bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kit Ligand and Kit receptor tyrosine kinase sustain synaptic inhibition of Purkinje Cells
Authors: Zaman Tariq , Vogt Daniel , Prokop Jeremy , Alsabia Qusai Abdulkhaliq , Simms Gabriel , Stafford April , Luikart Bryan W. , Williams Michael R.
Published: May 2023

The cell-type specific expression of ligand/receptor and cell-adhesion molecules is a fundamental mechanism through which neurons regulate connectivity. Here we determine a functional relevance of the long-established mutually exclusive expression of the receptor tyrosine kinase Kit and the trans-membrane protein Kit Ligand by discrete populations of neurons in the mammalian brain. Kit is enriched in molecular layer interneurons (MLIs) of the cerebellar cortex (i.e., stellate and basket cells), while cerebellar Kit Ligand is selectively expressed by a target of their inhibition, Purkinje cells (PCs). Byin vivogenetic manipulation spanning embryonic development through adulthood, we demonstrate that PC Kit Ligand and MLI Kit are required for, and capable of driving changes in, inhibition of PCs. Collectively, these works in mice demonstrate that the Kit Ligand/Kit receptor dyad sustains mammalian central synapse function and suggest a rationale for the affiliation of Kit mutation with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Visual Abstract
Adaptation to sorbic acid in low sugar promotes resistance of spoilage yeasts to the preservative
Authors: Harvey Harry J. , Hendry Alex C. , Chirico Marcella , Archer David B. , Avery Simon V.
Published: May 2023

The weak acid sorbic acid is a common preservative used in soft drink beverages to control microbial spoilage. Consumers and industry are increasingly transitioning to low-sugar food formulations, but potential impacts of reduced-sugar on preservative efficacy are barely characterised. In this study, we report enhanced sorbic acid resistance of spoilage yeasts in low-glucose conditions. We had anticipated that low glucose may induce respiratory metabolism, previously shown to be targeted by sorbic acid. However, a shift from respiratory to fermentative metabolism was correlated with the sorbic acid resistance in low glucose. Fermentation-deficient yeast species did not show the low-glucose resistance phenotype. Phenotypes observed for certain yeast deletion strains suggested roles for glucose signalling and repression pathways in the sorbic acid resistance at low glucose. This low- glucose induced sorbic acid resistance was alleviated by supplementing yeast cultures with succinic acid, a metabolic intermediate of respiratory metabolism (and a food-safe additive) that promoted respiration. The results indicate that metabolic adaptation of spoilage yeasts promotes sorbic acid resistance at low glucose, providing new insight into potential spoilage, and preservation, of foodstuffs as both food producers and consumers move towards a reduced-sugar landscape.
Stochastic RNA editing of the Complexin C-terminus within single neurons regulates neurotransmitter release
Authors: Brija Elizabeth A. , Guan Zhuo , Jetti Suresh K. , Littleton J. Troy
Published: May 2023

Neurotransmitter release requires assembly of the SNARE complex fusion machinery, with multiple SNARE-binding proteins regulating this process to control when and where synaptic vesicle fusion occurs. Complexin (Cpx) controls spontaneous and evoked neurotransmitter release by modulating SNARE complex zippering. Although the central SNARE-binding helix is essential, post-translational modifications to Cpx’s C-terminal membrane-binding amphipathic helix modulate its activity. Here we demonstrate that RNA editing of the Cpx C-terminus regulates its ability to clamp SNARE-mediated fusion and alters presynaptic output. RNA editing of Cpx within single neurons is stochastic, generating up to eight edit variants that fine-tune neurotransmitter release by changing the subcellular localization and clamping properties of the protein. Similar editing rules for other synaptic genes were observed, indicating stochastic editing at single adenosines and across multiple mRNAs can generate unique synaptic proteomes within the same population of neurons to fine-tune presynaptic output.
Isolation of Biologically Active Extracellular Vesicles-Associated AAVs for Gene Delivery to the Brain by Size Exclusion Chromatography
Authors: Henriques Carina , Lopes Miguel M. , Albuquerque Patrícia , Rufino-Ramos David , Gaspar Laetitia S. , Lobo Diana , Leandro Kevin , Silva Ana Carolina , Baganha Rafael , Duarte Sónia , Maguire Casey A. , Santana Magda , Almeida Luís Pereira de , Nobre Rui Jorge
Published: May 2023

