bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-molecule FRET probes allosteric effects on protein-translocating pore loops of a AAA+ machine
Authors: Iljina Marija , Mazal Hisham , Dayananda Ashan , Zhang Zhaocheng , Stan George , Riven Inbal , Haran Gilad
Published: February 2023

AAA+ proteins (ATPases associated with various cellular activities) comprise a family of powerful ring-shaped ATP-dependent translocases that carry out numerous vital substrate-remodeling functions. ClpB is a AAA+ protein disaggregation machine that forms a two-tiered hexameric ring, with flexible pore loops protruding into its center and binding to substrate-proteins. It remains unknown whether these pore loops contribute only passively to substrate-protein threading or have a more active role. Recently, we have applied single-molecule FRET (smFRET) spectroscopy to directly measure the dynamics of substrate-binding pore loops in ClpB. We have reported that the three pore loops of ClpB (PL1-3) undergo large-scale fluctuations on the microsecond timescale that are likely to be mechanistically important for disaggregation. Here, using smFRET, we study the allosteric coupling between the pore loops and the two nucleotide binding domains of ClpB (NBD1-2). By mutating the conserved Walker B motifs within the NBDs to abolish ATP hydrolysis, we demonstrate how the nucleotide state of each NBD tunes pore loop dynamics. This effect is surprisingly long-ranged; in particular, PL2 and PL3 respond differentially to a Walker B mutation in either NBD1 or NBD2, as well as to mutations in both. We characterize the conformational dynamics of pore loops and the allosteric paths connecting NBDs to pore loops by molecular dynamics simulations and find that both principal motions and allosteric paths can be altered by changing the ATPase state of ClpB. Remarkably, PL3, which is highly conserved in AAA+ machines, is found to favor an upward conformation when only NBD1 undergoes ATP hydrolysis, but a downward conformation when NBD2 is active. These results explicitly demonstrate a significant long-range allosteric effect of ATP hydrolysis sites on pore-loop dynamics. Pore loops are therefore established as active participants that undergo ATP-dependent conformational changes to translocate substrate proteins through the central pores of AAA+ machines.

Statement of Significance

Molecular machines function by coupling the energy of ATP hydrolysis to mechanical motion. How this coupling occurs and what timescales are involved remains an open question. In this study, we use a powerful single-molecule FRET technique to measure the real-time dynamics of pore loops, which are essential protein-translocating elements of the ATP-dependent disaggregation machine ClpB. Using a series of mutations of the ATP-hydrolysis motifs of ClpB, we find that, although the motions of these pore loops take place on the microsecond time scale, they are markedly affected by the much slower changes in the nucleotide state of the machine. Generally, this study shows that protein machines, such as ClpB, are wired to harness ATP binding and hydrolysis to allosterically affect distal events, such as the function-related mechanics of pore-loops.
Lifelong tissue memory relies on spatially organised dedicated progenitors located distally from the injury
Authors: Levron Chiara Levra , Watanabe Mika , Proserpio Valentina , Piacenti Gabriele , Lauria Andrea , Kaltenbach Stefan , Nohara Takuma , Anselmi Francesca , Duval Carlotta , Donna Daniela , Baev Denis , Natsuga Ken , Hagai Tzachi , Oliviero Salvatore , Donati Giacomo
Published: February 2023

It is believed epithelial cells that have participated in a wound repair elicit a more efficient but locally restricted response to future injuries. However here we show that the cell adaptation resulting from a localised tissue damage has a wide spatial impact at a scale not previously noticed. We demonstrate that away from injured site, after a first injury a specific epithelial stem cell population gives rise to long term wound-memory progenitors residing in their own niche of origin. Notably these progenitors have not taken part in the first wound healing but become pre-activated throughpriming. This adaptation differs from classical features oftrained immunitypreviously shown to be adopted by other epithelial stem cells. Our newly identified wound-distal memory cells display a cell-autonomous transcriptional pre-activated state leading to an enhanced wound repair ability that can be partially recapitulated through epigenetic perturbation even in absence of an injury. Importantly, the harmful consequences of wound repair, such as exacerbated tumorigenesis, occur within these primed cells and follow their spatial distribution. Overall, we show that sub-organ scale adaptation of an injury relies on spatially organised and memory-dedicated progenitors, characterised by an epigenetic actionable cell state, that predisposes to tumour onset.
Force transmission and SUN-KASH higher-order assembly in the LINC complex models
Authors: Yerima Ghafar , Domkam Nya , Ornowski Jessica , Jahed Zeinab , Mofrad Mohammad R.K.
Published: February 2023

