bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semaphorin signaling restricts neuronal regeneration in C. elegans
Authors: Harreguy MB , Tanvir Z , Shah E , Simprevil B , Tran TS , Haspel G
Published: November 2021

Extracellular signaling proteins serve as neuronal growth cone guidance molecules during development and are well positioned to be involved in neuronal regeneration and recovery from injury. Semaphorins and their receptors, the plexins, are a family of conserved proteins involved in development that, in the nervous system, are axonal guidance cues mediating axon pathfinding and synapse formation. The Caenorhabditis elegans genome encodes for three semaphorins and two plexin receptors: the transmembrane semaphorins, SMP-1 and SMP-2, signal through their receptor, PLX-1, while the secreted semaphorin, MAB-20, signals through PLX-2. Here, we evaluate the locomotion behavior of knockout animals missing each of the semaphorins and plexins and the neuronal morphology of plexin knockout animals; we described the cellular expression pattern of the promoters of all plexins in the nervous system of C. elegans; and we evaluated their effect on the regrowth and reconnection of motoneuron neurites and the recovery of locomotion behavior following precise laser microsurgery. Regrowth and reconnection were more prevalent in the absence of each plexin, while recovery of locomotion surpassed regeneration in all genotypes.
Initiation of organ maturation and fruit ripening in grapevine is controlled by the CARPO-NAC transcription factor
Authors: D’Incà Erica , Foresti Chiara , Orduña Luis , Amato Alessandra , Vandelle Elodie , Santiago Antonio , Botton Alessandro , Cazzaniga Stefano , Bertini Edoardo , Pezzotti Mario , Giovannoni James , Vrebalov Julia , Matus José Tomás , Tornielli Giovanni Battista , Zenoni Sara
Published: November 2021

Grapevine is a woody temperate perennial plant and one of the most important fruit crops with global relevance in both the fresh fruit and winemaking industries. Unfortunately, global warming is affecting viticulture by altering developmental transitions and fruit maturation processes. In this context, uncovering the molecular mechanisms controlling the onset and progression of ripening could prove essential to maintain high-quality grapes and wines. Through a deep inspection of previously published transcriptomic data we identified the NAC family member VviCARPO (Controlled Adjustment of Ripening and maturation of Plant Organs) as a key regulator of grapevine maturation whose induction precedes the expression of well-known ripening associated genes. We explored VviCARPO binding landscapes through DAP-seq and overlapped its bound genes with transcriptomics datasets from stable and transient VviCARPO overexpressing grapevine plants to define a set of high-confidence targets. Among these, we identified key molecular ripening markers. Physiological, metabolic and promoter activation analyses showed that VviCARPO induces chlorophyll degradation and anthocyanin accumulation through the up-regulation of VviSGR1 and VviMYBA1, respectively, with the latter being up-regulated through a VviCARPO-VviNAC03 regulatory complex. Despite showing a closer phylogenetic relationship to senescent-related AtNAP homologues, VviCARPO complemented the nor mutant phenotype in tomato, suggesting it may have acquired a dual role as an orchestrator of both ripening- and senescence-related processes. Our data supports CARPO as a master regulator of the grapevine vegetative-to-mature phase organ transition and therefore an essential target for insuring fruit quality and environmental resilience.

SIGNIFICANT STATEMENT

CARPO is a grape NAC transcription factor central to fruit ripening and tissue senescence. This regulator influences multiple biological pathways common to both processes including cell wall metabolism, chlorophyll degradation, pigment production and hormone synthesis/signaling through regulation of their key genes. As various external stresses and changing climatic conditions influence vegetative growth and berry ripening, CARPO could prove a useful genetic and breeding target towards maintaining necessary crop performance and fruit-quality characteristics.
Automated Parallel Pattern Search Optimisation of Microfluidic Geometry for Extracellular Vesicle Liquid Biopsies
Authors: Hisey Colin L. , Lim Arvin , Tyler A.J. , Chamley Larry W. , Blenkiron Cherie , Clarke Richard J.
Published: November 2021

Microfluidic liquid biopsies using affinity-based capture of extracellular vesicles (EVs) have demonstrated great potential for providing rapid disease diagnosis and monitoring. However, little effort has been devoted to optimising the geometry of the microfluidic channels for maximum EV capture due to the inherent challenges of physically testing many geometric designs. To address this, we developed an automated parallel pattern search (PPS) optimiser by combining a Python optimiser, COMSOL Multiphysics, and high performance computing. This unique approach was applied to a triangular micropillar array geometry by parameterising repeating unit cells, making several assumptions, and optimising for maximum particle capture efficiency. We successfully optimised the triangular pillar arrays and surprisingly found that simply maximising the total number of pillars and effective surface area did not result in maximum EV capture, as devices with slightly larger pillars and more spacing between pillars allowed contact with slower moving EVs that followed the pillar contours more closely. We then experimentally validated this finding using bioreactor-produced EVs in the best and worst channel designs that were functionalised with an antibody against CD63. Captured EVs were quantified using a fluorescent plate reader, followed by an established elution method and nanoparticle tracking analysis. These results demonstrate the power of automated microfluidic geometry optimisations for EV liquid biopsies and will support further development of this rapidly growing field.
Contrastive learning on protein embeddings enlightens midnight zone
Authors: Heinzinger Michael , Littmann Maria , Sillitoe Ian , Bordin Nicola , Orengo Christine , Rost Burkhard
Published: November 2021

