bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oriented Display of Cello-Oligosaccharides for Pull-down Binding Assays to Distinguish Binding Preferences of Glycan Binding Proteins
Authors: Hackl Markus , Power Zachary , Chundawat Shishir P. S.
Published: January 2023

The production of biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass using carbohydrate-active enzymes like cellulases is key to sustainable energy production. Understanding the adsorption mechanism of cellulases and associated binding domain proteins down to the molecular level details will help in the rational design of improved cellulases. In nature, carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) from families 17 and 28 often appear in tandem appended to the C-terminus of several endocellulases. Both CBMs are known to bind to the amorphous regions of cellulose non-competitively and show similar binding affinity towards soluble cello-oligosaccharides. Based on the available crystal structures, these CBMs may display a uni-directional binding preference towards cello-oligosaccharides (based on how the oligosaccharide was bound within the CBM binding cleft). However, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have indicated no such clear preference. Considering that most soluble oligosaccharides are not always an ideal substrate surrogate to study the binding of CBMs to the native cell wall or cell surface displayed glycans, it is critical to use alternative reagents or substrates. To experimentally assess any binding directionality of CBMs towards soluble cello-oligosaccharides, we have developed a simple solid-state depletion or pull-down binding assay. Here, we specifically orient azido-labeled carbohydrates from the reducing end to alkyne-labeled micron-sized bead surfaces, using click chemistry, to mimic insoluble cell wall surface-displayed glycans. Our results reveal that both family 17 and 28 CBMs displayed a similar binding affinity towards cellohexaose-modified beads, but not cellopentaose-modified beads, which helps rationalize previously reported crystal structure and MD data. This indicates a preferred uni-directional binding of specific CBMs and could explain their co-evolution as tandem constructs appended to endocellulases to increase amorphous cellulose substrate targeting efficiency. Overall, our proposed workflow can be easily translated to measure the affinity of glycan-binding proteins to click-chemistry based immobilized surface-displayed carbohydrates or antigens.
Microbial stir bars: light-activated rotation of tethered bacterial cells to enhance mixing in stagnant fluids
Authors: Gurung Jyoti P , Kashani Moein N , de Silva Charitha M , Baker Matthew AB
Published: January 2023

Microfluidics devices are gaining significant interest in biomedical applications. However, in a micron-scale device, reaction speed is often limited by the slow rate of diffusion of the reagents. Several active and passive micro-mixers have been fabricated to enhance mixing in microfluidic devices. Here, we demonstrate external control of mixing by rotating a rodshaped bacterial cell. This rotation is driven by ion transit across the bacterial flagellar stator complex. We first measured the flow fields generated by rotating a single bacterial cell rotationally locked to rotate either clockwise (CW) or counterclockwise (CCW). Micro-Particle Image Velocimetry (μPIV) and Particle Tracking Velocimetry results showed that a bacterial cell of ~ 2.75 μm long, rotating at 5.75 ± 0.39 Hz in a counterclockwise direction could generate distinct micro-vortices with circular flow fields with a mean velocity of 4.72 ± 1.67 μm/s and maximum velocity of 7.90 μm/s in aqueous solution. We verified our experimental data with a numerical simulation at matched flow conditions which revealed vortices of similar dimensions and speed. We observed that the flow-field diminished with increasing z-height above the plane of the rotating cell. Lastly, we showed we could activate and tune rotational mixing remotely using strains engineered with Proteorhodopsin (PR), where rotation could be activated by controlled external illumination using green laser light (561 nm).
Infection of equine bronchial epithelial cells with a SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus
Authors: Legere Rebecca M. , Allegro Angelica R. , Affram Yvonne , da Silveira Bibiana Petri , Fridley Jennifer L. , Wells Kelsey M. , Oezguen Numan , Burghardt Robert C. , Wright Gus A. , Pollet Jeroen , Bordin Angela I. , de Figueiredo Paul , Leibowitz Julian L. , Cohen Noah D.
Published: January 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causal agent of COVID-19, can infect animals by binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Equine infection appears possible due to high homology (≈97%) between human and equine ACE2, evidence ofin vitroinfection in cell lines expressing equine ACE2, and evidence of seroconversion in horses after exposure to persons infected with SARS-CoV-2. Our objective was to examine susceptibility of cultured primary equine bronchial epithelial cells (EBECs) to a SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus relative to human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs; positive control). ACE2 expression in EBECs detected by immunofluorescence, western immunoblotting, and flow cytometry was lower in EBECs than in HBECs. EBECs were transduced with a lentivirus pseudotyped with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that binds to ACE2 and expresses the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) as a reporter. Cells were co-cultivated with the pseudovirus at a multiplicity of infection of 0.1 for 6 hours, washed, and maintained in media. After 96 hours, eGFP expression in EBECs was demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy, and mean Δ Ct values from quantitative PCR were significantly (P < 0.0001) higher in HBECs (8.78) than HBECs (3.24) indicating lower infectivity in EBECs. Equine respiratory tract cells were susceptible to infection with a SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus. Lower replication efficiency in EBECs suggests that horses are unlikely to be an important zoonotic host of SARS-CoV-2, but viral mutations could render some strains more infectious to horses. Serological and virological monitoring of horses in contact with persons shedding SARS-CoV-2 is warranted.

