bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstituted branched actin networks sense and generate micron-scale membrane curvature
Authors: Baldauf Lucia , Frey Felix , Perez Marcos Arribas , Idema Timon , Koenderink Gijsje H.
Published: August 2022

The actin cortex is a complex cytoskeletal machinery which drives and responds to changes in cell shape. It must generate or adapt to plasma membrane curvature to facilitate diverse functions such as cell division, migration and phagocytosis. Due to the complex molecular makeup of the actin cortex, it remains unclear whether actin networks are inherently able to sense and generate membrane curvature, or whether they rely on their diverse binding partners to accomplish this. Here, we show that curvature sensing and generation is an inherent capability of branched actin networks nucleated by Arp2/3 and VCA. We develop a robust method to encapsulate actin inside giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) and assemble an actin cortex at the inner surface of the GUV membrane. We show that actin forms a uniform and thin cortical layer when present at high concentration and distinct patches that generate negative membrane curvature at low concentration. Serendipitously, we find that the GUV production method also produces dumbbell-shaped GUVs, which we explain using mathematical modelling in terms of membrane hemifusion of nested GUVs. We find that dendritic actin networks preferentially assemble at the neck of the dumbbells, which possess a micron-range convex curvature that matches the curvature generated by actin patches in spherical GUVs. Minimal dendritic actin networks can thus both generate and sense membrane curvatures, which may help mammalian cells to robustly recruit actin to curved membranes in order to facilitate diverse cellular functions such as cytokinesis and migration.

SIGNIFICANCE

Animal cells move, deform and divide using their actin cortex, a thin layer of filamentous proteins that supports the plasma membrane. For these actions, actin must often assemble at curved sections of the membrane, which is widely believed to require the action of dedicated actin- or membrane-bending proteins. Here, we use a bottom-up reconstitution approach to ask whether actin networks are intrinsically able to generate and sense membrane curvature. We show that membrane-nucleated actin cortices can indeed preferentially self-assemble at concave membranes generated by hemifusion of lipid vesicles. This raises intriguing questions about how such curvature recognition works, and whether cells exploit this intrinsic capability of branched actin networks to concentrate actin in specific cortical regions.
Developing a firewater deluge monitoring and forecasting system based on GA-ARMA model
Authors: Xu Feixiang , Qu Ruoyuan , Zhou Chen
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The firewater deluge system (FDS) can provide water automatically through a deluge valve when a fire breaks out. However, there are many fire hazards caused by the abnormal operating state of the FDS. To monitor and predict the working state of the FDS, this paper aims to propose a firewater deluge monitoring and forecasting system using the Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The firewater deluge monitoring and forecasting system consists of three layers: the sensing layer, network layer and application layer. The firewater pressure obtained by the monitoring nodes was transmitted to the local gateway and then to the remote monitoring center. In the application layer, an autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model was put forward to forecast the firewater pressure. Furthermore, a genetic algorithm (GA) was proposed to perfect the order determination method of the ARMA model. Finally, a Web application was developed to display the real time and predicted working status of the FDS.

Findings

The predicted results show that the ARMA model improved by the GA (GA-ARMA) is significantly better than traditional ARMA models in terms of mean relative error, mean absolute error and mean square error. Moreover, the proposed system is demonstrated to be effective, and an early warning can be alerted to remind users of repairing abnormal FDS equipment ahead of fire dangers.

Originality/value

The proposed system cannot only be applied to the FDS of all buildings to avoid fire hazards by monitoring and predicting the working state of the FDS, but can also be widely used in other fields, such as environmental monitoring, intelligent logistics and intelligent transportation.
Attending live music events with a visual impairment: experiences, accessibility and recommendations for the future
Authors: Castle Claire Louise , Burland Karen , Greasley Alinka
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The current article focuses on the experiences of live music event attendees with visual impairment (VI). It outlines the factors which impact on the accessibility of events and considers how accessibility might be improved for these individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

The article reports on findings from a mixed-methods project utilising a structured interview study (N = 20) and an online survey (N = 94). Interview data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, providing in-depth insight into participants’ experiences before and during events. Quantitative survey data were analysed descriptively and statistically, and Thematic Analysis of open-ended responses was carried out.

Findings

Attendance at live events varied amongst participants, and so too did the factors impacting on their attendance. Challenges were identified in relation to several key areas: accessing information and tickets, experiences with staff, navigation and orientation, and the use and availability of disabled facilities and specialist services.

Originality/value

This article is the first to offer in-depth exploration of music event accessibility for individuals with VI. It builds on existing research which has considered the experiences of deaf and disabled attendees but has not yet offered adequate representation of individuals with VI. The article offers practical recommendations for venues and organisers seeking to ensure accessible events for all and contributes to the wider discourse surrounding inclusivity at music, arts and cultural events.
An economic assessment of the impact of climate change on the Gambia’s agriculture sector: a CGE approach
Authors: Belford Christopher , Huang Delin , Ahmed Yosri Nasr , Ceesay Ebrima , Sanyang Lang
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Climate change and its imminent threat to human survival adversely impact the agriculture sector. In an impoverished country like The Gambia, economic costs of climate change are colossal. This study aims to establish a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model for The Gambia’s agriculture sector to examine the effects of climate change on crops, livestock and sea-level rise.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a CGE model with other climate change impact models to compute the impacts of climate change on The Gambia’s agriculture sector. The social accounting matrix calibrates the results from the various models, thereby generating the baseline results which exemplify a “steady-state” and policy shock results illustrating the medium- and long-term effects of climate change on the country’s agriculture sector.

