bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic endemism of the world’s seed plants
Authors: Cai Lirong , Kreft Holger , Taylor Amanda , Schrader Julian , Dawson Wayne , Essl Franz , van Kleunen Mark , Pergl Jan , Pyšek Petr , Winter Marten , Weigelt Patrick
Published: December 2022

Assessing phylogenetic endemism, i.e., the distribution of geographically restricted and evolutionarily unique species, is key to understanding biogeographic patterns and processes and critical for global conservation planning. Here, we quantified the geographic distribution and drivers of phylogenetic endemism for ~320,000 seed plants worldwide and identified centers and drivers of evolutionarily young (neoendemism) and evolutionarily old endemism (paleoendemism). Tropical and subtropical islands of the Southern Hemisphere as well as tropical mountainous regions displayed the world’s highest phylogenetic endemism. Tropical moist forests (e.g. Amazonia) and continental islands in south-east Asia emerged as centers of paleoendemism, while both high neo- and paleoendemism were found on ancient continental fragment islands (e.g. Madagascar) and in Mediterranean-climate regions. Global variation in phylogenetic endemism was best explained by a combination of past and present environmental factors (80.3% – 88.1% of variance explained). Geographic isolation and environmental heterogeneity emerged as primary drivers promoting high phylogenetic endemism. Also, warm and wet climates with long-term climatic stability showed a significant positive effect. However, environmental effects on phylogenetic endemism varied with geographic isolation, reflecting the unique evolutionary and biogeographic dynamics on oceanic islands. Long-term climatic stability promoted the persistence of paleoendemics, while isolation promoted higher neoendemism leading to oceanic islands and tropical mountainous regions being centers of both neo- and paleoendemism. Our study provides new insights into the evolutionary underpinnings of biogeographic patterns in seed plants, and by identifying areas of high evolutionary and biogeographic uniqueness, it may serve as a key resource for setting global conservation priorities.
Insights into mammalian TE diversity via the curation of 248 mammalian genome assemblies
Authors: Osmanski Austin B. , Paulat Nicole S. , Korstian Jenny , Grimshaw Jenna R. , Halsey Michaela , Sullivan Kevin A.M. , Moreno-Santillán Diana D. , Crookshanks Claudia , Roberts Jacquelyn , Garcia Carlos , Johnson Matthew G. , Densmore Llewellyn D. , Stevens Richard D. ,   Zoonomia Consortium, Rosen Jeb , Storer Jessica M. , Hubley Robert , Smit Arian F.A. , Dávalos Liliana M. , Lindblad-Toh Kerstin , Karlsson Elinor K. , Ray David A.
Published: December 2022

We examined transposable element (TE) content of 248 placental mammal genome assemblies, the largestde novoTE curation effort in eukaryotes to date. We find that while mammals resemble one another in total TE content and diversity, they show substantial differences with regard to recent TE accumulation. This includes multiple recent expansion and quiescence events across the mammalian tree. Young TEs, particularly LINEs, drive increases in genome size while DNA transposons are associated with smaller genomes. Mammals tend to accumulate only a few types of TE at any given time, with one TE type dominating. We also found association between dietary habit and the presence of DNA transposon invasions. These detailed annotations will serve as a benchmark for future comparative TE analyses among placental mammals.

One-Sentence Summary

Ade novoassessment of TE content in 248 mammals finds informative trends in mammalian genome evolution.
Insight into the structural basis for dual nucleic acid - recognition by the Scaffold Attachment Factor B2 protein
Authors: Korn Sophie M. , von Ehr Julian , Dhamotharan Karthikeyan , Tants Jan-Niklas , Abele Rupert , Schlundt Andreas
Published: December 2022

The family of scaffold attachment factor B (SAFB) proteins comprises three members and was first identified as binders of the nuclear matrix/scaffold. Over the past two decades, SAFBs were shown to act in DNA repair, mRNA/(l)ncRNA processing, and as part of protein complexes with chromatin-modifying enzymes. SAFB proteins are approximately-100-kDa-sized dual nucleic acid-binding proteins with dedicated domains in an otherwise largely unstructured context, but whether and how they discriminate DNA- and RNA-binding has remained enigmatic. We here provide the SAFB2 DNA- and RNA-binding SAP and RRM domains in their functional boundaries and use solution NMR spectroscopy to ascribe DNA- and RNA-binding functions. We give insight into their target nucleic acid preferences and map the interfaces with respective nucleic acids on sparse data-derived SAP and RRM domain structures. Further, we provide evidence that the SAP domain exhibits intra-domain dynamics and a potential tendency to dimerise, which may expand its specifically targeted DNA sequence range. Our data provide a first molecular basis of and a starting point towards deciphering DNA- and RNA-binding functions of SAFB2 on the molecular level and serve a basis for understanding its localization to specific regions of chromatin and its involvement in the processing of specific RNA species.
Spi-C and PU.1 counterregulateRag1andIgκ transcription to effect immunoglobulin kappa recombination in small pre-B cells
Authors: Xu Li S. , Zhu Jiayu T. , Raczkowski Hannah L. , Batista Carolina R. , DeKoter Rodney P.
Published: December 2022

