bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The temperature-dependent conformational ensemble of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro)
Authors: Ebrahim Ali , Riley Blake T. , Kumaran Desigan , Andi Babak , Fuchs Martin R. , McSweeney Sean , Keedy Daniel A.
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic, instigated by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, continues to plague the globe. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease, or Mpro, is a promising target for development of novel antiviral therapeutics. Previous X-ray crystal structures of Mprowere obtained at cryogenic temperature or room temperature only. Here we report a series of high-resolution crystal structures of unliganded Mproacross multiple temperatures from cryogenic to physiological, and another at high humidity. We interrogate these datasets with parsimonious multiconformer models, multi-copy ensemble models, and isomorphous difference density maps. Our analysis reveals a temperature-dependent conformational landscape for Mpro, including mobile solvent interleaved between the catalytic dyad, mercurial conformational heterogeneity in a key substrate-binding loop, and a far-reaching intramolecular network bridging the active site and dimer interface. Our results may inspire new strategies for antiviral drug development to counter-punch COVID-19 and combat future coronavirus pandemics.

Synopsis

X-ray crystallography at variable temperature for SARS-CoV-2 Mproreveals a complex conformational landscape, including mobile solvent at the catalytic dyad, mercurial conformational heterogeneity in a key substrate-binding loop, and an intramolecular network bridging the active site and dimer interface.
Structural visualization of de novo initiation of RNA polymerase II transcription
Authors: Yang Chun , Fujiwara Rina , Kim Hee Jong , Colón Jose J. Gorbea , Steimle Stefan , Garcia Benjamin A. , Murakami Kenji
Published: May 2021

Structural studies of the initiation-elongation transition of RNA polymerase II (pol II) transcription were previously facilitated by the use of synthetic oligonucleotides. Here we report structures of initiation complexesde novoconverted from pre-initiation complex (PIC) through catalytic activities and stalled at different template positions. Contrary to previous models, the closed-to-open promoter transition was accompanied by a large positional change of the general transcription factor TFIIH which became in closer proximity to TFIIE for the active delivery of the downstream DNA to the pol II active center. The initially-transcribing complex (ITC) reeled over 80 base pairs of the downstream DNA by scrunching, while retaining the fixed upstream contact, and underwent the transition to elongation when it encountered promoter-proximal pol II from a preceding round of transcription. TFIIH is therefore conducive to promoter melting, TSS scanning, and promoter escape, extending far beyond synthesis of a short transcript.
SARS -CoV-2 T-cell immunity to variants of concern following vaccination
Authors: Gallagher Kathleen M.E. , Leick Mark B. , Larson Rebecca C. , Berger Trisha R. , Katsis Katelin , Yam Jennifer Y. , Brini Gabrielle , Grauwet Korneel ,   MGH COVID-19 Collection & Processing Team, Maus Marcela V.
Published: May 2021

Recently, two mRNA vaccines to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2) have become available, but there is also an emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants with increased transmissibility and virulence1–6. A major concern is whether the available vaccines will be equally effective against these variants. The vaccines are designed to induce an immune response against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein7, 8, which is required for viral entry to host cells9. Immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is often evaluated by antibody production, while less is known about the T-cell response. Here we developed, characterized, and implemented two standardized, functional assays to measure T-cell immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in uninfected, convalescent, and vaccinated individuals. We found that vaccinated individuals had robust T-cell responses to the wild type spike and nucleocapsid proteins, even more so than convalescent patients. We also found detectable but diminished T-cell responses to spike variants (B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and B.1.1.248) among vaccinated but otherwise healthy donors. Since decreases in antibody neutralization have also been observed with some variants10–12, investigation into the T-cell response to these variants as an alternative means of viral control is imperative. Standardized measurements of T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 are feasible and can be easily adjusted to determine changes in response to variants.
Fixed or random? On the reliability of mixed-effects models for a small number of levels in grouping variables
Authors: Oberpriller Johannes , de Souza Leite Melina , Pichler Maximilian
Published: May 2021

Biological data are often intrinsically hierarchical. Due to their ability to account for such dependencies, mixed-effects models have become a common analysis technique in ecology and evolution. While many questions around their theoretical foundations and practical applications are solved, one fundamental question is still highly debated: When facing a low number of levels should we model a grouping (blocking, clustering) variable as a random or fixed effect? In such situation, the variance of the random effect is imprecise, but whether this affects the statistical properties of the population effect is unclear.

Here, we analyzed the consequences of including a grouping variable as fixed or random effect in the correctly specified and other possible miss-specified models (too simple or too complex models) for data with small number of levels (2 - 8). For all these options, we calculated type I error rates and power. Moreover, we show how these statistical properties change with the study design.

