bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative study between a power and a connectivity sEEG biomarker for seizure-onset zone identification in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Vila-Vidal Manel , Corominas Ferran Craven-Bartle , Gilson Matthieu , Zucca Riccardo , Principe Alessandro , Rocamora Rodrigo , Deco Gustavo , Campo Adrià Tauste
Published: November 2023

Background

Ictal stereo-encephalography (sEEG) biomarkers for seizure onset zone (SOZ) localization can be classified depending on whether they target abnormalities in signal power or functional connectivity between signals, and they may depend on the frequency band and time window at which they are estimated.

New method

This work aimed to compare and optimize the performance of a power and a connectivity-based biomarkers to identify SOZ contacts from ictal sEEG recordings. To do so, we used a previously introduced power-based measure, the normalized mean activation (nMA), which quantifies the ictal average power activation. Similarly, we defined the normalized mean strength (nMS), to quantify the ictal mean functional connectivity of every contact with the rest. The optimal frequency bands and time windows were selected based on optimizing AUC and F2-score.

Results

The analysis was performed on a dataset of 67 seizures from 10 patients with pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy. Our results suggest that the power-based biomarker generally performs better for the detection of SOZ than the connectivity-based one. However, an equivalent performance level can be achieved when both biomarkers are independently optimized. Optimal performance was achieved in the beta and lower-gamma range for the power biomarker and in the higher-gamma range for connectivity, both using a 30 s period after seizure onset.

Conclusions

The results of this study highlight the importance of this optimization step over frequency and time windows when comparing different SOZ discrimination biomarkers. This information should be considered when training SOZ classifiers on retrospective patients’ data for clinical applications.
A deep learning convolutional neural network distinguishes neuronal models of Parkinson’s disease from matched controls
Authors: Thomas Rhalena A. , Cai Eddie , Reintsch Wolfgang , Han Chanshaui , Shinde Sneha , Larivière Roxanne , Krahn Andrea , Chen Carol X.Q. , Nguyen-Renou Emmanuelle , Deneault Eric , You Zhipeng , Durcan Thomas M. , Fon Edward A.
Published: November 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that results in the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Despite advances in understanding PD, there is a critical need for novel therapeutics that can slow or halt its progression. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived dopaminergic neurons have been used to model PD but measuring differences between PD and control cells in a robust, reproducible, and scalable manner remains a challenge. In this study, we developed a binary classifier convolutional neural network (CNN) to accurately classify microscopy images of PD models and matched control cells. We acquired images of iPSC-derived neural precursor cells (NPCs) and dopaminergic (DANs) and trained multiple CNN models comparing control cells to genetic and chemical models of PD. Our CNN accurately predicted whether control NPC cells were treated with the PD-inducing pesticide rotenone with 97.60% accuracy. We also compared control to a genetic model of PD (deletion of the Parkin gene) and found a predictive accuracy of 86.77% and 95.47% for NPC and DAN CNNs, respectively. Our cells were stained for nuclei, mitochondria, and plasma membrane, and we compared the contribution of each to the CNN’s accuracy. Using all three features together produced the best accuracy, but nuclear staining alone produced a highly predictive CNN. Our study demonstrates the power of deep learning and computer vision for analyzing complex PD-related phenotypes in DANs and suggests that these tools hold promise for identifying new targets for therapy and improving our understanding of PD.
EmbedGEM: A framework to evaluate the utility of embeddings for genetic discovery
Authors: Mukherjee Sumit , McCaw Zachary R , Pei Jingwen , Merkoulovitch Anna , Soare Tom , Tandon Raghav , Amar David , Somineni Hari , Klein Christoph , Satapati Santhosh , Lloyd David , Probert Christopher ,   Insitro Research Team, Koller Daphne , O’Dushlaine Colm , Karaletsos Theofanis
Published: November 2023

Machine learning (ML)-derived embeddings are a compressed representation of high content data modalities. Embeddings can capture detailed information about disease states and have been qualitatively shown to be useful in genetic discovery. Despite their promise, embeddings have a major limitation: it is unclear if genetic variants associated with embeddings are relevant to the disease or trait of interest. In this work we describe EmbedGEM (EmbeddingGeneticEvaluationMethods), a framework to systematically evaluate the utility of embeddings in genetic discovery. EmbedGEM focuses on comparing embeddings along two axes: heritability and disease relevance. As measures of heritability, we consider the number of genome-wide significant associations and the meanχ2statistic at significant loci. For disease relevance, we compute polygenic risk scores for each embedding principal component, then evaluate their association with high-confidence disease or trait labels in a held-out evaluation patient set. While our development of EmbedGEM is motivated by embeddings, the approach is generally applicable to multivariate traits, and can readily be extended to accommodate additional metrics along the evaluation axes. We demonstrate EmbedGEM’s utility by evaluating embeddings and multivariate traits in two separate datasets: i) a synthetic dataset simulated to demonstrate the ability of the framework to correctly rank traits based on their heritability and disease relevance, and ii) a real data from the UK Biobank including metabolic and liver-related traits. Importantly, we show that greater disease relevance does not automatically follow from greater heritability.
A fast and inexpensive plate-based NGS library preparation method for insect genomics
Authors: Cobb Lauren , de Muinck Erik , Kollias Spyros , Skage Morten , Gilfillan Gregor D. , Sydenham Markus A. K. , Qiao Shuo-Wang , Star Bastiaan
Published: November 2023