Experimental structures are leveraged through multiple sequence alignments, or more generally through homology-based inference (HBI), facilitating the transfer of information from a protein with known annotation to a query without any annotation. A recent alternative expands the concept of HBI from sequence-distance lookup to embedding-based annotation transfer (EAT). These embeddings are derived from protein Language Models (pLMs). Here, we introduce using single protein representations from pLMs for contrastive learning. This learning procedure creates a new set of embeddings that optimizes constraints captured by hierarchical classifications of protein 3D structures defined by the CATH resource. The approach, dubbedProtTucker, has an improved ability to recognize distant homologous relationships than more traditional techniques such as threading or fold recognition. Thus, these embeddings have allowed sequence comparison to step into the “midnight zone” of protein similarity, i.e., the region in which distantly related sequences have a seemingly random pairwise sequence similarity. The novelty of this work is in the particular combination of tools and sampling techniques that ascertained good performance comparable or better to existing state-of-the-art sequence comparison methods. Additionally, since this method does not need to generate alignments it is also orders of magnitudes faster. The code is available athttps://github.com/Rostlab/EAT.
Reconstruction of sound driven, actively amplified and spontaneous motions within the tree cricket auditory organ
Authors: Mhatre Natasha , Dewey James B. , Quiñones Patricia M. , Mason Andrew , Applegate Brian E. , Oghalai John S.
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Hearing consists of a delicate chain of events. Sound is first captured by an eardrum or similar organ which is set into vibrations, these vibrations must then be transmitted to sensory cells in a manner that opens mechanosensory channels generating an electrical signal. Studying this process is challenging. Auditory vibrations are in the nano- to picometer-scale and occur at fast temporal scales of milli to microseconds. Finally, most of this process occurs within the body of the animal where it is inaccessible to conventional measurement techniques. For instance, even in crickets, a century-old auditory model system, it is unclear how sound evoked vibrations are transmitted to sensory neurons. Here, we use optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure how vibrations travel within the auditory organ of the western tree cricket (Oecanthus californicus). We also measure the reversal of this process as mechanosensory cells generate spontaneous oscillations and amplify sound-evoked vibrations. Most importantly, we found that while the mechanosensory neurons were not attached to the peripheral sound collecting structures, they were mechanically well-coupled through acoustic trachea. Thus, the acoustic trachea are not merely conduits for sound but also perform a mechanical function. Our results generate several insights into the similarities between insect and vertebrate hearing, and into the evolutionary history of auditory amplification.
Reassembling a cannon in the DNA defense arsenal: genetics of StySA, a BREX phage exclusion system in Salmonella lab strains
Authors: Zaworski Julie , Dagva Oyut , Brandt Julius , Baum Chloé , Ettwiller Laurence , Fomenkov Alexey , Raleigh Elisabeth A.
Published: November 2021

Understanding mechanisms that shape horizontal exchange in prokaryotes is a key problem in biology. A major limit on DNA entry is imposed by restriction-modification (RM) processes that depend on the pattern of DNA modification at host-specified sites. In classical RM, endonucleolytic DNA cleavage follows detection of unprotected sites on entering DNA. Recent investigation has uncovered BREX systems, RM-like activities that employ host protection by DNA modification but replication arrest without evident nuclease action on unmodified phage DNA. We show that the historical stySA RM locus of Salmonella enterica sv Typhimurium is a BREX homolog. The stySA29 allele of the hybrid strain LB5000 carries a mutated version of the ancestral LT2 BREX system. Surprisingly, both a restriction and a methylation defect are observed for this lineage despite lack of mutations in brxX, the modification gene homolog. Instead, flanking genes pglZ and brxC each carry multiple mutations (μ) in C-terminal domains. To avoid plasmid artifacts and potential stoichiometric interference, we chose to investigate this system in situ, replacing the mutated pglZμ and brxCμ genes with wild type (WT). PglZ-WT supports methylation in the presence of either BrxCμ or BrxC-WT but not in the presence of a deletion/insertion allele, ΔbrxC::cat. Restriction of phage L requires both BrxC-WT and PglZ-WT, implicating the BrxC C-terminus specifically in restriction activity. Disruption of four other CDS with cat cassettes still permitted modification, suggesting that BrxC, PglZ and BrxX are principal components of the modification activity. BrxL is required for restriction only. A partial disruption of brxL disrupts transcription globally.
ATP can be dispensable for prespliceosome formation in yeast
Authors: Perriman Rhonda , Ares Manuel
Published: November 2021