We found that the model choice does not influence the statistical properties of the population effect when the effect is the same at all levels However, if an ecological effect differs among levels, using a random slope and intercept model, and switching to a fixed-effect model only in case of a singular fit, avoids overconfidence in the results. Additionally, power and type I error are strongly influenced by the number of and difference between levels.

We conclude that inferring the correct random effect structure is of high importance to get correct statistical properties. When in doubt, we recommend starting with the simpler model and using model diagnostics to identify missing components. When having identified the correct structure, we encourage to start with a mixed-effects model independent of the number of levels and switch to a fixed-effect model only in case of a singular fit. With these recommendations, we allow for more informative choices about study design and data analysis and thus make ecological inference with mixed-effects models more robust for small number of levels.
Preparation of Asymmetric Vesicles with Trapped CsCl Avoids Osmotic Imbalance, Non-Physiological External Solutions, and Minimizes Leakage
Authors: Li Ming-Hao , Raleigh Daniel P. , London Erwin
Published: May 2021

The natural asymmetry of cellular membranes influences their properties. In recent years, methodologies for preparing asymmetric vesicles have been developed that rely on the methyl-α-cyclodextrin catalyzed exchange of lipids between donor lipid multilamellar vesicles and acceptor lipid unilamellar vesicles, and the subsequent separation of the, now asymmetric, acceptor vesicles from the donors. Isolation is accomplished by pre-loading acceptor vesicles with a high concentration of sucrose, typically 25% (w/w), and separating from donor and cyclodextrin by sucrose gradient centrifugation. We found that when the asymmetric vesicles were dispersed under hypotonic conditions using physiological salt solutions, there was enhanced leakage of an entrapped probe, 6-carboxyfluorescein. Studies with symmetric vesicles showed this was due to osmotic pressure and was specific to hypotonic solutions. Inclusion of cholesterol partly reduced leakage but did not completely eliminate it. To avoid having to use hypotonic conditions or to suspend vesicles at non-physiological solute concentrations to minimize leakage, a method for preparing asymmetric vesicles using acceptor vesicle-entrapped CsCl at a physiological salt concentration (100 mM) was developed. Asymmetric vesicles prepared with the entrapped CsCl protocol were highly resistant to 6-carboxyfluorescein.
Context-dependent effects of whole-genome duplication during mammary tumor recurrence
Authors: Newcomb Rachel , Dean Emily , Alvarez James V.
Published: May 2021

Whole-genome duplication (WGD) generates polyploid cells possessing more than two copies of the genome and is among the most common genetic abnormalities in cancer. The frequency of WGD increases in advanced and metastatic tumors, and WGD is associated with poor prognosis in diverse tumor types, suggesting a functional role for polyploidy in tumor progression. Experimental evidence suggests that polyploidy has both tumor-promoting and suppressing effects, but how polyploidy regulates tumor progression remains unclear. Using a genetically engineered mouse model of Her2-driven breast cancer, we explored the prevalence and consequences of whole-genome duplication during tumor growth and recurrence. While primary tumors in this model are invariably diploid, nearly 40% of recurrent tumors undergo WGD. WGD in recurrent tumors was associated with increased chromosomal instability, decreased proliferation and increased survival in stress conditions. The effects of WGD on tumor growth were dependent on tumor stage. Surprisingly, in recurrent tumor cells WGD slowed tumor formation, growth rate and opposed the process of recurrence, while WGD promoted the growth of primary tumors. These findings highlight the importance of identifying conditions that promote the growth of polyploid tumors, including the cooperating genetic mutations that allow cells to overcome the barriers to WGD tumor cell growth and proliferation.
Circadian Control of Heparan Sulfate Levels Times Phagocytosis of Amyloid Beta Aggregates
Authors: Clark Gretchen T. , Yu Yanlei , Urban Cooper A. , Fu Guo , Wang Chunyu , Zhang Fuming , Linhardt Robert J. , Hurley Jennifer M.
Published: May 2021

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a neuroinflammatory disease characterized partly by the inability to clear, and subsequent build-up, of amyloid-beta (Aβ). Aβ clearance is regulated by several pathways and has a circadian component. However, the mechanism underlying the circadian clearance of Aβ has not been defined. Myeloid-based phagocytosis, a key mechanism in the metabolism of Aβ, is circadianly-regulated, presenting a potential mechanism for the circadian clearance of Aβ. In this work, we revealed that the phagocytosis of Aβ42 undergoes a daily oscillation that is dependent on the circadian clock. We found the circadian timing of global heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) biosynthesis was the molecular timer for the clock-controlled phagocytosis of Aβ and that both HSPG binding and Aβ42 aggregation were essential for this oscillation. These data highlight that circadian regulation in immune cells may play a role in the intricate relationship between the circadian clock and AD.