Entomological sampling and storage conditions often prioritise efficiency, practicality and conservation of morphological characteristics, and may therefore be suboptimal for DNA preservation. This practice can impact downstream molecular applications, such as the generation of high-throughput genomic libraries, which often requires substantial DNA input amounts. Here, we investigate a fast and economical Tn5 transposase tagmentation-based library preparation method optimised for 96-well plates and low yield DNA extracts from insect legs stored under different conditions. Using a standardised input of 6ng DNA, library preparation costs were significantly reduced through the 6-fold dilution of a commercially available tagmentation enzyme. Costs were further suppressed by direct post-amplification pooling, skipping quality assessment of individual libraries. We find that reduced DNA yields associated with ethanol-based storage do not impede overall sequencing success. Furthermore, we find that the efficiency of tagmentation-based library preparation can be improved by thorough post-amplification bead clean-up which selects against both short and large DNA fragments. By lowering data generation costs, broadening the scope of whole genome studies to include low yield DNA extracts and increasing throughput, we expect this protocol to be of significant value for a range of applications in the field of insect genomics.
Embryonic lymphocytes contribute to a genetic form of autoimmune inflammation
Authors: Cascione Sara , Fontana Elena , Scarfò Rebecca , Rigoni Rosita , Capo Valentina , Draghici Elena , Dobbs Kerry , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Villa Anna , Ditadi Andrea
Published: November 2023

Omenn Syndrome (OS) is a rare hematological disorder, caused by hypomorphic mutations in genes involved in B-/T-cell receptor (BCR/TCR) rearrangement that result in impaired lymphocyte development and immunodeficiency. Notwithstanding, few T-cell clones enriched in self-reactive specificities expand in peripheral tissues, where they trigger severe inflammation and autoimmune reactions. Interestingly, residual OS lymphocytes display characteristics proper of embryonic lymphocytes that emerge before, and independently from, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). This prompted us to hypothesize whether OS autoreactive T-cells are generated in the embryo independently from HSCs. Here we show that in theRag2R229Q/R229QOS mouse model, embryonic but not adult bone marrow-derived hematopoietic progenitors can generate T-cells. T-lymphopoiesis can be rescued in adult OS blood progenitors via their Lin28-mediated reprogramming to an embryonic-like state. Remarkably, when transplanted in immunodeficient mice, embryonic-like OS progenitors trigger tissue morphological alterations and inflammation in the large intestine of the recipients, recapitulating the typical OS inflammatory phenotype. Our study describes the previously unappreciated contribution of embryonic progenitors to the pool of autoreactive infilitrating T-cells, providing a novel platform for both the detailed study of human autoimmune disorders and the design of more targeted therapies.
Age-related structural and functional changes of the intracardiac nervous system
Authors: Sassu Eliza , Tumlinson Gavin , Stefanovska Dragana , Fernández Marbely C. , Iaconianni Pia , Madl Josef , Brennan Tomás , Koch Manuel , Cameron Breanne A. , Preissl Sebastian , Ravens Ursula , Schneider-Warme Franziska , Kohl Peter , Zgierski-Johnston Callum M. , Hortells Luis
Published: November 2023

Background

Although aging is known to be associated with an increased incidence of both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, there is limited knowledge about how Schwann cells (SC) and the intracardiac nervous system (iCNS) remodel with age. Here we investigate the differences in cardiac SC, parasympathetic nerve fibers, and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M2 (M2R) expression in young and old mice. Additionally, we examine age-related changes in cardiac responses to sympathomimetic and parasympathomimetic drugs.

Methods and Results

Lower SC density, lower SC proliferation and fewer parasympathetic nerve fibers were observed in cardiac and, as a control sciatic nerves from old (20–24 months) compared to young mice (2–3 months). In old mice, CSPG4 was increased in sciatic but not cardiac nerves. Expression of M2R was lower in ventricular myocardium and ventricular conduction system from old mice compared to young mice, while no significant difference was seen in M2R expression in sino-atrial or atrio-ventricular node pacemaker tissue. Heart rate was slower and PQ intervals were longer in Langendorff-perfused hearts from old mice. Ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation were more frequently observed in response to carbachol administration in hearts from old mice versus those from young mice.

Conclusions

On the background of reduced presence of SC and parasympathetic nerve fibers, and of lower M2R expression in ventricular cardiomyocytes and conduction system of aged hearts, the propensity of ventricular arrhythmogenesis upon parasympathomimetic drug application is increased. Whether this is caused by an increase in heterogeneity of iCNS structure and function remains to be elucidated.