Findings

The baseline results indicate the status quo showing the neglect of the agriculture sector due to limited investment in the sector. Hence, the sector is the “hardest hit” sector as a result of climate change. When the model factored in climate change in the medium term (2055) and long term (2085), the macroeconomic indicators of gross domestic product, national savings, wages, disposable income and consumer price index deteriorated, elucidating the vulnerability of the economy to climate change. The consumption of groundnuts, cattle and fish will decline by 5%, 5% and 4%, respectively, in the long term. However, the production of all agricultural commodities will decline by an average of 35% for the same period. The results for international trade show that exportation would decline while importation will increase over time. The general price level for agricultural commodities would increase by 3% in 2055 and 5% in 2085. Generally, the results manifest the severity of climate change in the agriculture sector which will have a multiplier effect on the economy. The impact of climate change would result in agriculture and economic decline causing hunger, poverty and human misery.

Originality/value

The caveat of this study revealed the nuances not captured by previous Gambian climate change studies, thus the novelty of the study.
Real-time optimal protocol prediction of quantum key distribution using machine learning
Authors: R. Arthi , J.S. Nayana , Mondal Rajarshee
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of optimal protocol prediction and the benefits offered by quantum key distribution (QKD), including unbreakable security, there is a growing interest in the practical realization of quantum communication. Realization of the optimal protocol predictor in quantum key distribution is a critical step toward commercialization of QKD.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed work designs a machine learning model such as K-nearest neighbor algorithm, convolutional neural networks, decision tree (DT), support vector machine and random forest (RF) for optimal protocol selector for quantum key distribution network (QKDN).

Findings

Because of the effectiveness of machine learning methods in predicting effective solutions using data, these models will be the best optimal protocol selectors for achieving high efficiency for QKDN. The results show that the best machine learning method for predicting optimal protocol in QKD is the RF algorithm. It also validates the effectiveness of machine learning in optimal protocol selection.

Originality/value

The proposed work was done using algorithms like the local search algorithm or exhaustive traversal, however the major downside of using these algorithms is that it takes a very long time to revert back results, which is unacceptable for commercial systems. Hence, machine learning methods are proposed to see the effectiveness of prediction for achieving high efficiency.
Gut microbiota shed new light on the management of immune‐related adverse events
Authors: Tan Bei , Liu Yun‐xin , Tang Hao , Chen Dan , Xu Yan , Chen Min‐jiang , Li Yue , Wang Meng‐zhao , Qian Jia‐ming
Published: August 2022

Immunotherapy has dramatically revolutionized the therapeutic landscape for patients with cancer. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors are now accepted as effective anticancer therapies, they introduce a novel class of toxicity, termed immune‐related adverse events, which can lead to the temporary or permanent discontinuation of immunotherapy and life‐threatening tumor progression. Therefore, the effective prevention and treatment of immune‐related adverse events is a clinical imperative to maximize the utility of immunotherapies. Immune‐related adverse events are related to the intestinal microbiota, baseline gut microbiota composition is an important determinant of immune checkpoint inhibitor‐related colitis, and antibiotics exacerbate these undesirable side‐effects. Supplementation with specific probiotics reduces immune checkpoint inhibitor‐related colitis in mice, and fecal microbiota transplantation has now been shown to effectively treat refractory immune checkpoint inhibitor‐related colitis in the clinic. Hence, modifying the microbiota holds great promise for preventing and treating immune‐related adverse events. Microbiomes and their metabolites play important roles in the potential underlying mechanisms through interactions with both innate and adaptive immune cells. Here we review the gut microbiota and immune regulation; the changes occurring in the microbiota during immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy; the relationship between the microbiota and immune‐related adverse events, antibiotics, probiotics/prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation in immune checkpoint inhibitor‐related colitis; and the protective mechanisms mediated by the microbiome and metabolites in immune‐related adverse events.
The relationship between age at first drink and later risk behaviours during a period of youth drinking decline
Authors: Livingston Michael , Raninen Jonas , Pennay Amy , Callinan Sarah
Published: August 2022

Aims

Alcohol consumption among teenagers in many high‐income countries has steadily declined since the early 2000s. There has also been a steady increase in the average age at first drink, a reliable marker of later alcohol problems. This study measured whether young people who initiated drinking early were at increased risk of alcohol problems in young adulthood in recent cohorts where early initiation was comparatively rare.

Design

Analysis of six waves of a repeated cross‐sectional household survey (2001–16).

Setting

Australia.

Participants

A total of 9576 young adults (aged 20–25 years) who had initiated drinking before the age of 20 years.

Measurements

Respondents were classified into three groups based on their self‐reported age at first drink (< 16, 16–17, 18–19 years). Outcome variables were self‐reported experiences of memory loss while drinking, risky and delinquent behaviour while drinking and monthly or more frequent drinking occasions of 11 or more 10‐g standard drinks.