The first ATP-dependent step in pre-mRNA splicing involves the stable binding of U2 snRNP to form the prespliceosome. We show that a prespliceosome-like complex forms in the absence of ATP in yeast extracts lacking the U2 suppressor protein CUS2. These complexes display the same pre-mRNA and U snRNA requirements as authentic prespliceosomes and can be chased through the splicing pathway, indicating that they are a functional intermediate in the spliceosome assembly pathway. ATP-independent prespliceosome-like complexes are also observed in extracts containing a mutant U2 snRNA. Loss of CUS2 does not bypass the role of PRP5, an RNA helicase family member required for ATP-dependent prespliceosome formation. Genetic interactions between CUS2 and a heat-sensitive prp5allele parallel those observed between CUS2 and U2, and suggest that CUS2 mediates functional interactions between U2 RNA and PRP5. We propose that CUS2 enforces ATP dependence during formation of the prespliceosome by brokering an interaction between PRP5 and the U2 snRNP that depends on correct U2 RNA structure.
Tissue- and stage-specific modulation of Wingless signaling by the segment polarity gene lines
Authors: Hatini Victor , Bokor Peter , Goto-Mandeville Ryoko , DiNardo Stephen
Published: November 2021

Wnt signaling controls a variety of developmental programs but the mechanisms by which the same signal leads to distinct outputs remain unclear. To address this question, we identified stage-specific modulators of Wingless (Wg) signaling in the Drosophilaembryonic epidermis. We show that lines (lin) is essential for Wg-dependent patterning in dorsal epidermis. linencodes a novel protein that acts cell-autonomously, downstream or in parallel to Armadillo (Arm) and upstream of Wg-dependent target genes. Lin can accumulate in nuclei of cells signaled by Wg, suggesting that signaling promotes entry of Lin into the nucleus, where it cooperates with Arm and Pangolin. Thus, a stage-specific modulator is used to mediate Wg signaling activity in dorsal patterning. Hedgehog (Hh) controls half of the parasegmental pattern dorsally and antagonizes Wg function to do so. Lin can accumulate in the cytoplasm of cells signaled by Hh, suggesting that Hh antagonizes Wg function by prohibiting Lin from entering the nucleus.
A transcriptional insulator at the imprinted H19/Igf2 locus
Authors: Kaffer Christopher R. , Srivastava Madhulika , Park Kye-Yoon , Ives Elizabeth , Hsieh Sandra , Batlle Juan , Grinberg Alexander , Huang Sing-Ping , Pfeifer Karl
Published: November 2021

Igf2 and H19 exhibit parent-of-origin-specific monoallelic expression. H19 is expressed from the maternal chromosome and Igf2 from the paternal. The two genes share enhancer elements and monoallelic expression of both genes is dependent on cis-acting sequences upstream of the H19 promoter. In this work we examine the mechanisms by which this region silences the maternal Igf2 allele and we demonstrate that deletion of this region can result in high levels of activation of both H19and Igf2 from a single chromosome. Moreover, by inserting thiscis element between a promoter and its enhancer at a heterologous position, we demonstrate that the sequences carry both insulator activity and the ability to be stably imprinted. We also characterize the insulator in vitro and show that it is neither enhancer nor promoter specific.
Absence of Wee1 ensures the meiotic cell cycle in Xenopus oocytes
Authors: Nakajo Nobushige , Yoshitome Satoshi , Iwashita Jun , Iida Maki , Uto Katsuhiro , Ueno Shuichi , Okamoto Kengo , Sagata Noriyuki
Published: November 2021

Meiotic cells undergo two successive divisions without an intervening S phase. However, the mechanism of S-phase omission between the two meiotic divisions is largely unknown. Here we show that Wee1, a universal mitotic inhibitor, is absent in immature (but not mature)Xenopus oocytes, being down-regulated specifically during oogenesis; this down-regulation is most likely due to a translational repression. Even the modest ectopic expression of Wee1 in immature (meiosis I) oocytes can induce interphase nucleus reformation and DNA replication just after meiosis I. Thus, the presence of Wee1 during meiosis I converts the meiotic cell cycle into a mitotic-like cell cycle having S phase. In contrast, Myt1, a Wee1-related kinase, is present and directly involved in G2 arrest of immature oocytes, but its ectopic expression has little effect on the meiotic cell cycle. These results strongly indicate that the absence of Wee1 in meiosis I ensures the meiotic cell cycle in Xenopus oocytes. Based on these results and the data published previously in other organisms, we suggest that absence of Wee1 may be a well-conserved mechanism for omitting interphase or S phase between the two meiotic divisions.
WISP-1 is a Wnt-1- and β-catenin-responsive oncogene
Authors: Xu Lifeng , Corcoran Ryan B. , Welsh James W. , Pennica Diane , Levine Arnold J.
Published: November 2021