Graphical abstract
CRISPR antiphage defence mediated by the cyclic nucleotide-binding membrane protein Csx23
Authors: Grüschow Sabine , McQuarrie Stuart , Ackermann Katrin , McMahon Stephen , Bode Bela E. , Gloster Tracey M. , White Malcolm F.
Published: November 2023

CRISPR provides adaptive immunity in prokaryotes. Type III CRISPR systems detect invading RNA and activate the catalytic Cas10 subunit, which generates a range of nucleotide second messengers to signal infection. These molecules bind and activate a diverse range of effector proteins that provide immunity by degrading viral components and/or by disturbing key aspects of cellular metabolism to slow down viral replication. Here, we focus on the uncharacterised effector Csx23, which is widespread inVibrio cholerae. Csx23 provides immunity against plasmids and phage when expressed inEscherichia colialong with its cognate type III CRISPR system. The Csx23 protein localises in the membrane using a N-terminal transmembrane α-helical domain and has a cytoplasmic C-terminal domain that binds cyclic tetra-adenylate (cA4), activating its defence function. Structural studies reveal a tetrameric structure with a novel fold that binds cA4specifically. Using pulse EPR, we demonstrate that cA4binding to the cytoplasmic domain of Csx23 results in a major perturbation of the transmembrane domain, consistent with the opening of a pore and/or disruption of membrane integrity. This work reveals a new class of cyclic nucleotide binding protein and provides key mechanistic detail on a membrane-associated CRISPR effector.
Germ granule higher-order organization coordinates their different functions
Authors: Ramat Anne , Haidar Ali , Garret Céline , Simonelig Martine
Published: November 2023

Most RNP condensates are composed of heterogeneous immiscible phases. However, how this multiphase organization contributes to their biological functions remains largely unexplored.Drosophilagerm granules, a class of RNP condensates, are the site of mRNA storage and translational activation. Here, using super-resolution microscopy and single-molecule imaging approaches, we show that germ granules have a biphasic organization and that translation occurs in the outer phase and at the surface of the granules. The localization, directionality and compaction of mRNAs within the granule depend on their translation status, translated mRNAs being enriched in the outer phase with their 5’end oriented towards the surface. Altering germ granule biphasic organization represses translation. These findings demonstrate the importance of RNA granule architecture in organizing different functions, highlighting the functional compartmentalization of RNA granules and the key role of higher-order organization.
A cholesterol switch controls phospholipid scrambling by G protein-coupled receptors
Authors: Menon Indu , Sych Taras , Son Yeeun , Morizumi Takefumi , Lee Joon , Ernst Oliver P. , Khelashvili George , Sezgin Erdinc , Levitz Joshua , Menon Anant K.
Published: November 2023

Class A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), a superfamily of cell membrane signaling receptors, moonlight as constitutively active phospholipid scramblases. The plasma membrane of metazoan cells is replete with GPCRs, yet has a strong resting trans-bilayer phospholipid asymmetry, with the signaling lipid phosphatidylserine confined to the cytoplasmic leaflet. To account for the persistence of this lipid asymmetry in the presence of GPCR scramblases, we hypothesized that GPCR-mediated lipid scrambling is regulated by cholesterol, a major constituent of the plasma membrane. We now present a technique whereby synthetic vesicles reconstituted with GPCRs can be supplemented with cholesterol to a level similar to that of the plasma membrane and show that the scramblase activity of two prototypical GPCRs, opsin and the β1-adrenergic receptor, is impaired upon cholesterol loading. Our data suggest that cholesterol acts as a switch, inhibiting scrambling above a receptor-specific threshold concentration to disable GPCR scramblases at the plasma membrane.
Seedling microbiota engineering using bacterial synthetic community inoculation on seeds
Authors: Arnault Gontran , Marais Coralie , Préveaux Anne , Briand Martial , Poisson Anne-Sophie , Sarniguet Alain , Barret Matthieu , Simonin Marie
Published: November 2023

Synthetic Communities (SynComs) are being developed and tested to manipulate plant microbiota and improve plant health. To date, only few studies proposed the use of SynCom on seed despite its potential for plant microbiota engineering. We developed and presented a simple, reproducible and effective seedling microbiota engineering method using SynCom inoculation on seeds. The method was successful using a wide diversity of SynCom compositions and bacterial strains that are representative of the common bean seed microbiota. First, this method enables the modulation of seed microbiota composition and community size. Then, SynComs strongly outcompeted native seed and potting soil microbiota and contributed on average to 80% of the seedling microbiota. We showed that strain abundance on seed was a main driver of an effective seedling microbiota colonization. Also, selection was partly involved in seed and seedling colonization capacities since strains affiliated to Enterobacteriaceae and Erwiniaceae were good colonizers while Bacillaceae and Microbacteriaceae were poor colonizers. Additionally, the engineered seed microbiota modified the recruitment and assembly of seedling and rhizosphere microbiota through priority effects. This study shows that SynCom inoculation on seeds represents a promising approach to study plant microbiota assembly and its consequence on plant fitness.
Propofol anesthesia destabilizes neural dynamics across cortex
Authors: Eisen Adam J. , Kozachkov Leo , Bastos Andre M. , Donoghue Jacob A. , Mahnke Meredith K. , Brincat Scott L. , Chandra Sarthak , Brown Emery N. , Fiete Ila R. , Miller Earl K.
Published: November 2023