Findings

Later initiators reported lower levels of all outcomes [e.g. odds ratios (ORs) for memory loss were 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.50, 0.63] for those who first drank at 16 or 17 years compared with those who first drank at age 15 or younger). Significant interactions between age at first drink and survey year showed that early initiation was more strongly associated with harms (e.g. for memory loss, OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.94, 0.99 for 18–19 versus 15 or younger) in young adulthood for recent cohorts where early drinking was less common.

Conclusions

The decline in youth drinking may have contributed to a concentration of risk of alcohol problems among those young people who consume alcohol in early adolescence. Early initiation of drinking may be an increasingly important marker of broader risk taking as alcohol becomes less normative for teenagers.
Does OCI Presentation for Equity Financial Assets Matter?
Authors: Zang Zeting , Kabir Humayun , Scott Tom
Published: August 2022

One significant change in International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 9 Financial Instruments is how firms’ equity financial assets (EFA) are presented. The default EFA presentation is at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL); however, IFRS 9 allows irrevocable presentation of fair value through other comprehensive income (FVTOCI). Although FVTOCI is the most common presentation for EFA both before and after IFRS 9, there is a significant increase in the use of FVTPL post IFRS 9 via an improvement in disclosure clarity about presentation location. To assess the impact of EFA presentation, we recalculate profitability ratios assuming different presentation locations and find some evidence of significant differences for financial firms. We also provide descriptive evidence that EFA use and presentation behaviour vary between sectors and firm size quartiles. This study expands the literature on EFA accounting and provides a timely response to IFRS 9 post‐implementation review by shedding some light on EFA use and presentation locations under IFRS 9.
Generalization Bias in Science
Authors: Peters Uwe , Krauss Alexander , Braganza Oliver
Published: August 2022

Many scientists routinely generalize from study samples to larger populations. It is commonly assumed that this cognitive process of scientific induction is a voluntary inference in which researchers assess the generalizability of their data and then draw conclusions accordingly. We challenge this view and argue for a novel account. The account describes scientific induction as involving by default a generalization bias that operates automatically and frequently leads researchers to unintentionally generalize their findings without sufficient evidence. The result is unwarranted, overgeneralized conclusions. We support this account of scientific induction by integrating a range of disparate findings from across the cognitive sciences that have until now not been connected to research on the nature of scientific induction. The view that scientific induction involves by default a generalization bias calls for a revision of the current thinking about scientific induction and highlights an overlooked cause of the replication crisis in the sciences. Commonly proposed interventions to tackle scientific overgeneralizations that may feed into this crisis need to be supplemented with cognitive debiasing strategies against generalization bias to most effectively improve science.
The Mindful Animism of Ideophony in Pastaza and Upper Napo Kichwa
Authors: Nuckolls Janis
Published: August 2022

This paper proposes a novel perspective for thinking about ideophones, which are imitative words that communicate sensory perceptions and emotions with linguistic sounds and with so‐called “paralinguistic” features, especially gesture and intonation. By considering their performative and depictive qualities with concepts from mindfulness and meditative practices, it is argued that a contemplative, mindful impulse underlies their use by Kichwa‐speaking Runa living in Amazonian Ecuador. Using concepts from traditional meditation treatises, a contemporary guided meditation, and contemporary ethnographic research, the paper argues that, whatever else may motivate their articulations of ideophones, whether for expressive, humorous, or dramatic purposes, Kichwa speakers are mindfully and meditatively attending to the rising and falling of ordinary perceptions and giving a voice to the dynamic nature of their lived realities. By voicing the dynamic nature of sensory experiences, speakers are also able, momentarily, to become what they imitate, thereby expressing the perspectives of nonhuman beings according to their sounds, movements, appearances, and energies.
Developing intercultural competence among students in family science: The importance of service learning experiences
Authors: Wiersma‐Mosley Jacquelyn D. , Garrison M. E. Betsy
Published: August 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to develop intercultural competence among Family Science undergraduate students through high‐impact experiences.

Background

Service learning (SL) is a form of high‐impact experimental education that promotes learning and development by engaging students in real‐world activities that address both individual and community needs.

Methods

Participants were 82 undergraduates enrolled in two similar Family Science diversity courses at a mid‐South university in the United States. Curriculum for both courses were identical, except one group of students participated in SL at one of five community agencies: boys/girls club, community center working with children, center for adults with disabilities, a primarily Hispanic middle school, or a homeless shelter. Students in both courses completed pre‐ and post‐assessments using the Intercultural Development Inventory to measure intercultural competence.

Results

Students without SL opportunities did not significantly increase in intercultural competence whereas students who participated with SL increased significantly in their intercultural competence.

Conclusion

It is imperative that Family Science continue to emphasize SL because meaningful interactions with community partnerships have been shown to provide culturally relevant education and deep experiential learning opportunities for students.

Implications

As a result, Family Science students will more easily transition to their chosen professions and will be better prepared to increase intercultural competency and to work toward dismantling racism and promoting social justice for all.
Factors associated with decision‐making involvement in community‐dwelling older care recipients
Authors: Komatsu Ayane , Nakagawa Takeshi , Noguchi Taiji , Saito Tami
Published: August 2022

Aim

Despite a growing interest in decision‐making by care recipients, few empirical studies have examined the everyday care decisions of community‐dwelling older adults. This study aimed to examine the association of recipient‐ and caregiver‐related factors with decision‐making involvement of community‐dwelling older care recipients.