IMPORTANCE

This study provides the first published evidence for SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus infection in equine airway epithelial cells, which were less susceptible to infection than cells of human origin. This was presumably due to lower ACE2 expression in equine cells, lower viral affinity for equine ACE2, or both. Our results are important considering recent evidence for asymptomatic seroconversion in horses following exposure to COVID-19 positive humans, despite this lower susceptibility, and increased affinity of viral variants of concern for equine ACE2 compared to ancestral strains. Thus, there is great need to better characterize SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility in horses for the benefit of veterinary and human health.
Perception of the benefits of sustainable construction in Ghana
Authors: Ahiabu Moses Kwadzo , Emuze Fidelis , Das Dilip
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The need to adopt sustainable construction (SC) practices in project activities will be appreciated when clear benefits are known to the stakeholders in Ghana. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perceived benefits of using SC practices in building projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A modified Delphi method (MDM) was used to solicit the views of an expert panel on 33 benefits identified from the literature and validated by a pilot panel to ensure robustness. Statistical tools were used to analyse the data collected. The comparative analysis among the expert panel lends credence to the strong consensus reached on the 26 benefits of SC. The consensus reached by the expert panel after the three rounds were validated using the median and important scale of 70% response rate and above.

Findings

The essential benefits included the ability to enhance efficiency and improve the overall quality of life for all. Factors such as mandatory government policies and regulations are recommended as essential drivers to promote and sustain the implementation of SC in Ghana. The findings will enhance the drive for sustainability practices in construction projects in Ghana.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the body of knowledge regarding the benefits of SC from the perspective of experts in the Ghanaian construction industry. The paper would enhance stakeholders understanding the critical benefits of promoting and adopting SC practices in building projects.
Anchor investors and equity crowdfunding for entrepreneurs
Authors: Sendra-Pons Pau , Mas-Tur Alicia , Garzon Dolores
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This empirical study uses herd behavior model to explore the role of anchor investors in ensuring fundraising success and overfunding of crowdfunded ventures.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) is applied to find the configurational patterns describing how anchor investors' information disclosure leads to successful financing and overfunding.

Findings

Even when the anchor investor's resume is not detailed or the anchor investor has little experience in entrepreneurial investment, success or overfunding can be achieved, provided the anchor investor is a corporation rather than an individual. For individual anchor investors, a detailed resume matters. Overfunding can be achieved even when an individual anchor investor makes a small relative investment, if this small relative investment is compensated for by a detailed resume. Experience in entrepreneurial investment is crucial when individual anchor investors have few previous investments. Regardless of the anchor investor's identity, investment in absolute terms is crucial for crowdfunding success when experience in entrepreneurial investment is low. Such experience must be extensive if the anchor investor's resume is not detailed.

Practical implications

Both entrepreneurs and crowdfunding platforms can benefit from the findings in relation to the design of campaigns that use anchor investors' informational cues to achieve success and overfunding.

Originality/value

The study examines the importance of anchor investors' information disclosure in digital crowdfunding environments, differentiating between individual and corporate anchor investors.
Appraisal of students' perceptions on green building concepts in a technical university
Authors: Novieto Divine Tuinese , Kulor Frank , Apprey Michael Wellington , Ayeke Elom
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The main goal of this study was to determine how students at Ho Technical University (HTU) viewed green construction approaches and the benefits green buildings may provide to Ghana's tertiary institutions to enhance quality of life.

Design/methodology/approach

The institution's 350 participants were chosen using a random selection method. A standardised questionnaire was used to gather data, which was analysed using SPSS v.20 and presented in tables using descriptive statistics such as Likert scale analysis, weighted mean and relative importance index (RII).

Findings

The study revealed that awareness of the green building principle is comparatively low amongst the survey participants. Participants agree that the University's green building adoption is high. Students cited decreased utility expenses, improved occupant productivity and cheaper operational costs as important benefits of green construction. Students' thoughts on hurdles to implementing green construction ideas at the University were the enormous price tag of green building technology (RII = 0.89), ignorance of demonstration projects and ignorance of information on green building principles (RII = 0.81).

Originality/value

This is one of the first papers to study Ghanaian students' views on green buildings. This study adds to our understanding of students' thoughts on green building ideas. In addition, it sheds insight into their present awareness, which can help the university administration in Ghana design new paths for green building implementation.
Mitigating the risk of blood shortage
Authors: Fortsch Sima , Khapalova Elena , Carden Robert , Choi Jeong Hoon
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The objective of this study is to mitigate the risks of a blood shortage. The authors designed two simulation studies to identify the superior methodology that can decrease the impact of a massive national donor shortage.