Extracellular vesicles-associated adeno-associated viral vectors (EV-AAVs) emerged as a new opportunity for non-invasive gene therapy targeting the central nervous system (CNS). However, in previous reports, only AAV serotypes with known ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) have been used for EV-AAV production and testing through non-invasive strategies. In this work, we aimed at optimizing a size exclusion chromatography (SEC) protocol for the production and isolation of natural and biologically active brain-targeting EV-AAVs, that could be applied to any AAV serotype and further used for non-invasive gene delivery to the CNS. We performed a comparison between SEC and differential ultracentrifugation (UC) isolation protocols in terms of yield, contaminants, and transgene expression efficiency. We found that SEC allows a higher recovery of EV-AAVs, free of cell contaminating proteins and with lesssoloAAVs than UC. Remarkably, SEC-purified EV-AAVs also showed to be more potent at transgene expression thansoloAAVs in neuronal cell lines. EV-AAVs exhibited the ability to cross the BBB in neonatal mice upon intravenous administration. In conclusion, SEC-purified brain-targeting EV-AAVs show to be a promising gene delivery vector for therapy of brain disorders.

Graphical Abstract

During the production of AAV vectors, a small percentage of AAVs is secreted in association with extracellular vesicles, named “EV-AAVs”. EV-AAVs can be efficiently isolated by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). When intravenously injected in mice, brain targeting EV-AAVs can cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) and transduce neuronal cells.
Multimodal Deep Learning Model Unveils Behavioral Dynamics of V1 Activity in Freely Moving Mice
Authors: Xu Aiwen , Hou Yuchen , Niell Cristopher M. , Beyeler Michael
Published: May 2023

Despite their immense success as a model of macaque visual cortex, deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have struggled to predict activity in visual cortex of the mouse, which is thought to be strongly dependent on the animal’s behavioral state. Furthermore, most computational models focus on predicting neural responses to static images presented under head fixation, which are dramatically different from the dynamic, continuous visual stimuli that arise during movement in the real world. Consequently, it is still unknown how natural visual input and different behavioral variables may integrate over time to generate responses in primary visual cortex (V1). To address this, we introduce a multimodal recurrent neural network that integrates gaze-contingent visual input with behavioral and temporal dynamics to explain V1 activity in freely moving mice. We show that the model achieves state-of-the-art predictions of V1 activity during free exploration and demonstrate the importance of each component in an extensive ablation study. Analyzing our model using maximally activating stimuli and saliency maps, we reveal new insights into cortical function, including the prevalence of mixed selectivity for behavioral variables in mouse V1. In summary, our model offers a comprehensive deep-learning framework for exploring the computational principles underlying V1 neurons in freely-moving animals engaged in natural behavior.
Na+/H+antiporter activity by respiratory complex I controls mitochondrial Δψ and is impaired in LHON disease
Authors: Hernansanz-Agustín Pablo , Morales-Vidal Carmen , Calvo Enrique , Natale Paolo , Martí-Mateos Yolanda , Jaroszewicz Sara Natalia , Cabrera-Alarcón José Luis , López-Montero Iván , Vázquez Jesús , Enríquez José Antonio
Published: May 2023

The mitochondrial electron transport chain (mETC) converts the energy of substrate oxidation into a H+electrochemical gradient (Δp), which is composed by an inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) potential (ΔΨmt) and a pH gradient (ΔpH). So far, ΔΨmt has been assumed to be composed exclusively by H+. Mitochondrial Ca2+and Na+homeostasis, which are essential for cellular function, are controlled by exchangers and antiporters in the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). In the last few years, some of them have been identified, except for the Na+-specific mitochondrial Na+/H+exchanger (mNHE). Here, using a rainbow of mitochondrial and nuclear genetic models, we have identified the P-module of complex I (CI) as the major mNHE. In turn, its activity creates a Na+gradient across the IMM, parallel to ΔpH, which accounts for half of the ΔΨmt in coupled respiring mitochondria. We have also found that a deregulation of this mNHE function in CI, without affecting its enzymatic activity, occurs in Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), which has profound consequences in ΔΨmt and mitochondrial Ca2+homeostasis and explains the previously unknown molecular pathogenesis of this neurodegenerative disease.
The Geometric Basis of Epithelial Convergent Extension
Authors: Brauns Fridtjof , Claussen Nikolas H. , Lefebvre Matthew F. , Wieschaus Eric F. , Shraiman Boris I.
Published: May 2023

