bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic adaptations and aquifer connectivity underpin the high productivity rates in the relict subsurface water
Authors: Atencio Betzabe , Geisler Eyal , Rubin-Blum Maxim , Bar-Zeev Edo , Adar Eilon M. , Ram Roi , Ronen Zeev
Published: June 2023

Background

Diverse microbes catalyze biogeochemical cycles in the terrestrial subsurface, yet the corresponding ecophysiology was only estimated in a limited number of subterrestrial, often shallow aquifers. Here, we detrained the productivity, diversity, and functions of active microbial communities in the Judea Group carbonate and the underlying deep (up to 1.5 km below ground) Kurnub Group Nubian sandstone aquifers. These pristine oligotrophic aquifers, recharged more than tens to hundreds of thousands years ago, contain fresh/brackish, hypoxic/anoxic, often hot (up to 60°C) water and serve as habitats for key microbial producers.

Results

We show that recent groundwater recharge, inorganic carbon and ammonium strongly influence chemosynthetic primary productivity in carbonate and sandstone aquifers (4.4-21.9 µg C d-1L-1and 1.2-2.7 µg C d-1L-1, respectively). These high values indicate the possibility that the global aquifer productivity rates may be underestimated. Metagenome analysis revealed the prevalence of chemoautotrophic pathways, particularly the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle. The key chemosynthetic lineages in the carbonate aquifer were Halothiobacillales, whereas Burkholderiales and Rhizobiales occupied the sandstone aquifer. Most chemosynthetic microbes may oxidize sulfur compounds or ammonium, using oxygen or oxidized nitrogen as electron acceptors. Abundant sulfate reducers in the anoxic deeper aquifer have the potential to catabolize various organics, fix carbon via the Wood Ljungdahl pathway, and often possess nitrogenase, indicating diazotrophic capabilities. Our data suggest that connectivity between the aquifers and their exposure to energy inputs and surface water may play a key role in shaping these communities, altering physicochemical parameters and selecting taxa and functions. We highlight the metabolic versatility in the deep subsurface that underpins their efficient harnessing of carbon and energy from different sources.
KSHV vIL-6 Enhances Inflammatory Responses by Epigenetic Reprogramming
Authors: Inagaki Tomoki , Wang Kang-Hsin , Kumar Ashish , Izumiya Chie , Miura Hiroki , Komaki Somayeh , Davis Ryan R. , Tepper Clifford G. , Katano Harutaka , Shimoda Michiko , Izumiya Yoshihiro
Published: June 2023

Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS) is a newly described chronic inflammatory disease condition caused by KSHV infection and is characterized by high KSHV viral load and sustained elevations of serum KSHV-encoded IL-6 (vIL-6) and human IL-6 (hIL-6). KICS has significant immortality and possesses greater risks of having other complications, which include malignancies. Although prolonged inflammatory vIL-6 exposure by persistent KSHV infection is expected to have key roles in subsequent disease development, the biological effects of prolonged vIL-6 exposure remain elusive. Using thiol-Linked Alkylation for the Metabolic Sequencing and Cleavage Under Target & Release Using Nuclease analysis, we studied the effect of prolonged vIL-6 exposure in chromatin landscape and resulting cytokine production. The studies showed that prolonged vIL-6 exposure increased Bromodomain containing 4 (BRD4) and histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation co-occupancies on chromatin, and the recruitment sites were frequently co-localized with poised RNAPII with associated enzymes. Increased BRD4 recruitment on promoters was associated with increased and prolonged NF-KB p65 binding after the lipopolysaccharide stimulation. The p65 binding resulted in quicker and sustained transcription bursts from the promoters; this mechanism increased total amounts of hIL-6 and IL-10 in tissue culture. Pretreatment with the BRD4 inhibitor, OTX015, eliminated the enhanced inflammatory cytokine production. These findings suggest that persistent vIL-6 exposure may establish a chromatin landscape favorable for the reactivation of inflammatory responses in monocytes. This epigenetic memory may explain the greater risk of chronic inflammatory disease development in KSHV-infected individuals.

Author summary

Combined and continuous cytokine stimulation triggers transcription reprogramming and is often used for specific tissue development. Continuous vIL-6 exposure occurs in KSHV-infected patients and leads to inflammatory cytokine storm with high mortality. However, possible epigenetic reprogramming by the vIL-6 and its association with pathogenesis remain unclear. Here we demonstrate the establishment of a new chromatin landscape mediated by BRD4 through prolonged vIL-6 exposure which contributes to more robust and rapid transcription and increased cytokines production. Inhibition of BRD4 suppressed this inflammatory response. Our results indicate that targeting the epigenetic effect of viral cytokines may lead to novel therapies for KSHV-induced inflammatory cytokine storms.
Historic museum samples provide evidence for a recent replacement ofWolbachiatypes in EuropeanDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Strunov Anton , Kirchner Sandra , Schindelar Julia , Kruckenhauser Luise , Haring Elisabeth , Kapun Martin
Published: June 2023

