bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling COVID-19 epidemic trends and health system needs leading to projections for developing countries: a case study of Thailand
Authors: Metchanun Nawaphan , Borgemeister Christian , Bever Caitlin , Galick David
Published: November 2021

Thailand was the first country outside China to report a COVID-19 case but had a mild impact from the outbreak especially at the beginning of the pandemic. This study systematically investigates the evolution of the COVID-19 epidemic in Thailand from January 2020 to March 2021 to uncover the COVID-19 situation in the country. By modeling all health districts throughout the country, the study found that COVID-19 contributed to an increase in excess deaths and that COVID-19 deaths might be underreported. There was a lag time in ramping up testing although testing is key to control the disease. The estimated total number of beds required by COVID-19 seems low, but it may not ensure the capacity to take care of critical cases that required ICU beds, specific medical equipment, and trained medical staff.
Microtubule Lattice Spacing Governs Cohesive Envelope Formation of Tau Family Proteins
Authors: Siahaan Valerie , Tan Ruensern , Humhalova Tereza , Libusova Lenka , Lacey Samuel E. , Tan Tracy , Dacy Mariah , Ori-McKenney Kassandra M. , McKenney Richard J. , Braun Marcus , Lansky Zdenek
Published: November 2021

Tau is an intrinsically-disordered microtubule-associated protein (MAP) implicated in neurodegenerative disease. On microtubules, tau molecules segregate into two kinetically distinct phases, consisting of either independently diffusing molecules or interacting molecules that form cohesive “envelopes” around microtubules. Envelopes differentially regulate lattice accessibility for other MAPs, but the mechanism of envelope formation remains unclear. Here, we find that tau envelopes form cooperatively, locally altering the spacing of tubulin dimers within the microtubule lattice. Envelope formation compacted the underlying lattice, whereas lattice extension induced tau-envelope disassembly. Investigating other members of the tau-MAP family, we find MAP2 similarly forms envelopes governed by lattice-spacing, whereas MAP4 cannot. Envelopes differentially biased motor protein movement, suggesting that tau family members could spatially divide the microtubule surface into functionally distinct segments. We conclude that the interdependent allostery between lattice-spacing and cooperative envelope formation provides the molecular basis for spatial regulation of microtubule-based processes by tau and MAP2.
The evolutionary dynamics of genetic mutational load throughout tomato domestication history
Authors: Razifard Hamid , Visa Sofia , Tieman Denise , van der Knaap Esther , Caicedo Ana L.
Published: November 2021

Understanding the evolution of deleterious mutations through domestication has fascinated evolutionary biologists and breeders alike. Some domesticated organisms have been reported to accumulate deleterious mutations, i.e. radical amino acid changes, through their domestication history (“cost of domestication”). However, more recent evidence paints a more complex picture of this phenomenon in different domesticated organisms. In this study, we used genomic sequences of 253 tomato accessions to investigate the evolution of deleterious mutations and genomic structural variants (SVs) through tomato domestication history. Specifically, we used phylogeny-based methods to identify deleterious mutations in the cultivated tomato as well as its closely related semi-wild and wild populations. We also explored a potential correlation between deleterious mutations and SVs. To create a functional link between deleterious alleles and phenotypes of interest for tomato breeding, we also conducted Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS) on several fruit volatiles.

Our results implicate a downward trend, throughout tomato domestication history, in diversity of most alleles, regardless of their functional impact. This suggests that demographic factors, such as bottleneck events and inbreeding, have reduced overall genetic diversity, leading to lower deleterious load and SVs as well as loss of some beneficial alleles during tomato domestication. We also detected an increase in proportions of nonsynonymous and deleterious alleles (relative to synonymous and neutral nonsynonymous alleles, respectively) during the initial stage of tomato domestication in Ecuador, although the final stage of tomato domestication in Mexico did not seem to involve such an increase. However, deleterious alleles in cultivated tomato seem to be more frequent than expected by neutral theory of molecular evolution. Additionally, for all tomato populations, we found a higher proportion of deleterious mutations in genomic regions impacted by SVs.

Our analyses also revealed frequent deleterious alleles in several well-studied tomato genes, probably involved in response to biotic and abiotic stress as well as fruit development and flavor regulation. Also, through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we discovered deleterious alleles associated with two volatiles: isobutyl acetate, which is important for tomato fruit flavor, and methyl salicylate, involved in disease resistance and regulating flowering time. To provide a practical guide for breeding experiments, we created TomDel, a public searchable database of 21,162 deleterious alleles identified in this study (https://github.com/hrazif/TomDel-0.1)
Competitive asymmetry confers polyploid advantage under environmental stress
Authors: Guo Wen , Wei Na , Hao Guang-You , Yang Shi-Jian , Zhu Zhi-Yong , Yang Yong-Ping , Duan Yuan-Wen
Published: November 2021

Competitive asymmetry across heterogeneous environments is crucial for the success of polyploid plants, however, little is known about it. As the major force in plant evolution, polyploids are predicted to maintain the competitive dominance relative to diploids under increased stress conditions.