WISP-1 (Wnt-1 induced secreted protein 1) is a member of the CCN family of growth factors. This study identifies WISP-1 as a β-catenin-regulated gene that can contribute to tumorigenesis. The promoter of WISP-1 was cloned and shown to be activated by both Wnt-1 and β-catenin expression. TCF/LEF sites played a minor role, whereas the CREB site played an important role in this transcriptional activation. WISP-1 demonstrated oncogenic activities; overexpression of WISP-1 in normal rat kidney fibroblast cells (NRK-49F) induced morphological transformation, accelerated cell growth, and enhanced saturation density. Although these cells did not acquire anchorage-independent growth in soft agar, they readily formed tumors in nude mice, suggesting that appropriate cellular attachment is important for signaling oncogenic events downstream of WISP-1.
The Drosophila Brahma complex is an essential coactivator for the trithorax group protein Zeste
Authors: Kal Arnoud J. , Mahmoudi Tokameh , Zak Naomi B. , Verrijzer C. Peter
Published: November 2021

The trithorax group (trxG) of activators andPolycomb group (PcG) of repressors are believed to control the expression of several key developmental regulators by changing the structure of chromatin. Here, we have sought to dissect the requirements for transcriptional activation by the DrosophilatrxG protein Zeste, a DNA-binding activator of homeotic genes. Reconstituted transcription reactions established that the Brahma (BRM) chromatin-remodeling complex is essential for Zeste-directed activation on nucleosomal templates. Because it is not required for Zeste to bind to chromatin, the BRM complex appears to act after promoter binding by the activator. Purification of the Drosophila BRM complex revealed a number of novel subunits. We found that Zeste tethers the BRM complex via direct binding to specific subunits, including trxG proteins Moira (MOR) and OSA. The leucine zipper of Zeste mediates binding to MOR. Interestingly, although the Imitation Switch (ISWI) remodelers are potent nucleosome spacing factors, they are dispensable for transcriptional activation by Zeste. Thus, there is a distinction between general chromatin restructuring and transcriptional coactivation by remodelers. These results establish that different chromatin remodeling factors display distinct functional properties and provide novel insights into the mechanism of their targeting.
Hierarchical phosphorylation of the translation inhibitor 4E-BP1
Authors: Gingras Anne-Claude , Raught Brian , Gygi Steven P. , Niedzwiecka Anna , Miron Mathieu , Burley Stephen K. , Polakiewicz Roberto D. , Wyslouch-Cieszynska Aleksandra , Aebersold Ruedi , Sonenberg Nahum
Published: November 2021

In most instances, translation is regulated at the initiation phase, when a ribosome is recruited to the 5′ end of an mRNA. The eIF4E-binding proteins (4E-BPs) interdict translation initiation by binding to the translation factor eIF4E, and preventing recruitment of the translation machinery to mRNA. The 4E-BPs inhibit translation in a reversible manner. Hypophosphorylated 4E-BPs interact avidly with eIF4E, whereas 4E-BP hyperphosphorylation, elicited by stimulation of cells with hormones, cytokines, or growth factors, results in an abrogation of eIF4E-binding activity. We reported previously that phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 on Thr 37 and Thr 46 is relatively insensitive to serum deprivation and rapamycin treatment, and that phosphorylation of these residues is required for the subsequent phosphorylation of a set of unidentified serum-responsive sites. Here, using mass spectrometry, we identify the serum-responsive, rapamycin-sensitive sites as Ser 65 and Thr 70. Utilizing a novel combination of two-dimensional isoelectric focusing/SDS-PAGE and Western blotting with phosphospecific antibodies, we also establish the order of 4E-BP1 phosphorylation in vivo; phosphorylation of Thr 37/Thr 46 is followed by Thr 70 phosphorylation, and Ser 65 is phosphorylated last. Finally, we show that phosphorylation of Ser 65 and Thr 70 alone is insufficient to block binding to eIF4E, indicating that a combination of phosphorylation events is necessary to dissociate 4E-BP1 from eIF4E.
In for a penny, in for a pound: examining motivated memory through the lens of retrieved context models
Authors: Talmi Deborah , Kavaliauskaite Deimante , Daw Nathaniel D.
Published: November 2021

When people encounter items that they believe will help them gain reward, they later remember them better than others. A recent model of emotional memory, the emotional context maintenance and retrieval model (eCMR), predicts that these effects would be stronger when stimuli that predict high and low reward can compete with each other during both encoding and retrieval. We tested this prediction in two experiments. Participants were promised £1 for remembering some pictures, but only a few pence for remembering others. Their recall of the content of the pictures they saw was tested after 1 min and, in experiment 2, also after 24 h. Memory at the immediate test showed effects of list composition. Recall of stimuli that predicted high reward was greater than of stimuli that predicted lower reward, but only when high- and low-reward items were studied and recalled together, not when they were studied and recalled separately. More high-reward items in mixed lists were forgotten over a 24-h retention interval compared with items studied in other conditions, but reward did not modulate the forgetting rate, a null effect that should be replicated in a larger sample. These results confirm eCMR's predictions, although further research is required to compare that model against alternatives.
Stochastic hydration of a high-nitrogen-content molecular compound recrystallized under pressure
Authors: Olejniczak Anna , Katrusiak Anna , Podsiadło Marcin , Katrusiak Andrzej
Published: November 2021