Wolbachiais one of the most common bacterial endosymbionts, which is frequently found in numerous arthropods and nematode taxa.Wolbachiainfections can have a strong influence on the evolutionary dynamics of their hosts since these bacteria are reproductive manipulators that affect the fitness and life history of their host species for their own benefit. Host-symbiont interactions withWolbachiaare perhaps best studied in the model organismDrosophila melanogaster, which is naturally infected with five different types among which wMel and wMelCS are the most frequent ones. Comparisons of infection types between natural flies and long-term lab stocks have previously indicated that wMelCS represents the ancestral type, which was only very recently replaced by the nowadays dominant wMel in most natural populations. In this study, we took advantage of recently sequenced museum specimens ofD. melanogasterthat have been collected 90-200 years ago in Northern Europe to test this hypothesis. Our comparison to contemporaryWolbachiasamples provides compelling support for the replacement hypothesis and identifies potential infections with yet unknownWolbachiatypes of supergroup B. Our analyses show that sequencing data from historic museum specimens and their bycatch are an emerging and unprecedented resource to address fundamental questions about evolutionary dynamics in host-symbiont interactions.
Iron acquisition by a commensal bacterium modifies host nutritional immunity duringSalmonellainfection
Authors: Spiga Luisella , Fansler Ryan T. , Perera Yasiru R. , Shealy Nicolas G. , Munneke Matthew J. , Torres Teresa P. , David Holly E. , Lemoff Andrew , Ran Xinchun , Richardson Katrina L. , Pudlo Nicholas , Martens Eric C. , Yang Zhongyue J. , Skaar Eric P. , Byndloss Mariana X. , Chazin Walter J. , Zhu Wenhan
Published: June 2023

During intestinal inflammation, host nutritional immunity starves microbes of essential micronutrients such as iron. Pathogens scavenge iron using siderophores, which is counteracted by the host using lipocalin-2, a protein that sequesters iron-laden siderophores, including enterobactin. Although the host and pathogens compete for iron in the presence of gut commensal bacteria, the roles of commensals in nutritional immunity involving iron remain unexplored. Here, we report that the gut commensalBacteroides thetaiotaomicronacquires iron in the inflamed gut by utilizing siderophores produced by other bacteria includingSalmonella,via a secreted siderophore-binding lipoprotein termed XusB. Notably, XusB-bound siderophores are less accessible to host sequestration by lipocalin-2 but can be “re-acquired” bySalmonella, allowing the pathogen to evade nutritional immunity. As the host and pathogen have been the focus of studies of nutritional immunity, this work adds commensal iron metabolism as a previously unrecognized mechanism modulating the interactions between pathogen and host nutritional immunity.
A New Highly Efficient Molecule for Both Optogenetic and Chemogenetic Control Driven by FRET Amplification of BioLuminescence
Authors: Björefeldt Andreas , Murphy Jeremy , Crespo Emmanuel L , Lambert Gerard G , Prakash Mansi , Ikefuama Ebenezer C , Friedman Nina , Brown Tariq M , Lipscombe Diane , Moore Christopher I , Hochgeschwender Ute , Shaner Nathan C
Published: June 2023

Significance

Bioluminescent optogenetics (BL-OG) offers a unique and powerful approach to manipulate neural activity both opto- and chemogenetically using a single actuator molecule (a LuMinOpsin, LMO).

Aim

To further enhance the utility of BL-OG by improving the efficacy of chemogenetic (bioluminescence- driven) LMO activation.

Approach

We developed novel luciferases optimized for Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) when fused to the fluorescent protein mNeonGreen, generating bright bioluminescent (BL) emitters spectrally tuned toVolvoxChannelrhodopsin 1 (VChR1).

Results

A new LMO generated from this approach (LMO7) showed significantly stronger BL-driven opsin activation compared to previous and other new variants. We extensively benchmarked LMO7 against LMO3 (current standard), and found significantly stronger neuronal activity modulationex vivoandin vivo, and efficient modulation of behavior.

Conclusions

We report a robust new option for achieving multiple modes of control in a single actuator, and a promising engineering strategy for continued improvement of BL-OG.
Major β cell-specific functions of NKX2.2 are mediated via the NK2-specific domain
Authors: Abarinov Vladimir , Levine Joshua A. , Churchill Angela J. , Hopwood Bryce , Deiter Cailin S. , Guney Michelle A. , Wells Kristen L. , Schrunk Jessica M. , Guo Yuchun , Hammelman Jennifer , Gifford David K. , Magnuson Mark A. , Wichterle Hynek , Sussel Lori
Published: June 2023