Graphical Abstract
Increased propensity for violence among female jail detainees with PTSD, panic disorder and alcohol use disorder
Authors: Taylor Stephanie L. , Barrett Alexa J. , Kopak Albert M. , Hoffmann Norman G.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The female jail population is steadily growing in rural jails across the country. Detainees have high rates of mental health and substance use disorders, some of which are linked to violent offenses. These conditions include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder (PD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). This study aims to examine the associations between these disorders among females charged with violent offenses.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of 167 female detainees from local rural jails in the USA. To assess participants’ behavioral health, the Comprehensive Addictions and Psychological Evaluation – 5 (CAAPE-5) was administered. The associations between PTSD, PD, AUD and violent offenses were investigated using bivariate statistics and multivariate logistic regression.

Findings

Over half of the female detainees in the sample met criteria individually for PTSD, PD or AUD, substantiating previous work on prevalence rate. Of the sample, only 10% were charged with violent offenses, from which the predominant condition reported was PTSD. Among detainees arrested for violent offenses, 69% also met criteria for PTSD, 56% for AUD and 44% for PD. Multivariate results indicate AUD was the only significant predictor for violent offenses.

Research limitations/implications

Female detainees experience trauma and mental health conditions at high rates. Research-informed mental health care may result in increased treatment efficacy. Provided the links between PTSD, PD and AUD, special considerations for this population should address interpersonal factors in treatment that may relate to violent offenses.

Originality/value

Little research exists examining female jail detainees and the implications of AUD, PTSD and PD on violent offending. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to examine the relationship between AUD, PTSD and PD in female jail detainees with violent offenses.
Stagnation-point flow and heat transfer of power-law MHD fluid over a stretching surface with convective heat transferboundary condition
Authors: Xie Bo , Wang Yuan-Ming
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the stagnation-point flow and heat transfer for power-law fluid pass through a stretching surface with heat generation effect. Unlike the previous considerations about the research on stagnation-point flow, the process of heat transfer and the convective heat transfer boundary condition use the modified Fourier’s law in which the heat flux is power-law-dependent on velocity gradient.

Design/methodology/approach

The similarly transformation is used to convert the governing partial differential equations into a series of ordinary differential equations which are solved analytically by using the differential transform method and the base function method.

Findings

The variations of the velocity and temperature fields for different specific related parameters are graphically discussed and analyzed. There is a special phenomenon that all the velocity profiles converge from the initial value of velocity to stagnation parameter values. And the larger power-law index enhancesthe momentum diffusion. A significant phenomenon can be observed that the larger power-law index causes a decline in the heat flux. This influence indicates that the higher viscosity restricts the heat transfer. Furthermore, both velocity gradient and temperature gradient play an indispensable role in the processes of heat transfer.

Originality/value

This paper researches the process of heat transfer of stagnation-point flow ofpower-law magneto-hydro-dynamical fluid over a stretching surface with modified convective heat transfer boundary condition.
Occupational therapy for adults with intellectual disabilities and sensory processing challenges: a Delphi study exploring practice within acute assessment and treatment units
Authors: Justice Helen , Haines David , Wright Jon
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Lack of research means guidance regarding the most effective sensory interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities is limited. Preliminary consensus evidence was created by gathering experienced occupational therapists’ views on practice. The purpose of this study was to establish important elements of practice when using sensory integration-informed approaches on assessment and treatment units.

Design/methodology/approach

A modified Delphi process was used to gather, explore and synthesise the views of 13 occupational therapists. Data was collected via online surveys and included quantitative importance ratings and qualitative comments.

Findings

An experienced panel was in strong agreement regarding many elements of practice they felt were important for use in this setting, and a list of important practice items was created. Two themes were identified: “Complexity” and “Pragmatism vs. Ideal World.” The themes highlight challenges to practice in this area and the complex clinical reasoning used to overcome these.

Research limitations/implications

Participants disagreed about the level of importance of a substantial number of items, therefore items that did not reach consensus may still be important.

Practical implications

This study indicates potentially helpful clinical tools, facilities and training and identifies support needed for occupational therapists working in these settings.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge regarding how occupational therapists do and could work with people with intellectual disabilities and sensory integration difficulties. Although this study takes a UK and Ireland perspective, similar agendas regarding care and support for those with intellectual disabilities internationally mean findings are relevant more widely.
Do social capital and networks facilitate community participation?
Authors: Singh Mudit Kumar , Moody James
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find theoretical and practical linkages between social capital, network and community participation. The study examines the role of popular social capital and its forms in shaping community participation under the influence of socioeconomic status of individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses household survey data (N = 135) from select north Indian villages to assess the role of social capital and individuals’ networks (measured through their network size) in participation. The participation is measured in terms of attendance and vocal participation.