To evaluate the hypothesis of competitive asymmetry, we competed tetraploid and diploid plants of perennial herbaceous Chrysanthemum indicum L. (Asteraceae) at different relative frequencies under low and high water stress. We quantified the interaction intensity between competing plants of the same (intraploidy) and different ploidy levels (interploidy), and measured functional traits related to gas exchange and plant water use to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Stronger competitive effects of the tetraploid on diploid provided evidence for the competitive asymmetry between polyploid and diploid plants in C. indicum. Such competitive asymmetry was not only maintained under drought (increased water stress), but also translated into higher fitness of the tetraploid consistently across water stress conditions. Functional traits associated with fast growth and efficient water use likely explained the competitive dominance of the tetraploid.

These results will advance our understanding of species interactions between polyploid and diploid plants, and provide insights into population dynamics and species distribution under environmental change.
Temporally robust occupancy frequency distributions in riverine metacommunities explained by local biodiversity regulation
Authors: O’Sullivan Jacob D. , Terry J. Christopher D. , Rossberg Axel G.
Published: November 2021

The mechanisms determining the distribution of the number of sites species occupy—the occupancy frequency distribution (OFD)—remain incompletely understood despite decades of research. Here we study OFD in fresh-water metacommunities in England. We show that OFD are largely time invariant despite continuous turnover in community composition and well described by log-series distributions. Both shape and temporal robustness are readily explained by a simple patch occupancy model with intrinsic regulation of local richness. The model is mathematically analogous to classical neutral theory, but concerns numbers of patches occupied instead of individuals present. The precise shape of the model’s log-series OFD is determined by a parameter representing the rate of colonisation from adjacent sites, which we estimate for the data. Our results support the view that meta-community structure reflects a dynamic steady state controlled by local ecological constraints. Interspecific trait differences underlie these constraints, but are unlikely to determine macroecological structure.
Distinct replay signatures for prospective decision-making and memory preservation
Authors: Wimmer G. Elliott , Liu Yunzhe , McNamee Daniel C. , Dolan Raymond J.
Published: November 2021

Theories of neural replay propose that it supports a range of functions, most prominently planning and memory consolidation. Here, we test the hypothesis that distinct signatures of replay in the same task are related to model-based decisionmaking (‘planning’) and memory preservation. We designed a reward learning task wherein participants utilized structure knowledge for model-based evaluation, while at the same time had to maintain knowledge of two independent and randomly alternating task environments. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and multivariate analysis, we first identified temporally compressed sequential reactivation, or replay, both prior to choice and following reward feedback. Before choice, prospective replay strength was enhanced for the current task-relevant environment when a model-based planning strategy was beneficial. Following reward receipt, and consistent with a memory preservation role, replay for the alternative distal task environment was enhanced as a function of decreasing recency of experience with that environment. Critically, these planning and memory preservation relationships were selective to pre-choice and post-feedback periods. Our results provide new support for key theoretical proposals regarding the functional role of replay and demonstrate that the relative strength of planning and memory-related signals are modulated by on-going computational and task demands.

Significance statement

The sequential neural reactivation of prior experience, known as replay, is considered to be an important mechanism for both future planning and preserving memories of the past. Whether, and how, replay supports both of these functions remains unknown. Here, in humans, we found that prior to a choice, rapid replay of potential future paths was enhanced when planning was more beneficial. By contrast, after choice feedback, when no future actions are imminent, we found evidence for a memory preservation signal evident in enhanced replay of paths that had been visited less in the recent past. The results demonstrate that distinct replay signatures, expressed at different times, relate to two dissociable cognitive functions.
Longitudinal immune cell profiling in early systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sasaki Takanori , Bracero Sabrina , Keegan Joshua , Chen Lin , Cao Ye , Stevens Emma , Qu Yujie , Wang Guoxing , Nguyen Jennifer , Alves Stephen E. , Lederer James A. , Costenbader Karen H. , Rao Deepak A.
Published: November 2021

Objective

To investigate the immune cell profiling and their longitudinal changes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

We employed mass cytometry with three different 38-39 marker panels (Immunophenotyping, T cell/monocyte, and B cell) in cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from nine patients with early SLE, 15 patients with established SLE, and 14 non-inflammatory controls. We used machine learning-driven clustering, FlowSOM (Flow Self-Organizing Maps) and dimensional reduction with tSNE (t-distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding) to identify unique cell populations in early and established SLE. For the nine early SLE patients, longitudinal mass cytometry analysis was applied to PBMCs at three time points (at enrollment, six months post-enrollment, and one year post-enrollment). Serum samples were also assayed for 65 cytokines by Luminex multiplex assay, and associations between cell types and cytokines/chemokines assessed.