The consolidation of unambiguous cell fate commitment relies on the ability of transcription factors (TFs) to exert tissue-specific regulation of complex genetic networks. However, the mechanisms by which TFs establish such precise control over gene expression have remained elusive—especially in instances in which a single TF operates in two or more discrete cellular systems. In this study, we demonstrate that β cell-specific functions of NKX2.2 are driven by the highly conserved NK2-specific domain (SD). Mutation of the endogenous NKX2.2 SD prevents the developmental progression of β cell precursors into mature, insulin-expressing β cells, resulting in overt neonatal diabetes. Within the adult β cell, the SD stimulates β cell performance through the activation and repression of a subset of NKX2.2-regulated transcripts critical for β cell function. These irregularities in β cell gene expression may be mediated via SD-contingent interactions with components of chromatin remodelers and the nuclear pore complex. However, in stark contrast to these pancreatic phenotypes, the SD is entirely dispensable for the development of NKX2.2-dependent cell types within the CNS. Together, these results reveal a previously undetermined mechanism through which NKX2.2 directs disparate transcriptional programs in the pancreas versus neuroepithelium.
Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of tert-butyl 4-[4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2,7,7-trimethyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinoline-3-carboxylate
Authors: Pehlivanlar Ezgi , Yıldırım Sema Öztürk , Şimşek Rahime , Akkurt Mehmet , Butcher Ray J. , Bhattarai Ajaya
Published: June 2023

The 1,4-dihydropyridine ring of the title compound, C24H29F2NO4, adopts a distorted boat conformation, while the cyclohexene ring is in an almost twist-boat conformation. In the crystal, N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds as well as C—H...π interactions connect molecules, forming layers parallel to the (100) plane. These layers are linked by van der Waals forces and C—H...F interactions, which consolidate the crystal structure. Hirshfeld surface analysis shows the major contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (54.1%), F...H/H...F (16.9%), O...H/H...O (15.4%) and C...H/H...C (12.6%) contacts.
Artificial intelligence, task complexity and uncertainty: analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of using algorithms in public service delivery under public administration theories
Authors: Nzobonimpa Stany
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This article revisits some theories and concepts of public administration, including those related to public value, transaction costs and social equity, to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms in public service delivery. The author seeks to mobilize theory to guide AI-era public management practitioners and researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses an existing task classification model to mobilize and juxtapose public management theories against artificial intelligence potential impacts in public service delivery. Theories of social equity and transaction costs as well as some concepts such as red tape, efficiency and economy are used to argue that the discipline of public administration provides a foundation to ensure algorithms are used in a way that improves service delivery.

Findings

After presenting literature on the challenges and promises of using AI in public service, the study shows that while the adoption of algorithms in public service has benefits, some serious challenges still exist when looked at under the lenses of theory. Additionally, the author mobilizes the public administration concepts of agenda setting and coproduction and finds that designing AI-enabled public services should be centered on citizens who are not mere customers. As an implication for public management practice, this study shows that bringing citizens to the forefront of designing and implementing AI-delivered services is key to reducing the reproduction of social biases.

Research limitations/implications

As a fast-growing subject, artificial intelligence research in public management is yet to empirically test some of the theories that the study presented.

Practical implications

The paper vulgarizes some theories of public administration which practitioners can consider in the design and implementation of AI-enabled public services. Additionally, the study shows practitioners that bringing citizens to the forefront of designing and implementing AI-delivered services is key to reducing the reproduction of social biases.

Social implications

The paper informs a broad audience who might not be familiar with public administration theories and how those theories can be taken into consideration when adopting AI systems in service delivery.

Originality/value

This research is original, as, to the best of the author’s knowledge, no prior work has combined these concepts in analyzing AI in the public sector.
Do consumers need halal label? Evidence from small and medium enterprises segment in a major Muslim environment
Authors: Silalahi Sahat Aditua Fandhitya
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This present study aims to investigate the mediating effect of halal label perceived importance (HPI) on buying intention (BI) of small and medium enterprises (SME) food products in a Muslim-majority environment by involving attitude (ATT), subjective norms (SN) and perceived behavioral control (PBC) as the antecedents.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered survey was conducted with 437 Muslim respondents who shop at an SME shopping center. Subsequently, the structural equation modeling technique was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings showed that ATT and PBC significantly influence the BI of halal-labeled food products. On the other hand, HPI partially mediates the relationship between ATT, PBC and BI.

Practical implications

The results provided insights that SME actors will be benefited from selling halal-labeled products as the label amplifies Muslim consumers’ BI. Moreover, the government must intensify the halal campaign to strengthen public awareness and social pressure on purchasing halal-labeled brands.

Social implications

As SMEs are the major contributor to the national economy, this sector’s business growth will benefit the Indonesian people. Moreover, as the most Muslim-populated country, halal product development will contribute significantly to the whole national economy.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence on the halal labeling mediation role in the relationship between consumer motivation and halal buying intention in a major Muslim setting.
The effects of perceived overqualification on spouse undermining and support
Authors: Zhang Junwei , Li Ye , Zhang Yajun , Zhang Haitao , Tang Jiao
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Based on the work–home resources model regarding the work domain and the home domain as a whole resource exchange system with directional resource flows, this study proposed that perceived overqualification could lead to personal resources drain, especially for employees with high work–family centrality (i.e. valuing work more than family). Furthermore, the drained personal resources of the focal employees brought in more spouse undermining and less spouse support at home.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach in which Study 1 involving 259 pairs and Study 2 involving 260 pairs of employees and their spouses from China provided support to the first-stage moderated mediation model.