The linker of the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex comprises SUN (Sad-1 and UNC-84) and KASH (Klarsicht, ANC-1, SYNE homology) domain proteins, whose conserved interactions provide a physical coupling between the cytoskeleton and the nucleoskeleton, thereby mediating the transfer of physical forces across the nuclear envelope. The LINC complex can perform distinct cellular functions by pairing various KASH domain proteins with the same SUN domain protein. Recent studies have suggested a higher-order assembly of SUN and KASH instead of a more widely accepted linear trimer model for the LINC complex. In the present study, we use molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the mechanism of force transfer across the two proposed models of LINC complex assembly, namely the 3:3 linear trimer model and the 6:6 higher-order model. Employing steered molecular dynamics simulations with various structures using forces at different rates and directions, we examine the structural stability of the two models under various biologically relevant conditions. Our results suggest that both models can withstand and transfer significant levels of force while retaining their structural integrity. However, the force response of various SUN KASH assemblies depended on the force direction and pulling rates. Slower pulling rates resulted in higher mean square fluctuations of the 3:3 assembly compared to the fast pulling. Interestingly, the 6:6 assembly tends to provide an additional range of motion flexibility and might be more suitable for describing the interaction between SUN and KASH under compressive and shear forces. These findings offer insights into how the SUN and KASH proteins maintain the structural integrity of the nuclear membrane.
Use of electron backscatter diffraction patterns to determine the crystal lattice. Part 3. Pseudosymmetry
Authors: Nolze Gert , Tokarski Tomasz , Rychłowski Łukasz
Published: February 2023

A pseudosymmetric description of the crystal lattice derived from a single wide-angle Kikuchi pattern can have several causes. The small size (<15%) of the sector covered by an electron backscatter diffraction pattern, the limited precision of the projection centre position and the Kikuchi band definition are crucial. Inherent pseudosymmetries of the crystal lattice and/or structure also pose a challenge in the analysis of Kikuchi patterns. To eliminate experimental errors as much as possible, simulated Kikuchi patterns of 350 phases have been analysed using the software CALM [Nolze et al. (2021). J. Appl. Cryst.
54, 1012–1022] in order to estimate the frequency of and reasons for pseudosymmetric crystal lattice descriptions. Misinterpretations occur in particular when the atomic scattering factors of non-equivalent positions are too similar and reciprocal-lattice points are systematically missing. As an example, a pseudosymmetry prediction depending on the elements involved is discussed for binary AB compounds with B1 and B2 structure types. However, since this is impossible for more complicated phases, this approach cannot be directly applied to compounds of arbitrary composition and structure.
Crystal diffraction prediction and partiality estimation using Gaussian basis functions
Authors: Brehm Wolfgang , White Thomas , Chapman Henry N.
Published: February 2023

The recent diversification of macromolecular crystallographic experiments including the use of pink beams, convergent electron diffraction and serial snapshot crystallography has shown the limitations of using the Laue equations for diffraction prediction. This article gives a computationally efficient way of calculating approximate crystal diffraction patterns given varying distributions of the incoming beam, crystal shapes and other potentially hidden parameters. This approach models each pixel of a diffraction pattern and improves data processing of integrated peak intensities by enabling the correction of partially recorded reflections. The fundamental idea is to express the distributions as weighted sums of Gaussian functions. The approach is demonstrated on serial femtosecond crystallography data sets, showing a significant decrease in the required number of patterns to refine a structure to a given error.
Collaborative smart energy metering system inspired by blockchain technology
Authors: Zanghi Eric , Brown Do Coutto Filho Milton , Stacchini de Souza Julio Cesar
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The current and modern electrical distribution networks, named smart grids (SGs), use advanced technologies to accomplish all the technical and nontechnical challenges naturally demanded by energy applications. Energy metering collecting is one of these challenges ranging from the most basic (i.e., visual assessment) to the expensive advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) using intelligent meters networks. The AMIs’ data acquisition and system monitoring environment require enhancing some routine tasks. This paper aims to propose a methodology that uses a distributed and sustainable approach to manage wide-range metering networks, focused on using current public or private telecommunication infrastructure, optimizing the implementation and operation, increasing reliability and decreasing costs.

Design/methodology/approach

Inspired by blockchain technology, a collaborative metering system architecture is conceived, managing massive data sets collected from the grid. The use of cryptography handles data integrity and security issues.

Findings

A robust proof-of-concept simulation results are presented concerning the resilience and performance of the proposed distributed remote metering system.

Originality/value

The methodology proposed in this work is an innovative AMI solution related to SGs. Regardless of the implementation, operation and maintenance of AMIs, the proposed solution is unique, using legacy and new technologies together in a reliable way.
Role of institutions of exchange rate and economic growth in South Africa
Authors: Seraj Mehdi , Coskuner Cagay , Alhassan Abdulkareem
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The use of exchange rate policies to stimulate economic growth (EG) has been the major macroeconomic policy of many economies. Hence, the attention of researchers and policymakers was drawn to the effect of undervaluation and/or overvaluation of currencies on sustainable EG. However, less attention has been paid to the importance of quality of economic institutions in shaping the relationship between exchange rate and EG. This study aims to explore the role of institutions of exchange rate and EG in South Africa

Design/methodology/approach

This study, therefore, examines the role of economic institutions in the real exchange rate economic growth nexus by using auto regressive distributed lags model and vector error correction model for causality during the period 1971 to 2018. Also, Bayer and Hank method has applied for cointegration between the variables.