Methods

We conducted secondary data analysis using publicly available cross‐sectional data from a dyadic survey with care recipients aged ≥65 years and their primary caregivers in two regions of Japan, one urban and another rural, in 2003. In total, 643 pairs with no missing data on any variable were included in the analysis. The level of care recipients' perceived decision‐making involvement was assessed using one dichotomized item (not involved or involved). We examined care recipient‐ and caregiver‐related factors described by previous studies as having the potential to inhibit or facilitate care recipient's subjective decision‐making involvement.

Results

Of the care recipients, 60.2% were women, 72.2% were >75 years, and 83.7% were involved in decision‐making. Of the primary caregivers, 72.0% were women, 49.0% were <65 years, and 47.9% were spouses. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that care recipients were more likely to be involved in decision‐making when their caregivers respected their decisions (odds ratio = 3.03 [95% confidence interval: 1.90–4.86], P < 0.001). Care recipients with more care needs were less likely to be involved in decision‐making than those with less care needs (odds ratio = 0.53 [95% confidence interval: 0.32–0.89], P = 0.015).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that family caregivers play a crucial role in increasing care recipients' decision‐making involvement regarding daily care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 876–882.
Nutrient utilization of native herbage and oat forage as feed for Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries)
Authors: Abdelraheem Nadir , Li Fuhou , Guo Penghui , Sun Yi , Liu Yang , Cheng Yunxiang , Cui Xiongxiong , Tan Yuhui , Hou Fujiang
Published: August 2022

Satisfying the animals feed demand from the forage supply by grasslands remains a major challenge in the grassland–livestock ecosystem. To provide an alternative forage sources, this study conducted two feeding trials in the summer of 2015 and 2016 to compare the nutritive value, digestibility and nutrients utilization of native pasture (NH) and oat forage (OT) fed to Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries). Twelve Tibetan sheep with a mean body weight of 39.11 ± 3.66 kg in 2015 and 27.97 ± 2.69 kg in 2016 were use in this study. The experiment was 2 (year: 2015 and 2016) by 2 (forage: NH and OT) factorial. Data on proximate analysis, fiber fraction and nutrients digestibility were collected and analyzed using general linear model. However, the crude protein (CP) and water‐soluble carbohydrates contents in OT were higher (P < .001) than those in NH by 7.81–8.93% and 46.40–47.05%, respectively. In contrast, the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber contents were higher (P < .001) in NH by 14.28–15.78% and 15.62–18.00%, respectively. The dry matter digestibility coefficient in OT (0.82 in 2015 and 0.79 in 2016) was significantly higher than that in NH (0.68 in both years). In addition, the OT diet had higher (P < .001) organic matter, NDF and CP digestibilities. Animals fed OT retained significantly more nitrogen (2.66 g/day in 2015 and 1.93 g/day in 2016) than those fed NH (0.96 g/day in 2015 and 0.42 g/day in 2016). The digestible energy and metabolizable energy were higher (P < .001) in OT than in NH. Our data indicated that Tibetan sheep urinary N excretion increased by 0.726 g with increase of 1 g in the nitrogen intake. Conclusively, the OT had higher nutritive value than NH and could therefore use to satisfy livestock demand and reduce the grazing pressure on grasslands.
Splenomegaly is a marker of advanced chronic liver disease and portal hypertension in HIV infection
Authors: Kablawi Dana , Alhinai Alshaima , Wong Philip , Deschenes Marc , Sebastiani Giada , Benmassaoud Amine
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical significance of splenomegaly as a marker of underlying liver disease in people with HIV (PWH).

Methods

We included consecutive PWH from a prospective cohort from 2010 to 2020 with available liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and liver imaging to define splenomegaly (> 13 cm) within 1 year. Cut‐offs of LSM > 10 kPa and > 21 kPa were used to identify advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) and portal hypertension, respectively. Logistic regression multivariable analysis was employed to identify independent predictors of ACLD.

Results

In all, 331 PWH were included, 76% of them men, with a median (interquartile range) age of 51.3 (45–58) years, all receiving antiretroviral treatment, and 53% were HIV monoinfected. The PWH with splenomegaly exhibited a higher prevalence of ACLD compared with those with normal spleen size, as per LSM (26% vs. 9%; p = 0.009). Portal hypertension diagnosed by LSM was also more prevalent in PWH with splenomegaly than in those without (15% vs. 2%; p < 0.001). Independent predictors of ACLD were viral hepatitis coinfection [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.65–6.0], lower platelets (aOR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.99–0.99) and splenomegaly (aOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.17–4.99). In patients with available oesophagogastroduodenoscopy, splenomegaly was also associated with higher prevalence of oesophageal varices and other endoscopic findings of portal hypertension (38% vs. 17%; p = 0.027).