Design/methodology/approach

The simulation designs are triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The first simulation examines the company’s choice of strategic partners (regionally and nationally), and the second inspects creating a national coordinated effort to organize a pooled blood inventory that would require blood centers to contribute a small percentage of their monthly donations to become a member.

Findings

The results indicate that both methods can significantly manage the risk of stockouts regardless of the availability of safety inventory in a blood center; however, although more effective in reducing the number of shortages per month, creating a national blood pool causes the shortages to be recognized earlier than desired.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the literature by focusing on the potential risk of blood shortage because it directly impacts healthcare, hospitals’ costs and their ability to provide care. Though a handful of researchers have targeted the study of the blood supply chain, there is not any article that is similar to this study.
Banking sector performance and FDI inflows in Bangladesh: exploring the unexplored
Authors: Alam Md Badrul , Sayal Aziz Ullah , Naveed Jan Muhammad , Tahir Muhammad
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This research paper attempts to empirically examine the relationship between the performance of the banking industry and foreign direct investment (FDI), thereby helping the readers contemplate one of the least explored areas of the existing literature associated with the idiosyncratic characteristics of FDI resulting from its interaction with the efficient banking performance of the host country. The study has focused on the economy of Bangladesh because of its significant amount of FDI inflows from the rest of the world and its adoption of many liberalization policies, especially in the banking sector and in the areas of international business and trade.

Design/methodology/approach

The study, to produce unbiased estimates, employed the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model for analyzing the time series data collected from reliable sources.

Findings

The key outcomes of the study reveal that the sound performance of the banking industry appears to be counterproductive for FDI inflows, which is a bit unconventional insight. In the context of Bangladesh, trade openness, inflation rate and infrastructural development seem to be the dominant factors behind the rising inflows of FDI. Market size appears to be an insignificant determinant of FDI inflows.

Originality/value

This is a unique study because of its focus on the unexplored area in the literature.
A public service management model as an antecedent for citizen satisfaction and fiscal policy
Authors: Núnez-Barriopedro Estela , Penelas-Leguía Azucena , López-Sanz José María , Loranca-Valle María Cristina
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The study of citizens' perceptions of the performance of public services and their relationship with the taxes allocated to them is of great interest in the context of public and fiscal management and the welfare state. This study has a twofold objective in defining a structural equation modeling (SEM) model: on the one hand, to measure the relationship between the perception of the performance of public services and the taxes allocated to them and on the other hand, to study the reflection of the perception of the performance of public services on the happiness and satisfaction of citizens.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this objective, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out based on data from the “Public opinion and fiscal policy, 2022” questionnaire of the Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas (CIS) through a survey with a sample of 2,543 citizens representative of the Spanish population. The partial least squares (PLS) method was applied to test the following hypotheses.

Findings

The result of this research allows us to know which variables in relation to citizens' perception of the functioning of public services have a positive influence on use of taxes and on citizens' happiness and satisfaction.

Originality/value

One of the novelties of this study is to analyse the effect of consumer perception on the performance of public services from the perspective of the welfare state by improving citizens' happiness and satisfaction.
Non-financial reporting in hybrid organizations – a systematic literature review
Authors: Ahunov Husanboy
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to systematically review the field of non-financial reporting (NFR) in hybrid organizations, focusing on state-owned enterprises, third-sector organizations and public–private partnerships. This is a timely attempt to identify the state of the art in the literature and outline the future research agenda. The paper answers two research questions: RQ1. What can be learned about NFR in hybrid organizations from the existing literature? RQ2. What are the future avenues for research on the topic?

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review method was applied in this paper to summarize evidence from extant literature on NFR in hybrid organizations. The Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection databases were used to locate 92 articles for the review.

Findings

Recent years have witnessed a sharp increase in the number of articles on the topic. Regarding the implications of NFR for hybrid characteristics, NFR has some potential to strengthen the influence of non-market (i.e. state, community and social) logics in hybrid organizations. However, this potential may be limited due to the effect of market logics and the tensions that arise between the multiple logics in hybrid organizations. Regarding the implications of hybrid characteristics for NFR, these characteristics can not only affect the extent, the quality, the likelihood and the institutionalization of NFR but also result in the development of new NFR frameworks. The review calls for more research on the implications of NFR for multiple institutional logics and the implications of these logics for NFR in hybrid organizations.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first literature review that mobilizes insights from hybridity research to analyze NFR literature on diverse hybrid organizations.
Creating brand love for payment apps through emotions
Authors: Kumar Sushant , Prashar Sanjeev , Shah Arunima
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Mobile payment system (MPSs) apps are accepted as a faster, reliable and feasible substitute to conventional payment systems. However, the reception of MPS has been slower than expected despite their potential and initial reach. Limited studies have investigated factors that determine consumers' brand love (BRL) towards MPSs. This study investigates the role of MPS app characteristics on consumer emotions, continued use intentions (CUI) and BRL towards MPS apps.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical underpinnings of stimulus organism behaviour consequence (SOBC) and pleasure arousal dominance (PAD) theory are utilized to conceptualize the research model. The model explains the drivers of MPS BRL. Innovativeness, perceived organization and entertainment are the stimuli. Emotion, conceptualized as the second-order construct derived from pleasure, arousal and dominance, is the organism. CUI is the behaviour exhibited, and BRL towards MPS is the consequence. A survey method is used to collect data from 317 MPS consumers, and the hypotheses are tested using a structural equation modelling approach.