Findings

The findings show that both real exchange rate and economic institutions have a negative effect on EG in both short-run and long-run. This implies that undervaluation has a negative effect on EG in South Africa. Therefore, the study concludes that undervaluation has a negative effect on EG in South Africa particularly when the quality of economic institutions is accounted for. The finding supports the J-curve hypothesis but is contrary to the Rodrik hypothesis. Hence, devaluation is not a desirable exchange rate policy for the South African economy.

Originality/value

The study, therefore, recommends that developing countries like South Africa should focus on other viable exchange rate policies such as rather than undervaluation of currency to enhance EG.
Does workplace toxicity influence turnover intentions among Indian healthcare employees? Investigating the moderating role of gratitude
Authors: Garg Naval , Mahipalan Manju , Sharma Nidhi
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The study examined the relationship between workplace toxicity and turnover intentions among Indian healthcare employees. It also explored the role of gratitude as a moderator in the workplace toxicity–turnover intentions relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a cross-sectional research design. The sample comprises 315 employees from the Indian healthcare sector. Approximately, 400 employees are approached both through email and office visits. Responses were received from 336 participants, and 21 incomplete questionnaires were discarded. The relationships between four variables of workplace toxicity and turnover intentions are examined using correlation and hierarchical regression. The moderation effect of gratitude is studied using the PROCESS macro in SPSS 21.

Findings

The results revealed that workplace toxicity could explain 45.8% variations in employees' turnover intentions. It also reported significant negative regression coefficients between all four dimensions of workplace toxicity and turnover intentions. It suggested that toxic health organizations may promote turnover intentions among healthcare employees. Also, findings recommended a significant moderating effect of gratitude amid the relationships of four dimensions of workplace toxicity and turnover intentions.

Practical implications

Hospital administrators must ensure that health professionals have the necessary support to remain effective in the field by providing a conducive working environment emerging from sound human resource practices that promote respect, collegial relationships, teamwork and collaboration. The present research demonstrates gratitude as one such factor that could act as a catalyst within the workplace. Practitioners could achieve a healthy work environment by developing complementary relief measures that build organizational capacities and improve its culture while sponsoring programs for individual employees that instill positivity through awareness of gratitude in everyday life.

Originality/value

This study offered a comprehensive understanding of workplace toxicity by investigating its four dimensions. Also, it is one of the pioneer studies that evaluate the role of gratitude in restricting workplace toxicity-induced turnover intentions.
Components of tourists' palace cuisine dining experiences: the case of ottoman-concept restaurants
Authors: Öğretmenoğlu Mert , Çıkı Kartal Doğukan , Kesici Büşra , Akova Orhan
Published: February 2023

Purpose

In the field of tourism, numerous studies have been conducted on tourists' food experiences. However, more studies are needed to comprehend tourists' dining experience in unique cuisines. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to examine the components of tourists' dining experiences related to palace cuisine foods.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a qualitative approach was adopted to capture the components of tourists' dining experiences. The online narratives of tourists (n = 911) who had experienced Ottoman palace cuisine in Istanbul were obtained from an online travel platform (TripAdvisor) and analyzed using content analysis.

Findings

Seven main components were revealed: perceived authenticity, perceived service quality, knowledge, a sense of royalty, food specialties and attributes, a memorable experience and a sense of awe.

Practical implications

By identifying components of the palace cuisine dining experience and their relevant importance, the findings of this study can increase service providers' knowledge and facilitate their jobs. To be able to meet the expectations of tourists experiencing the palace cuisine, service providers can improve their services by considering research results.

Originality/value

Results revealed that obtained six dimensions were parallel with previous studies on food experience; however, this study uncovered a previously unexplored dimension named a sense of royalty. This can be shown as the unique contribution of this study to the tourist food experience literature.
The effect of immersive experience, user engagement and perceived authenticity on place satisfaction in the context of augmented reality
Authors: Dağ Kazım , Çavuşoğlu Sinan , Durmaz Yakup
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to measure the effect of augmented reality (AR) on immersive experiences, place satisfaction, user engagement and perceived authenticity.

Design/methodology/approach

The population of the research consists of museum visitors visiting the Sakip Sabanci Museum in Turkey, which provides an interactive experience to the audience using AR technology via iPads. The data were collected both online and offline. The research was carried out with 397 questionnaire forms. The hypotheses were tested through smart partial least squares (PLS) 3.