Partial hydration of organic compounds can be achieved by high-pressure crystallization. This has been demonstrated for the high-nitrogen-content compound 6-chloro-1,2,3,4-tetrazolo[1,5-b]pyridazine (C4H2N5Cl), which becomes partly hydrated by isochoric crystallizations below 0.15 GPa. This hydrate, C4H2N5Cl·xH2O, is isostructural with the ambient-pressure phase α of C4H2N5Cl, but the crystal volume is somewhat larger than that of the anhydrate. At 0.20 GPa, the α-C4H2N5Cl anhydrate phase transforms abruptly into a new higher-symmetry phase, α′; the transformation is clearly visible due to a strong contraction of the crystals. The hydrate α-C4H2N5Cl·xH2O can also be isothermally compressed up to 0.30 GPa before transforming to the α′-C4H2N5Cl·xH2O phase. The isochoric recrystallization of C4H2N5Cl above 0.18 GPa yields a new anhydrous phase β, which, on releasing pressure, transforms back to the α phase below 0.15 GPa. The structural transition from the α to the β phase is destructive for the single crystal and involves a large volume drop and significant elongation of all the shortest intermolecular distances which are the CH...N and CH...Cl hydrogen bonds, as well as the N...N contacts. The α-to-α′ phase transition increases the crystal symmetry in the subgroup relation; however, there are no structural nor symmetry relations between phases α and β.
School teachers’ perception and challenges towards online teaching during COVID-19 pandemic in India: an econometric analysis
Authors: Kamal Tuba , Illiyan Asheref
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has impacted catastrophically every sector of the economy throughout the world. And, the education sector is not leftover from the devastating effects of lockdown, especially in South Asia. It has led to the prolonged closure of schools/universities, subsequently, traditional teaching expeditiously transformed into online teaching. In the light of the events, this study is pertinent to examine teachers’ perceptions of online teaching and the obstacles they face in online teaching during this pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The research takes a quantitative and sample survey approach. A Google Form Questionnaire was used to obtain a sample of 200 Delhi school teachers in March and April 2021. Data were analyzed in SPSS by using Descriptive Statistics, Factor Analysis, Reliability and Chi-Square test, etc.

Findings

The result of the study indicates that on average, teachers have a positive perception about virtual teaching amid COVID-19 for reducing the learning gap and shaping pupils’ future during the crisis. Nevertheless, they encountered several obstacles in online teaching such as technical obstacles, difficulties in online exams and assessment, etc.

Practical implications

The findings of this study would persuade educational institutions and policymakers for enhancing the quality of online teaching by embracing the newest instructional strategies and providing continuous training to teachers.

Originality/value

Several studies described obstacles confronted by instructors in virtual teaching in higher education during the Coronavirus while disregarding the perception and challenges of school teachers toward e-learning in an ongoing outbreak. The present study replenishes this gap.
Objectives and measures of performance of Islamic microfinance banks in Indonesia: the stakeholders' perspectives
Authors: Akbar Taufik , Siti-Nabiha A.K.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study investigates both internal and external stakeholders' views on the objectives and measures of performance of Indonesian Islamic microfinance banks (IMFBs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a qualitative approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders of IMFBs in Indonesia. The primary stakeholders interviewed comprised the board of directors of IMFBs located in several provinces in Indonesia, including rural and urban areas. The external stakeholders were the regulators/supervisors, represented by the Indonesian Financial Services Authority and Sharīʿah advisors of the National Sharīʿah Board as well as Muslim scholars. The data were analysed using CAQDAS, a computer-assisted tool for qualitative analysis.

Findings

The objectives of the IMFBs are seen to represent more than profits or economic well-being. Their objectives also comprise spirituality and daʿwah (Islamic propagation). Daʿwah is conducted through the provision of funding and services that are aligned with Sharīʿah (Islamic law), the dissemination of information about Islamic financing, which is based on Islamic values and principles, and the payment of zakat (Islamic alms) and charitable contributions. The measures of performance are considered to be more holistic than those of conventional banks. Profit and growth are deemed important as the means to achieve social well-being objectives.

Research limitations/implications

Better insights into the objectives and measures of IMFBs could be achieved from interviews with other stakeholder categories, such as customers and the community. This could be the focus of future research.

Originality/value

This study added a new discussion to the limited empirical literature on IMFBs by investigating the views of stakeholders on the objectives and performance of IMFBs in Indonesia.
Alleviating the impact of SNS fatigue on user discontinuance
Authors: Lee One-Ki Daniel , Lee Seoyoun , Suh Woojong , Chang Younghoon
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Social networking services (SNSs) have become deeply ingrained into our daily life. However, it has often been reported that users experience negative feelings regarding SNS usage. This phenomenon presents challenges for SNS providers in retaining or increasing their customer base. This study focuses on SNS fatigue, a negative psychological state that can lead to discontinuance intention among SNS users. This study proposes two distinctive SNS-specific contexts and investigates how they alleviate the negative effect of SNS fatigue on user behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon the context-specific theorization perspective, a model involving moderation effects of the SNS-specific contexts on the relationship between user's SNS fatigue and discontinuance intention was proposed. The model was tested using survey data of active SNS users.