Conclusions

Splenomegaly identified on routine imaging may have utility as a marker of ACLD and portal hypertension, prompting further investigations.
Composition‐independent Curie point (Tc) in ferroelectric (1 − x)PbTiO3–xBi(Li1/2Nb1/2)O3 solid solution
Authors: Kumar Niraj , Kumari Ekta , Krishna P. Siva Ram , Kalyani Ajay Kumar
Published: August 2022

A new ferroelectric solid solution (1 − x)PbTiO3–xBi(Li1/2Nb1/2)O3 has been explored to develop high‐temperature piezoelectric material. An interesting observation has been found regarding its Curie point (TC) and tetragonal lattice strain (c/a − 1). With increasing composition (x), the Curie point (TC) decreases up to x = 0.10 and thereafter remains constant. In concurrence with the TC, the tetragonal lattice strain (c/a − 1) follows a similar trend. Neutron powder diffraction analysis suggests this anomalous behavior is due to the robust off‐centering characteristic of the Bi+3 ion 6S2 lone pair effect at the A‐site compared to ions at B‐site.
Search Frictions, Labor Supply, and the Asymmetric Business Cycle
Authors: FERRARO DOMENICO , FIORI GIUSEPPE
Published: August 2022

We develop a business cycle model that generates asymmetry between peaks and troughs of the unemployment rate and symmetric fluctuations of the participation rate as in the U.S. data. We calibrate the model and find that search frictions are solely responsible for the peak–trough asymmetry. Participation decisions do not generate asymmetry but contribute to the fluctuations in search frictions by changing the size and composition of the pool of job seekers, which in turn affects the tightness ratio and thereby slack in the labor market. The participation rate would be counterfactually asymmetric absent labor supply responses to shocks.
A tricky fetal case of isolated transposition of great arteries without the I‐shaped sign
Authors: Kawazu Yukiko , Takahashi Kayoko , Tsujie Tomoko , Chayama Kosuke
Published: August 2022

Isolated transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a congenital heart disease that presents with severe cyanosis after birth and a fetal diagnosis is crucial for the preservation of life. The I‐shaped sign (I‐sign) is useful as a fetal screening method for TGA. We herein present a tricky fetal case of isolated TGA with a side‐by‐side position of the great arteries and no I‐sign. Severe cyanosis immediately after birth necessitated urgent interventions. A potentially fatal outcome was prevented by a prenatal diagnosis. In the fetal diagnosis of isolated TGA, it is important to not only detect the I‐sign, but also conventionally examine the ventricular outflow tract.
Calculating the Relative Importance of Multiple Regression Predictor Variables Using Dominance Analysis and Random Forests
Authors: Mizumoto Atsushi
Published: August 2022

Researchers often make claims regarding the importance of predictor variables in multiple regression analysis by comparing standardized regression coefficients (standardized beta coefficients). This practice has been criticized as a misuse of multiple regression analysis. As a remedy, I highlight the use of dominance analysis and random forests, a machine learning technique, in this method showcase article for accurately determining predictor importance in multiple regression analysis. To demonstrate the utility of dominance analysis and random forests, I reproduced the results of an empirical study and applied these analytical procedures. The results reconfirmed that multiple regression analysis should always be accompanied by dominance analysis and random forests to identify the unique contribution of individual predictors while considering correlations among predictors. I also introduce a web application for facilitating the use of dominance analysis and random forests among second language researchers.
D‐limonene nanoemulsion: lousicidal activity, stability, and effect on the cuticle of Columbicola columbae
Authors: Gadelhaq Sahar M. , Aboelhadid Shawky M. , Abdel‐Baki Abdel‐Azeem S. , Hassan Khaled M. , Arafa Waleed M. , Ibrahium Samar M. , Al‐Quraishy Saleh , Hassan Ahmed O. , Abd El‐Kareem Shams G.
Published: August 2022

The current study was conducted to investigate the efficacy and stability of D‐limonene (DL) and its nanoemulsion (DLN) against pigeon feather lice (Columbicola columbae) and their mode of action. DL pure form and DLN were prepared and characterized freshly and after storage for 50 days. In vitro bioassay on live lice was conducted with different concentrations of DL, DLN, and deltamethrin (DM). The results revealed significant mortality rates in the DL‐, DLN‐, DM‐treated groups when compared with the control (p < 0.05). The scanning electron micrographs of lice treated with DL and DLN revealed collapsed bodies with destruction in the cuticle of the mouthparts and damaged antennae. The 50 days stored DLN showed stability in their effectiveness when compared with the freshly prepared formulation. DL and DLN caused significant inhibition (p ≤ 0.05) in acetylcholinesterase activity (AchE). Malondialdehyde level (MDA) was significantly increased while glutathione was significantly decreased in DL‐ and DLN‐treated lice. In conclusion, DL and DLN have significant lousicidal activities. DLN showed better stability than DL after storage for 50 days. In addition, the mode of action of DL may associate with its effect on the cuticle of the lice body, inhibition of AchE, and increasing oxidative stress in the treated lice.
Control of resources in the nursing workplace: Power and patronage relations
Authors: Nepali Shobha , Einboden Rochelle , Rudge Trudy
Published: August 2022