Every day, hundreds of thousands of people undergo general anesthesia. One hypothesis is that anesthesia disrupts dynamic stability, the ability of the brain to balance excitability with the need to be stable and thus controllable. We tested this hypothesis using a new method for quantifying population-level dynamic stability in complex systems,DelayedLinearAnalysis forStabilityEstimation (DeLASE). Propofol was used to transition animals between the awake state and anesthetized unconsciousness. DeLASE was applied to macaque cortex local field potentials (LFPs). We found that neural dynamics were more unstable in unconsciousness compared to the awake state. Cortical trajectories mirrored predictions from destabilized linear systems. We mimicked the effect of propofol in simulated neural networks by increasing inhibitory tone. Paradoxically, increased inhibition also destabilized the networks. Our results suggest that anesthesia disrupts dynamical stability that is required for consciousness.
Exploring the impact of variability in cell segmentation and tracking approaches
Authors: Wiggins Laura , O’Toole Peter J. , Brackenbury William J. , Wilson Julie
Published: November 2023

Segmentation and tracking are essential preliminary steps in the analysis of almost all live cell imaging applications. Although the number of open-source software systems that facilitate automated segmentation and tracking continue to evolve, many researchers continue to opt for manual alternatives for samples that are not easily auto-segmented, tracing cell boundaries by hand and re-identifying cells on consecutive frames by eye. Such methods are subject to inter-user variability, introducing idiosyncrasies into the results of downstream analysis that are a result of subjectivity and individual expertise. Such methods are also susceptible to intra-user variability, meaning findings are challenging to reproduce. Here we demonstrate and quantify the degree of intra- and inter-user variability in manual cell segmentation and tracking by comparing the phenotypic metrics extracted from cells segmented and tracked by different members of our research team. Furthermore, we compare the segmentation results for a ptychographic cell image obtained using different automated software and demonstrate the high dependence of performance on their imaging modality optimisation. Our results show that choice of segmentation and tracking methods should be considered carefully in order to enhance the quality and reproducibility of results.
Serotonergic mediation of orienting and defensive responses in zebrafish
Authors: do Nascimento Bianca Gomes , Rodrigues Jeane Rodrigues , Silva Maria Clara Rosa , Dutra Costa Bruna Patrícia , Leite Marissol , Pyterson Maryana Pereira , Silva Hadda Tercya Lima , Bruce de Souza Loanne Valeria Xavier , de Siqueira Silva Diógenes Henrique , Maximino Caio
Published: November 2023

Serotonin (5-HT) is involved in arousal and defensive responses, both of which represent modulators of attention and orienting. Orienting responses (ORs), considered as a unit of attentional processing, are elicited by novel innocuous stimuli, differ from defense reflexes (DR)s, as the latter are elicited by painful and threatening stimuli. When zebrafish (Danio rerio) are exposed to a conspecific alarm substance (CAS), visual stimuli elicit a DR instead of ORs, suggesting a state of hypervigilance. CAS elicited an OR-to-DR shift, as shown both by the shift from an approach to an escape response when the stimulus was turned on and by the changes in directional focus. Both pCPA and 5-HTP attenuated the CAS-elicited OR-to-DR shift . While pCPA did not alter ORs in animals which were not exposed to CAS, 5-HTP abolished those responses, suggesting that the serotonergic tone is important in regulating the general arousal levels in zebrafish.
Exposure to bullying between medical and non-medical university students in Bahrain
Authors: Algahtani Haifa Mohammad , Aldandan Laila , Jahrami Haitham , Kamal Dalia , Silverman Henry
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Bullying negatively affects victims’ mental health and has been shown to be associated with anxiety and depression. Moreover, many studies have reported the prevalence of mistreatment among medical students (MS), interns and junior physicians. However, there are limited studies on bullying in the Middle East, and no studies on higher education in Bahrain. The authors’ aim was to investigate and compare the prevalence of bullying between MS at a major public university and non-medical students (NMS) at a private university in Bahrain. The authors also sought to explore the associations between bullying, depression and anxiety.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a survey-based cross-sectional study from October 1 to December 31, 2018, using convenient sampling method. A total of 300 students (150 MS and 150 NMS) participated in the study by answering a questionnaire that explored exposure to different types of bullying. In addition, standard anxiety and depression instruments were distributed to students.

Findings

The results showed that MS were more exposed to bullying than NMS, with a significant number (41%) reporting mistreatment from multiple sources, including teachers, consultants and peers. Furthermore, the authors found that bullying was significantly correlated with psychological health, anxiety and depression.