Results

T peripheral helper cells (Tph cells), T follicular helper cells (Tfh cells) and several Ki67+proliferating subsets (ICOS+Ki67+CD8 T cells, Ki67+regulatory T cells, CD19intKi67hiplasmablasts, and Ki67hiPU.1himonocytes) were increased in early SLE. Longitudinal mass cytometry and multiplex serum cytokine assays of samples from early SLE patients revealed that Tfh cells and CXCL10 decreased at one year post-enrollment. CXCL13 correlated positively with several of the expanded cell populations in early SLE.

Conclusions

Two major helper T cell subsets and unique Ki67+proliferating immune cell subsets were expanded in the early phase of SLE, and the immunologic features characteristic of early SLE evolved over time.
Individual differences in frontoparietal plasticity in humans
Authors: Boroshok Austin L. , Park Anne T. , Fotiadis Panagiotis , Velasquez Gerardo H. , Tooley Ursula A. , Simon Katrina R. , Forde Jasmine C.P. , Delgado Reyes Lourdes M. , Tisdall M. Dylan , Bassett Dani S. , Cooper Emily A. , Mackey Allyson P.
Published: November 2021

Neuroplasticity, defined as the brain’s potential to change in response to its environment, has been extensively studied at the cellular and molecular levels. Work in animal models suggests that stimulation to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) enhances plasticity, and that myelination constrains plasticity. Little is known, however, about whether proxy measures of these properties in the human brain are associated with learning. Here, we investigated the plasticity of the frontoparietal system by asking whether VTA resting-state functional connectivity and myelin map values (T1w/T2w ratios) predicted learning after short-term training on the adaptive n-back (n = 46, ages 18-25). We found that stronger baseline connectivity between VTA and lateral prefrontal cortex predicted greater improvements in accuracy. Lower myelin map values predicted improvements in response times, but not accuracy. Our findings suggest that proxy markers of neural plasticity can predict learning in humans.
Structure-Activity Relationships in the Design of Mitochondria-Targeted Peptide Therapeutics
Authors: Mitchell Wayne , Tamucci Jeffrey D. , Ng Emery L. , Liu Shaoyi , Szeto Hazel H. , May Eric R. , Alexandrescu Andrei T. , Alder Nathan N.
Published: November 2021

Mitochondria play a central role in metabolic homeostasis; hence, dysfunction of this organelle underpins the etiology of many heritable and aging-related diseases. Mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptides with alternating cationic and aromatic residues, such as SS-31 (Elamipretide), show promise as therapeutic compounds. In this study, we conducted a quantitative structure-activity analysis of three alternative tetrapeptide analogs that differed with respect to aromatic side chain composition and sequence register, benchmarked against SS-31. Using NMR and molecular dynamics approaches, we obtained the first structural models for this class of compounds, showing that all analogs except for SS-31 form compact reverse turn conformations in the membrane-bound state. All peptide analogs bound cardiolipin-containing membranes, yet they had significant differences in equilibrium binding behavior and membrane interactions. Notably, the analogs had markedly different effects on membrane surface charge, supporting a mechanism in which modulation of membrane electrostatics is a key feature of their mechanism of action. All peptide analogs preserved survival and energy metabolism more effectively than SS-31 in cell stress models. Within our peptide set, the analog containing tryptophan side chains, SPN10, had the strongest impact on most membrane properties and showed greatest efficacy in cell culture studies. Taken together, these results show that side chain composition and register strongly influence the activity of these mitochondria-targeted peptides. Furthermore, this work helps provide a framework for the rational design of next-generation therapeutics with enhanced potency.
Comparison of materials for rapid passive collection of environmental DNA
Authors: Bessey Cindy , Gao Yuan , Truong Yen Bach , Miller Haylea , Jarman Simon Neil , Berry Oliver
Published: November 2021

Passive collection is an emerging sampling method for environmental DNA (eDNA) in aquatic systems. Passive eDNA collection is inexpensive, efficient, and requires minimal equipment, making it suited to high density sampling and remote deployment. Here, we compare the effectiveness of nine membrane materials for passively collecting fish eDNA from a 3 million litre marine mesocosm. We submerged materials (cellulose, cellulose with 1% and 3% chitosan, cellulose overlayed with electrospun nanofibers and 1% chitosan, cotton fibres, hemp fibres and sponge with either zeolite or active carbon) for intervals between five and 1080 minutes. We show that for most materials, with as little as five minutes submersion, mitochondrial fish eDNA measured with qPCR, and fish species richness measured with metabarcoding, was comparable to that collected by conventional filtering. Furthermore, PCR template DNA concentrations and species richness were generally not improved significantly by longer submersion. Species richness detected for all materials ranged between 11 to 37 species, with a median of 27, which was comparable to the range for filtered eDNA (19-32). Using scanning electron microscopy, we visualised biological matter adhered to the surface of materials, rather than entrapped, with images also revealing a diversity in size and structure of putative eDNA particles.