Findings

Immersive experience positively affects place satisfaction, user engagement and perceived authenticity. It was also concluded that user engagement and perceived authenticity mediated the relationship between immersive experience and place satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The entire universe could not be reached, as the study had limitations in terms of time, cost, accessibility and control difficulties. Therefore, the study was carried out with 397 visitors who visited the Sakip Sabanci Museum (SSM) in Turkey and used AR technology.

Practical implications

The study emphasized the importance of AR in cultural tourism. The interactions of museum visitors with AR can be greatly enhanced by immersive experiences. Expanding AR to provide different experiences can increase the number of visitors.

Originality/value

Although there are recent studies on AR, it seems insufficient to investigate and empirically examine this subject in the context of museums. No studies conducted in Turkey have investigated the current topic of this study. Conducting this research in Turkey with the proposed research model will make the topic easier to understand, proving the study's originality.
Smart and sustainable hotels: Tourism Agenda 2030 perspective article
Authors: Casais Beatriz , Ferreira Luís
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This perspective study aims to discuss the inclusion of technology in hotels as a key driver of sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper covers literature and prospects the implementation of smart hotels as a tourism agenda to achieve sustainable development goals.

Findings

Smart hotels can provide a better and more efficient tourism service, in terms of operational tasks and sustainable gains, without losing critical human interaction, which can be a tactic to boost the hotel’s relationship with their customers.

Originality/value

The paper shows how smart hotels can increase business efficiency, and in addition, meet tourist expectations and become more sustainable. In this sense, smart and sustainable hotels deserve to be listed in tourism agenda 2030.
Cross‐cultural adaptation and validation of the Italian version of the Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale in a special healthcare needs population
Authors: Sforza Elisabetta , Onesimo Roberta , Triumbari Elizabeth Katherine , Leoni Chiara , Giorgio Valentina , Rigante Donato , Proli Francesco , Kuczynska Eliza Maria , Ramsay Maria , Zampino Giuseppe
Published: February 2023

Background

The Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale (MCH‐FS) allows paediatricians and other health care professionals to identify feeding difficulties among children.

Aim

To translate and adapt the MCH‐FS into Italian, and to evaluate the validity and reliability of this Italian version of the Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale (I‐MCH‐FS).

Methods & Procedures

A total of 150 children with special healthcare needs were admitted to the Rare Disease Unit of the Paediatrics Department at the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy, between March 2021 and March 2022 (74 males; mean age = 3.85 ± 1.96 years; median age = 4 years; age range = 6 months–6 years and 11 months) and 150 healthy participants (83 males; mean age = 3.5 ± 1.98 years; median age = 3 years; age range = 6 months–6 years and 11 months) were included in the study, which was approved by the local ethics committee. The original version of the MCH‐FS was translated and cross‐cultural adapted through five stages: (1) initial translation, (2) synthesis of the translations, (3) back translation, (4) expert committee and (5) test of the prefinal version. Test–retest reliability and internal consistency were assessed using Pearson r, Spearman r and Cronbach's alpha, respectively. Construct validity was established by comparing data obtained from patients with those of healthy participants using the Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Outcomes & Results

A Pearson r of 0.98, a Spearman r of 0.95 and Cronbach's alpha value of 0.86 were obtained. In the clinical group, 40.6% children were classified as having feeding disorders (n = 61), while in the normative group 4.7% were diagnosed with feeding problems (n = 7). Mean total score of the clinical group was significatively different from the normative's.

Conclusions & Implications

The I‐MCH‐FS is a valid and reliable one‐page, quick screening tool used to identify feeding disorders among children with special needs in outpatient paediatric setting.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on the subject

The MCH‐FS is a valid and reliable parent‐report measure aimed at discriminating between children presenting or not feeding disorders.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge

This paper presents the translation and cross‐cultural adaptation of the scale into the Italian language.

What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?

The Italian version of the MCH‐FS can be used in the special healthcare needs population.
Do Jobseekers Value Diversity Information? Evidence from a Field Experiment and Human Capital Disclosures
Authors: CHOI JUNG HO , PACELLI JOSEPH , RENNEKAMP KRISTINA M. , TOMAR SORABH
Published: February 2023

We examine how information about the diversity of a potential employer's workforce affects individuals’ job‐seeking behavior. We embed a field experiment in job recommendation emails from a leading career advice agency in the United States. The experimental treatment involves highlighting a diversity metric to jobseekers. Our results indicate that disclosing diversity scores in job postings leads jobseekers to click on firms with higher diversity scores, with such effects varying across jobseeker demographics. A follow‐up survey provides evidence on potential explanations for why jobseekers value diversity information. We then examine how jobseekers’ preferences for diversity relate to disclosure choices under the U.S. SEC Human Capital Disclosure requirement. We find that firms in industries characterized by higher jobseeker responsiveness to diversity information tend to voluntarily disclose diversity metrics in their 10‐Ks under these new disclosure requirements.
We are meeting on Microsoft Teams: Forensic analysis in Windows, Android, and iOS operating systems
Authors: Bowling Herschel , Seigfried‐Spellar Kathryn , Karabiyik Umit , Rogers Marcus
Published: February 2023