Findings

Results revealed that when employees' work–family centrality is high, perceived overqualification could elicit personal resources drain and induce more spouse undermining and less spouse support. On the contrary, when employees' work–family centrality is low, perceived overqualification could reduce personal resources drain and render less spouse undermining and more spouse support. The two studies consistently provided support for most of the hypotheses.

Practical implications

The research results suggest that organizations could take some feasible measures to help overqualified employees articulate the value of work–family centrality to manage overqualified employees' work–family resources further, bringing appropriate sequential behaviors at home.

Originality/value

Research on perceived overqualification has primarily focused on its consequences in the work domain, paying scant attention to whether it can influence the home domain outside work. This research contributes to this line of literature by investigating how and when perceived overqualification leads to family outcomes.
Explaining the unsuccessful relationships between brand awareness and behavioral intention: a serial mediation study
Authors: Sudhana Pranakusuma , Noermijati Noermijati , Hussein Ananda Sabil , Indrawati Nur Khusniyah
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explain the unsuccessful relationship between the awareness of prominent international education brands and enrollment intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A serial mediation model encompassing perceived congruity and brand attitude was developed and tested using the PLS-SEM technique, involving 132 respondents.

Findings

The results revealed that the awareness of international education brands, subsequently perceived as internally congruent with the prospective students’ self-image in terms of resource sufficiency, will yield enrollment intention by forming the desired brand attitude.

Research limitations/implications

This paper includes generalizability as its limitation, with suggestions to undertake the broader scope of studies. Future research could examine other variables to enhance the model.

Practical implications

This paper presents theoretical and managerial implications for higher education branding and marketing.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study could be the first to discuss the international university landscape in Indonesia. In addition, the proposed model could be a plausible framework for explaining the intention to accept not only international education brands but also other brands of goods and services, thereby benefiting both educational and consumer research.
Effect of printing strategies on the properties of product in selective Sorel cement activation
Authors: Salari Farid , Bosetti Paolo , Sglavo Vincenzo M.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Particles bed binding by selective cement activation (SCA) method is a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technique used to produce cementitious elements. A computer-aided design file is sliced to generate G-codes before printing. This paper aims to study the effect of key input parameters for slicer software on the final properties of printed products.

Design/methodology/approach

The one factor at a time (OFAT) methodology is used to investigate the impact of selected parameters on the final properties of printed specimens, and the causes for the variations in outcomes of each variable are discussed.

Findings

Finer aggregates can generate a more compact layer, resulting in a denser product with higher strength. Fluid pressure is directly determined by voxel rate (rV); however, high pressures enable better fluid penetration control for fortified products; for extreme rVs, residual voids in the interfaces between successive layers and single-line primitives impair mechanical strength. It was understood that printhead movement along the orientation of the parts in the powder bed improved the mechanical properties.

Originality/value

The design of experiment (DOE) method assesses the influence of process parameters on various input printing variables at the same time. As the resources are limited, a fractional factorial plan is carried out on a subset of a full factorial design; hence, providing physical interpretation behind changes in each factor is difficult. OFAT aids in analyzing the effect of a change in one factor on output while all other parameters are kept constant. The results assist engineers in properly considering the influence of variable variations for future DOE designs.
Relative importance of exotic species traits in determining invasiveness across levels of establishment: Example of freshwater fish
Authors: Bernery Camille , Marino Clara , Bellard Céline
Published: June 2023

Understanding the factors responsible for the success of exotic species is a prevalent issue in invasion biology. Although the ecological traits of exotic species are known to play a major role, it is still unknown which traits are responsible for the different dimensions of invasiveness among vertebrates.

Here, we assessed the ecological, morphological and behavioural profile of 222 exotic freshwater fish along different levels of establishment, defined by the number of basins in which the exotic species are established and the location of establishment. Using a trait‐based multidimensional space complemented by a trait‐by‐trait analysis, we attempted to classified exotic vertebrates given their intrinsic traits across establishment levels ranging from species with low establishment to super‐established species.

We found that fish with low establishment were clustered in the trait space, showing similar traits characterized by low‐temperature amplitude, no parental care and zoobenthic diet. By contrast, super‐established fish had a broader range of functional strategies, with a high proportion of species having multiple diets and a high level of parental care. Overall, fish with low establishment had low functional overlap with other fish at higher levels of establishment.

Our findings highlight the importance of considering trait variability in the species' level of establishment to more accurately anticipate their ability to establish and spread.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Positive plant diversity effects on soil microbial drought resistance are linked to variation in labile carbon and microbial community structure
Authors: Xi Nianxun , Chen Dongxia , Liu Wei , Bloor Juliette M. G.
Published: June 2023

Biodiversity loss and drought are substantially altering both above‐ and below‐ground terrestrial ecosystem functioning, but mechanistic understanding of plant diversity effects on the drought resistance of soil microbial biomass remains limited.