Findings

The results indicate that SNS fatigue leads to user discontinuance intention. However, the SNS-specific contexts, such as social interaction context and platform service context, negatively moderate the relationship between SNS fatigue and user discontinuance intention.

Originality/value

The findings of this study are expected to help SNS providers develop strategies to improve their services for effective user retention.
A complexity perspective for antecedents of support for tourism development
Authors: Dedeoğlu Bekir Bora , Karakuş Yusuf , Çalışkan Caner , Aydın Şule
Published: November 2021

Purpose

In this study, the effects of negative tourism impacts, length of residency and nativity on support for tourism development were examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Because understanding the attitudes of local people toward tourism support is complex, this study employed both symmetric (PLS-SEM) and asymmetric (fsQCA) approaches from a holistic perspective. A total of 336 individuals from Cappadocia, one of Turkey's most prominent tourist destinations, were surveyed.

Findings

According to the symmetric method results, respondents' negative perceptions of tourism negatively affect attitudes toward tourism support. Native-born status acts as a moderating variable in the relationship between attitudes toward tourism support and the negative economic impacts of tourism. On the other hand, this study shows that the complex interactions of nativity and the negative impacts of tourism directly affect local people's attitudes toward tourism support.

Practical implications

This study revealed that practitioners should adopt a comprehensive perspective to understand the attitudes of local people toward tourism support.

Originality/value

This study, in addition to the findings obtained via the symmetric method, reveals the complex interaction of the negative impacts of tourism, thus providing a roadmap to improve local people's attitudes toward tourism support by using asymmetric modeling.
The implied significance of integrative geographical information systems in sustainable tourism and comprehensive community development in Musina Municipality, South Africa
Authors: Ramaano Azwindini Isaac
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the paper was to explore the latent function of geographic information systems (GIS) in sustainable tourism, community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) and local community development in Southern Africa, broadly Africa, and diverse rural areas elsewhere globally. Hence, significantly liaising with data and literature review on the Musina Municipality natural resource management, livelihoods, and tourism development issues in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes a general literature review, document reviews, focus group discussions and field observations to examine the Musina Municipality's rural, environmental and tourism resources management situations along with African and worldwide pertinent implications. The study benchmarks with CBNRM and GIS in sustainable tourism nature within the Musina Municipality.

Findings

The study reveals a fitter dormant-synergetic link among tourism and agrarian (rural) exercises that GIS along a concept of CBNRM can expand within the Municipality. Hence, the study has presented a necessity for a proper and a GIS-unified tourism approach to permit the local communities in Musina Municipality and towards the entire continent.

Originality/value

Several rural populations in Southern Africa and Africa broadly dwell in low-income areas; Musina Municipality is no exception. Such environs are rich in natural biodiversity, including tourism entities host regions. GIS, sustainable tourism and CBNRM can create a gestalt of local community development projects within such milieus.
Antibiotics at delivery: do the benefits outweigh the risks?
Authors: Goldenberg RL , McClure EM
Published: November 2021

Linked article This is a mini commentary on M Richards et al., pp. 722–730 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471‐0528.16977
A semi‐variance approach to visualising phylogenetic autocorrelation
Authors: Noonan Michael J. , Fagan William F. , Fleming Christen H.
Published: November 2021

Comparing traits across species has been a hallmark of biological research for centuries. While interspecific comparisons can be highly informative, phylogenetic inertia can bias estimates if not properly accounted for in comparative analyses. In response, researchers typically treat phylogenetic inertia as a form of autocorrelation that can be detected, modelled and corrected for. Despite the range of methods available for quantifying the strength of phylogenetic autocorrelation, no tools exist for visualising these autocorrelation structures.

Here we derive variogram methods suitable for phylogenetic data, and show how they can be used to straightforwardly visualise phylogenetic autocorrelation. We then demonstrate their utility for three empirical examples: sexual size dimorphism (SSD) in the Musteloidea, maximum per capita rate of population growth,r, in the Carnivora, and brain size in the Artiodactyla.

When modelling musteloid SSD, the empirical variogram showed a tendency for the variance in SSD to stabilise over time, a characteristic feature of Ornstein–Uhlenbeck (OU) evolution. In agreement with this visual assessment, model selection identified the OU model as the best fit to the data. In contrast, the infinitely diffusive Brownian motion (BM) model did not capture the asymptotic behaviour of the variogram and was less supported than the OU model. Phylogenetic variograms proved equally useful in understanding why an OU model was selected when modellingrin the Carnivora, and why BM was the selected evolutionary model for brain size in the Artiodactyla.