Originality/value

There are limited studies on bullying in the Middle East and no studies on the topic of higher education in Bahrain. Furthermore, the learning environment of tertiary education institutions can be improved by addressing the concerns associated with bullying identified in this study.
The impacts of foreign direct investment on total factor productivity: an empirical study of agricultural enterprises
Authors: Han Yan , Smith Rodney B.W. , Wu Laping
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of six possible foreign direct investment (FDI) spillover channels on the total factor productivity (TFP) of Chinese agricultural enterprises and investigate the moderating role of absorptive capacity (technological acumen) on TFP spillover effects.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data from 118 agricultural and related Chinese industries, the authors employ a multithreshold regression model to empirically analyze the impact of FDI on the TFP of agricultural enterprises and the threshold effect of absorptive capacity. To overcome potential endogeneity problems, the authors select the FDI stock of corresponding USA industries and the industrial access policy index as instrumental variables and re-estimate the model.

Findings

The results suggest foreign-invested agricultural enterprises are more likely to benefit from FDI, while the “aggregate” FDI spillover effect is negative for domestic agricultural enterprises. However, once threshold effects are introduced, the authors find firms “close to” (“far from”) the technological frontier experience statistically significant positive (negative) spillover effects. Similar results are obtained for virtually all FDI spillover channels for firms in both upstream and downstream industries. FDI spillovers, when they occur, can be a two-edged sword – benefiting some firms at the expense of others.

Originality/value

The authors introduce six FDI spillover channels to examine the impact of FDI on the productivity of foreign-invested and domestic agricultural enterprises. Moreover, the authors analyze the threshold effect of firms' absorptive capacity. These findings can help formulate foreign investment introduction policies based on the characteristics of agricultural enterprises with different ownership structures. These results are also beneficial for agricultural enterprises to better exploit FDI spillover effects and improve their productivity.
Pricing-to-market of Brazilian exports: a case of vehicle currency invoicing
Authors: Kannebley Júnior Sérgio , Prince Diogo de , Silva Daniel Quinaud Pedron da
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Brazil uses the dollar as a vehicle currency to invoice its exports. This fact produces a tendency toward equalizing the prices of products in dollars in the international market and reducing the ability of firms to practice pricing-to-market (PTM). This study aims to evaluate the hypothesis by estimating error correction models in panel data, obtaining estimates of PTM for 25 manufacturing products exported by Brazil between 2010 and 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the correlated common effect estimator proposed by Pesaran (2006) and Chudik and Pesaran (2015b) to estimate the PTM coefficients.

Findings

Results of this study indicate that exporters practice local-currency pricing stability for dollar prices. This study obtains that Brazilian exporters tend to stabilize their dollar price for exports, reducing heterogeneity between destination markets. The results are in agreement with the hypothesis of the prevalence of the coalescing effect of Goldberg and Tille (2008) and lower sensitivity of the markup adjustment to the specific market, as pointed out by Corsetti et al. (2018). The pricing of Brazilian exports in dollars reflects a profit maximization strategy that considers an international price system based on global demand for products.

Originality/value

In addition to analyzing the dollar role in the pricing of Brazilian exports through the triangular decomposition, this study also shows the importance of examining the cross-section dependence of errors, considering the heterogeneous cointegration in export pricing models and producing PTM estimates for short-term and long-term.
Climate change and adaptation strategies in rural Ghana: a study on smallholder farmers in the Mamprugu-Moaduri district
Authors: Yahaya Mumuni , Mensah Caleb , Addaney Michael , Damoah-Afari Peter , Kumi Naomi
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the perceptions of smallholder farmers on climate change and events and further explores climate change adaptation strategies and associated challenges. The findings provide useful information for enhancing the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers to adjust to climate-related hazards and improve their resilience and disaster preparedness in northern Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a multistage sampling procedure and sample size of 150 farmers, the Binary Probit Model (BPM), to identify and examine the determinants of climate change adaptation strategies adopted by smallholder farmers. Also, the constraints of adaptation were analyzed using Kendall’s coefficient of concordance.

Findings

The results from the BPM and statistics of Kendall’s coefficient revealed that the farm risk level, ability to adapt, farmer’s income, age, farming experience, climate change awareness and extension visits were factors that significantly influenced the adaptation strategies of smallholder farmers (in order of importance). The majority (60%) of the farmers ranked farm risk level as the major constraint to adopting climate change strategies.

Originality/value

The findings of this study enhance understanding on access to relevant and timely climate change adaptation information such as an early warning to farmers during the start of the farming/rainy season to support their adaptive responses to climate change.
News from the National Association for Professional Development Schools
Authors: Garin Eva
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This piece is a message from the NAPDS/NASUP president to the current and prospective members of the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Due to the subject of the piece, no research methods were necessary.

Findings

Due to the subject of the piece, there are no findings.

Originality/value

This piece highlights the organization's new name.
Higher vascular plant abundance associated with decreased ecosystem respiration after 20 years of warming in the forest–tundra ecotone
Authors: Myrsky Eero , Mikola Juha , Kaarlejärvi Elina , Olofsson Johan , Sjögersten Sofie , Tupek Boris , Männistö Minna K. , Stark Sari
Published: November 2023

The on‐going climate warming is promoting shrub abundance in high latitudes, but the effect of this phenomenon on ecosystem functioning is expected to depend on whether deciduous or evergreen species increase in response to warming.