Immigrant nurses make up a large percentage of the Australian nursing workforce. Since the support in the workplace is expected to be inclusive for all nurses, the aim of this article is to explore how support and opportunities for professional growth, learning and development are distributed across different categories of nurses working in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). An ethnographic approach has opened an examination of the everyday workplace practices in the NICU to gain insight into how nurses made sense of the social and power relations occurring between themselves and their senior colleagues and how they experienced the support and opportunities they received in their workplace. As today's workplaces such as the NICU are diverse in races, culture and experiences, the concepts of intersectionality and cultural safety assisted in identifying inequality and injustice related to such diversity. The results showed how patronage relations rendered nurses with immigrant status with major disadvantage and left them clinically and culturally vulnerable. Such inequity defeats the reasons for encouraging skilled migration of nurses and poses questions on the cultural competency of recruiting organisations. Considering how cultural safety might guide staff development offers opportunities for authentic support to culturally diverse nurses.
MdTCP46 interacts with MdABI5 to negatively regulate ABA signalling and drought response in apple
Authors: Liu Ya‐Jing , An Jian‐Ping , Gao Ning , Wang Xun , Chen Xi‐Xia , Wang Xiao‐Fei , Zhang Shuai , You Chun‐Xiang
Published: August 2022

TEOSINTE BRANCHED 1/CYCLOIDEA/PCF (TCP) transcription factors play crucial roles in plant abiotic stresses. However, little is known about the role of TCP genes in the drought stress tolerance of apple. Here, we found that abscisic acid (ABA) and drought treatment reduced the expression of MdTCP46, and overexpression of MdTCP46 reduced ABA sensitivity and drought stress resistance. MdTCP46 was found to interact with MdABI5 both in vitro and in vivo, and this interaction was essential for drought resistance via the ABA‐dependent pathway. Overexpression of MdABI5 enhanced ABA sensitivity and drought stress resistance by directly activating the expression of MdEM6 and MdRD29A. MdTCP46 significantly suppressed the transcriptional activity of MdABI5, thereby negatively regulating MdABI5‐mediated ABA signalling and drought response. Overall, our results demonstrate that the MdTCP46‐MdABI5‐MdEM6/MdRD29A regulatory module plays a key role in the modulation of ABA signalling and the drought stress response. These findings provide new insight into the role of MdTCP46 in ABA signalling and abiotic stress responses.
Comparative transcriptomics analysis reveals a calcineurin B‐like gene to positively regulate constitutive and acclimated freezing tolerance in potato
Authors: Chen Lin , Zhao Hongbo , Chen Ye , Jiang Fujing , Zhou Feiyan , Liu Qing , Fan Yongqi , Liu Tiantian , Tu Wei , Walther Dirk , Song Botao
Published: August 2022

Freezing stress is a major limiting factor in crop production. To increase frost‐hardiness of crops via breeding, deciphering the genes conferring freezing‐tolerance is vital. Potato cultivars (Solanum tuberosum) are generally freezing‐sensitive, but some potato wild species are freezing‐tolerant, including Solanum commersonii, Solanum malmeanum and Solanum acaule. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms conferring the freezing‐tolerance to the wild species remain to be deciphered. In this study, five representative genotypes of the above‐mentioned species with distinct freezing‐tolerance were investigated. Comparative transcriptomics analysis showed that SaCBL1‐like (calcineurin B‐like protein) was upregulated substantially in all of the freezing‐tolerant genotypes. Transgenic overexpression and known‐down lines of SaCBL1‐like were examined. SaCBL1‐like was shown to confer freezing‐tolerance without significantly impacting main agricultural traits. A functional mechanism analysis showed that SaCBL1‐like increases the expression of the C‐repeat binding factor‐regulon as well as causes a prolonged higher expression of CBF1 after exposure to cold conditions. Furthermore, SaCBL1–like was found to only interact with SaCIPK3–1 (CBL‐interacting protein kinase) among all apparent cold‐responsive SaCIPKs. Our study identifies SaCBL1‐like to play a vital role in conferring freezing tolerance in potato, which may provide a basis for a targeted potato breeding for frost‐hardiness.
Extending the stereotype content model of racial attitudes among college freshmen
Authors: Jang Beksahn , Zeng Liwen
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study draws on Fiske's stereotype content model (SCM) to understand the complexities and latent dimensions of racial outgroup attitudes in the United States.

Methods

Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Freshmen, we conduct a series of exploratory factor analyses to identify factorial structures of racial attitudes toward different ethnoracial groups and further establish the construct validity of identified dimensions by observing their association with a theoretically related concept, individualistic blame toward racial outgroups.

Results

We identify a robust three‐factor solution that we label competence, warmth, and socioeconomic standing, the last of which is distinct from Fiske's SCM. We find that the dimensions of competence and socioeconomic standing are closely related to respondents’ individualistic attitudes toward their racial outgroups.

Conclusion

Given the robustness and significance of the dimension of socioeconomic standing, we suggest employing our three dimensions to better conceptualize racial stereotypes.
Retrospective case series: Necrotising fasciitis in 23 dogs
Authors: Quilling Laura L. , Outerbridge Catherine A. , White Stephen D. , Affolter Verena K.
Published: August 2022

Background

Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is a rare, rapidly progressive subcutaneous bacterial infection. Few studies have characterised NF in dogs.

Hypothesis/objectives

To retrospectively describe clinical and laboratory findings, with treatments and outcomes, in dogs with NF.

Animals

Twenty‐three client‐owned dogs treated at a veterinary teaching hospital between 1998 and 2021.

Materials and Methods

Medical records and laboratory data from 23 dogs diagnosed with NF were reviewed.