Findings

The study finds significant evidence that the networks do not play a uniform role in collective participation. The elitist form of social capital exists in the community which can leverage the networks to their benefit, whereas many people, despite large network size, cannot actively participate. Social capital and networks are not entirely conducive for collective participation and favours a few in the community. Additionally, networks do facilitate information flow but do not help in achieving active engagement. Hence, the peer effect is not truly reflected in vocal participation all the time, especially in local governance context.

Research limitations/implications

The conclusion of the study is based on small sample size from seven villages. Nonetheless, in light of the supporting literature available, it provides useful insights and triggers important questions that need microscopic analysis under the macroscopic umbrella of social capital.

Practical implications

On policy fronts, takeaway from this paper can be used for policy and law formulation for lower strata of the society such as labour law formulation and labour behavioural practices in community participation.

Social implications

The research findings can be utilized for the emerging applications of social networks in understanding local governance and community engagement in developing societies.

Originality/value

This research has used a novel field experiment conducted by one of the authors himself. The empirical assessment of social capital and networks in local governance can be replicated elsewhere to study participation in other societies as well. In terms of policy, the research underscores the need of using social capital notion while assessing the community engagement in local governance.
Simultaneous friction and wear reduction of Ni-P/PTFE composites under dry sliding condition
Authors: Li Fei , Yang Yulin , Song Laizhou , Liang Lifen
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the tribology behavior of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) incorporated with three types of nickel–phosphorus (Ni-P) particles (i.e. low phosphorus [LP], medium phosphorus [MP] and high phosphorus [HP]) under dry sliding condition.

Design/methodology/approach

Ni-HP, Ni-MP and Ni-LP particles fabricated via an electroless plating process were incorporated into PTFE matrix with different additions to prepare Ni-P/PTFE composites (Ni-LP/PTFE, Ni-MP/PTFE and Ni-HP/PTFE). The tribology tests for these samples were carried out on a reciprocating ball-on-disc tribometer. The thermal stabilities, mechanical and tribological properties, morphologies and components of aforesaid Ni-P/PTFE composites were analyzed.

Findings

The marvelous effect of Ni-P incorporation on the simultaneous reduction in friction and wear of PTFE was corroborated.

Originality/value

Compared with that of pristine PTFE sample, the reduction on friction with a value of 27% and the reduction in wear about 94% for Ni-HP/PTFE composite is validated, which is probably related to the increased crystallinity and hardness due to the presence of Ni-P particles.
Performance determinants of European private equity real estate funds
Authors: Morri Giacomo , Perini Ugo , Anconetani Rachele
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate the performance determinants of European non-listed private equity real estate funds between 2001 and 2014.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 363 funds collected from the Inrev database, the analysis evaluated the impact of fees and other intrinsic characteristics of these funds, such as leverage, size and duration, on the funds’ performance, intending to enhance the understanding underlying their relationship.

Findings

The findings show a negative relationship between the return of the funds and redemption fee, performance fee and management fee. Conversely, marketing fees have a positive effect on performance. When analyzing the investment style, the results reveal inhomogeneous behaviors of leverage on funds’ performance. This variable has a positive impact on the return in core funds, while there is a negative relationship in value-added investments. Finally, the emphasis on the global financial crisis shows that the effects of the independent variables on the performance do not significantly change in different economic cycles.

Practical implications

The practical implication of the research is to understand whether an investor can direct its resources in a fund, leveraging on certain intrinsic characteristics that can be observed a priori.

Originality/value

Even if there is a considerable body of literature on determinants of performance in European non-listed real estate funds, little research has analyzed the role of fees in driving their results. Besides, this paper takes advantage of observations from different investment styles to emphasize the impact of higher or lower risk profiles and from the full economic cycle to understand the effects of the crisis period.
The role of mergers and acquisitions in mitigating the effects of corporate fraud in the pharmaceutical sector
Authors: Lokanan Mark Eshwar , Fernandes Shenon Augustine
Published: May 2021

Purpose

In today’s highly comparative pharmaceutical sector, multiple humanitarian and pricing issues are prevalent within the industry. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are perceived to be an essential method for organizational consolidation and value generation. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate via descriptive methodology and t-tests, how a merger can mitigate the effects of fraud in the pharmaceutical sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The research focuses on secondary data. This research paper explores the differences in these organizations’ financial metrics using the t-test regression analysis, both pre and post-merger. Secondary data have been used to compile separate financial ratios for five years before and five years after the scandal.