We designed a mesocosm experiment to examine drought resistance of soil microbial biomass along a plant species richness gradient (five plant species richness levels based on old‐field communities). We calculated resistance of microbial biomass to drought and recorded key below‐ground properties which may influence microbial resistance to drought (i.e. microbial diversity, microbial community structure, soil carbon stocks and root biomass).

Plant species richness had a positive effect on microbial resistance to drought. Variation in microbial resistance to drought was linked to properties of the fungal community in ambient soil (Shannon diversity, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal richness and abundance) but not soil bacterial diversity. Moreover, microbial resistance to drought increased with increasing root biomass and dissolved organic carbon recorded under ambient conditions.

These results highlight the importance of plant diversity for microbial biomass stability in our old‐field study system with implications for biogeochemical cycling, and suggest that indirect effects of plant species richness on labile soil carbon and soil fungi may drive resistance of soil microbial biomass to drought.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
‘Thirteen Wasted Years’: A Strategy for Starmer?
Authors: Williamson Adrian
Published: June 2023

Before the 1997 Labour landslide, Roy Jenkins famously described Tony Blair as being ‘like a man carrying a priceless Ming vase across a highly polished floor’. Many think Keir Starmer appears even more diffident. This article argues that he should perhaps look for inspiration to the general election of 1964, the last occasion upon which Labour overturned a large Tory majority and secured its own majority. In 1964, Harold Wilson made great play of the charge that the Conservative governments of 1951–1964 had presided over ‘thirteen wasted years’. The nature and correctness of this case is examined, albeit that the charge may have been somewhat overstated. The parallels with the thirteen years of Conservative governments since 2010 are then analysed. The article concludes that there appear to be uncanny parallels between 1963/4 and the present. Not only have the Conservatives been in power for thirteen years, but the British economy is once more floundering relative to its peers.
Higher D‐dimer and activated partial thromboplastin time are poor prognostic factors in patients with peritoneal dialysis‐related peritonitis
Authors: Huang Ya‐Juan , Xiong Li‐Ping , Zhang Xing , Zhou Jia‐Fan , Zhang Rui
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Coagulation system dysfunction is associated with adverse outcomes of peritoneal dialysis (PD) and bacterial infection. We investigated the association between coagulation system and treatment failure of peritoneal dialysis‐related peritonitis (PDRP).

Methods

We collected records of patients aged ≥18 years with PDRP. PDRP episodes were divided into: shortened activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) group and prolonged APTT group, low D‐dimer (DD) group and high DD group. The baseline characteristics of the groups were collected and compared. The association between APTT, DD and treatment failure of PDRP was analyzed using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Thirty episodes of treatment failure were observed in 110 episodes of PDRP in our study. After adjusting for variables, prolonged APTT (OR = 1.166 [1.049–1.296], p = 0.004) or high level of DD (OR = 1.374 [1.057–1.787], p = 0.017) was associated with treatment failure of PDRP.

Conclusion

Prolonged baseline APTT or high level of DD increased the risk of treatment failure of PDRP.
Reduction of class I histone deacetylases ameliorates ER‐mitochondria cross‐talk in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Marinho Daniela , Ferreira Ildete Luísa , Lorenzoni Ricardo , Cardoso Sandra M. , Santana Isabel , Rego A. Cristina
Published: June 2023

Several molecular mechanisms have been described in Alzheimer's disease (AD), including repressed gene transcription and mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dysfunction. In this study, we evaluate the potential efficacy of transcriptional modifications exerted by inhibition or knockdown of class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) in ameliorating ER‐mitochondria cross‐talk in AD models. Data show increased HDAC3 protein levels and decreased acetyl‐H3 in AD human cortex, and increased HDAC2‐3 in MCI peripheral human cells, HT22 mouse hippocampal cells exposed to Aβ1–42 oligomers (AβO) and APP/PS1 mouse hippocampus. Tacedinaline (Tac, a selective class I HDAC inhibitor) counteracted the increase in ER‐Ca2+ retention and mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation, mitochondrial depolarization and impaired ER‐mitochondria cross‐talk, as observed in 3xTg‐AD mouse hippocampal neurons and AβO‐exposed HT22 cells. We further demonstrated diminished mRNA levels of proteins involved in mitochondrial‐associated ER membranes (MAM) in cells exposed to AβO upon Tac treatment, along with reduction in ER‐mitochondria contacts (MERCS) length. HDAC2 silencing reduced ER‐mitochondria Ca2+ transfer and mitochondrial Ca2+ retention, while knockdown of HDAC3 decreased ER‐Ca2+ accumulation in AβO‐treated cells. APP/PS1 mice treated with Tac (30 mg/kg/day) also showed regulation of mRNA levels of MAM‐related proteins, and reduced Aβ levels. These data demonstrate that Tac normalizes Ca2+ signaling between mitochondria and ER, involving the tethering between the two organelles in AD hippocampal neural cells. Tac‐mediated AD amelioration occurs through the regulation of protein expression at MAM, as observed in AD cells and animal models. Data support transcriptional regulation of ER‐mitochondria communication as a promising target for innovative therapeutics in AD.
Acyl coenzyme A binding protein (ACBP): An aging‐ and disease‐relevant “autophagy checkpoint”
Authors: Montégut Léa , Abdellatif Mahmoud , Motiño Omar , Madeo Frank , Martins Isabelle , Quesada Victor , López‐Otín Carlos , Kroemer Guido
Published: June 2023