Results

Male dogs were significantly over‐represented (p = 0.003). The most common presenting complaint was sudden lameness. Infection occurred in one or two limbs in 19 of 23 dogs, with right hindlimbs most often affected (13 of 23). Pitting oedema was evident in 14 of 23 dogs. Antibiotic and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs were administered before presentation in nine and 13 of 23 dogs, respectively. Common clinicopathological abnormalities included hypoalbuminemia, hyponatremia, elevated liver enzymes, elevated creatine kinase, increased bands and lymphopenia. Streptococcus canis was isolated from 18 of 23 dogs. Histopathological features included acute necrosis and severe neutrophilic inflammation. Fifteen dogs were euthanised or died, while surgical intervention led to survival in eight of 23 dogs.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Dogs presenting for acute swelling of a limb with oedema should have the diagnosis of NF considered and early surgical intervention might increase survival.
Temporal evolution of the ion flux to the target in rotational RF multimagnetron plasma
Authors: Ohtsu Yasunori , Yasuda Koya , Schulze Julian
Published: August 2022

Rotational multimagnetron plasmas driven by radio-frequency power are designed by taking into account the electronic gyro-radius and Hall parameter. Temporal evolutions of the ion flux to the target have been measured at various radial positions from 0 to 50 mm at a distance of 5 mm from the target under the rotational speed of 40 rpm. The ion flux has an order of magnitude of 1023 m−2 s−1. It is found that there is hardly any time variation of the ion flux at 0 ≤ r ≤ 5 mm, whereas a strong temporal change is observed at 7.5 ≤ r ≤ 50 mm as predicted by a plasma emission image. The fluctuation of the ion flux increases from 1.3 × 1022 to 5.7 × 1023 m−2 s−1 with increasing the radial position for 0 ≤ r ≤ 32.5 mm and then has a valley of 4.7 × 1023 m−2 s−1 at r = 40 mm and has a peak of 6.4 × 1023 m−2 s−1 at r = 45 mm. The radial profile of the time-averaged ion flux is in good agreement with that of the target erosion depth.
Low-frequency elastic plateau in linear viscoelasticity of polyelectrolyte coacervates
Authors: Li Huiling , Liu Ying , Shetty Abhishek , Larson Ronald G.
Published: August 2022

A thorough study is made of the dependences on salt concentration and polymer chain lengths of the low-frequency plateau of coacervates of poly (diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride), PDADMAC, and poly (sodium 4-styrenesulfonate), PSS. The reliability and reproducibility of these measurements are carefully checked by determining the frequency-dependent stress limits of the rheometer through the use of reference fluids and by repeat experiments with coacervates. Long-time frequency sweeps show that coacervates with less salt are more repeatable than those with higher salt. A low-frequency plateau reliably appears only below a critical salt concentration, and the magnitude of the plateau depends strongly on salt concentration and chain lengths of both polycation and polyanion. It is only present for the molecular weight of the polycation, PDADMAC, higher than 100 kDa, but the magnitude of the plateau is more strongly influenced by the chain length of the polyanion, PSS. Possible causes of the low-frequency plateau are discussed.
An ex vivo culture model of kidney podocyte injury reveals mechanosensitive, synaptopodin-templating, sarcomere-like structures
Authors: Jiang Shumeng , Alisafaei Farid , Huang Yin-Yuan , Hong Yuan , Peng Xiangjun , Qu Chengqing , Puapatanakul Pongpratch , Jain Sanjay , Miner Jeffrey H. , Genin Guy M. , Suleiman Hani Y.
Published: August 2022

Chronic kidney diseases are widespread and incurable. The biophysical mechanisms underlying them are unclear, in part because material systems for reconstituting the microenvironment of relevant kidney cells are limited. A critical question is how kidney podocytes (glomerular epithelial cells) regenerate foot processes of the filtration apparatus following injury. Recently identified sarcomere-like structures (SLSs) with periodically spaced myosin IIA and synaptopodin appear in injured podocytes in vivo. We hypothesized that SLSs template synaptopodin in the initial stages of recovery in response to microenvironmental stimuli and tested this hypothesis by developing an ex vivo culture system that allows control of the podocyte microenvironment. Results supported our hypothesis. SLSs in podocytes that migrated from isolated kidney glomeruli presented periodic synaptopodin-positive clusters that nucleated peripheral, foot process–like extensions. SLSs were mechanoresponsive to actomyosin inhibitors and substrate stiffness. Results suggest SLSs as mechanobiological mediators of podocyte recovery and as potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Spatiotemporal NF-κB dynamics encodes the position, amplitude, and duration of local immune inputs
Authors: Son Minjun , Frank Tino , Holst-Hansen Thomas , Wang Andrew G. , Junkin Michael , Kashaf Sara S. , Trusina Ala , Tay Savaş
Published: August 2022