Findings

The results indicate a positive outlook for both organizations after the merger. Mergers appear to have a favorable impact on the performance of a company, with the only exception of external variables (laws, controversies, fines, etc.) affecting its post-merger performance.

Originality/value

The paper uses secondary data to test the impact that mergers have on pharmaceutical companies after they have been implicated in corporate malfeasance.
Hedonism and luxury fashion consumption among Black African women in the UK: an empirical study
Authors: Emmanuel-Stephen Christiana Mbang , Gbadamosi Ayantunji
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Although consumption is a universal phenomenon, it is characterised with considerable degree of diversity in relation to various factors such as culture, age, gender, ethnicity and many others. Accordingly, more often than not, these factors underpin consumers' reactions to different market offerings including luxury products. While a plethora of scholarship efforts are evident in the extant literature in regards to luxury consumption, there is dearth of studies around how this is linked hedonism and ethnic consumers. Hence, this paper aims to fill a palpable gap in the literature by exploring the UK Black African women's taste for luxury fashion consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is interpretive in nature with the use of 20 in-depth interviews conducted with Black African women through the use of snowballing and purposive sampling methods.

Findings

The study shows that the respondents' motivation for luxury consumption is driven by success and evolutionary motives, belongingness, societal pressures, cultural connection, anthropomorphism, consumer brand relationship and hedonism.

Originality/value

Apart from the theoretical implication of the study, which revolves around extending the discourse of taste in consumption and ethnic consumer behaviour, the paper will be greatly beneficial for marketing practitioners, especially in the area of segmentation, targeting and positioning vis-à-vis the marketing of luxury products.
Applying knowledge management to planning joint-use facilities: the ImaginOn library and theater
Authors: Swain Deborah E. , Roughen Patrick
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to describe how knowledge management (KM) in planning can support the sustainability of innovation in a hybrid, joint-use facility. The case study research studies ImaginOn, a 15 year-old children’s library and theater for young people in Charlotte, NC.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used KM model analysis of qualitative data about tacit-explicit knowledge, intellectual capital (IC) and cognitive modes of collaboration. Both historic documents and primary data (from field study observations, interviews and a questionnaire) were analyzed for informal KM practices. Semi-structured and unstructured interview questions about innovation were used.

Findings

This study found evidence of tacit knowledge sharing, the growth of IC and the operationalization of collaboration to promote innovation. Although traditional KM terms were not used by staff, an integrated model framework demonstrates how KM practices promote innovation in planning joint-use facilities.

Practical implications

Although a study of a diverse cultural collaboration rather than two libraries, the KM practices that supported innovation and collaboration in this hybrid, joint-use facility might be applied to libraries. Future KM model research on joint-use organizations could investigate merged businesses, government programs and non-profits.

Social implications

The library and theater institutions in ImaginOn impact the lives of children and parents in meaningful ways that support community understanding, art, diversity and social interaction.

Originality/value

Research on joint-use libraries began in the 1960s. This case study provides unique model analysis of KM practices in a hybrid, joint-use facility (a library and theater). The innovative success and sustainability of ImaginOn illustrates the application of KM for strategic planning and aligning IC and business assets.
Supporting strategic decision-making on the future campus with space utilisation studies: a case study
Authors: Valks Bart , Blokland Elizabeth , Elissen Catelijne , van Loon Iris , Roozemond Danko , Uiterdijk Paul , Arkesteijn Monique , Koutamanis Alexander , Den Heijer Alexandra
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Across the world, many universities are dealing with a pressure on resources, caused by both organisational developments and ageing campuses. Space utilization studies have a strategic role, providing information on how space is being used, thereby informing decisions about the type and scale of facilities that are needed.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reports on the space use measurements conducted at TU Delft over the past five years, complemented by their use to make decisions about the university's real estate portfolio.

Findings

The education spaces of the university are found to perform well in terms of frequency rates and can be improved in terms of occupancy rates. The information helped to support short- and long-term decision-making. The study places of the university have a satisfactory occupancy in some types of study places, while in others there is room for improvement. More research is needed here to understand the relationship between space norms and space use.

Practical implications

The space utilization studies have supported discussions with the student council and decision makers on which interventions are required and which current facilities meet students' needs best.