Environmental DNA can be collected rapidly from seawater with a passive approach and using a variety of materials. This will suit cost and time-sensitive biological surveys, and where access to equipment is limited.
Water column stability as an important factor controlling nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation in stratified lake basins
Authors: Su Guangyi , Lehmann Moritz F. , Tischer Jana , Weber Yuki , Walser Jean-Claude , Niemann Helge , Zopfi Jakob
Published: November 2021

Anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) with nitrate/nitrite as the terminal electron acceptor may play an important role in mitigating methane emissions from lacustrine environments to the atmosphere. We investigated AOM in the water column of two connected but hydrodynamically contrasting basins of a south-alpine lake in Switzerland (Lake Lugano). The North Basin is permanently stratified with year-round anoxic conditions below 120 m water depth, while the South Basin undergoes seasonal stratification with the development of bottom water anoxia during summer. We show that below the redoxcline of the North Basin a substantial fraction of methane was oxidized coupled to nitrite reduction by Candidatus Methylomirabilis. Incubation experiments with 14CH4 and concentrated biomass from showed at least 43-52%-enhanced AOM rates with added nitrate/nitrite as electron acceptor. Multiannual time series data on the population dynamics of Candidatus Methylomirabilis in the North Basin following an exceptional mixing event in 2005/2006 revealed their requirement for lasting stable low redox-conditions to establish. In the South Basin, on the other hand, we did not find molecular evidence for nitrite-dependent methane oxidizing bacteria. Our data suggest that here the dynamic mixing regime with fluctuating redox conditions is not conducive to the development of a stable population of relatively slow-growing Candidatus Methylomirabilis, despite a hydrochemical framework that seems more favorable for nitrite-dependent AOM than in the North Basin. We predict that the importance of N-dependent AOM in freshwater lakes will likely increase in future because of longer thermal stratification periods and reduced mixing caused by global warming.
PRMT5 epigenetically regulates the E3 ubiquitin ligase ITCH to influence lipid accumulation during mycobacterial infection
Authors: Borbora Salik Miskat , Rajmani R.S. , Balaji Kithiganahalli Narayanaswamy
Published: November 2021

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), triggers enhanced accumulation of lipids to generate foamy macrophages (FMs). This process has been often attributed to the surge in the expression of lipid influx genes with a concomitant decrease in those involved in lipid efflux genes. Here, we define an Mtb-orchestrated modulation of the ubiquitination mechanism of lipid accumulation markers to enhance lipid accretion during infection. We find that Mtb infection represses the expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase, ITCH, resulting in the sustenance of key lipid accrual molecules viz. ADRP and CD36, that are otherwise targeted by ITCH for proteasomal degradation. In line, overexpressing ITCH in Mtb-infected cells was found to suppress Mtb-induced lipid accumulation. Molecular analyses including loss-of-function and ChIP assays demonstrated a role for the concerted action of the transcription factor YY1 and the arginine methyl transferase PRMT5 in restricting the expression of Itch gene by conferring repressive symmetrical H4R3me2 marks on its promoter. Consequently, siRNA-mediated depletion of YY1 or PRMT5 rescued ITCH expression, thereby compromising the levels of Mtb-induced ADRP and CD36 and limiting FM formation during infection. Accumulation of lipids within the host has been implicated as a pro-mycobacterial process that aids in pathogen persistence and dormancy. In our study, perturbation of PRMT5 enzyme activity resulted in compromised lipid levels and reduced mycobacterial survival in primary murine macrophages (ex vivo) and in a therapeutic mouse model of TB infection (in vivo). These findings provide new insights on the role of PRMT5 and YY1 in augmenting mycobacterial pathogenesis. Thus, we posit that our observations could help design novel adjunct therapies and combinatorial drug regimen for effective anti-TB strategies.

Author Summary

Mycobacterium tuberculosis generates lipid-laden cells (foamy macrophages-FMs) that offer a favorable shelter for its persistence. During infection, we observe a significant reduction in the expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase, ITCH. This repression allows the sustenance of key lipid accretion molecules (ADRP and CD36), by curbing their proteasomal degradation. Further, we show the repression of ITCH to be dependent on the concerted action of the bifunctional transcription factor, YY1 and the arginine methyl transferase, PRMT5. NOTCH signaling pathway was identified as a master-regulator of YY1 expression. In vitro and in vivo analyses revealed the significance of PRMT5 in regulating FM formation and consequently mycobacterial burden.
Insula dynorphin and kappa opioid receptor systems regulate alcohol drinking in a sex-specific manner in mice
Authors: Pina Melanie M. , Pati Dipanwita , Neira Sofia , Taxier Lisa R. , Stanhope Christina M. , Mahoney Alexandra A. , D’Ambrosio Shannon , Kash Thomas L. , Navarro Montserrat
Published: November 2021