Acyl coenzyme A binding protein (ACBP), also known as diazepam‐binding inhibitor (DBI), is a phylogenetically ancient protein present in some eubacteria and the entire eukaryotic radiation. In several eukaryotic phyla, ACBP/DBI transcends its intracellular function in fatty acid metabolism because it can be released into the extracellular space. This ACBP/DBI secretion usually occurs in response to nutrient scarcity through an autophagy‐dependent pathway. ACBP/DBI and its peptide fragments then act on a range of distinct receptors that diverge among phyla, namely metabotropic G protein‐coupled receptor in yeast (and likely in the mammalian central nervous system), a histidine receptor kinase in slime molds, and ionotropic gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptors in mammals. Genetic or antibody‐mediated inhibition of ACBP/DBI orthologs interferes with nutrient stress‐induced adaptations such as sporulation or increased food intake in multiple species, as it enhances lifespan or healthspan in yeast, plant leaves, nematodes, and multiple mouse models. These lifespan and healthspan‐extending effects of ACBP/DBI suppression are coupled to the induction of autophagy. Altogether, it appears that neutralization of extracellular ACBP/DBI results in “autophagy checkpoint inhibition” to unleash the anti‐aging potential of autophagy. Of note, in humans, ACBP/DBI levels increase in various tissues, as well as in the plasma, in the context of aging, obesity, uncontrolled infection or cardiovascular, inflammatory, neurodegenerative, and malignant diseases.
Conservation intensification under risk: An assessment of adoption, additionality, and farmer preferences
Authors: Canales Elizabeth , Bergtold Jason S. , Williams Jeffery R.
Published: June 2023

Conservation practices used on agricultural cropland can provide important ecosystem services. The United States relies largely on voluntary programs to incentivize adoption of conservation practices, but the success of these efforts relies on good program design. We use a choice experiment to evaluate farmers' willingness to adopt more intensive in‐field conservation practices (continuous no‐till, conservation crop rotation, cover crops, and variable rate application of inputs) using a nonlinear extended expected utility framework that incorporates risk under a conservation contract. We contribute to the literature by providing insights regarding producers' preference for incentive payment mechanism (federal program or carbon market) and the incentive payment needed to induce additionality and practice continuity. We find that although an additional payment might be needed to promote practice continuity among farmers who have previously adopted cover crops, in the case of continuous no‐till, adopters might be willing to forgo additional payment to continue benefiting from the use of this practice. Our results also revealed producers prefer conservation contracts accruing higher off‐farm environmental benefits and federally administered over carbon market programs. This is an important result given an increased public interest in climate change and new proposed carbon mitigation policies and private carbon market initiatives.
Factors beyond diagnosis and treatment that are associated with return to work in Australian cancer survivors—A systematic review
Authors: Forbes Danielle , Lisy Karolina , Wood Colin , White Victoria , Evans Sue , Afshar Nina , Ristevski Eli , Sharma Arun , Changrani Krisha , Jefford Michael
Published: June 2023

Return to work (RTW) is a marker of functional recovery for working‐age cancer survivors. Identifying factors that impact on RTW in cancer survivors is an essential step to guide further research and interventions to support RTW. This systematic review aimed to identify nontreatment, non‐cancer‐related variables impacting RTW in Australian cancer survivors. A systematic search was conducted in EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Studies were eligible if they included: (1) adults living post diagnosis of malignancy; (2) quantitative data for nontreatment, non‐cancer‐related variables impacting RTW; (3) only Australian participants. Included studies were critically appraised, and relevant data extracted and synthesized narratively. Six studies were included in the review, published between 2008 and 2020. Studies were of variable quality and mixed methodologies. One study included malignancies of any type with the remainder focusing on survivors of colorectal cancer (n = 3), oropharyngeal cancer (n = 1), and glioblastoma multiforme (n = 1). Multiple factors were related to RTW in individual studies, including older age, presence of three or more comorbidities, fewer work hours pre‐morbidly, lower body mass index, longer than recommended sleep duration, and not having private health insurance; however, there was limited consistency in findings between studies. Other variables examined included: occupation type, household income, healthy lifestyle behaviors, flexibility, and duration of employment with workplace; however, no significant associations with RTW were reported. Further research is required to gather compelling evidence on factors that influence RTW in Australian cancer survivors.
Potential impact of climate change on spatial distribution of two savannah amphibian species in West Africa
Authors: Ayoro Joëlle Halamoussa , Nicolas Violaine , Segniagbeto Gabriel Hoinsoudé , Hema Emmanuel Midibahaye , Ohler Annemarie , Kabré Gustave Boureima
Published: June 2023