Infected cells communicate through secreted signaling molecules like cytokines, which carry information about pathogens. How differences in cytokine secretion affect inflammatory signaling over space and how responding cells decode information from propagating cytokines are not understood. By computationally and experimentally studying NF-κB dynamics in cocultures of signal-sending cells (macrophages) and signal-receiving cells (fibroblasts), we find that cytokine signals are transmitted by wave-like propagation of NF-κB activity and create well-defined activation zones in responding cells. NF-κB dynamics in responding cells can simultaneously encode information about cytokine dose, duration, and distance to the cytokine source. Spatially resolved transcriptional analysis reveals that responding cells transmit local cytokine information to distance-specific proinflammatory gene expression patterns, creating “gene expression zones.” Despite single-cell variability, the size and duration of the signaling zone are tightly controlled by the macrophage secretion profile. Our results highlight how macrophages tune cytokine secretion to control signal transmission distance and how inflammatory signaling interprets these signals in space and time.
Phosphorylation of FAM134C by CK2 controls starvation-induced ER-phagy
Authors: Di Lorenzo Giorgia , Iavarone Francescopaolo , Maddaluno Marianna , Plata-Gómez Ana Belén , Aureli Simone , Quezada Meza Camila Paz , Cinque Laura , Palma Alessandro , Reggio Alessio , Cirillo Carmine , Sacco Francesca , Stolz Alexandra , Napolitano Gennaro , Marin Oriano , Pinna Lorenzo A. , Ruzzene Maria , Limongelli Vittorio , Efeyan Alejo , Grumati Paolo , Settembre Carmine
Published: August 2022

Selective degradation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) via autophagy (ER-phagy) is initiated by ER-phagy receptors, which facilitate the incorporation of ER fragments into autophagosomes. FAM134 reticulon family proteins (FAM134A, FAM134B, and FAM134C) are ER-phagy receptors with structural similarities and nonredundant functions. Whether they respond differentially to the stimulation of ER-phagy is unknown. Here, we describe an activation mechanism unique to FAM134C during starvation. In fed conditions, FAM134C is phosphorylated by casein kinase 2 (CK2) at critical residues flanking the LIR domain. Phosphorylation of these residues negatively affects binding affinity to the autophagy proteins LC3. During starvation, mTORC1 inhibition limits FAM134C phosphorylation by CK2, hence promoting receptor activation and ER-phagy. Using a novel tool to study ER-phagy in vivo and FAM134C knockout mice, we demonstrated the physiological relevance of FAM134C phosphorylation during starvation-induced ER-phagy in liver lipid metabolism. These data provide a mechanistic insight into ER-phagy regulation and an example of autophagy selectivity during starvation.
Structural insights into crista junction formation by the Mic60-Mic19 complex
Authors: Bock-Bierbaum Tobias , Funck Kathrin , Wollweber Florian , Lisicki Elisa , von der Malsburg Karina , von der Malsburg Alexander , Laborenz Janina , Noel Jeffrey K. , Hessenberger Manuel , Jungbluth Sibylle , Bernert Carola , Kunz Séverine , Riedel Dietmar , Lilie Hauke , Jakobs Stefan , van der Laan Martin , Daumke Oliver
Published: August 2022

Mitochondrial cristae membranes are the oxidative phosphorylation sites in cells. Crista junctions (CJs) form the highly curved neck regions of cristae and are thought to function as selective entry gates into the cristae space. Little is known about how CJs are generated and maintained. We show that the central coiled-coil (CC) domain of the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system subunit Mic60 forms an elongated, bow tie–shaped tetrameric assembly. Mic19 promotes Mic60 tetramerization via a conserved interface between the Mic60 mitofilin and Mic19 CHCH (CC-helix-CC-helix) domains. Dimerization of mitofilin domains exposes a crescent-shaped membrane-binding site with convex curvature tailored to interact with the curved CJ neck. Our study suggests that the Mic60-Mic19 subcomplex traverses CJs as a molecular strut, thereby controlling CJ architecture and function.
JAG1-NOTCH4 mechanosensing drives atherosclerosis
Authors: Souilhol Celine , Tardajos Ayllon Blanca , Li Xiuying , Diagbouga Mannekomba R. , Zhou Ziqi , Canham Lindsay , Roddie Hannah , Pirri Daniela , Chambers Emily V. , Dunning Mark J. , Ariaans Mark , Li Jin , Fang Yun , Jørgensen Helle F. , Simons Michael , Krams Rob , Waltenberger Johannes , Fragiadaki Maria , Ridger Victoria , De Val Sarah , Francis Sheila E. , Chico Timothy JA , Serbanovic-Canic Jovana , Evans Paul C.
Published: August 2022

Endothelial cell (EC) sensing of disturbed blood flow triggers atherosclerosis, a disease of arteries that causes heart attack and stroke, through poorly defined mechanisms. The Notch pathway plays a central role in blood vessel growth and homeostasis, but its potential role in sensing of disturbed flow has not been previously studied. Here, we show using porcine and murine arteries and cultured human coronary artery EC that disturbed flow activates the JAG1-NOTCH4 signaling pathway. Light-sheet imaging revealed enrichment of JAG1 and NOTCH4 in EC of atherosclerotic plaques, and EC-specific genetic deletion of
Jag1
(

Jag1
ECKO

) demonstrated that
Jag1
promotes atherosclerosis at sites of disturbed flow. Mechanistically, single-cell RNA sequencing in

Jag1
ECKO

mice demonstrated that
Jag1
suppresses subsets of ECs that proliferate and migrate. We conclude that JAG1-NOTCH4 sensing of disturbed flow enhances atherosclerosis susceptibility by regulating EC heterogeneity and that therapeutic targeting of this pathway may treat atherosclerosis.