To explore effects of long‐term warming on shrubs and further on ecosystem functioning, we analysed vegetation and ecosystem CO2 exchange after 20 years of warming in the forest–tundra ecotone in subarctic Sweden. A previous study conducted 9 years earlier had found increased evergreen Empetrum nigrum ssp. hermaphroditum in the forest and increased deciduous Betula nana in the tundra.

Following current understanding, we expected continued increase in shrub abundance that would be stronger in tundra than in forest. We expected warming to increase ecosystem respiration (Re) and gross primary productivity (GPP), with a greater increase in Re in tundra due to increased deciduous shrub abundance, leading to a less negative net ecosystem exchange and reduced ecosystem C sink strength.

As predicted, vascular plant abundances were higher in the warmed plots with a stronger response in tundra than in forest. However, whereas B. nana had increased in abundance since the last survey, E. hermaphroditum abundance had declined due to several moth and rodent outbreaks during the past decade. In contrast to predictions, Re was significantly lower in the warmed plots irrespective of habitat, and GPP increased marginally only in the forest. The lower Re and a higher GPP under warming in the forest together led to increased net C sink. Re was negatively associated with the total vascular plant abundance.

Our results highlight the importance of disturbance regimes for vegetation responses to warming. Climate warming may promote species with both a high capacity to grow under warmer conditions and a resilience towards herbivore outbreaks. Negative correlation between Re and total vascular plant abundance further indicate that the indirect impacts of increased plants on soil microclimate may become increasingly important for ecosystem CO2 exchange in the long run, which adds to the different mechanisms that link warming and CO2 fluxes in northern ecosystems.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Ecology explains anhydrobiotic performance across tardigrades, but the shared evolutionary history matters more
Authors: Vecchi M. , Stec D. , Rebecchi L. , Michalczyk Ł. , Calhim S.
Published: November 2023

Desiccation stress is lethal to most animals. However, some microinvertebrate groups have evolved coping strategies, such as the ability to undergo anhydrobiosis (i.e. survival despite the loss of almost all body water). Tardigrades are one such group, where the molecular mechanisms of anhydrobiosis have been more thoroughly studied. Despite the ecological, evolutionary and biotechnological importance of anhydrobiosis, little is known about its inter‐ and intra‐specific variability nor its relationship with natural habitat conditions or phylogenetic history.

We developed a new index—anhydrobiotic recovery index (ARI)—to evaluate the anhydrobiotic performance of tardigrade populations from the family Macrobiotidae. Moreover, we compared the explanatory role of habitat humidity and phylogenetic history on this trait using a variance partitioning approach.

We found that ARI is correlated with both microhabitat humidity and yearly rainfall, but it is mostly driven by phylogenetic niche conservatism (i.e. a high portion of ARI variation is explained by phylogeny alone). Finally, we showed that anhydrobiotic performance is highly variable, even between closely related species, and that their response to local ecological conditions is tightly linked to their phylogenetic history.

This study not only presents key insights into an emerging model system, but also provides a new methodological approach for wider scale studies of the ecological and evolutionary implications of anhydrobiosis.
Improved cardioprotective effect of 3‐nitro‐N‐methyl salicylamide solution after a prolonged preservation time of rat heart
Authors: Wang Shuo , Liu Wenjun , Liu Shan , Li Jiacong , Geng Yi , Zhao Yungang
Published: November 2023

Ischemic reperfusion injury, caused by oxidative stress during reperfusion, is an inevitable outcome of organ transplantation, especially when the organ preservation time is prolonged. Prolonged ischaemic preservation is a valuable technique for improving the success of organ transplantation, but numerous challenges remain. 3‐nitro‐N‐methyl salicylamide (3‐NNMS), an inhibitor of mitochondrial electron transport chain complex III, can be used to reduce reactive oxygen species production during blood reperfusion by slowing the electron flow rate of the respiratory chain. Based on this property, a novel preservation solution was developed for the preservation of isolated rat heart and its cardioprotective effect was investigated during an 8‐h cold ischaemia preservation time for the first time. For comparison, 3‐NNMS was also included in the histidine‐tryptophan‐ketoglutarate (HTK) solution. Compared to HTK, HTK supplemented with 3‐NNMS significantly improved the heart rate of isolated rat hearts after 8 h of cold storage. Both 3‐NNMS solution and HTK supplemented with 3‐NNMS solution decreased cardiac troponin T and lactate dehydrogenase levels in perfusion fluid and reduced reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels in the myocardium. The 3‐NNMS also maintained the membrane potential of myocardial mitochondria and significantly increased superoxide dismutase levels. These results showed that the new 3‐NNMS solution can protect mitochondrial and cardiomyocyte function by increasing antioxidant capacity and reducing oxidative stress in cryopreserved rat hearts during a prolonged preservation time, resulting in less myocardial injury and better heart rate.
Preparation and characterisation of low phenylalanine biscuits with whey protein hydrolysates
Authors: Li Hongbo , Zhang Shuhua , Chen Hui , Yang Lin , Li Jiayi , Liu Xiaohui , Luo Zhigang , Li Hongjuan , Yu Jinghua
Published: November 2023