Originality/value

Not much space utilisation studies are reported in the academic literature, and those that do have several limitations. This study may serve as a best practice for benchmarking by other universities and as evidence in other research for the planned and actual use of university facilities.
Simultaneous compensation of systematic errors of a low-cost MEMS triaxial accelerometer and its temperature dependency without accurate laboratory equipment
Authors: Khankalantary Saeed , Ranjbaran Saeed , Mohammadkhani Hassan
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Laboratory calibration methods are time-consuming and require accurate devices to find the error coefficients of the low-cost microelectromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer. Besides, low-cost MEMS sensors highly depend on temperature because of their silicon property and the effect of temperature on error coefficients should also be considered for compensation. This paper aims to present a field calibration method in which the accelerometer is placed in different positions without any accurate equipment in a few minutes and its temperature is changed by a simple device like a hairdryer.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a non-linear cost function is defined based on this rule that the magnitude of the acceleration measured by the accelerometer in static mode is equal to the gravity plus error factors. Also, the dependency of error coefficients of the accelerometer is presented as a second-order polynomial in this cost function. By minimizing the cost function, the accelerometer error coefficients include bias, scale factor and non-orthogonality and their temperature dependency are obtained simultaneously.

Findings

Simulation results in MATLAB and empirical results of a MPU6050 accelerometer verify the good performance of the proposed calibration method.

Originality/value

Finding a fast and simple field calibration method to calibrate a low-cost MEMS accelerometer and compensate for the temperature dependency without using accurate laboratory equipment can help a wide range of industries that use advanced and expensive sensors or use expensive laboratory equipment to calibrate their sensors, to decrease their costs.
The influences of progenitor filtering, domestication selection and the boundaries of nature on the domestication of grain crops
Authors: Garibaldi Lucas A. , Aizen Marcelo A. , Sáez Agustín , Gleiser Gabriela , Strelin Marina M. , Harder Lawrence D.
Published: May 2021

Domestication generally involves two sequential processes: initial identification of wild species with desirable characteristics (‘progenitor filtering’) and subsequent artificial and natural selection that, respectively, improve features preferred by humans and adapt species to cultivation/captivity (‘domestication selection’). Consequently, domesticated species can differ from wild species and may share characteristics owing to convergent evolution (‘domestication syndrome’). Baring evolutionary constraints, domestication selection may generate extreme phenotypes that transcend the ‘boundaries of nature’ evident for wild species. Despite evidence of domestication syndromes in some clades, broader contributions of progenitor filtering and domestication selection to characteristics of contemporary domesticated species have received limited attention.

Using comparative analysis of 49 grain‐crop and 87 wild annual plant species from 15 families, we (1) addressed whether plants of crop and wild species differ for mean seed number, per‐seed mass and total seed‐mass investment; (2) assessed contributions of (a) progenitor filtering and (b) domestication selection to these differences; (3) evaluated whether crop characteristics exceed the boundaries of nature and (4) assessed whether seed‐production characteristics of grain crops constitute components of a generic domestication syndrome.

On average, grain‐crop plants produce heavier seeds and greater total seed mass than wild species, but seed number per plant does not differ. Comparison of wild species between genera with or without crop species found no evidence of progenitor filtering. In contrast, crop species differed from congeneric wild species for the mass traits, but not for seed number. Greater seed investment by crops is consistent with artificial selection for enhanced seed yield (mass per harvested area), whereas heavier individual seeds suggest selection for improved nutritional quality and (or) adaptation to cultivation environments.

Seed number–size characteristics of grain‐crop species lie within the bivariate variation among wild species and so do not exceed the boundaries of nature. Seed number and size varied similarly between species types and generally aligned with seed‐investment isoclines, suggesting an upper investment limit.

Despite greater average investment in seed production and individual seeds by grain‐crop species, seed‐production characteristics did not vary less among crop species than among wild species, which is inconsistent with a common domestication syndrome.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Facebook groups as citizen science tools for plant species monitoring
Authors: Marcenò Corrado , Padullés Cubino Josep , Chytrý Milan , Genduso Emanuele , Salemi Dario , La Rosa Alfonso , Gristina Alessandro Silvestre , Agrillo Emiliano , Bonari Gianmaria , Giusso del Galdo Gianpietro , Ilardi Vincenzo , Landucci Flavia , Guarino Riccardo
Published: May 2021

Social networks offer communication channels through which people share huge amounts of primary data that can be used for scientific analyses, including biodiversity research. To understand to what extent data extracted from social networks could complement data collected for scientific purposes, it is necessary to quantify the bias of such data.

We analysed which plant traits increased the probability of a wild‐growing plant species to be photographed and posted to a social network based on the data from an unstructured citizen science tool; a Facebook group focused on the vascular flora of Sicily (Italy). Then, we compared botanical data collected by this Facebook group members with data collected by scientists in 6,366 vegetation plots sampled across Sicily, stored in the EVA database.