B cell development requires the ordered rearrangement ofIggenes encoding H and L chain proteins that assemble into BCRs or Abs capable of recognizing specific Ags.Igκ rearrangement is promoted by chromatin accessibility and by relative abundance of RAG1/2 proteins. Expression of the E26-transformation-specific (ETS) transcription factor Spi-C is activated in response to double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs) in small pre-B cells to negatively regulate pre-BCR signaling andIgκ rearrangement. However, it is not clear if Spi-C regulatesIgκ rearrangement through transcription or by controlling RAG expression. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of Spi-C negative regulation ofIgκ light chain rearrangement. Using an inducible expression system in a pre-B cell line, we found that Spi-C negatively regulatedIgκ rearrangement,Igκ transcript levels, andRag1transcript levels. We found thatIgκ andRag1transcript levels were increased in small pre-B cells fromSpic-/-mice. In contrast,Igκ andRag1transcript levels were activated by PU.1 and were decreased in small pre-B cells from PU.1-deficient mice. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis, we identified an interaction site for PU.1 and Spi-C located in theRag1promoter region. These results suggest that Spi-C and PU.1 counterregulateIgκ transcription andRag1transcription to effectIgκ recombination in small pre-B cells.
An Open-Source Rodent Chronic EEG Array System with High Density MXene-Based Skull Surface Electrodes
Authors: Ding Li , Patel Aashvi , Shankar Sneha , Driscoll Nicolette , Zhou Chengwen , Rex Tonia S , Vitale Flavia , Gallagher Martin J.
Published: December 2022

Electroencephalography (EEG) is an indispensable tool in epilepsy, sleep, and behavioral research. In rodents, EEG recordings are typically performed with metal electrodes that traverse the skull into the epidural space. In addition to requiring a major surgery, this intracranial EEG technique is difficult to perform for more than a few electrodes, is time-intensive, and confounds experiments studying traumatic brain injury. Here, we describe an open-source cost-effective refinement of this technique for chronic mouse EEG recording. Our alternative two channel (EEG2) and sixteen channel high-density EEG (HdEEG) arrays use electrodes made of the novel, flexible 2D nanomaterial titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXene. The MXene electrodes are placed on the surface of the intact skull and establish electrical connection without conductive gel or paste. Fabrication and implantation times of MXene EEG electrodes are significantly shorter than the standard approach and recorded resting baseline and epileptiform EEG waveforms are similar to those obtained with traditional epidural electrodes. Applying HdEEG to a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) model in mice of both sexes revealed that mTBI significantly altered awake resting state spectral density with a spatiospectral region of interest in the β spectral band (12-30 Hz) in the central and posterior regions. These findings indicate that fabrication of MXene electrode arrays is a cost effective, efficient technology for multichannel EEG recording in rodents that obviates the need for skull-penetrating surgery. Moreover, increased β spectral power may contribute to the development of early post-mTBI seizures.

Significance Statement

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a critical technique used to study neurological activity in rodents. Commonly used EEG procedures require time-consuming skull-penetrating surgeries that may confound the experiments. Here we provide a cost-effective solution for obtaining two channel (EEG2) and high-density EEG (HdEEG) recordings on the skull surface thus avoiding major surgery. We compared this HdEEG system to traditional EEG recordings and then used it to determine the effects of mild traumatic brain injury on awake resting state spectral density. This novel open-source EEG system will contribute the electrophysiological characterization of rodent behaviors and seizure activity.
Neuronal TIMP2 regulates hippocampus-dependent plasticity and extracellular matrix complexity
Authors: Ferreira Ana Catarina , Hemmer Brittany M. , Philippi Sarah M. , Liu Hanxiao , Zhu Jeffrey D. , Kareva Tatyana , Ahfeldt Tim , Varghese Merina , Hof Patrick R. , Castellano Joseph M.
Published: December 2022

The functional output of the hippocampus, a brain region subserving memory processes, depends on highly orchestrated cellular and molecular processes that regulate synaptic plasticity throughout life. The structural requirements of such plasticity and molecular processes involved in this regulation are poorly understood. Specific molecules, including tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP2) have been implicated in processes of plasticity in the hippocampus, a role that decreases with brain aging as expression is lost. Here, we report that TIMP2 is highly expressed by neurons within the hippocampus and its loss drives changes in cellular programs related to adult neurogenesis and dendritic spine turnover with corresponding impairments in hippocampus-dependent memory. Consistent with the accumulation of ECM in the hippocampus we observe with aging, we find that TIMP2 acts to reduce accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) around synapses in the hippocampus. Moreover, its removal results in hindrance of newborn neuron migration through a denser ECM network. A novel conditional TIMP2 KO mouse reveals that neuronal TIMP2 regulates adult neurogenesis, accumulation of ECM, and ultimately hippocampus-dependent memory. Our results define a mechanism whereby hippocampus- dependent function is regulated by TIMP2 and its interactions with the ECM to regulate diverse processes associated with synaptic plasticity.
The cost of multiplexing: PFC integrates multiple sources of information in non-orthogonal components accounting for behavioral variability
Authors: Amengual Julian L , Bello Fabio Di , Hassen Sameh Ben Hadj , Gaillard Corentin , Astrand Elaine , Hamed Suliann Ben
Published: December 2022