Microsoft released a new communication platform, Microsoft Teams, in 2017. Due in part to COVID‐19, the popularity of communication platforms, like Microsoft Teams, increased exponentially. Given its user base and increased popularity, it seems likely that digital forensic investigators will encounter cases where Microsoft Teams is a relevant component. However, because Microsoft Teams is a relatively new application, there is limited forensic research on the application particularly focusing on mobile operating systems. To address this gap, an analysis of data stored at rest by Microsoft Teams was conducted on the Windows 10 operating system as well as on Android and Apple iOS mobile operating systems. Basic functionalities, such as messaging, sharing files, participating in video conferences, and other functionalities that Teams provides, were performed in an isolated testing environment. Cellebrite UFED Physical Analyzer and Magnet AXIOM Examine tools were used to analyze the mobile devices and the Windows device, respectively. Manual or non‐automated investigation recovered, at least partially, the majority of artifacts across all three operating systems. In this study, a total of 77.6% of the populated artifacts were partially or fully recovered in the manual investigation. On the other hand, forensic tools used did not automatically recover many of the artifacts found with the manual investigation. Only 13.8% of artifacts were partially or fully recovered by the forensic tools across all three devices. These discovered artifacts and the results of the investigations are presented in order to aid digital forensic investigations.
Patterns of change in prehospital spinal motion restriction: A retrospective database review
Authors: McDonald Neil , Kriellaars Dean , Pryce Rob T.
Published: February 2023

Background

Acute management of trauma patients with potential spine injuries has evolved from uniform spinal immobilization (SI) to spinal motion restriction (SMR). Little research exists describing how these changes have been implemented. This study aims to describe and analyze the practice of SMR in one emergency medical services (EMS) agency over the time frame of SMR adoption.

Methods

This was a retrospective database review of electronic patient care reports from 2009 to 2020. The effects of key practice changes (revised documentation and a collar‐only treatment option) were analyzed in an interrupted time series using the rate of SI/SMR as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included patient age, sex, acuity, mechanism of injury, treatment provided, cervical collar size, and positioning. These were assessed for changes from year to year by Poisson regression. Associations between patient and treatment characteristics were investigated with binomial logistic regression.

Results

There were 25,747 instances of SI/SMR included. Among all patients, the median age was 40 (interquartile range 24–56), 58% (14,970) were male, and 20% (5062) were high‐acuity. The rate of SI/SMR declined from 31.2 to 12.7 treatments per 100 trauma calls per month. The proportion of high‐acuity patients increased by 9.6% per year on average (95% CI 8.7%–10.0%). When first available, collar‐only treatment was provided to 47% of patients, rising by 6.3% per year (95% CI 3.2%–9.5%) to 60% in 2020. Collar‐only treatment (compared to board‐and‐collar) was more likely to be applied to low‐acuity patients (as compared to high): odds ratio 3.01 (95% CI 2.64–3.43).

Conclusions

This study shows decreasing SI/SMR treatment and changing patient and practice characteristics. These patterns of care cannot be attributed solely to formal protocol changes. Similar patterns and their possible explanations should be investigated elsewhere.
Classification of European oak–hornbeam forests and related vegetation types
Authors: Novák Pavel , Willner Wolfgang , Biurrun Idoia , Gholizadeh Hamid , Heinken Thilo , Jandt Ute , Kollár Jozef , Kozhevnikova Maria , Naqinezhad Alireza , Onyshchenko Viktor , Pielech Remigiusz , Rašomavičius Valerijus , Shirokikh Pavel , Vassilev Kiril , Wohlgemuth Thomas , Večeřa Martin , Chytrý Milan
Published: February 2023

Aims

Oak–hornbeam forests and related vegetation types (phytosociological order Carpinetalia betuli) are widespread in temperate western Eurasia. However, their national classification systems are poorly compatible, and a broad‐scale classification based on numerical analyses is lacking. Therefore, we aimed to establish a unified formalized classification system based on a large data set of vegetation plots covering the entire range of these forests.

Location

Europe, Anatolia, Caucasus and northern Iran.

Methods

We compiled a data set of 15,817 vegetation plots from the European Vegetation Archive and the Hyrcanian Forest Vegetation Database, using the formal definition of the EUNIS habitat type T1E Carpinus and Quercus mesic deciduous forest. We classified the data set using TWINSPAN. Biogeographically and ecologically similar plot clusters were merged into oak–hornbeam forest types, which were interpreted as alliances. We also developed expert systems for automatically classifying vegetation at the alliance level for both the EuroVegChecklist (EVC) system and the revised classification. In addition, we calculated ordinations to show the major gradients in the species composition of the data set.