Findings

Results indicate that innovativeness, perceived organization and entertainment influence consumers' emotions, which affects their CUI. Emotions and CUI shape BRL. Results also show a significant mediating role of emotion and CUI.

Originality/value

Limited studies have explored BRL for utility-driven apps like MPSs. The SOBC frameworks and PAD theory provide stronger explanatory powers to the complex interplay of variables that influence consumer perceptions and decisions regarding MPSs. The study provides several practical and theoretical insights into the role of emotions in the adoption of MPS apps, a hitherto understudied relationship in literature.
Using legacy 3D seismic data and source parameters of mining‐induced earthquakes to mitigate the risk of rockbursting in Kloof Gold Mine, South Africa
Authors: Masethe Richard T. , Manzi Musa S. D. , Durrheim Raymond J.
Published: January 2023

Rockbursts pose a significant risk in deep gold mines in the Witwatersrand Basin of South Africa as they may damage the excavation, injure workers, and delay production. We analysed the source mechanisms of 75 large mining‐related seismic events (ML 1.5–2.7) that caused damage to stopes in Kloof Gold Mine and used legacy 3D reflection seismic data to delineate the ore body and geological structures that may be correlated with mining‐related seismic events. The 75 seismic events took place at depths of 1600–4200 m below surface. Most events were located close to stopes mining the Ventersdorp Contact Reef ore body. The S‐to‐P‐wave energy ratio (Es/Ep) from the analysed seismic events ranged from 1.1 to 19.9. The source mechanisms of mining‐induced seismic events aid in understanding the dominant modes of failure. Planes of weakness may be the result of mining‐induced stresses or pre‐existing geological structures such as faults and dykes. The Es/Ep ratio, focal mechanism and moment tensor solutions were correlated to the underground mapped and seismically defined geological structures. Approximately 44% of the events showed strong correlation with the known underground mapped and seismically imaged geological structures (faults and dykes), whereas 56% of the events were related to elements of the mining geometry (dip pillars, abutments and remnants). This information enables mining layouts to be modified to minimize the risk of rockbursting.
A matrix‐free variant of the distorted Born iterative method for seismic full‐waveform inversion
Authors: Xiang Kui , Jakobsen Morten , Eikrem Kjersti Solberg , Nævdal Geir
Published: January 2023

The distorted Born iterative method reduces a nonlinear inverse scattering problem to a sequence of (ill‐posed) linear inverse scattering problems that can be solved using a regularized least‐squares formulation. This method was originally applied to two‐dimensional electromagnetic problems but has been implemented to solve acoustic and electromagnetic problems in three dimensions. It has also been applied to seismic problems but only for moderately large two‐dimensional models. Previous applications of the distorted Born iterative method to seismic inverse scattering were based on a matrix representation of the relevant integral operators. The matrix‐based implementation is simple and transparent but not very suitable for large‐scale computations since the memory requirement and computational cost scales like N2 and N3, where N is the number of grid blocks. In this paper, we introduce a matrix‐free variant of the distorted Born iterative method, which is much more suitable for large‐scale problems, since the memory requirements and computational cost have been reduced to N and Nlog(N), respectively. Our matrix‐free implementation utilizes a fast‐Fourier‐transform‐accelerated iterative method to solve the linear system that results after discretization. In the computation of Fréchet derivatives, we avoid the direct computation of Green's functions for heterogeneous media, by solving an equivalent direct scattering problem. The adjoint of the Fréchet derivative operator is also computed in an efficient matrix‐free manner, by exploiting the physical interpretation and reciprocity of the Green's function. We illustrate the potential of the matrix‐free variant of the distorted Born iterative method using synthetic waveform data for large two‐ and three‐dimensional models. The main conclusion is that the distorted Born iterative method has been transformed into a more practical tool for seismic as well as electromagnetic and acoustic nonlinear inverse scattering.
Timing of hydrologic anomalies direct impacts on migration traits in a flood pulse fishery system
Authors: Deng Qi , Sabo John L. , Holtgrieve Gordon W. , Ngor Peng Bun , Holway Joseph
Published: January 2023

Understanding adaptive reservoir management strategies that balance ecological outcomes with other objectives necessitates properly articulated environmental objectives. Aside from flood pulse extent related metrics, residual‐based descriptors provide robust descriptions of fish assemblage structure and harvest.