The frontal eye field (FEF) is a cortical area classically associated with spatial attention, perception, and oculomotor functions. FEF exhibits complex response properties through mixed selectivity neurons, allowing a high dimensional representation of the information. However, recent studies have shown that FEF encodes information in a low-dimensional regime hence limiting the coding capacity of the neural population. How the FEF encodes multiple sources of information with such limited encoding capacity remains elusive. To address this question, we trained two macaques to perform a visual attention task while we recorded FEF neuronal activity using multi-contact electrodes. FEF neurons encoded task- (time in the trial; CTOA) and behaviour- (reaction time, RT; focus of attention, TA) related parameters prior to the target onset. We found a clear modulation of the RT and TA as a function of the CTOA. Using dPCA, we characterized the functional relationship between neural populations associated with each parameter and investigated how this functional relationship predicts behaviour. We found that CTOA variability was associated with two different components the activation of which was correlated with the TA and the RT, respectively. These CTOA-related components were non-orthogonal with the RT and TA-related components, respectively. These results suggest that, when different sources of information are implemented during task performance, they show a very precise geometrical configuration in non-orthogonal components, which allows a high capacity of information coding at a cost of modulating both the capacity of the monkey to use attention information and its responsiveness toward external stimuli.
Injectable MSC Spheroid and Microgel Granular Composites for Engineering Cartilage Tissue
Authors: Di Caprio Nikolas , Davidson Matthew D. , Daly Andrew C. , Burdick Jason A.
Published: December 2022

Articular cartilage is important for joint function, yet it can be damaged due to disease or trauma. Cartilage lacks natural healing processes and current clinical treatments are limited in their ability to form functional cartilage for repair. Here, we reimagine cartilage tissue engineering with an approach that combines aggregates of adult MSCs (spheroids) with hydrogel microparticles (microgels) to form granular composites that are injectable, permit cell-cell contacts for chondrogenesis, allow spheroid fusion and growth, and undergo interparticle crosslinking post-injection via light for stability. We use simulations and experimental analyses to establish the importance of initial MSC spheroid to microgel volume ratios in granular composites that balance mechanical support with tissue growth. Long-term chondrogenic cultures of granular composites produce engineered cartilage tissue within the range of native properties, which can be further enhanced via MSC/chondrocyte co-cultures. Altogether, we have developed a new strategy of injectable granular composites for engineering cartilage tissue.
Dynamic protein deacetylation is a limited carbon source for acetyl-CoA-dependent metabolism
Authors: Soaita Ioana , Megill Emily , Kantner Daniel , Chatoff Adam , Arany Zoltan , Snyder Nathaniel W , Wellen Kathryn E , Trefely Sophie
Published: December 2022

The ability of cells to store and rapidly mobilize energy reserves in response to nutrient availability is essential for survival. Breakdown of carbon stores produces acetyl-coenzyme-A (acetyl-CoA), which fuels various metabolic pathways and is also the acyl donor for protein lysine acetylation. Notably, histone acetylation is sensitive to acetyl-CoA availability and nutrient replete conditions induce a substantial accumulation of acetylation on histones. Deacetylation releases acetate, which can be recycled to acetyl-CoA, suggesting that deacetylation could be mobilized as an acetyl-CoA source to feed downstream metabolic processes under nutrient depletion. While the notion of histones as a metabolic reservoir has been frequently proposed, experimental evidence has been lacking. Therefore, to test this concept directly, we developed an experimental system to trace deacetylation-derived acetate and its incorporation into acetyl-CoA, using13C2-acetate in ATP citrate lyase-deficient fibroblasts (Acly-/-MEFs), which are primarily dependent on acetate for protein acetylation. We find that dynamic protein deacetylation inAcly-/-MEFs contributes carbons to acetyl-CoA and proximal downstream metabolites. However, there is no significant effect on acyl-CoA pool sizes, and even at maximal acetylation, deacetylation transiently supplies approximately 9% of cellular acetyl-CoA. Together, our data reveal that although protein acetylation is dynamic and sensitive to nutrient availability, its potential for maintaining cellular acetyl-CoA-dependent metabolic pathways is limited compared to cellular demand.
Ultra-Accurate Classification and Discovery of Functional Protein-Coding Genes from Microbiomes Using FunGeneTyper: An Expandable Deep Learning-Based Framework
Authors: Zhang Guoqing , Wang Hui , Zhang Zhiguo , Zhang Lu , Guo Guibing , Yang Jian , Yuan Fajie , Ju Feng
Published: December 2022