Low phenylalanine (Phe) foods are essential for the daily diet of patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). In this study, biscuits were prepared using low Phe whey protein hydrolysates (W‐LPHs). The optimum addition of W‐LPHs in biscuits was selected by comparing the texture, Maillard reaction products, antioxidant activities and sensory evaluation. The results showed that the best addition of W‐LPHs in biscuits was 15%, which contained 0.25 g/100 g of Phe and 9.10 g/100 g of protein. This study provides a new form of nutritional supplementation for PKU patients.
Renewable energy development efficiency: Spatial dynamic evolution and influencing factors
Authors: Su Huishui , Ali Farhan , Lyulyov Oleksii , Pimonenko Tetyana , Chen Yang
Published: November 2023

This paper aims to estimate the spatial dynamic evolution of renewable energy development efficiency and justify the dimensions that impact renewable energy development efficiency. The study applies the following methods: the ultraefficient slack‐based model (SBM) (to measure the efficiency of renewable energy development); the Dagum‐Gini coefficient decomposition process (to measure the interregional differences in the development of renewable energy efficiency); nuclear density estimation (to measure the dynamic distribution); the Markov model (to forecast renewable energy development efficiency); and the Tobit model (to justify the influencing factors of renewable energy development efficiency). The empirical findings confirm that the overall regional gaps in renewable energy development efficiency in China are widening year by year. The average value of renewable energy development efficiency increased from 0.932 in 2006 to 1.078 in 2020. The mean Gini coefficient increased gradually from 0.028 in 2006 to 0.174, with mean differences exceeding the average growth trend after 2011 and slowly decreasing post‐2016. There is polarization in the eastern region, while there is no polarization in the northeast. The overall level of renewable energy development efficiency in the middle and western areas is improving and showing a trend of absolute difference narrowing. In addition, economic development, green finance, technological progress, urbanization rate, and economic openness are conducive to renewable energy development efficiency, and renewable energy development efficiency is in a rapid development trend. Considering the findings, China should implement targeted regional development strategies, enhance green finance mechanisms, promote technological innovation, and align urbanization policies with renewable energy goals to reduce regional disparities and accelerate sustainable renewable energy development.
Natural resources, economic globalization, and sustainable development: Can economic complexity and environmental regulations cure the resource curse?
Authors: Ahmad Mahmood , Ahmed Zahoor , Luo Chunyang
Published: November 2023

The abundance of natural resources (NRR) is often regarded as a double‐edged sword, with the potential to promote or hinder sustainable development. Nevertheless, it is imperative to effectively manage the resources to ensure their sustainability and minimize their detrimental economic and environmental effects. Environmental regulations of nations and a structural shift towards more advanced and knowledge‐intensive modes of production can substantially contribute to this objective. Using a holistic index of sustainable development, this study aims to explore the interplay between NRR, economic complexity (ECI), environmental regulations, economic globalization, and sustainable development in 25 European Union (EU) countries from 1995 to 2019. The empirical results from the Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MM‐QR) reveal a negative relationship between NRR and sustainable development, supporting the hypothesis of the resource curse. Conversely, the study demonstrates that ECI and environmental regulations drive sustainable development. Furthermore, economic globalization is found to have a detrimental effect on sustainable development. Finally, panel causality results revealed causal links from NRR, ECI, and environmental regulations to sustainable development. Meanwhile, ECI and environmental regulations have a causal impact on NRR. Our key findings lead towards the manifestation and emphasis of the importance of appropriate policies for the sustainable utilization of NRR and, concurrently, underscore the significance of environmental regulations and ECI in the pursuit of sustainable development in EU countries.
Complex relationships between sustainable tourism development and its antecedents: A test of serial mediation model
Authors: Dündar Yusuf , Karacaer Serap Serin
Published: November 2023

Drawing on social exchange theory and reasoned action theory, this study aims to investigate the relationships among residents' perceptions, community participation, ecotourism development, and sustainable tourism development. The relationships were examined using the serial mediation model of Hayes (2013). Data were collected from the local people living in Hasan Mountain Culture and Tourism Conservation and Development Area (CTCDA) in Aksaray province of Türkiye (N = 568). The findings show that community participation and ecotourism development serially mediate the effects of residents' perceptions on sustainable tourism development. In the light of the findings, positive residents' perceptions establish the eligible conditions for the strong community participation. Enhanced community participation contributes to ecotourism development, and as a result, ecotourism development promotes sustainable tourism development. This study is the first study in the literature that reveals the relationships between residents' perceptions, community participation, ecotourism development, and sustainable tourism development through the serial mediation model. The current study contributes to the literature by addressing the direct and indirect effects of residents' perceptions on sustainable tourism development. We suggest planners in CTCDAs to pay attention to residents' perceptions and community participation as the weakest link during development processes.
Fair Chance Act failures? Employers’ hiring of people with criminal records
Authors: Oselin Sharon S. , Ross Justine G. M. , Wang Qingfang , Kang Wei
Published: November 2023