We proposed a model framework based on spectral analysis of hydrologic variation and the Multivariate AutoRegressive State Space (MARSS) model to statistically quantify the effect sizes of hydrologic variation impacts on total fish catch and functional group (migration types) fish harvest and applied it to 17 years of fish harvest data from the Lower Mekong River Basin (LMB).

Our findings suggest that duration and timing of hydrologic anomalies matter as much as their magnitude. Anomaly droughts coupled with strong pulse can benefit species if timed correctly. Longitudinal migrators were more sensitive to anomalous floods and droughts than other migratory species. Fish catch projections using effect sizes derived from historical data revealed that a well‐timed and protracted drought followed by a powerful flood pulse would be advantageous to the fishery, but a flood delay could negate such benefits.

Synthesis and applications: We designed a spectral analysis framework to quantify hydrological variation and linked it with fishery harvest records. Quantified effect sizes of hydrologic anomalous events demonstrated one designed hydrograph for fishery benefits: properly timed prolong drought followed by a strong flood pulse. Our results add to a growing body of research that suggests ecological flows can be engineered. For most dams, the rule curve describing reservoir releases and resulting downstream hydrograph are designed in an ecological vacuum in which the objectives are to maximize human services—power production, flood control or navigation. Our work demonstrates that hydrograph can be designed to manage aspects of functional biodiversity directly. Though the exact shape of our hydrograph may not apply to other engineered river systems, we suggest that the approach can be applied generally, and globally both to developed and developing river basins. Specifically, a functional biodiversity rule curve could be optimized as an additional objective function in a multi‐objective optimization framework. Our methodology provides a quantitative method for deriving an ecological flow for this larger tradeoff analysis.
Analysis on new occurrence records of red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren) in China in 2021
Authors: Ma Chen , Zhao Shouqi , Yan Shuo , Wang Yanan , Lin Qiaoling , Fang Yan , Liu Hui , Wu Pengxiang
Published: January 2023

Solenopsis invicta Buren, also known as the red imported fire ant (RIFA), has had a very negative effect on biological diversity, public safety, agriculture, and economics. Because of the growth in global trade, the RIFA threat to China will continue to increase. To better understand characteristics of newly observed distributions of RIFA, we studied the effects of three factors including provincial areas, landcover types, and climatic conditions on the 130 new occurrence records in 2021. (1) We found that RIFA preferred to invade Sichuan and Guangxi, and provinces that are large agricultural producers were more vulnerable to invasive RIFA. Guangdong was the most damaged province, and wealthy provinces, especially southeastern coastal provinces, were more at risk and suffered a bigger loss from the further RIFA threat. (2) Compared with other habitats, plantations received more significant damage from invasive RIFA. (3) Areas with an annual precipitation of 516.4 mm, annual average temperature of 18.6°C, or elevation of 569.9 m had a great abundance of invasive RIFA. Our study suggests that stringent inspection and quarantine measures are necessary in new occurrence areas to prevent further RIFA outbreak, and highlights the need for cross‐provincial cooperation and national coordination to slow its spread.
Health versus environmental benefits: Does additional information influence consumer acceptance of pulse‐based spreads?
Authors: Henn Katharina , Reinbach Helene Christine , Olsen Søren Bøye , Aaslyng Margit Dall , Laugesen Susanne Margarete Bølling , Bredie Wender L. P.
Published: January 2023

Despite the known health benefits and the potential for substituting less environmentally sustainable consumed foods such as meat, the current intake of pulses in developed countries remains less than recommended. Barriers are related to sensory characteristics and lack of knowledge about preparation, while drivers of environmental benefits are intangible. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of additional information about health or environmental benefits of pulses on the acceptance of novel pulse‐based products from chickpeas, black beans, and faba beans. Perceptions of these pulse‐based spreads in a blind and informed stage were assessed with 202 consumers in urban and suburban areas of Denmark. In general, the familiar chickpea spread followed by the relatively most unfamiliar black bean spread was liked the most. Only for these two products, additional information increased hedonic perception, regardless of the context (health or environmental benefits). If consumers did not like the spread, as found for the faba bean spread, providing additional information did not significantly alter this perception. Participants’ preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) in a discrete choice experiment corresponded to hedonic scores, whereas providing additional information increased the WTP. These findings suggest that extrinsic cues such as health or environmental benefits may only be useful in products with an acceptable baseline taste profile. Moreover, black beans might be investigated as a promising source for further product development due to their acceptance by consumers besides being the comparably most unfamiliar pulse type.
Structure–activity relationships of antibacterial peptides
Authors: Ciulla Maria Gessica , Gelain Fabrizio
Published: January 2023