High-throughput DNA sequencing technologies open the gate to tremendous (meta)genomic data from yet-to-be-explored microbial dark matter. However, accurately assigning protein functions to new gene sequences remains challenging. To this end, we developed FunGeneTyper, an expandable deep learning-based framework with models, structured databases and tools for ultra-accurate (>0.99) and fine-grained classification and discovery of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factor or toxin genes. Specifically, this new framework achieves superior performance in discovering new ARGs from human gut (accuracy: 0.8512; and F1-score: 0.6948), wastewater (0.7273; 0.6072), and soil (0.8269; 0.5445) samples, beating the state-of-the-art bioinformatics tools and protein sequence-based (F1-score: 0.0556-0.5065) and domain-based (F1-score: 0.2630-0.5224) alignment approaches. We empowered the generalized application of the framework by implementing a lightweight, privacy-preserving and plug-and-play neural network module shareable among global developers and users. The FunGeneTyper*is released to promote the monitoring of key functional genes and discovery of precious enzymatic resources from diverse microbiomes.
DI/cle, a Measure Consisting of Insulin Sensitivity, Secretion, and Clearance, Captures Diabetic States
Authors: Sugimoto Hikaru , Hironaka Ken-ichi , Yamada Tomoko , Sakaguchi Kazuhiko , Ogawa Wataru , Kuroda Shinya
Published: December 2022

Context

Insulin clearance is implicated in regulation of glucose homeostasis independently of insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion.

Objective

To understand the relation between blood glucose and insulin sensitivity, secretion, and clearance.

Methods

We performed a hyperglycemic clamp, a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 47, 16, and 49 subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), respectively. Mathematical analyses were retrospectively performed on this dataset.

Results

The disposition index (DI), defined as the product of insulin sensitivity and secretion, showed a weak correlation with blood glucose levels, especially in IGT (r= 0.04; 95% CI, −0.63– 0.44). However, an equation relating DI, insulin clearance, and blood glucose levels was well conserved regardless of the extent of glucose intolerance. As a measure of the effect of insulin, we developed an index, designated “DI/cle,” that is based on this equation and corresponds to DI divided by the square of insulin clearance. DI/cle was not impaired in IGT compared with NGT, possibly as a result of a decrease in insulin clearance in response to a reduction in DI, whereas it was impaired in T2DM relative to IGT. Moreover, DI/cle estimated from a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, OGTT, or a fasting blood test were significantly correlated with that estimated from two clamp tests (r= 0.52; 95% CI, 0.37– 0.64,r= 0.43; 95% CI, 0.24– 0.58, andr= 0.54; 95% CI, 0.38– 0.68, respectively).

Conclusions

DI/cle can serve as a new indicator for the trajectory of changes in glucose tolerance.
The Warburg Effect is the result of faster ATP production by glycolysis than respiration
Authors: Kukurugya Matthew A. , Titov Denis V.
Published: December 2022

Many prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells metabolize glucose to organism-specific byproducts instead of fully oxidizing it to carbon dioxide and water–a phenomenon referred to as the Warburg Effect. The benefit to a cell has been unclear, given that partial metabolism of glucose yields an order of magnitude less ATP per molecule of glucose than complete oxidation. We show that glycolysis produces ATP faster per gram of pathway protein than respiration inE. coli,S. cerevisiae, and mammalian cells. A simple mathematical model that uses yield, rate, and proteome occupancy of glycolysis and respiration as the only parameters accurately predicts absolute rates of glycolysis and respiration in all three organisms under diverse conditions. Our study suggests that the Warburg Effect is a consequence of the optimization of the rate of energy generation under the constraint of finite proteome space.

One-Sentence Summary

The Warburg Effect is a manifestation by which cells across kingdoms of life optimize the rate of energy production.
Turnover of strain-level diversity modulates functional traits in the honeybee gut microbiome between nurses and foragers
Authors: Baud Gilles LC , Prasad Aiswarya , Ellegaard Kirsten M , Engel Philipp
Published: December 2022

Strain-level diversity is widespread among bacterial species and can expand the functional potential of natural microbial communities. However, to what extent communities undergo consistent shifts in strain composition in response to environmental/host changes is less well understood. Here, we used shotgun metagenomics to compare the gut microbiota of two behavioral states of the Western honeybee (Apis mellifera), namely nurse and forager bees. While their gut microbiota is composed of the same bacterial species, we detected consistent changes in strain-level composition between nurses and foragers. Single nucleotide variant profiles of predominant bacterial species clustered by behavioral state. Moreover, we identified strain-specific gene content related to nutrient utilization, vitamin biosynthesis, and cell-cell interactions specifically associated with the two behavioral states. Our findings show that strain-level diversity in host-associated communities can undergo consistent changes in response to host behavioral changes modulating the functional potential of the community.
Social context modulates multibrain broadband dynamics and functional brain-to-brain coupling in the group of mice
Authors: Lee Jeongyoon , Kwak Damhyeon , Lee Gwang Ung , Kim Chan Yeong , Park Sang Hyun , Choi Jee Hyun , Lee Sung Q. , Choe Han Kyoung
Published: December 2022