Climate change affects biodiversity, notably by modifying species habitats. In the West African savannahs, amphibian species are widespread. Despite their importance in ecosystems, little is known about the potential impacts of future climate change on these amphibians, hence the need to study the future distribution patterns of West African savannah amphibian species. We performed species distribution modelling to forecast the current and future distribution of two species Hyperolius nitidulus and Ptychadena bibroni in West Africa. Based on the global climate model MIROC5 and two future climate scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5), we assessed trends in the evolution of suitable habitat areas of these two amphibian species. We found that H. nitidulus is likely to lose significant proportions of their current habitats in the future due to climate change, while P. bibroni is likely to gain new suitable habitats. Our study suggests that some savannah amphibian species that are currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN would be negatively affected by future climate change as shown by the distribution patterns of H. nitidulus. It is therefore necessary to consider all amphibian species, whether widely distributed or endemic, in future conservation strategies for amphibians in West Africa.
Does cooperative membership enhance inorganic fertilizer use intensity? Panel data evidence from maize farmers in Ethiopia
Authors: Geffersa Abebayehu Girma
Published: June 2023

Agricultural cooperatives are increasingly being viewed as an effective means of promoting agricultural technologies in developing countries. This paper examines the effects of cooperative membership on inorganic fertilizer use intensity. Employing a three‐wave panel dataset relating to smallholder maize farmers in Ethiopia, we model inorganic fertilizer application as a two‐step decision‐making process involving both fertilizer adoption and its use intensity. To reflect these two related steps, we use a double‐hurdle model. We account for unobservable household heterogeneity and endogeneity utilizing a correlated random‐effects framework and a control function approach. The findings reveal that cooperative membership increased inorganic fertilizer use intensity, as well as the probability of it being used in the first place by 4.2% and 5.3%, respectively. Following further examination of who benefits most among cooperative members, we discovered that membership benefits all farmers in terms of fertilizer use intensity, irrespective of the members’ poverty status. However, we did not observe a significant effect of cooperative membership on the likelihood of fertilizer use by land‐poor and less asset‐endowed households. This highlights the necessity of implementing policies that provide poor and marginalized Ethiopian maize farmers with resources that enhance the contribution agricultural cooperatives make to their well‐being.
Survey content validation evaluating the dissemination and implementation of deprescribing guidelines
Authors: Cheng Chun Hei Justin , Langford Aili V. , Gnjidic Danijela , Farrell Barbara J. , Schneider Carl R.
Published: June 2023

Background

Policies, protocols and processes within organisations can facilitate or hinder guideline adoption. There is limited knowledge on the strategies used by organisations to disseminate and implement evidence‐based deprescribing guidelines or their impact.

Methods

We aimed to develop an online survey targeting key organisations involved in deprescribing guideline endorsement, dissemination, modification or translation internationally. Survey questions were drafted, mirroring the six components of the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance (RE‐AIM) framework. Content validation was undertaken and established by a panel of clinicians, researchers and implementation experts.

Results

A 52‐item survey underwent two rounds of content validation. The minimum threshold (I‐CVI > 0.78) for relevance and importance was met for 39 items (75%) in the first round and 44 of 48 items (92%) in the second round. The expert panel concluded that the adoption, implementation and effectiveness survey sections were largely relevant and important to this topic, whereas the reach and maintenance sections were harder to understand and may be less pertinent to the research question.

Conclusions

A 44‐item survey investigating dissemination and implementation strategies for deprescribing guidelines has been developed and its content validated. Widespread survey distribution may identify effective strategies and inform dissemination and implementation planning for newly developed guidelines.
Additional lesions identified by genomic microarrays are associated with an inferior outcome in low‐risk chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients
Authors: Rigolin Gian Matteo , Traversa Alice , Caputo Viviana , Del Giudice Ilaria , Bardi Antonella , Saccenti Elena , Raponi Sara , Ilari Caterina , Cafforio Luciana , Giovannetti Agnese , Pizzuti Antonio , Guarini Anna , Foà Robin , Cuneo Antonio
Published: June 2023