Antimicrobial peptides play a crucial role in innate immunity, whose components are mainly peptide‐based molecules with antibacterial properties. Indeed, the exploration of the immune system over the past 40 years has revealed a number of natural peptides playing a pivotal role in the defence mechanisms of vertebrates and invertebrates, including amphibians, insects, and mammalians. This review provides a discussion regarding the antibacterial mechanisms of peptide‐based agents and their structure–activity relationships (SARs) with the aim of describing a topic that is not yet fully explored. Some growing evidence suggests that innate immunity should be strongly considered for the development of novel antibiotic peptide‐based libraries. Also, due to the constantly rising concern of antibiotic resistance, the development of new antibiotic drugs is becoming a priority of global importance. Hence, the study and the understanding of defence phenomena occurring in the immune system may inspire the development of novel antibiotic compound libraries and set the stage to overcome drug‐resistant pathogens. Here, we provide an overview of the importance of peptide‐based antibacterial sources, focusing on accurately selected molecular structures, their SARs including recently introduced modifications, their latest biotechnology applications, and their potential against multi‐drug resistant pathogens. Last, we provide cues to describe how antibacterial peptides show a better scope of action selectivity than several anti‐infective agents, which are characterized by non‐selective activities and non‐targeted actions toward pathogens.
Druid Drone—A portable unmanned aerial vehicle with a multifunctional manipulator for forest canopy and mistletoe research and management
Authors: Krasylenko Yuliya , Rydlo Karol , Atamas Natalia , Sosnovsky Yevhen , Horielov Oleksii , Maceček Ivo , Šamajová Olga , Ovečka Miroslav , Takáč Tomáš , Šamaj Jozef
Published: January 2023

The forest canopy, as a biodiversity hotspot with many wildlife habitats, remains a difficult site to access for researchers and forest managers.

Here, we present a novel, small, unmanned aerial vehicle, called the Druid Drone (DD), equipped with a multifunctional manipulator designed for tree crown management and biodiversity research. Its use is demonstrated by studies and the control of the widespread, obligatory hemiparasitic European mistletoe (Viscum album L.). The DD provides integrated pest management by canopy surveying, spraying and sampling of leaves/branches for further studies.

The pilot and operator, using first person view goggles, handle the lightweight backpack‐sized drone (DJI Mavic 2 Pro, Air 2, Phantom 3 or custom Rotorama quadcopter) equipped with a manipulator and five replaceable 3D‐printed functional modules. These include the peripheral high‐resolution Observer camera for close, non‐invasive inspection of tree crowns, the entomological Collector unit for arthropod trapping, the forceps arm Sampler for soft plant tissue collection, the terminal Secator saw for cutting harder tree tissues such as twigs and the Green Doctor precision sprayer, which disperses growth regulators or other compounds for targeted tree and mistletoe management.

This method offers a potential solution for safe, precise and minimally invasive research on forest canopy biodiversity in different forest types across the globe, tree health care and mistletoe management as compared to the manual work of arborists or the use of canopy cranes, forest helicopters and firearms.
Age‐dependent NMDA receptor function is regulated by the amyloid precursor protein
Authors: Rajão‐Saraiva Joana , Dunot Jade , Ribera Aurore , Temido‐Ferreira Mariana , Coelho Joana E. , König Svenja , Moreno Sébastien , Enguita Francisco J. , Willem Michael , Kins Stefan , Marie Hélène , Lopes Luísa V. , Pousinha Paula A.
Published: January 2023

N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are critical for the maturation and plasticity of glutamatergic synapses. In the hippocampus, NMDARs mainly contain GluN2A and/or GluN2B regulatory subunits. The amyloid precursor protein (APP) has emerged as a putative regulator of NMDARs, but the impact of this interaction to their function is largely unknown. By combining patch‐clamp electrophysiology and molecular approaches, we unravel a dual mechanism by which APP controls GluN2B‐NMDARs, depending on the life stage. We show that APP is highly abundant specifically at the postnatal postsynapse. It interacts with GluN2B‐NMDARs, controlling its synaptic content and mediated currents, both in infant mice and primary neuronal cultures. Upon aging, the APP amyloidogenic‐derived C‐terminal fragments, rather than APP full‐length, contribute to aberrant GluN2B‐NMDAR currents. Accordingly, we found that the APP processing is increased upon aging, both in mice and human brain. Interfering with stability or production of the APP intracellular domain normalized the GluN2B‐NMDARs currents. While the first mechanism might be essential for synaptic maturation during development, the latter could contribute to age‐related synaptic impairments.
Global hypomethylation in childhood asthma identified by genome‐wide DNA‐methylation sequencing preferentially affects enhancer regions
Authors: Thürmann Loreen , Klös Matthias , Mackowiak Sebastian D. , Bieg Matthias , Bauer Tobias , Ishaque Naveed , Messingschlager Marey , Herrmann Carl , Röder Stefan , Bauer Mario , Schäuble Sascha , Faessler Erik , Hahn Udo , Weichenhan Dieter , Mücke Oliver , Plass Christoph , Borte Michael , von Mutius Erika , Stangl Gabriele I. , Lauener Roger , Karvonen Anne M. , Divaret‐Chauveau Amandine , Riedler Josef , Heinrich Joachim , Standl Marie , von Berg Andrea , Schaaf Beate , Herberth Gunda , Kabesch Michael , Eils Roland , Trump Saskia , Lehmann Irina
Published: January 2023