Results

We present a revised classification system of the order Carpinetalia betuli with nine alliances, including basic descriptions of their species composition, distribution, ecology and syntaxonomy. The analyses largely supported the biogeographic concept of classification, analogous to EVC. Compared to EVC, we recognized an additional alliance Physospermo verticillati‐Quercion cerridis (southern Italy) but found no support for the alliances Astrantio‐Carpinion, Erythronio‐Carpinion and Scillo‐Quercion. The greatest difference in species composition was found between the southern and northern‐northeastern Carpinetalia types. Expert systems for the revised classification system (~89% of plots classified) and the EVC system (~72%) are also included.

Conclusions

We provide the first comprehensive overview of alliances of the order Carpinetalia betuli across its whole distribution range. The associated expert systems allow consistent application of the classification of these forests in nature conservation, habitat monitoring, and biodiversity and ecological research.
Biomass fine‐scale variation is predictive of functional composition and diversity in grazed grassland
Authors: Caram Nicolas , Casalás Felipe , Wallau Marcelo O. , Soca Pablo , Pillar Valério D. , Cadenazzi Monica , Boggiano Pablo
Published: February 2023

Questions

The adjustment of grazing pressure affects above‐ground biomass and its variation in space and time, which is a tool in grassland management for biodiversity conservation and livestock production. Here we ask to what extent the variation in above‐ground biomass at the scale of quadrats is predictive of (1) community‐weighted means (CWMs) of leaf traits and functional groups, and (2) functional diversity in grasslands.

Location

Native grasslands (Campos) of northeastern Uruguay.

Methods

Four paddocks of a replicated, randomized experiment, managed under high and low grazing pressure for 10 years, were monitored for above‐ground biomass and species composition during autumn, winter and spring of 2017 using 20 cm × 20 cm permanent quadrats. Thirteen dominant species were assessed seasonally for leaf dry matter content (LDMC), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf tensile strength (LTS), and leaf width (LW), which were used in cluster analysis to define functional groups. We computed CWMs and functional diversity at the quadrat scale, which we related to the above‐ground biomass by using linear mixed models attached to a maximum permutation test.

Results

We identified four functional groups (FGs A, B, C and D), which considered the phenological seasonality of species and thus the highly intra‐functional group variability of leaf traits across seasons. Lower levels of biomass increased the dominance of species with lower LDMC and wider leaves (FG A and B), while higher levels of biomass increased species with higher LDMC and narrower leaves (FG D, represented by Nassella charruana), and increased the functional diversity.

Conclusions

Fine‐scale variation of above‐ground biomass is predictive of functional composition and diversity in grazed grasslands. Grazing management practices that create and maintain spatiotemporal heterogeneity can be used to favor the conservation of biodiversity and the functionality of native grasslands.
Goal‐directedness enhances letter‐speech sound learning and consolidation in an unknown orthography
Authors: Verwimp Cara , Snellings Patrick , Wiers Reinout W. , Tijms Jurgen
Published: February 2023

This study examined how top‐down control influenced letter‐speech sound (L‐SS) learning, the initial phase of learning to read. In 2020, 107 Dutch children (53 boys, Mage = 106.845 months) learned eight L‐SS correspondences, either preceded by goal‐directed or implicit instructions. Symbol knowledge and artificial word‐reading ability were assessed immediately after learning and on the subsequent day to examine the effect of sleep. Goal‐directed children were faster and more efficient in learning a new script and had better learning outcomes compared to children who were not instructed about the goal of the task. This study demonstrates that directing children toward the goal can promote L‐SS learning and consolidation, giving insights into how top‐down control influences the initial phase of reading acquisition.
Oral health inequalities and disability: Closing the gap
Authors: Faulks Denise
Published: February 2023

The social determinants of health impact disproportionately on disabled people creating a cumulative risk of unequal oral health outcomes, compounded by impairment. Problems in early life, education and employment, poor social status and support, social exclusion, poverty and stress characterize the life course of many disabled people. Ableism and exclusion combine to ensure that disabled voices are rarely heard, ignorance and indifference lead to prejudice in policy‐making and enforcement and negative media attitudes fuelled by political austerity lead to stigmatization. Yet, the health disparities experienced by disabled people are still perceived as being uniquely caused by a medical condition or impaired body function, excluding disabled people from the inequalities discourse. In parallel, the influence of medical conditions within other marginalized groups are minimized (e.g. mental health), leading to the underestimation of the impact of disability on oral health generally. The common ground between all groups subject to oral health inequalities can be conceptualized using the WHO International Classification of Functioning. Outcomes for all might be improved by emphasizing this common ground; by considering disability as a primary variable, such as gender or age; by identifying disabled people within existing inequalities research; and by explicitly including disabled people in future research.
Conservation implications of range dynamics in endangered populations: An example with brown bears
Authors: Díaz‐Fernández Manuel , Naves Javier , Revilla Eloy
Published: February 2023