Alcohol use disorder is complex and multi-faceted, involving the coordination of multiple signaling systems across numerous brain regions. Previous work has indicated that both the insular cortex and dynorphin (DYN)/Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) systems contribute to excessive alcohol use. More recently, we identified a microcircuit in the medial aspect of the insular cortex that signals through DYN/KOR. Here, we explored the role of insula DYN/KOR circuit components on alcohol intake in a long-term intermittent access (IA) procedure. Using a combination of conditional knockout strategies and site-directed pharmacology, we discovered distinct and sex-specific roles for insula DYN and KOR in alcohol drinking and related behavior. Our findings show that insula DYN deletion blocked escalated consumption and decreased overall intake of and preference for alcohol in male and female mice. This effect was specific to alcohol in male mice, as DYN deletion did not impact sucrose intake. Further, insula KOR antagonism reduced alcohol intake and preference during the early phase of IA in male mice only. Alcohol consumption was not affected by insula KOR knockout in either sex. In addition, we found that long-term IA decreased the intrinsic excitability of DYN and deep layer pyramidal neurons (DLPN) in the insula of male mice. Excitatory synaptic transmission was also impacted by IA, as it drove an increase in excitatory synaptic drive in both DYN neurons and DLPN. Combined, our findings suggest there is a dynamic interplay between excessive alcohol consumption and insula DYN/KOR microcircuitry.

Significance Statement

The insular cortex is a complex region that serves as an integratory hub for sensory inputs. In our previous work, we identified a microcircuit in the insula that signals through the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) and its endogenous ligand dynorphin (DYN). Both the insula and DYN/KOR systems have been implicated in excessive alcohol use and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Here, we utilize converging approaches to determine how insula DYN/KOR microcircuit components contribute to escalated alcohol consumption. Our findings show that insula DYN/KOR systems regulate distinct phases of alcohol consumption in a sex-specific manner, which may contribute to the progression to AUD.
Evidence for a long-range RNA-RNA interaction between ORF8 and Spike of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Omoru Okiemute B. , Pereira Filipe , Janga Sarath Chandra , Manzourolajdad Amirhossein
Published: November 2021

SARS-CoV-2 has affected people worldwide as the causative agent of COVID-19. The virus is related to the highly lethal SARS-CoV responsible for the 2002-2003 SARS outbreak in Asia. Research is ongoing to understand why both viruses have different spreading capacities and mortality rates. Like other beta coronaviruses, RNA-RNA interactions occur between different parts of the viral genomic RNA, resulting in discontinuous transcription and production of various sub-genomic RNAs. These sub-genomic RNAs are then translated into other viral proteins. In this work, we performed a comparative analysis for novel long-range RNA-RNA interactions that may involve the Spike region. Comparing predictions between reference sequences of SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 revealed several predictions amongst which a thermodynamically stable long-range RNA-RNA interaction between (23660-23703 Spike) and (28025-28060 ORF8) unique to SARS-CoV-2 was observed. Using data gathered worldwide, sequence variation patterns observed in the population support the in-silico RNA-RNA base-pairing predictions within these regions, suggesting further evidence for the interaction. The predicted interactions can potentially be related to the regulation of sub-genomic RNA production rates in SARS-CoV-2 and their subsequent accessibility to the host transcriptome.
Mitochondria transplantation between living cells
Authors: Gäbelein Christoph G. , Feng Qian , Sarajlic Edin , Zambelli Tomaso , Guillaume-Gentil Orane , Kornmann Benoît , Vorholt Julia A.
Published: November 2021

Mitochondria and the complex endomembrane system are hallmarks of eukaryotic cells. To date, it has been difficult to manipulate organelle structures within single live cells. We developed a FluidFM-based approach to extract, inject and transplant organelles from and into living cells with subcellular spatial resolution. The approach enabled the transfer of controlled quantities of mitochondria into cells while maintaining their viability and monitoring their fate in new host cells. Transplantation of healthy and drug-impaired mitochondria into primary keratinocytes allowed real-time tracking of mitochondrial subpopulation rescue. Fusion with the mitochondrial network of recipient cells occurred 20 min after transplantation and continued for over 16 hours. After transfer of mitochondria and cell propagation over generations, we show that donor mtDNA was replicated in recipient cells without the need for selection pressure. The approach opens new prospects for the study of organelle physiology and homeostasis, but also for mechanobiology, synthetic biology, and therapy.
Pentameric assembly of the Kv2.1 tetramerization domain
Authors: Xu Zhen , Khan Saif , Schnicker Nicholas J. , Baker Sheila A.
Published: November 2021