Our results suggested that data proceeding from the analysed Facebook group were affected by various sampling biases, which differed from the biases inherent to other types of biodiversity data such as those from vegetation plots.

Facebook users recorded a higher proportion of red‐listed and alien species than vegetation scientists. Therefore, social networks can provide a valuable complement to the data collected by scientists for research purposes.

Synthesis and applications. Despite Facebook does not support geotagging and interface for data access and analysis, it is an invaluable source of biodiversity data that could complement those collected by professional researchers. The main advantage of data from social networks is their high dynamism, as they report large amounts of species occurrences in almost real time. Therefore, citizen science data from a Facebook group where the records are curated by expert volunteers can be used (a) for monitoring population dynamics of threatened and alien species; (b) as a source of additional data on rare species occurrences, particularly for plants that are attractive for amateur botanists, such as orchids; (c) for early warning systems of potential new invasions; and (4) for phenological studies, especially at the beginning of the flowering season.
Biodiversity effects on grape quality depend on variety and management intensity
Authors: Steiner Magdalena , Grace James B. , Bacher Sven
Published: May 2021

Interactions between plants can be beneficial, detrimental or neutral. In agricultural systems, competition between crop and spontaneous vegetation is a major concern. We evaluated the relative support for three non‐exclusive ecological hypotheses about interactions between crop and spontaneous plants based on competition, complementarity or facilitation.

The study was conducted in Swiss vineyards with different vegetation management intensities. In all, 33 vineyards planted with two different grape varieties were studied over 3 years to determine whether low‐intensity vegetation management might provide benefits for grape quality parameters. Management intensity varied with the degree of control of spontaneous inter‐row vegetation. Features of spontaneous vegetation measured included total cover, total species richness and abundance of nitrogen‐fixing plants. Grape quality parameters of known importance to wine making (yeast assimilable nitrogen, sugars, tartaric acid and malic acid) were determined by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Using structural equation modelling, we evaluated hypotheses about the multivariate responses of grape quality parameters as well as the direct and indirect (plant‐mediated) effects of management.

Observed effects of management differed between grape varieties. Management intensity and abundance of N‐fixing plants significantly influenced grape quality parameters while total richness of spontaneous plants did not have detectable effects. Abundance of N‐fixing plants was enhanced by low‐intensity management resulting in increased N content in the red grape variety Pinot noir, potentially enhancing grape quality, while measured soil N content did not explain the increase.

Synthesis and applications. Our study shows that crop quality can be enhanced by spontaneous plants, in this case by the abundance of a key functional group (N‐fixers), most likely through plant–plant or plant–microbe facilitation. However, beneficial interactions may have a high specificity in terms of facilitation partners and may have contrasting effects at low taxonomic resolutions such as crop varieties. Generally, increasing plant biodiversity in agricultural systems may increase competition with crops. Thus, the identification of suitable interaction partners and a careful balance between crop variety and spontaneous plant species may be necessary to utilize beneficial interactions and to reduce the trade‐off between agricultural production and biodiversity to achieve a sustainable ecological benefit in agricultural systems.
Global change shifts trade‐offs among ecosystem functions in woodlands restored for multifunctionality
Authors: Fiedler Sebastian , Monteiro José A. F. , Hulvey Kristin B. , Standish Rachel J. , Perring Michael P. , Tietjen Britta
Published: May 2021

Ecological restoration increasingly aims at improving ecosystem multifunctionality and making landscapes resilient to future threats, especially in biodiversity hotspots such as Mediterranean‐type ecosystems. Plants and their traits play a major role in the functioning of an ecosystem. Therefore, successful restoration towards long‐term multifunctionality requires a fundamental mechanistic understanding of this link under changing climate. An integrated approach of empirical research and simulation modelling with a focus on plant traits can allow this understanding.

Based on empirical data from a large‐scale restoration project in a Mediterranean‐type ecosystem in Western Australia, we developed and validated the spatially explicit simulation model Modelling Ecosystem Functions and Services based on Traits (ModEST), which calculates coupled dynamics of nutrients, water and individual plants characterised by functional traits. We then simulated all possible combinations of eight plant species with different levels of diversity to assess the role of plant diversity and traits on multifunctionality, the provision of six ecosystem functions that can be linked to ecosystem services, as well as trade‐offs and synergies among the functions under current and future climatic conditions.