Monitoring changes in the status of threatened and endangered species is critical for conservation, especially when these changes can be more dynamic than management actions. We studied how the range of the endangered Cantabrian brown bear (Ursus arctos) population has recovered after a long period of decrease. We estimated the presence range (using all available data on bear presence) and the breeding range (using data on females with cubs presence) in: 1982–1992, 1993–2002, and 2003–2012; to analyze temporal dynamics in the spatial extension of these ranges between periods. For the presence range, we observed an initial reduction of 25% between the first two periods maintaining two isolated subpopulations, followed by an increase of 70% in the third period that merged the subpopulations into a single population. The breeding range represented about 50% of the presence range and was stable between the two first periods and increased by 30% in the last period. Despite that increase two spatial breeding cores remained separated across all periods. Generalized linear models analyzing the factors affecting extinction and colonization between periods showed that bears expanded to areas closer to the center of the population and with low human disturbance. Our model projection predicted correctly a 77% of the areas newly colonized for the period 2013–2022 (112% increases in relation to 2003–2012). Finally, we identified that the recovery plans defining the guidelines for the management of this population are outdated and its application only covers around 50% of the current presence range and 40% of the predicted range. More dynamic legal and management approaches are needed to avoid conservation success turning into failure, especially for charismatic species whose management is often subject to social conflicts.
Identification of dispersive soils via computational intelligence
Authors: Derakhshani Ali , Moein Behzad , Habibagahi Ghassem
Published: February 2023

When exposed to water, dispersive (D) soils are eroded and washed away by underground or surface flowing waters. Although soil dispersion is due to its chemical composition, the results of the commonly used chemical method, that is, the Sherard approach, do not match with those of the popular robust Pinhole test. Due to the deficiency of the chemical method, this study aimed to employ artificial intelligence (AI)‐based approaches for predicting the D classification of the soils. To this end, a database containing 321 records of the results of chemical and Pinhole tests on borrow soil samples was collected from various construction sites in Iran. The predictive models for soil dispersion evaluation were developed using the artificial neural network (ANN) and the support vector machine (SVM). The D classification results were presented as output classes versus target classes. Through the comparison of statistical indices, it was found that the results of the proposed models conform to those of the Pinhole test. It was also shown that the ANN model is more accurate than the SVM model for predicting the dispersion potential of the soil. Furthermore, it was indicated that the new models significantly outperform the Sherard method in determining the D classification of the soil.

Highlights

Dispersive soils can be classified employing artificial intelligence (AI)‐based methods.

AI‐based approaches have superior predictive ability in contrast to traditional approachs.

ANN and SVM techniques can accurately identify soil dispersion potential.

Higher accuracy of new methods compared to common Sherard approach was validated with Pinhole test results.
Evaluating the contribution of the gene TARDBP in Italian patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Lattante Serena , Sabatelli Mario , Bisogni Giulia , Marangi Giuseppe , Doronzio Paolo Niccolò , Martello Francesco , Renzi Anna Gloria , Del Giudice Elda , Leon Alberta , Cimbolli Paola , Marchione Daniela , Costantino Umberto , Lucioli Gabriele , Bernardo Daniela , Meleo Emiliana , Patanella Agata Katia , Romano Angela , Zollino Marcella , Conte Amelia
Published: February 2023

Background and objectives

Genetic variants in the gene TARDBP, encoding TDP‐43 protein, are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in familial (fALS) and sporadic (sALS) cases. Objectives of this study were to assess the contribution of TARDBP in a large cohort of Italian ALS patients, to determine the TARDBP‐associated clinical features and to look for genotype–phenotype correlation and penetrance of the mutations.

Methods

A total of 1992 Italian ALS patients (193 fALS and 1799 sALS) were enrolled in this study. Sanger sequencing of TARDBP gene was performed in patients and, when available, in patients' relatives.

Results

In total, 13 different rare variants were identified in 43 index cases (10 fALS and 33 sALS) with a cumulative mutational frequency of 2.2% (5.2% of fALS, 1.8% of sALS). The most prevalent variant was the p.A382T followed by the p.G294V. Cognitive impairment was detected in almost 30% of patients. While some variants, including the p.G294V and the p.G376D, were associated with restricted phenotypes, the p.A382T showed a marked clinical heterogeneity regarding age of onset, survival and association with cognitive impairment. Investigations in parents, when possible, showed that the variants were inherited from healthy carriers and never occurred de novo.

Conclusions

In our cohort, TARDBP variants have a relevant frequency in Italian ALS patients and they are significantly associated with cognitive impairment. Clinical presentation is heterogeneous. Consistent genotype–phenotype correlations are limited to some mutations. A marked phenotypic variability characterizes the p.A382T variant, suggesting a multifactorial/oligogenic pathogenic mechanism.
Information and communication technology use among children separated from one or both parents: A scoping review
Authors: Baude Amandine , Henaff Gaël , Potin Émilie , Bourassa Audrey , Saint‐Jacques Marie‐Christine , Noël Julie
Published: February 2023

Background

The development and diversification of information and communication technology (ICT) are changing the way family members communicate with each other, creating new opportunities for interaction. When children and parents do not live together on a day‐to‐day basis, these technologies may represent privileged means to keep in touch and maintain a relationship.