The Kv family of voltage-gated potassium channels regulate neuronal excitability. The biophysical characteristic of Kv channels can be matched to the needs of different neurons by forming homotetrameric or heterotetrameric channels within one of four subfamilies. The cytoplasmic tetramerization (T1) domain plays a major role in dictating the compatibility of different Kv subunits. The only Kv subfamily missing a representative structure of the T1 domain is the Kv2 family. We used X-ray crystallography to solve the structure of the human Kv2.1 T1 domain. The structure is similar to other T1 domains but surprisingly formed a pentamer instead of a tetramer. In solution the Kv2.1 T1 domain also formed a pentamer as determined with in-line SEC-MALS-SAXS and negative stain EM. The Kv2.1 T1-T1 interface involves electrostatic interactions including a salt bridge formed by the negative charges in a previously described CDD motif, and inter-subunit coordination of zinc. We show that zinc binding is important for stability. In conclusion, the Kv2.1 T1 domain behaves differently from the other Kv T1 domains which may reflect the versatility of Kv2.1, the only Kv subfamily that can assemble with the regulatory KvS subunits and scaffold ER-plasma membrane contacts.
Exploring agricultural entrepreneurship and new technologies: academic and practitioners' views
Authors: Secinaro Silvana , Dal Mas Francesca , Massaro Maurizio , Calandra Davide
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper investigates the relationship between agricultural entrepreneurship (AE) and new technologies using academic and practitioners' perspectives to understand how new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and augmented reality can promote agri-businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a content and thematic analysis of 325 academic sources extracted from the Scopus database and 683 patents retrieved from the European Patent Office (EPO) dataset. Additionally, the research applies the Kruskal–Wallis test as a non-parametric test for evaluating differences in the main concepts discussed in the two sources.

Findings

The academic and practitioners' debate highlights a trading zone among the two streams. patents' analysis from the EPO reveals four main common themes as a new business that benefits from AI in weather predictions, new smart and intelligent ways to monitor crops, new businesses that use clouds to control plant's humidity. The analysis of Scopus's sources demonstrates theoretical approaches related to the technology acceptance model (TAM) and practical strategies in terms of entrepreneurial skills to support the agricultural sector. However, barriers among the two streams of sources exist in innovation management and scale-up entrepreneurial initiatives.

Research limitations/implications

Regarding implications, the authors aim to connect academic and practitioners' views by understanding the new potential innovation applications and the connected new research avenues. Limitations might arise from the sources used to develop our analysis.

Originality/value

The paper is novel because it investigates the issues arising from the relationship between AE and new technologies by examining original validated patents released by practitioners and approved by the EPO, rather than reviewing blogs or the financial press. This leads to a holistic understanding of the impact of tangible practices among agricultural entrepreneurs. The results support the view that new trading zones and case studies are needed to highlight and show the positive impact of technologies in this field. The authors argue that practitioners require scholars to reduce the ambiguity between AE and its expected results, leading to investments to boost new agricultural business ideas.
The stabilising impact of natural selection on the allometry of sexual ornaments: Fish that escape locomotor constraints exhibit extravagant ornamentation
Authors: Summers Thomas C. , Ord Terry J.
Published: November 2021

Positive allometry has been considered a hallmark of sexual selection whereby larger males of superior condition develop disproportionately larger ornaments for their body size compared to smaller males of poorer condition.

Yet many structures known to be sexually selected often exhibit other allometric patterns. This has led to controversy over the utility of allometry in adequately capturing the signature of sexual selection, particularly if static (within population) and evolutionary (across species) allometries are functionally constrained by stabilising natural selection.

To investigate this, we evaluated the allometries of ornamental head crests and dorsal fins across multiple species of blenny fish. In particular, we compared species that occupied an aquatic environment—where swimming performance was expected to have constrained ornament size—with species that have transitioned onto land where such biomechanical constraints on ornament size have been removed.

Static allometries of both head crest and dorsal fin ornaments were found to be positive in males, but less so in females, across all species examined. This was consistent with the allometric theory of sexual selection that predicts positive allometry specifically in male ornamentation. Nevertheless, male allometric exponents were constrained in aquatic species whereas males of terrestrial species were free to exaggerate the size of their ornaments. Natural selection therefore appears to limit the evolution of ornament size in aquatics, and probably because of the biomechanical constraints associated with swimming. These differences in within‐population static allometry between aquatic and terrestrial species in turn manifested in a greater across‐species evolutionary allometric elevation, but not exponent, for terrestrial species relative to aquatic species.

These findings indicate that the study of ornament allometries can provide useful insights into the role of sexual selection on ornament elaboration and also help reveal the presence of opposing natural selection that might result in alternative allometric patterns. The relationship between static and evolutionary allometries remains complex, and our results caution against the interpretation of evolutionary allometry in the absence of a clear understanding of the underlying static allometries associated with it.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
On this side of the fence: Functional responses to linear landscape features shape the home range of large herbivores
Authors: Seigle‐Ferrand Juliette , Marchand Pascal , Morellet Nicolas , Gaillard Jean‐Michel , Hewison A. J. Mark , Saïd Sonia , Chaval Yannick , Santacreu Hugo , Loison Anne , Yannic Glenn , Garel Mathieu
Published: November 2021

Understanding the consequences of global change for animal movement is a major issue for conservation and management. In particular, habitat fragmentation generates increased densities of linear landscape features that can impede movements.