Although mice are social animals, studies that explore the simultaneously recorded neural activities of multiple mice, especially in a social setting, are still lacking. In this study, we simultaneously recorded local field potential (LFP) signals in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) from up to four mice. The brain activities of the mice were measured in two contradicting conditions - freely interacting in a group or being individually separated. We found that social context and the locomotive states predominately modulate the entire LFP structure. Power spectral density (PSD) estimate and spectrogram of LFP signals showed a broadband modulation; lower frequency bands—delta (<4Hz), theta (4-7Hz), and alpha (8-12Hz) power were highly correlated to each other and anti-correlated with gamma and high gamma (>30Hz) power. We calculated the high-to-low-power ratio (HLR) and found that HLR was higher when the mice were in a group than were separated. The HLR was also higher when they were active—whether or not they were moving. The mice in the group showed higher HLR in any locomotive states. We then analyzed whether social context can be divided into sub-contexts. Notably, the aggregation of animals, called huddling, decreased social context-induced increase in HLR. Multibrain analyses of HLR indicated that the mice in the group displayed high cross-correlation to each other, indicating interbrain synchrony. Then we examined whether there is any directional relationship between HLR from pairs of mice. A majority of dyad selected within the group of mice showed unilateral precedence of HLR by Granger causality analysis, comprising a hierarchical social structure based on a directionality of influence. Overall, this study shows the importance of the social environment in brain dynamics and emphasizes the value of simultaneous multibrain recording for researching social behaviors and their neural correlates.

One-sentence summary

Coexistence modulates overall brain activities with unilateral causal relationship.
Chromatin organization drives the exploration strategy of nuclear factors
Authors: Mazzocca Matteo , Loffreda Alessia , Colombo Emanuele , Fillot Tom , Gnani Daniela , Falletta Paola , Monteleone Emanuele , Capozi Serena , Bertrand Edouard , Legube Gaelle , Lavagnino Zeno , Tacchetti Carlo , Mazza Davide
Published: December 2022

Nuclear Factors (NFs) rapidly scan the genome for their targets, but the role of nuclear organization in such search is uncharted. Here we analyzed how multiple NFs explore chromatin, by combining live-cell single-molecule tracking with multifocal structured illumination of DNA density. We find that NFs displaying higher bound fractions sample DNA dense regions more exhaustively. Focusing on the tumor-suppressor p53, we demonstrated that this NF search for its targets by alternating between rapid diffusion in the interchromatin compartment and compact sampling of chromatin dense regions. Efficient p53 targeting requires balanced IDR/chromatin interactions: adding an exogenous IDR potentiates p53-mediated target gene activation, but excessive IDR/IDR interactions lead to p53 condensates, derailing its search and downregulating transcription. Our findings highlight the role of NF IDRs on their search and showcase a powerful method to generate traffic maps of the eukaryotic nucleus and dissect how nuclear organization guides NFs action.
Longitudinal Characterization of Cerebral Hemodynamics in the TgF344-AD Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Fang Xing , Tang Chengyun , Zhang Huawei , Border Jane J. , Liu Yedan , Shin Seung Min , Yu Hongwei , Roman Richard J. , Fan Fan
Published: December 2022

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a global healthcare crisis. The TgF344-AD rat is an AD model exhibiting age-dependent AD pathological hallmarks. We confirmed that AD rats developed cognitive deficits at 6 months without alteration of any other major biophysical parameters. We longitudinally characterized cerebral hemodynamics in AD rats at 3, 4, 6, and 14 months. The myogenic responses of the cerebral arteries and arterioles were impaired at 4 months of age in the AD rats. Consistent with theex vivoresults, the AD rat exhibited poor autoregulation of surface and deep cortical cerebral blood flow two months preceding cognitive decline. The dysfunction of cerebral hemodynamics in AD is exacerbated with age associated with reduced cerebral perfusion. Further, abolished cell contractility contributes to cerebral hemodynamics imbalance in AD. This may be attributed to enhanced ROS production, reduced mitochondrial respiration and ATP production, and disrupted actin cytoskeleton in cerebral vascular contractile cells.
Why the brown ghost chirps at night
Authors: Oboti Livio , Pedraja Federico , Ritter Marie , Lohse Marlena , Klette Lennart , Krahe Rüdiger
Published: December 2022

Since the pioneering work by Moeller, Szabo, and Bullock, weakly electric fish have served as a valuable model for investigating spatial and social cognitive abilities in a vertebrate taxon usually less accessible than mammals or other terrestrial vertebrates. These fish, through their electric organ, generate low-intensity electric fields to navigate and interact with conspecifics, even in complete darkness. The brown ghost knifefish is appealing as a study subject due to a rich electric “vocabulary”, made by individually variable and sex-specific electric signals. These are mainly characterized by brief frequency modulations of the oscillating dipole moment continuously generated by their electric organ, and are known as chirps. Different types of chirps are believed to convey specific and behaviorally salient information, serving as behavioral readouts for different internal states during behavioral observations. Despite the success of this model in neuroethology over the past seven decades, the code to decipher their electric communication remains unknown.