Because the variograms of the various evolutionary processes each have different theoretical profiles, comparing fitted semi‐variance functions against empirical semi‐variograms can serve as a useful diagnostic tool, allowing researchers to understand why any given evolutionary model might be selected over another, which features are well captured by a model, and which are not. This allows for fitted models to be compared against the empirical variogram, facilitating model identification prior to subsequent analyses. We therefore recommend that any phylogenetic analysis include a nonparametric estimate of the autocorrelation structure of the data that can be visualised. The methods developed in this work are openly available in the newRpackagectpm.
The gain in keratinized gingiva using apically positioned flap during implant placement with and without ridge augmentation: A comparative prospective study
Authors: Han Yoon‐Sic
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To evaluate whether ridge augmentation (RA) affects the gain in keratinized gingiva (KG) in implant surgery using a full‐thickness apically positioned flap (fAPF).

Material and Methods

We conducted a prospective study from April 2017 to April 2019 recording patient‐ and implant‐related factors. The subjects underwent fAPF during implant placement and were divided two groups: Group A, one‐stage surgical protocol without RA; Group B, two‐stage surgical protocol with RA. The initial width of KG and the width of KG at 1 week, 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery and baseline were measured using a paper ruler. Multivariable generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were estimated to evaluate RA effects on the gain in KG, the shrinkage amount of KG, and shrinkage ratio of KG after fAPF.

Results

Seventy‐nine participants with 203 implants were included. The baseline values of KG were 1.68 mm in Group A and 0.82 mm in Group B (p < 0.001). The results of the multivariable GEE demonstrated that the gain in KG, the shrinkage amount of KG, and the shrinkage ratio of KG showed no significant difference in groups (p > 0.05). The gain in KG was 1.92 ± 1.67 mm in Group A, 1.48 ± 1.36 mm in Group B. The total shrinkage amount and the shrinkage ratio of KG were 1.87 mm and 42.43%, respectively.

Conclusions

A fAPF is a reliable technique that enables significant increase in KG regardless of RA in implant surgery.
Polysomnographic comparison of sleep in children with obesity and normal weight without suspected sleep‐related breathing disorder
Authors: Danielsen Yngvild Sørebø , Skjåkødegård Hanna Flækøy , Bjorvatn Bjørn , Juliusson Petur Benedikt , Pallesen Ståle
Published: November 2021

Short sleep and obstructive apneas/hypopneas have been shown to be associated with childhood obesity. Still, few studies have compared sleep in children with obesity, without suspected sleep disordered breathing and normal weight peers by objective sleep measures and compared results with subjective parent assessment of sleep. Children with obesity aged 7–13 years (N = 44) and a matched group of normal weight children (N = 42) completed clinical polysomnography (Embla A10 Recording System). Parents scored their children's sleep on the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare groups. There was a higher obstructive apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) (median obesity = 1.20 vs. median normal  = 0.66; z = −1.33, U = 560.50, p = 0.002) and number of oxygen desaturation events per hour (median obesity = 0.7 vs. median normal  = 0.2; z = −3.45, U = 402.50, p = 0.001) in the children with obesity compared to children with normal weight. The children with obesity had a significantly longer sleep duration (median obesity 8:50 h = vs. median normal = 8:32 h; z = −2.05, U = 687.00, p = 0.041), longer stage N2 sleep (median obesity = 87 min vs. median normal = 52 min; z = −2.87, U = 576.50, p = 0. 004) and shorter REM sleep (median obesity = 94 min vs. median normal = 121 min; z = 5.05, U = 1477.00, p ≤ .001). No differences were observed for time in sleep stage N1 and N3, wake time after sleep onset or the total arousal index . Further, no group differences were found on the CSHQ sleep‐disordered breathing sub‐scale (p = 0.399). The children with obesity demonstrated significantly more mild to moderate sleep disordered breathing than children with normal weight, although this was not corroborated by parent report.
Muscle synergies in cerebral palsy and variability: challenges and opportunities
Authors: d'Avella Andrea , Ivanenko Yury , Lacquaniti Francesco
Published: November 2021

This commentary is on the original article by Goudriaan et al. on pages 462–468 of this issue.
How the healthy ageing brain supports semantic binding during language comprehension
Authors: Markiewicz Roksana , Segaert Katrien , Mazaheri Ali
Published: November 2021