While the influence of these features on animal movements has been intensively investigated, they may also play a key role at broader spatial scales (e.g. the home range scale) as resources, cover from predators/humans, corridors/barriers or landmarks. How space use respond to varying densities of linear features has been mostly overlooked in large herbivores, in contrast to studies done on predators. Focusing on large herbivores should provide additional insights to understand how animals solve the trade‐off between energy acquisition and mortality risk.

Here, we investigated the role of anthropogenic (roads and tracks) and natural (ridges, valley bottoms and forest edges) linear features on home range features in five large herbivores. We analysed an extensive GPS monitoring database of 710 individuals across nine populations, ranging from mountain areas mostly divided by natural features to lowlands that were highly fragmented by anthropogenic features.

Nearly all of the linear features studied were found at the home range periphery, suggesting that large herbivores primarily use them as landmarks to delimit their home range. In contrast, for mountain species, ridges often occurred in the core range, probably related to their functional role in terms of resources and refuge. When the density of linear features was high, they no longer occurred predominantly at the home range periphery, but instead were found across much of the home range. We suggest that, in highly fragmented landscapes, large herbivores are constrained by the costs of memorising the spatial location of key features, and by the requirement for a minimum area to satisfy their vital needs.

These patterns were mostly consistent in both males and females and across species, suggesting that linear features have a preponderant influence on how large herbivores perceive and use the landscape.
Characterization and stability of peppermint oil emulsions using polyglycerol esters of fatty acids and milk proteins as emulsifiers
Authors: Xie Hujun , Ni Fangfang , Liu Chengzhi , Shi Jieyu , Ren Gerui , Wu Zunyi , Song Zhijun
Published: November 2021

Three peppermint oil emulsions using polyglycerol esters of fatty acids‐casein (PGFE‐CN), polyglycerol esters of fatty acids‐sodium caseinate (PGFE‐NaCN), and polyglycerol esters of fatty acids‐whey protein isolate (PGFE‐WPI) as emulsifiers were fabricated, and the droplet size, zeta potential, viscosity, and stability of emulsions were determined. The experimental results showed that the emulsion containing PGFE‐CN has relatively smaller droplet size of 231.77 ± 0.49 nm. No significant changes were observed on the average particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential during 4‐week of storage, indicating that the emulsions kept stable against pH, salt ion, freeze‐thaw, and storage. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) results showed that the electrostatic interaction occurs between CN and PGFE in the emulsion. The confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) was used to observe the microstructure of the emulsion, proving that droplets were evenly distributed throughout the aqueous phase by PGFE‐CN emulsifier. The protein‐stabilized emulsions can be used as potential carriers for the delivery of the lipophilic nutrients such as peppermint oil.

Practical Application

PGFE‐CN emulsifier can be directly added to the beverage systems containing oil or protein, such as coconut milk, peanut milk, and walnut milk. It can enhance the stability of beverage, prevent the precipitation, stratification, and oil floating, improve the homogeneity of the system and therefore extend the shelf life.
Moisture variation analysis of the green plum during the drying process based on low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Zhu Yingying , Ju Ronghua , Ma Feifei , Qian Jinrong , Yan Jun , Li Shuxian , Li Zhong
Published: November 2021

Green plums were dried at 50, 60, 70, and 80 ℃ to study the dynamic changes of internal moisture during the drying process. Low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) was used to study the dynamic changes across the T2 relaxation spectrum, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provided visualization of the plums throughout the process. The results indicate a negative linear relationship between the lost moisture of the plums (p < 0.05) as drying time increased. Relaxation times T21, T22, and T23, and the peak areas of A21 and A23 decreased significantly during the drying process. The MRI results also show that the brightness of the images decreased as the drying time increased, indicating that the higher the temperature, the greater the water loss inside the plums. Color measurements demonstrated that the high temperature dried plums had better sensory quality. Correlation analysis implies a strong positive relationship between A23 and Atotal and water content, with coefficients of 0.958 and 0.936, respectively. Principal component analysis results show that the drying temperature has a significant effect on the sample's internal moisture release. LF‐NMR is a fast, convenient, and feasible technique for monitoring the moisture variation of green plums during the drying process.

Practical Application

Low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) was used to study the moisture dynamic changes of green plums across the T2 relaxation spectrum, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provided visualization of plums throughout the process. The drying temperature has a significant effect on the green plum's internal moisture release and may affect the quality of the plums. LF‐NMR might be a complementary technique in monitoring the moisture variation of green plums during the drying process.
Prioritising national dementia guidelines for general practice: A Delphi approach
Authors: Mazza Danielle , McCarthy Edwina , Camões‐Costa Vera , Mansfield Elise , Bryant Jamie , Waller Amy , Lin Xiaoping , Piterman Leon
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Australian guidelines for dementia cover 109 recommendations for dementia care. Knowing which recommendations to implement poses a challenge for general practitioners (GPs). This study aimed to gather general practice perspectives of priority recommendations for GPs in their practice.