To this aim, in this study we re-evaluate the correlations between signals and behavior offering an alternative, and possibly complementary, explanation for why these freshwater bottom dwellers emit electric chirps. By uncovering correlations among chirping, electric field geometry, and detectability in enriched environments, we present evidence for a previously unexplored role of chirps as specialized self-directed signals, enhancing conspecific electrolocation during social encounters.
The SAGA HAT module is tethered by its SWIRM domain and modulates activity of the SAGA DUB module
Authors: Haile Sara T. , Rahman Sanim , Orsburn Benjamin C. , Bumpus Namandjé N. , Wolberger Cynthia
Published: December 2022

The SAGA (Spt-Ada-Gcn5 acetyltransferase) complex is a transcriptional coactivator that both acetylates and deubiquitinates histones. The histone acetyltransferase (HAT) subunit, Gcn5, is part of a subcomplex of SAGA called the HAT module. A minimal HAT module complex containing Gcn5 bound to Ada2 and Ada3 is required for full Gcn5 activity on nucleosomes. Deletion studies have suggested that the Ada2 SWIRM domain plays a role in tethering the HAT module to the remainder of SAGA. While recent cryo-EM studies have resolved the structure of the core of the SAGA complex, the HAT module subunits and molecular details of its interactions with the SAGA core could not be resolved. Here we show that the SWIRM domain is required for incorporation of the HAT module into the yeast SAGA complex, but not the ADA complex, a distinct six-protein acetyltransferase complex that includes the SAGA HAT module proteins. In the isolated Gcn5/Ada2/Ada3 HAT module, deletion of the SWIRM domain modestly increased activity but had negligible effect on nucleosome binding. Loss of the HAT module due to deletion of the SWIRM domain decreases the H2B deubiquitinating activity of SAGA, indicating a role for the HAT module in regulating SAGA DUB module activity. A model of the HAT module created with Alphafold Multimer provides insights into the structural basis for our biochemical data, as well as prior deletion studies.
Common core respiratory bacteriome of the blue whaleBalaenoptera musculus, in the Gulf of California
Authors: Domínguez-Sánchez Carlos A. , Álvarez-Martínez Roberto C. , Gendron Diane , Acevedo-Whitehouse Karina
Published: December 2022

The number of strandings and unusual mortality events that involve cetaceans may have increased, and potential pathogens of the respiratory tract have been found during the examination of individuals in many of these events. However, investigating the health of free-ranging large whales is logistically complex. Given that the core microbiome is key to understanding host-bacteria relationships and to identifying their relevance for individual and population health, we characterized the core respiratory bacteriome of the Eastern North Pacific blue whale,Balaenoptera musculus, using blow samples collected by a small quadracopter drone. 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing revealed 1,326 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), of which 11 were shared by more than 50% of all blue whales and had a relative abundance higher than 0.02%.Cutibacterium, Oceanivirga, Tenacibaculum, andPsychrobactercomposed the common core respiratory bacteriome of the blue whale. Additionally, compositional analysis identified 15 bacterial classes dominated by Gammaproteobacteria (27.14%), Bacteroidea (19.83%), and Clostridia (12.89%) as the most representative classes in the respiratory tract of blue whales. However, two whales had a high abundance of bacteria with pathogenic potential, namely Mycoplasmaspp. andStreptococcusspp. in their blow. Both bacterial genera have been associated with pulmonary diseases in mammals. Ours is the first study to characterize the respiratory bacteriome of apparently healthy blue whales and is a baseline for future long-term studies on blue whale health, an endangered species of conservation concern.
Identification and characterization of small molecule inhibitors of the LINE-1 retrotransposon endonuclease
Authors: D’Ordine Alexandra M. , Jogl Gerwald , Sedivy John M.
Published: December 2022

The long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1 or L1) retrotransposon is the only active autonomously replicating retrotransposon in the human genome. While most of the approximately 500,000 L1 copies are no longer able to propagate, those that retain activity can harm the cell by creating mutations, generating DNA damage, and triggering the expression of inflammatory factors such as the host interferon anti-viral response. Therefore, inhibition of L1 could be used to treat a variety of diseases associated with these processes. Previous research has focused on inhibition of the L1 reverse transcriptase (RT) activity, in part due to the prevalence of well-characterized existing inhibitors to related viral enzymes. Here we present the L1 endonuclease (EN) as an additional target for reducing the detrimental effects of L1 expression. We have screened and characterized a set of structurally diverse small molecule EN inhibitors using computational, biochemical, and cellular methods. We also show that these inhibitors reduce DNA damage created by L1 and inflammation reinforced by L1 activity in senescent cells. These inhibitors could be further used to modulate endogenous L1 function to better understand the lifecycle of this ubiquitous disease-relevant element.
Cerium dioxide modified with fumaric acid as corrosion inhibitor for epoxy coatings on Q235
Authors: Dong Yinxia , Li Mingtian , Zhang Yingjun , Xie Chun , Pan Zhongwen
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to modify cerium dioxide with fumaric acid (CeO2-f) to improve its compatibility and dispersibility in epoxy resin and to investigate the effect of the content on the coating performance.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate whether CeO2-f reacts with epoxy resin by ring opening, CeO2-f and epoxy resin-treated CeO2-f (Ce CeO2-f/EP) were analyzed by infrared radiation (IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis). To reveal the effect of different content on coatings properties, neutral salt spray test (NSST) and electrochemical test were performed.

Findings

The results of IR, XRD, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV-Vis indicated that fumaric acid attached to the CeO2 surface by chemical bonding and underwent a ring-opening reaction with epoxy resin, thus, improving the compatibility of CeO2 in epoxy resin. NSST and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results showed that the coatings containing 5% CeO2-f exhibited the optimal corrosion resistance. The reason is that a dense conversion film was established on the substrate surface.