Background

Childhood asthma is a result of a complex interaction of genetic and environmental components causing epigenetic and immune dysregulation, airway inflammation and impaired lung function. Although different microarray based EWAS studies have been conducted, the impact of epigenetic regulation in asthma development is still widely unknown. We have therefore applied unbiased whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) to characterize global DNA‐methylation profiles of asthmatic children compared to healthy controls.

Methods

Peripheral blood samples of 40 asthmatic and 42 control children aged 5–15 years from three birth cohorts were sequenced together with paired cord blood samples. Identified differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were categorized in genotype‐associated, cell‐type‐dependent, or prenatally primed. Network analysis and subsequent natural language processing of DMR‐associated genes was complemented by targeted analysis of functional translation of epigenetic regulation on the transcriptional and protein level.

Results

In total, 158 DMRs were identified in asthmatic children compared to controls of which 37% were related to the eosinophil content. A global hypomethylation was identified affecting predominantly enhancer regions and regulating key immune genes such as IL4, IL5RA, and EPX. These DMRs were confirmed in n = 267 samples and could be linked to aberrant gene expression. Out of the 158 DMRs identified in the established phenotype, 56 were perturbed already at birth and linked, at least in part, to prenatal influences such as tobacco smoke exposure or phthalate exposure.

Conclusion

This is the first epigenetic study based on whole genome sequencing to identify marked dysregulation of enhancer regions as a hallmark of childhood asthma.
The “salt” of life
Authors: Hervouet‐Zeiber Grégoire
Published: January 2023

In 2015, during the cease‐fire in Ukraine, Misha, a Cossack, a veteran of Afghanistan and Chechnya, and a “volunteer” in the ongoing war, waited impatiently to be called back to the front, smoking in his truck parked across from his apartment in St. Petersburg. Misha's commitment to a life of combat is an invitation to think of war not as an interruption of ordinary life but as an ongoing, corroding presence in contemporary Russia. In turn, his truck's liminality, moving between home and front, pushes us to reconsider domesticity in its relationship to this ongoing presence of war. From the perspective of Russia, domesticity does not appear to be an obvious object of aspiration and a stable space of return “after war.” More poignantly, domesticity turns out to constitute the shifting ground of relationships at play when people negotiate ethical commitments and achieve a form of attachment to life—what Misha called the “taste” or the “salt” of life.
Imaging biomarkers of leukaemic choroidopathy
Authors: Menean Matteo , Apuzzo Aurelio , Mastaglio Sara , Bernardi Massimo , Ciceri Fabio , Modorati Giulio , Miserocchi Elisabetta , Bandello Francesco , Cicinelli Maria Vittoria
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To longitudinally investigate choroidal and choriocapillaris perfusion metrics and the number of choroidal hyperreflective foci (HRF) in patients with acute leukaemia (AL) before and after disease remission and to correlate these metrics with systemic parameters during active disease.

Methods

Prospective, longitudinal study of 26 eyes of 14 AL patients. All patients underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT‐angiography (OCTA) in the acute phase. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT), total, luminal and stromal choroidal area (TCA, LCA, SCA), choroidal vascularity index (CVI), choriocapillaris flow deficits (cFD) density, and choroidal HRF number were computed. In a subset, the measurements were repeated after AL remission. Age‐ and gender‐matched 26 healthy controls were recruited for cross‐sectional comparisons.

Results

Patient's mean age was 59 ± 12 years. The TCA, LCA, SCA and choroidal HRF number were significantly higher in patients than controls (p = 0.028, p = 0.044, p = 0.024 and p = 0.001, respectively). Lower haemoglobin levels were associated with lower CT (r = 0.58, p = 0.008). Higher D‐dimer values were associated with lower TCA (r = −0.52, p = 0.008), lower LCA (r = −0.50, p = 0.006), higher cFD density (r = 0.41, p = 0.044) and higher choroidal HRF number (r = 0.47, p = 0.008). The CT, TCA, SCA and choroidal HRF number significantly reduced after AL remission (p = 0.001, p = 0.047, p = 0.007 and p = 0.002 respectively). The CVI increased significantly compared to the active phase (p = 0.013).