Objective

This article aims to review the literature on the use of ICT among children separated from one or both parents, paying particular attention to two contexts: parental separation and foster care.

Method

A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley (2005) framework and the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines (Tricco et al., 2018). The data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Of the 847 references identified, 11 were selected (six related to parental separation and five related to foster care). The literature dated from 1997 to 2020 and was particularly sparse and heterogeneous (e.g., the definition of ICT and characteristics of participants). Three topics emerged: (a) ICT practices and usage patterns, (b) ICT practices: opportunities and issues, and (c) sociolegal support issues.

Implication

This study highlights the need for all legal and psychosocial actors to consider the place of digital technology in family relationships.
Regulation of alanine racemase activity by carboxylates and the d‐type substrate d‐alanine
Authors: Shimizu‐Ibuka Akiko , Sato Aoi , Ichimura Hikaru , Hiraga Haruna , Nakayama Shiori , Nishiwaki Toshikazu
Published: February 2023

Alanine racemases (ALRs) are essential for d‐alanine (d‐Ala) production in bacteria, and many ALRs have a conserved carbamylated lysine residue in the active site. Although short‐chain carboxylates inhibit ALRs harbouring this lysine residue as substrate analogues, in an ALR variant with an alanine residue at this position, carboxylates behave as activators; however, this activation mechanism remains unclear. Here, we performed kinetic and structural analyses of U1ALR, an ALR from Latilactobacillus sakei UONUMA harbouring a glycine residue (Gly134) in the site of the carbamylated lysine residue. U1ALR was activated by various carboxylates and also by a G134K mutation, both of which caused a significant decrease in Km, indicating an increase in substrate affinity. The U1ALR crystal structure revealed the presence of an acetate molecule bound in a position and at an orientation resembling the conformation of the carbamylated lysine side chain observed in the structures of other ALRs. These results suggest a regulatory mechanism for U1ALR activity involving two carboxylate‐binding sites: one with high affinity near Gly134, where an acetate molecule is observed in the crystal structure and carboxylate binding results in enzyme activation; the other is the substrate‐binding site, where carboxylate binding inhibits enzyme activity. Furthermore, we observed no carboxylate/G134K‐mediated activation in the presence of d‐Ala at high concentrations, implying that d‐Ala also exhibits low‐affinity binding in the first carboxylate‐binding site and prevents carboxylate/G134K‐induced activation. Such regulation of enzyme activity by carboxylates and d‐Ala may be ubiquitous in many ALRs from lactic acid bacteria sharing the same sequence characteristics.
Functional substitutability of native herbivores by livestock for soil carbon stock is mediated by microbial decomposers
Authors: Roy Shamik , Naidu Dilip G. T. , Bagchi Sumanta
Published: February 2023

Grazing by large mammalian herbivores impacts climate as it can favor the size and stability of a large carbon (C) pool in the soils of grazing ecosystems. As native herbivores in the world's grasslands, steppes, and savannas are progressively being displaced by livestock, it is important to ask whether livestock can emulate the functional roles of their native counterparts. While livestock and native herbivores can have remarkable similarity in their traits, they can differ greatly in their impacts on vegetation composition which can affect soil‐C. It is uncertain how these similarities and differences impact soil‐C via their influence on microbial decomposers. We test competing alternative hypotheses with a replicated, long‐term, landscape‐level, grazing‐exclusion experiment to ask whether livestock in the Trans‐Himalayan ecosystem of northern India can match decadal‐scale (2005–2016) soil‐C stocks under native herbivores. We evaluate multiple lines of evidence from 17 variables that influence soil‐C (quantity and quality of C‐input from plants, microbial biomass and metabolism, microbial community composition, eDNA, veterinary antibiotics in soil), and assess their inter‐relationships. Livestock and native herbivores differed in their effects on several soil microbial processes. Microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) was 19% lower in soils under livestock. Compared to native herbivores, areas used by livestock contained 1.5 kg C m−2 less soil‐C. Structural equation models showed that alongside the effects arising from plants, livestock alter soil microbial communities which is detrimental for CUE, and ultimately also for soil‐C. Supporting evidence pointed toward a link between veterinary antibiotics used on livestock, microbial communities, and soil‐C. Overcoming the challenges of sequestering antibiotics to minimize their potential impacts on climate, alongside microbial rewilding under livestock, may reconcile the conflicting demands from food‐security and ecosystem services. Conservation of native herbivores and alternative management of livestock is crucial for soil‐C stewardship to envision and achieve natural climate solutions.