Originality/value

The epoxy coatings using CeO2-f as fillers with synergistic inhibition ability are promising for the protection of carbon steel.
The association between fingerprint patterns and blood groups in the Omani population
Authors: Al Habsi Tariq , Al Khabori Hussein , Al Qasmi Sara , Al Habsi Tasnim , Al Mushaiqri Mohamed , Das Srijit , Sirasanagandla Srinivasa Rao
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Fingerprints and blood samples are important for the identification of individuals and criminals. The present study aims to identify the predominant fingerprint patterns and the association between the fingerprint patterns and ABO–Rh blood groups in Omani population.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 Omani individuals aged 18 years (104 males and 96 females). The imprints of all right and left-hand fingers were taken, and the types of the fingerprints were determined using a standard protocol. The blood group of all the subjects was recorded. Chi-square test was performed to identify the association between the fingerprint patterns and the ABO and Rh blood groups.

Findings

The loop fingerprint pattern was the most common in Omani subjects (49.4%), followed by whorl (44.9%) and arch (5.7%) pattern. A significant association (p < 0.001) was found between gender and fingerprint pattern. The loop was the highest occurring pattern in the females (54.6%), while the whorl was more in males (50.0%). The whorl pattern was the most common in the AB+ and O− groups. The loop was a predominant pattern in the A+, A−, B+, B− and O+ groups. The Chi-square test also revealed a significant correlation between different fingerprint patterns and blood groups of the subjects (p < 0.001).

Originality/value

The present study is an outcome of undergraduate student's research project thesis for the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. The results of the present study may help in creating a data bank for biometrics, which can be useful for diagnosing associated diseases and also help in identification of individuals.
The power of photographs: the impact of marketer- and user-generated photographs on consumers' online hotel booking
Authors: He Junhui
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study examined how marketer- and user-generated photographs jointly influence consumers' online hotel booking.

Design/methodology/approach

Viewing photographs as stimuli that influence consumers' online hotel booking, this study proposes a research model and validates that using one quasi-experiment.

Findings

The findings of this study provide some empirical insights. Marketers can release room- and scene-related photographs. Users can release product- and social-related photographs. The interaction between room-related photographs by marketers and product-related photographs by users can promote energetic arousal and dominance and then promote online booking intention. The interaction between scene-related photographs by marketers and social-related photographs by users can promote energetic arousal and dominance and then promote online booking intention. Pleasure, energetic arousal and dominance can positively influence the attitude toward photographs. Pleasure and energetic arousal can positively influence the attitude toward photographs and then positively influence booking intention. Dominance can positively influence booking intention.

Originality/value

The findings of this study reveal significant interaction effects between marketer- and user-generated photographs on consumers' online booking. The findings will help researchers and marketers better understand the impact of photographs on consumers' online hotel booking.
Decision-making under extreme uncertainty: eristic rather than heuristic
Authors: Kurdoglu Rasim Serdar , Ates Nufer Yasin , Lerner Daniel A.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce eristic decision-making in entrepreneurship. A decision is eristically made when it utilizes eristics, which are action-triggering short-cuts that draw on hedonic urges (e.g. sensation-seeking). Unlike heuristics, eristic decision-making is not intendedly rational as eristics lead to decision-making without calculating or even considering the consequences of actions. Eristics are adaptive when uncertainty is extreme. Completely novel strategies, nascent venturing, corporate venturing for radical innovation and adapting to shocks (e.g. pandemic) are typically subject to extreme uncertainties.

Design/methodology/approach

In light of the relevant debates in entrepreneurship, psychology and decision sciences, the paper builds new conceptual links to establish its theoretical claims through secondary research.

Findings

The paper posits that people adapt to extreme uncertainty by using eristic reasoning rather than heuristic reasoning. Heuristic reasoning allows boundedly rational decision-makers to use qualitative cues to estimate the consequences of actions and to make reasoned decisions. By contrast, eristic reasoning ignores realistic calculations and considerations about the future consequences of actions and produces decisions guided by hedonic urges.

Originality/value

Current entrepreneurial research on uncertainty usually focuses on moderate levels of uncertainty where heuristics and other intendedly rational decision-making approaches pay off. By contrast, this paper focuses on extreme uncertainty where eristics are adaptive. While not intendedly rational, the adaptiveness of eristic reasoning offers theoretically and psychologically grounded new explanations about action under extreme uncertainty.
The COVID-19 pandemic and global food security: a bibliometric analysis and future research direction
Authors: AlNemer Hashem Abdullah
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the nature and trends in the knowledge discovery process on COVID-19 and food insecurity using a comprehensive bibliometric analysis based on the indexing literature in the Scopus database.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were extracted from Scopus using the keywords COVID-19 and food security to ensure extensive coverage. A total of 840 research papers on COVID-19 and food security were analysed using VOSviewer and RStudio software.