Our results show that multifunctionality cannot fully be achieved because of trade‐offs among functions that are attributable to sets of traits that affect functions differently. Our measure of multifunctionality was increased by higher levels of planted species richness under current, but not future climatic conditions. In contrast, single functions were differently impacted by increased plant diversity and thus the choice and weighting of these functions affected multifunctionality. In addition, we found that trade‐offs and synergies among functions shifted with climate change due to different direct and indirect (mediated via community trait changes) effects of climate change on functions.

Synthesis and application. With our simulation model Modelling Ecosystem Functions and Services based on Traits (ModEST), we show that restoration towards multifunctionality might be challenging not only under current conditions but also in the long‐term. However, once ModEST is parameterised and validated for a specific restoration site, managers can assess which target goals can be achieved given the set of available plant species and site‐specific conditions. It can also highlight which species combinations can best achieve long‐term improved multifunctionality due to their trait diversity.
Bacterial infection secondary to Trimeresurus species bites: A retrospective cohort study in a university hospital in Bangkok
Authors: Kriengkrairut Suppanut , Othong Rittirak
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Trimeresurus spp. (green pit viper [GPV]) inhabit several Southeast Asian countries. They account for more than 90% of snake envenomations in Bangkok. GPV venom causes coagulopathy from a thrombin‐like effect and thrombocytopaenia. Envenomation can also cause local tissue reactions. The present study primarily aimed to determine the bacterial infection rate from GPV (Trimeresurus spp.) bites. Antibiotic use, microbiology report, and clinical course between those with and without infection were secondary objectives.

Methods

The present study took place at Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University. Medical records of patients more than 15 years old, bitten by GPV from our Toxicology Registry between 2015 and 2019, were reviewed by two chart extractors. Vital signs, pain scores, local reactions, time from bite to diagnosis of infection, use of antibiotics, bacterial culture samplings and complications were recorded. The infection rate was reported in percentages. Univariate analysis was utilised to determine risk factors for infection.

Results

The study included 123 patients over a 5‐year period. The majority were male, 83 cases (67.5%). Overall, bacterial infection occurred in eight cases (6.5%). The median time from bite to infection diagnosis was 41.5 h (interquartile range 25.5–68.5). The antibiotic prescription rate was 12.2%. Haemorrhagic bleb was the only risk factor for infection (OR 22.4, 95% confidence interval 3.6–140.2). All bacterial culture samplings were negative. The non‐infection group had a decreasing pain score throughout each follow‐up visit.

Conclusions

We found a low infection rate from GPV bites even without antibiotics suggesting prophylactic antibiotics should not be routinely prescribed in cases of GPV bite.
Generational categories: A broken basis for human resource management research and practice
Authors: Parry Emma , Urwin Peter
Published: May 2021

This provocation challenges the use of generational categories as a valid and useful basis for the development of human resource management (HRM) research and practice. We present two provocations. First, that a focus solely on year of birth as a driver of attitudes, values and behaviours is wholly inadequate. Second, we go beyond existing empirical challenges to argue that any approach to the study of generations that focuses solely on generational categories should be abandoned. We consider the theoretical basis for generations, together with specific examples from empirical studies to show how the current reliance on largely unsubstantiated categories leaves even longitudinal studies unable to make an effective contribution to this field. We draw on cross‐disciplinary insights to consider the implications for academic research and for HRM practice, showing how the current approach limits the usefulness of findings and suggesting a potential way forward.
Comparing the taste‐modifying properties of nanocellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose
Authors: Manninen Hanna , Sandell Mari , Mattila Saila , Hopia Anu , Laaksonen Timo
Published: May 2021

The taste‐modifying properties of nanofibrillar cellulose (NFC) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) are compared for the first time. The samples were prepared in the form of gels, with and without added sweet and bitter taste components. As viscosity itself is known to affect taste perception, the viscosities of NFC and CMC samples were set to the same level as shear rates commonly found in the oral cavity. A trained panel of 10 assessors evaluated the bitterness and sweetness of the samples. Further, the assessors were given an opportunity to describe the samples in free words. The taste‐modifying capacities of the thickening agents were at the same level when sweet compounds were added. However, CMC was better able to reduce the bitterness of quinine hydrochloride than NFC, which did not show any bitterness‐reduction ability with the compound. This was unexpected, as our previous studies of NFC showed fairly high binding capacity with quinine. The open‐ended responses revealed that the NFC‐containing samples had an astringent sensation, while certain assessors observed a sensation of saltiness in the CMC samples. This may explain the inability of NFC to mask the bitterness of quinine hydrochloride, as astringency may act as a bitterness enhancer, while saltiness may suppress it. Both thickening agents were perceived as slightly bitter. Our study reveals the need for further assessment of the orosensory properties of NFC, particularly the magnitude and origin of its astringency, before it can be fully utilized in food industry applications.