Conclusion

The study demonstrates a subclinical choroidal involvement in patients with AL, with relative stromal thickening in the acute phase, and normalization after disease remission. Choroidal HRF were identified as a biomarker of leukaemic choroidopathy. Choriocapillaris and choroidal vascularity were inversely correlated with a systemic pro‐coagulant state.
Effect of forest structure and management on the functional diversity and composition of understorey plant communities
Authors: Bricca Alessandro , Bonari Gianmaria , Padullés Cubino Josep , Cutini Maurizio
Published: January 2023

Questions

Do forest structural parameters related to stand heterogeneity enhance functional diversity (FD) of understorey plant communities? Do FD and functional composition of understorey plant communities vary between high‐forest (HF) and old coppices‐with‐standard (oldCWS) management types? Are HF stands characterized by a higher FD than oldCWS?

Location

Submediterranean beech forests of Montagne della Duchessa Reserve (central Italy).

Methods

We sampled 57 (20 m × 20 m) forest plots, 29 oldCWS and 28 HF stands, where we recorded plant species cover abundance. We used Leaf–Height–Seed and clonal traits, and run multiple separate linear models to quantify the effect of forest structural parameters and management types on FD and functional composition of understorey plant communities.

Results

We found that increasing lying deadwood enhanced FD of specific leaf area (SLA) through micro‐environmental heterogeneity of soil fertility regardless of management type. We also found that increased horizontal stratification filtered the range of plant sizes, probably through light reduction. HF management enhanced FD of SLA and clonal traits through micro‐environmental heterogeneity, while reducing the FD of plant size and seed mass. HF tended to select plant communities characterized by high resource acquisition strategies but lower persistence between ramets, possibly as an effect of more mature forest conditions.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that understorey plant community diversity and composition change in response to forest structure and management. Combining Leaf–Height–Seed with clonal traits offers a promising framework for understanding and predicting plant response to management practices.
ComBiNet: Visual Query and Comparison of Bipartite Multivariate Dynamic Social Networks
Authors: Pister A. , Prieur C. , Fekete J.‐D.
Published: January 2023

We present ComBiNet, a visualization, query, and comparison system for exploring bipartite multivariate dynamic social networks. Historians and sociologists study social networks constructed from textual sources mentioning events related to people, such as marriage acts, birth certificates and contracts. We model this type of data using bipartite multivariate dynamic networks to maintain a representation faithful to the original sources while not too complex. Relying on this data model, ComBiNet allows exploring networks using both visual and textual queries using the Cypher language, the two being synchronized to specify queries using the most suitable modality; simple queries are easy to express visually and can be refined textually when they become complex. These queries are used for applying topological and attribute‐based selection on the network. Query results are visualized in the context of the whole network and over a geographical map for geolocalized entities. We also present the design of our interaction techniques for querying social networks to visually compare the selections in terms of topology, measures and attribute distributions. We validate the query and comparison systems by showing how they have been used to answer historical questions and by explaining how they have been improved through a usability study conducted with historians.
Importance of timely metadata curation to the global surveillance of genetic diversity
Authors: Crandall Eric D. , Toczydlowski Rachel H. , Liggins Libby , Holmes Ann E. , Ghoojaei Maryam , Gaither Michelle R. , Wham Briana E. , Pritt Andrea L. , Noble Cory , Anderson Tanner J. , Barton Randi L. , Berg Justin T. , Beskid Sofia G. , Delgado Alonso , Farrell Emily , Himmelsbach Nan , Queeno Samantha R. , Trinh Thienthanh , Weyand Courtney , Bentley Andrew , Deck John , Riginos Cynthia , Bradburd Gideon S. , Toonen Robert J.
Published: January 2023

Genetic diversity within species represents a fundamental yet underappreciated level of biodiversity. Because genetic diversity can indicate species resilience to changing climate, its measurement is relevant to many national and global conservation policy targets. Many studies produce large amounts of genome‐scale genetic diversity data for wild populations, but most (87%) do not include the associated spatial and temporal metadata necessary for them to be reused in monitoring programs or for acknowledging the sovereignty of nations or Indigenous peoples. We undertook a distributed datathon to quantify the availability of these missing metadata and to test the hypothesis that their availability decays with time. We also worked to remediate missing metadata by extracting them from associated published papers, online repositories, and direct communication with authors. Starting with 848 candidate genomic data sets (reduced representation and whole genome) from the International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration, we determined that 561 contained mostly samples from wild populations. We successfully restored spatiotemporal metadata for 78% of these 561 data sets (n = 440 data sets with data on 45,105 individuals from 762 species in 17 phyla). Examining papers and online repositories was much more fruitful than contacting 351 authors, who replied to our email requests 45% of the time. Overall, 23% of our email queries to authors unearthed useful metadata. The probability of retrieving spatiotemporal metadata declined significantly as age of the data set increased. There was a 13.5% yearly decrease in metadata associated with published papers or online repositories and up to a 22% yearly decrease in metadata that were only available from authors. This rapid decay in metadata availability, mirrored in studies of other types of biological data, should motivate swift updates to data‐sharing policies and researcher practices to ensure that the valuable context provided by metadata is not lost to conservation science forever.