Methods

To explore which recommendations are most important and those requiring the greatest support in GP implementation, a Delphi study was conducted. Thirty‐six GPs, 4 practice nurses and 1 medical services director completed two rounds of email questionnaires.

Results

Recommendations requiring support for GP implementation relate to early assessment of behavioural and psychological symptoms; mental health interventions tailored to the person's preferences and abilities; language and cultural barriers in access to information and services; and cognitive and learning needs in treatment delivery.

Conclusions

It is critical to understand where support may be needed for GPs to successfully implement recommendations to improve care provided to people with dementia and their carers.
Exploring the dependencies among main cryptocurrency log‐returns: A hidden Markov model
Authors: Pennoni Fulvia , Bartolucci Francesco , Forte Gianfranco , Ametrano Ferdinando
Published: November 2021

A hidden Markov model is proposed for the analysis of time‐series of daily log‐returns of the last 4 years of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash. These log‐returns are assumed to have a multivariate Gaussian distribution conditionally on a latent Markov process having a finite number of regimes or states. The hidden regimes represent different market phases identified through distinct vectors of expected values and variance–covariance matrices of the log‐returns, so that they also differ in terms of volatility. Maximum‐likelihood estimation of the model parameters is carried out by the expectation–maximisation algorithm, and regimes are singularly predicted for every time occasion according to the maximum‐a‐posteriori rule. Results show three positive and three negative phases of the market. In the most recent period, an increasing tendency towards positive regimes is also predicted. A rather heterogeneous correlation structure is estimated, and evidence of structural medium term trend in the correlation of Bitcoin with the other cryptocurrencies is detected.
Draw the Circle Wide
Authors: Ross Kenneth R.
Published: November 2021

In ecumenical missiology, the question of unity has always been a matter of concentric circles, with the call to unity extending its horizons ever outward. What began as a movement to promote greater cooperation in mission stimulated initiatives to achieve church unity, and this in turn fostered an ecumenical vision that embraced the “whole inhabited earth” – all of humanity and indeed the entire natural order. This article argues that the conditions prevailing in the early 21st century have put a premium on the most extensive expression of the ecumenical vision. Examining two seminal World Council of Churches statements on mission, Together Towards Life and “The Arusha Call to Discipleship,” it examines how the two documents have shifted thinking about mission and unity toward a vision that extends to humanity as a whole and indeed the entire creation.
The Need of Global Social Nearness in Light of the Teachings of the Encyclical Fratelli Tutti
Authors: Alva Reginald
Published: November 2021

Despite calls from global authorities to maintain social (physical) distance to stop the spread of COVID‐19, Pope Francis, in his encyclical Fratelli tutti, appealed for global social nearness to face the disastrous impact of the pandemic on people’s lives. The encyclical raised several issues concerning the plight of the weak and the vulnerable amid the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, he did not address the plight of vulnerable people within the Catholic Church in the encyclical. Thus, in this paper, I will first examine the need for social nearness to weak and vulnerable people within the Catholic Church. Next, in light of the teachings of Fratelli tutti, I will examine the need for social nearness to the weakest in society, especially those affected by COVID‐19. Finally, I will examine the need for global mutual solidarity to face the various challenges caused by the pandemic. I will also explore the concrete proposals Pope Francis noted in his encyclical that are needed to accelerate global mutual solidarity during the pandemic and in the post–COVID‐19 world. The main source for this paper is Fratelli tutti itself. I will also refer to other church documents on social outreach and the opinions of experts in various fields.
Nordic Missiological Discourses following Together towards Life and the Arusha World Mission Conference
Authors: Fagerli Beate
Published: November 2021

The article gives an overview of recent discussions on international ecumenical missiology in a Nordic, and particularly Norwegian, context. A short background on historical disagreements between churches and mission agents gives the backdrop for more recent theological discussions following the Edinburgh 2010 anniversary. Two WCC events in particular have contributed to the discussions. First, the publishing of the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism's Together Towards Life: Mission and Evangelism in Changing Landscapes has fuelled the discussions with new insights. A pneumatological entry point into missiology prompted churches and mission agents to renew their talks about the main reasons for engaging in mission. A central part of these discussions has been the question of what “mission from the margins” may mean. Second, the Arusha World Mission Conference gave an opportunity for a broad ecumenical encounter, also from within the Nordic region. The many stories and witnesses from the margins that were presented in Arusha gave new insights into a Norwegian (and partly Nordic) understanding of who the marginalized are, also within a Nordic context. The article concludes that the Arusha conference contributed to understanding storytelling as crucial to the meaning of the term “mission from the margins.”