Unlike human infants, marmosets responded similarly to tones shifted by an octave or other intervals. Because previous studies with the same head‐turning paradigm produced differential results to discernable acoustic stimuli in common marmosets, our results suggest that marmosets do not perceive octave equivalence. Our work suggests differing vocal ranges between adults and children and men and women and the way they are used in singing together may be critical to the development of octave equivalence.

Research Highlights

A direct comparison of octave equivalence tests with common marmosets and human infants

Marmosets show no octave equivalence

Results emphasize the importance of differing vocal ranges between adults and infants