Research summary

We examine the efficacy of the California Fair Chance Act (CFCA) policy—legislative stipulations regarding employers’ hiring of individuals with criminal records—on practices and outcomes in two Southern California counties during 2021. We rely on survey and experiment data with 542 hiring decision makers to investigate employer and personal compliance with the CFCA, whether applicant appeals affect employers’ willingness to hire them, and heterogeneity in treatment effects across firms and industries. Close to 80% of hiring decision makers violate the CFCA by obtaining background information before they extend an offer, appeals have a minimal impact on hiring outcomes, and firm‐level characteristics continue to shape hiring practices to some extent.

Policy implications

Although certain firms comply with the relatively new CFCA, most employers violate it by seeking applicant criminal background information, a practice that has profound consequences for those with criminal records as well as other disadvantaged groups. This finding underscores the discrepancy between de jure and de facto policy practices. Better statewide enforcement of the CFCA coupled with increased employer educational training could help reform it and improve policy adherence. Given it is a young policy, future research should continue to assess the CFCA's efficacy over time.
Impact of germination on the techno‐functional properties, nutritional composition, and health‐promoting compounds of brown rice and its products: A review
Authors: Chinma Chiemela Enyinnaya , Adedeji Olajide Emmanuel , Jolayemi Olusola Samuel , Ezeocha Vanessa Chinelo , Ilowefah Muna Abdulsalam , Rosell Cristina M. , Adebo Janet Adeyinka , Wilkin Jonathan D , Adebo Oluwafemi Ayodeji
Published: November 2023

Rice is a popular grain and forms part of the daily diet of people throughout the world. However, the consumption of rice and its products is sometimes limited by its high glycemic index due to its high starch content, low protein content and quality, and low bioavailability of minerals due to the presence of anti‐nutritional factors. This has partly stimulated research interest in recent times toward the use of bioprocessing techniques such as germination as cheap and natural means to improve the nutritional quality, digestibility, and health properties of cereals, including rice, to partially achieve nutrition and food security in the developing regions of the world. This review highlights the impact of germination on the nutritional quality, health‐promoting properties, and techno‐functional characteristics of germinated brown rice grains and their products. The review demonstrated that germinated rice grains and their products have improved nutritional quality and digestibility, modified functional properties, and showed antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐diabetic, anti‐obesity, anti‐cancer, and anti‐cardiovascular activities. Germination appears to be a suitable bioprocessing method to improve the nutritional quality and bioactive constituents and modify the techno‐functional properties of rice grains for diverse food applications and improved global nutrition and food safety.
Comparison of diagnostic accuracy of ultra low‐dose computed tomography and X‐ray of the kidneys, ureters and bladder for urolithiasis in the follow‐up setting
Authors: Kandasamy Mayooran , Chan Michael , Xiang Hao , Chan Lewis , Ridley Lloyd
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Urolithiasis is frequently followed up with a low‐dose computed tomography of the kidneys ureters and bladder (LD‐CTKUB) with doses typically less than 3 millisieverts. Although X‐ray is a lower dose (0.5–1.1 mSv) alternative for follow up, it has lower diagnostic accuracy and is limited to radiopaque calculi. This study aims to compare the diagnostic accuracy of sub‐millisievert ultra‐low dose CT (ULD‐CTKUB) against X‐ray KUB for the follow up of urolithiasis when both are compared against the standard of care of a low‐dose CT KUB (LD‐CTKUB).

Methods

This prospective study included patients with a known diagnosis of urolithiasis on prior CTKUB presenting for follow up. Each patient underwent a repeat reference LD‐CTKUB, ULD‐CTKUB and X‐ray KUB. All imaging studies were interpreted by three readers. The radiation dose and quantitative noise was calculated for each CT. Both CT and X‐ray were assessed for the presence, number and size of all calculi ≥2 mm.

Results

A total of 58 patients were included in this study. LD‐CTKUB identified 197 calculi. ULD‐CTKUB in our study had a mean effective dose of 0.5 mSv compared to X‐ray KUB where doses range in the literature from 0.5 to 1.1 mSv. Per‐patient pooled analysis for intrarenal calculi when comparing ULD‐CTKUB versus X‐ray KUB against a reference LD‐CTKUB found a sensitivity of 90% versus 67% (P < 0.01) and specificity of 93% versus 98% (P = 0.18) respectively. For ureteric calculi, the sensitivity was 67% versus 33% (P < 0.01) and specificity 94% versus 94% (P = 1.00) respectively. Per‐stone pooled analysis detection rate was 79% for ULD‐CTKUB versus 48% for X‐ray (P < 0.01) when each was compared to the reference LD‐CTKUB. Interobserver agreement was high for intrarenal calculi and moderate for ureteric calculi.

Conclusion

Sub‐millisievert ULD‐CTKUB had lower doses and higher sensitivity than X‐ray in patients requiring follow up of known urolithiasis.