Findings

The findings of the bibliometric analysis in terms of mapping of scientific research across countries and co-occurrence of research keywords provide the trends in research focus and future directions for food insecurity research during times of uncertainty. Based on this analysis, the focus of scientific research has been categorised as COVID-19 and food supply resilience, COVID-19 and food security, COVID-19 and public health, COVID-19 and nutrition, COVID-19 and mental health and depression, COVID-19 and migration and COVID-19 and social distancing. A thematic map was created to identify future research on COVID-19 and food security.

Practical implications

This analysis identifies potential research areas such as food supply and production, nutrition and health that may help set future research agendas and devise policy supports for better managing food insecurity during uncertainty.

Originality/value

This analysis provides epistemological underpinnings for knowledge generation and acquisition on COVID-19 and food insecurity.
A meta-analytic examination of the antecedents explaining the intention to use fintech
Authors: Bommer William H. , Milevoj Emil , Rana Shailesh
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study examines antecedents to fintech use intention to determine which antecedents can provide a parsimonious, yet accurate explanation.

Design/methodology/approach

Meta-analyses based on 42 samples estimate how seven antecedents are associated with fintech use intentions. Subsequent analyses utilize meta-analyses to estimate a regression analysis to simultaneously estimate the relationship between the antecedents and fintech use intention. Relative weight analysis then determined each antecedent's utility.

Findings

Hedonic motivation, price value, performance expectations and social influence had the strongest relationships with intention to use fintech. Further analyses found a parsimonious model with only three antecedents was nearly as predictive as the full seven antecedent model. Four moderating variables were examined but played minor roles.

Research limitations/implications

Common method variance may impact the findings because all primary studies used cross-sectional surveys.

Practical implications

Very few measures (i.e. three) can robustly explain fintech use intention. When these measures cannot be readily influenced, alternatives are also presented.

Originality/value

This is the first integrative review of fintech use intentions. The authors integrate what is currently known about fintech use intentions and then provide a robust model for fintech use intentions that both researchers and practitioners can utilize.
COVID-19 and accounting as multidimensional technical, social and moral practice: a framework for future research
Authors: Carnegie Garry D. , Gomes Delfina , McBride Karen
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to augment an understanding of the importance and relevance of a proposed new definition of accounting to reset, inform and develop accounting education, professional practice and research, from tomorrow, for the purpose of shaping a better world. In the process of setting an agenda, we outline, discuss, and analyse the eight articles which follow depicting complementary and insightful scenarios during COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies an original informing framework for discussion and analysis purposes, described as Framework of the Multidimensional Nature of Accounting. The proposed, multidimensional definition is “Accounting is a technical, social and moral practice concerned with the sustainable utilisation of resources and proper accountability to stakeholders to enable the flourishing of organisations, people and nature” (Carnegie et al., 2021a, p. 69, 2021b).

Findings

Accounting is conceived, understood and examined in the research portrayed as a combined technical, social and moral practice concerned with shaping a better world to enable the flourishing of organisations, people and nature. To the contrary, accounting is not recognised as a mere neutral, benign, technical practice.

Research limitations/implications

While this paper examines the other articles, there is no substitute for carefully reading, and reflecting on, all the articles published. Importantly, each contribution provides unique and comprehensive insights on accounting during the initial global pandemic period.

Originality/value

Accounting is studied in different organisational and social contexts against the backdrop of a global pandemic, among other “wicked problems” worldwide.
Cultural attractiveness index for sustainable cities: Tourism Agenda 2030
Authors: Zhang Huiying , Leung Xi Yu , Bai Billy
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Aligned with cultural attraction theory, this study aims to propose a cultural attractiveness index (CAI) that helps tourism practitioners and scholars evaluate and track the cultural attractiveness of urban destinations (cities) in the context of sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying the Delphi method, a panel of experts was recruited to conduct three rounds of review to generate dimensions and determine indicators and corresponding weights. This study then verified CAI with statistical data from three sample cities (London, New York and Beijing).

Findings

A 12-item three-dimensional index structure (cultural places, cultural activities and cultural atmosphere) was created as CAI. This study also applied the CAI to compare three sample cities. The comparison identified possible aspects to be improved in developing cultural attractiveness, confirming CAI’s usefulness in fostering sustainable development.

Originality/value

The new CAI offers an effective tool for ascertaining a sustainable city’s cultural attractiveness while extending the cultural attraction theory and filling the existing gaps in the literature through a benchmark instrument. The CAI also provides an effective tool for destination managers and tourism practitioners for their sustainable initiatives in cities.
The Australian Economy in 2022–23: Inflation and Higher Interest Rates in a Post‐COVID‐19 World
Authors: Tsiaplias Sarantis , Wang Jiao
Published: December 2022

Record levels of domestic and global stimulus during the COVID‐19 pandemic years helped to mitigate largely unparalleled downside risks. Post‐COVID‐19, inflation surged in Australia due to overseas factors such as the war in Ukraine, and domestic factors such as COVID‐related backlogs in the construction sector. To constrain inflation, the Reserve Bank shifted to a phase of aggressive monetary policy tightening in 2022. There are, however, cost of living ramifications associated with tighter monetary policy. Looking forward, there is significant uncertainty about the rate at which inflation will normalise, and the spending response of consumers to higher interest rates.