Semantic binding refers to constructing complex meaning based on elementary building blocks. Using electroencephalography (EEG), we investigated the age‐related changes in modulations of oscillatory brain activity supporting lexical retrieval and semantic binding. Young and older adult participants were visually presented two‐word phrases, which for the first word revealed a lexical retrieval signature (e.g., swift vs. swrfeq) and for the second word revealed a semantic binding signature (e.g., horse in a semantic binding “swift horse” vs. no binding “swrfeq horse” context). The oscillatory brain activity associated with lexical retrieval as well as semantic binding significantly differed between healthy older and young adults. Specifically for lexical retrieval, we found that different age groups exhibited opposite patterns of theta and alpha modulation, which as a combined picture suggest that lexical retrieval is associated with different and delayed signatures in older compared with young adults. For semantic binding, in young adults, we found a signature in the low‐beta range centred around the target word onset (i.e., a smaller low‐beta increase for binding relative to no binding), whereas in healthy older adults, we found an opposite binding signature about ~500 ms later in the low‐ and high‐beta range (i.e., a smaller low‐ and high‐beta decrease for binding relative to no binding). The novel finding of a different and delayed oscillatory signature for semantic binding in healthy older adults reflects that the integration of word meaning into the semantic context takes longer and relies on different mechanisms in healthy older compared with young adults.
Library research support services in China’s universities of traditional medicine: Understanding user requirements
Authors: Chen Yihang , Zhou Lihong
Published: November 2021

In this article, Ms Yihang Chen with her supervisor, Prof Lihong Zhou, reports on her MA in Library Science study aimed to identify user requirements of library research support services (RSS) at the universities of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China. This study adopted an inductive qualitative approach, employed as a case study and 14 TCM researchers and academic librarians using semi‐structured interviews. The research findings point to 28 RSS requirements in five main themes: mastering, planning, project, publication and electronic preservation stages. Although this research is situated in China, it has implications for libraries worldwide in supporting research into holistic and indigenous medicine. F.J.
Experiences of informal caregivers of people with dementia with nursing care in acute hospitals: A descriptive mixed‐methods study
Authors: Keuning‐Plantinga Annette , Roodbol Petrie , van Munster Barbara C. , Finnema Evelyn J.
Published: November 2021

Aims

To explore the experiences of informal caregivers of people with dementia with the hospitalization of their relative concerning patient care, interactions with nurses, caregivers’ situation and the acute hospital environment.

Design

Mixed‐methods design.

Methods

The data were collected using an online questionnaire among a panel of caregivers (n = 129), together with a focus group and individual interviews from February to November 2019. The data were triangulated and analysed using a conceptual framework.

Results

Almost half of the respondents were satisfied with the extent to which nurses considered the patient's dementia. Activities to prevent challenging behaviours and provide person‐centred care were rarely seen by the caregivers. Caregivers experienced strain, intensified by a perceived lack of adequate communication and did not feel like partners in care; they also expressed concern about environmental safety. A key suggestion of caregivers was to create a special department for people with dementia, with specialized nurses.

Conclusion

Positive experiences of caregivers are reported in relation to how nurses take dementia into account, involvement in care and shared decision making. Adverse experiences are described in relation to disease‐oriented care, ineffective communication and an unfamiliar environment. Caregivers expressed increased involvement when included in decisions and care when care was performed as described by the triangle of care model. Caregivers reported better care when a person‐centred approach was observed. Outcomes can be used in training to help nurses reflect and look for improvements.

Impact

This study confirms that caregivers perceive that when they are more involved in care, this can contribute to improving the care of patients with dementia. The study is relevant for nurses to reflect on their own experiences and become aware of patients’ caregivers’ perspectives. It also provides insights to improve nurses’ training and for organizations to make the care and environment more dementia‐friendly.
Advances in development of biodegradable food packaging material from agricultural and agro‐industry waste
Authors: Birania Sapna , Kumar Sunil , Kumar Nitin , Attkan Arun Kumar , Panghal Anil , Rohilla Priyanka , Kumar Ravi
Published: November 2021

The preferment for farm mechanization and advancement in industrialization has augmented the agro‐industrial waste generation. The management of such numerous waste is a challenging and resource‐intensive task. The current practices involve releasing this waste into the water bodies and open landfills which causes water, air, and soil pollution. These wastes have the potential to be used as a raw material for the development of value‐added products, generation of renewable energy, extraction of food‐use compounds, and manufacturing of packaging material. In the current scenario, agro‐based materials are captivating the packaging industries toward the development of renewable, biodegradable, and sustainable packaging materials. These agro‐based materials have great capability to replace petrochemical‐based plastic materials in packaging industries because of their ample availability and biodegradability. Biodegradable packaging materials can be derived from agro‐industrial waste either directly or by chemical synthesis or by genetically modified organisms. Agro‐based polymers have a scintillating future for a wide range of applications in the food industry and pharmaceuticals, including advances in active and smart packaging with bio‐functional characteristics. The present review comprehensively discusses the potential of different agricultural and agro‐industrial wastes that can be used for extracting different natural biopolymers and their further use in manufacturing biodegradable food packaging.

Practical Applications

Information about the potential agricultural and agro‐industrial waste suggests development, optimization, customization, and scale‐up of production of biodegradable packaging material to promote its commercial usage. The major patents granted in biodegradable packing, properties of these materials, and the current status of their commercial availability will provide a compiled source of information, start‐ups, innovation, research, and future advancements to the industrialists, students, researchers, and entrepreneurs. As an alternative to plastics, biodegradable packaging materials open opportunities for sustainable and environment‐friendly solutions to industries and help in fulfilling their corporate social responsibility.