We explored the relevance of genomic microarrays (GM) in the refinement of prognosis in newly diagnosed low‐risk chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients as defined by isolated del(13q) or no lesions by a standard 4 probe fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. Compared to FISH, additional lesions were detected by GM in 27 of the 119 patients (22.7%). The concordance rate between FISH and GM was 87.4%. Discordant results between cytogenetic banding analysis (CBA) and GM were observed in 45/119 cases (37.8%) and were mainly due to the intrinsic characteristics of each technique. The presence of additional lesions by GM was associated with age > 65 years (p = 0.047), advanced Binet stage (p = 0.001), CLL‐IPI score (p < 0.001), a complex karyotype (p = 0.004) and a worse time‐to‐first treatment in multivariate analysis (p = 0.009). Additional lesions by GM were also significantly associated with a worse time‐to‐first treatment in the subset of patients with wild‐type TP53 and mutated IGHV (p = 0.025). In CLL patients with low‐risk features, the presence of additional lesions identified by GM helps to identify a subset of patients with a worse outcome that could be proposed for a risk‐adapted follow‐up and for early treatment including targeted agents within clinical trials.
The role of legitimizing the social hierarchy in the impact of status on perceived assertiveness and competence
Authors: Louvet Eva , Ehrke Franziska , Gaubert Cécile , Tran H. Long
Published: June 2023

The present research aimed to examine how perceivers' system‐justifying beliefs moderate the way they evaluate high‐ versus low‐status targets on assertiveness and competence. In three experimental studies, we manipulated a target's hierarchical position within his company's organization. Participants rated the target on traits reflecting assertiveness and competence. Their system‐justifying beliefs were assessed in an ostensibly unrelated study. Results consistently showed that participants inferred assertiveness from the target's hierarchical position regardless of system justification, whereas the relationship between social status and competence was consistently moderated by system‐justifying beliefs: only participants high in system justification ascribed more competence to the high‐status target than to the low‐status target. These findings are in line with the hypothesis suggesting that inferring competence from high‐status positions could rely on the tendency to justify social inequalities, whereas inferring assertiveness would not.
Predicting bottom current deposition and erosion on the ocean floor
Authors: Beelen Daan , Wood Lesli J.
Published: June 2023

Mapping sediment deposition and erosion by thermohaline ocean bottom currents is important for the development of ocean infrastructure, future geo resources and understanding the sedimentology of contourites and abyssal sediment wavefields. However, only a limited percentage (estimated 20%) of the ocean floor has been mapped directly through seismic or sonar imaging. To better delineate where zones of bottom current deposition and erosion exist, we develop a prediction from numerical model solutions and sedimentological measurements of the ocean floor. This is achieved by integrating three types of data, which include the following: (1) bottom current shear stress from a model run of the HYCOM numerical ocean model; (2) sedimentation rates from ocean lithospheric age and sediment thickness from the GlobSed Model; (3) the measured extents of bottom current deposits from sonar observations. Shear stresses and sedimentation rates inside and outside the mapped extents of bottom current deposits allow us to quantify the conditions that are conducive for bottom current deposition. These conditions are then extrapolated and displayed on a 1/12° arcsecond resolution map of the world's oceans and validated through comparison with known, mapped systems. Based on our prediction, around 12% of the ocean has significant deposition by bottom currents while only 1% has erosion. Most bottom current activity occurs where thermohaline currents impinge upon the ocean floor like on continental slopes or some areas of the abyssal plain. Deposition and erosion also occur where constriction of ocean bottom currents takes place as in straits and seaways. Inland basins (i.e. seas) and continental shelves are mostly disconnected from global‐ocean thermohaline bottom current conveyors and, therefore, have limited bottom current deposition and erosion. Mid‐ocean ridges also have little bottom current deposition due to low sediment supply.
The extraordinary Namche Barwa sediment factory in the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis
Authors: Dong Xiaolong , Hu Xiumian , Garzanti Eduardo , Liang Wendong , Li Guangwei , Lai Wen , Wang Chengshan , Han Zhongpeng , Deng Tao , Li Zhengchen
Published: June 2023

The Namche Barwa Syntaxis (NBS) is one of the most productive detrital factories on Earth. Previous studies have shown that the NBS supplies large amounts of sediment to the Brahmaputra River, although the sources and controlling factors of sediment production have not been ascertained in detail. This study presents petrographic and heavy‐mineral data for 43 sand samples collected in the Yarlung and Parlung river catchments covering the entire NBS and surrounding areas. Combined with U–Pb ages of detrital zircons, our data indicate that 89 ± 11% of Yarlung River sediments downstream of the NBS are produced in the Yarlung and Parlung gorges. The annual sediment flux of the Yarlung River increases by a factor of 20 within ca. 250 km from upstream of the NBS (ca. 10 Mt) to downstream (ca. 200 Mt/a). The Yarlung and Parlung gorges, representing only ca. 1% of the Yarlung‐Brahmaputra catchment area, contribute 74 ± 9% of the total Brahmaputra sediment flux. Average interannual erosion rates in the Yarlung and Parlung gorges corresponding to these fluxes are calculated to be 9.2 ± 1.2 mm/a and 6.5 ± 2.1 mm/a respectively. Focused erosion of the Namche Barwa Complex and Yarlung Suture Zone in the gorge, where high‐grade metamorphic rocks are exposed, is a consequence of high channel steepness (ksn values up to 800–1800), high stream power and extreme events including frequent earthquakes and landslides. The coupling between surface erosion and tectonic uplift in the Yarlung Gorge is in full agreement with the tectonic aneurism model of NBS evolution.