Shape changes of epithelia during animal development, such as convergent extension, are achieved through concerted mechanical activity of individual cells. While much is known about the corresponding large scale tissue flow and its genetic drivers, fundamental questions regarding local control of contractile activity on cellular scale and its embryo-scale coordination remain open. To address these questions, we develop a quantitative, model-based analysis framework to relate cell geometry to local tension in recently obtained timelapse imaging data of gastrulatingDrosophilaembryos. This analysis provides a systematic decomposition of cell shape changes and T1-rearrangements into internally driven, active, and externally driven, passive, contributions. Our analysis provides evidence that germ band extension is driven by active T1 processes that self-organize through positive feedback acting on tensions. More generally, our findings suggest that epithelial convergent extension results from controlled transformation of internal force balance geometry which combines the effects of bottom-up local self-organization with the top-down, embryo-scale regulation by gene expression.
Uncovering structural features that control substrate specificity in a Lactobacillus chlorogenic acid esterase
Authors: Omori Kellie K. , Okumura Tracie L. S. , Carl Nathaniel B. , Dinn Brianna T. , Ly Destiny , Sacapano Kylie N. , Tajii Allie , Owens Cedric P.
Published: May 2023

The structural determinants of chlorogenic acid esterase (CE) substrate specificity are poorly understood. Here, we establish how aLactobacillus helveticusCE selects for its substrate, chlorogenic acid (CGA). We determine that a Lys residue in an extended loop over the active site imparts substrate specificity by hydrogen bonding to CGA. Mutation of the Lys residue abolishes CGA specificity. Comparison with other bacterial CEs reveals that the extended loop is not conserved. However, the hydrogen bonding functionality to CGA is preserved thanks to other residues. Structural comparison with ferulic acid esterases (FAEs), a related enzyme class, shows that CEs feature a more restricted active site, reflecting the fact that they hydrolyze smaller substrates compared to FAEs.
Citrate cross-feeding betweenPseudomonas aerguinosagenotypes supportslasRmutant fitness
Authors: Mould Dallas L. , Finger Carson E. , Botelho Nico , Stuut Stacie E. , Hogan Deborah A.
Published: May 2023

Across the tree of life, clonal populations—from cancer to chronic bacterial infections — frequently give rise to subpopulations with different metabolic phenotypes. Metabolic exchange or cross-feeding between subpopulations can have profound effects on both cell phenotypes and population-level behavior. InPseudomonas aeruginosa, subpopulations with loss-of-function mutations in thelasRgene are common. Though LasR is often described for its role in density-dependent virulence factor expression, interactions between genotypes suggest potential metabolic differences. The specific metabolic pathways and regulatory genetics enabling such interactions were previously undescribed. Here, we performed an unbiased metabolomics analysis that revealed broad differences in intracellular metabolomes, including higher levels of intracellular citrate in LasR- strains. We found that while both strains secreted citrate, only LasR- strains, consumed citrate in rich media. Elevated activity of the CbrAB two component system which relieves carbon catabolite repression enabled citrate uptake. Within mixed genotype communities, we found that the citrate responsive two component system TctED and its gene targets OpdH (porin) and TctABC (transporter) required for citrate uptake were induced and required for enhanced RhlR signalling and virulence factor expression in LasR- strains. Enhanced citrate uptake by LasR- strains eliminates differences in RhlR activity between LasR+ and LasR- strains thereby circumventing the sensitivity of LasR- strains to quorum sensing controlled exoproducts. Citrate cross feeding also induces pyocyanin production in LasR- strains co-cultured withStaphylococcus aureus, another species known to secrete biologically-active concentrations of citrate. Metabolite cross feeding may play unrecognized roles in competitive fitness and virulence outcomes when different cell types are together.

IMPORTANCE

Cross-feeding can change community composition, structure and function. Though cross-feeding has predominantly focused on interactions between species, here we unravel a cross-feeding mechanism between frequently co-observed isolate genotypes ofPseudomonas aeruginosa. Here we illustrate an example of how such clonally-derived metabolic diversity enables intraspecies cross-feeding. Citrate, a metabolite released by many cells includingP. aeruginosa, was differentially consumed between genotypes, and this cross-feeding induced virulence factor expression and fitness in genotypes associated with worse disease.
Illuminating Dark Chemical Matter using the Cell Painting Assay
Authors: Pahl Axel , Liu Jie , Patil Sohan , Rezaei Adariani Soheila , Schölermann Beate , Warmers Jens , Bonowski Jana , Koska Sandra , Sievers Sonja , Ziegler Slava , Waldmann Herbert
Published: May 2023

The identification of bioactive small molecules is at the heart of chemical biology and medicinal research. The screening for modulators of disease-relevant targets and phenotypes is the first step on the way to new drugs. Therefore, large compound libraries have been synthesized and employed by academia and, particularly, pharmaceutical companies to meet the need for chemical entities that are as diverse as possible. Extensive screening of these compound libraries revealed a portion of small molecules that is inactive in more than 100 different assays and was therefore termed ‘dark chemical matter’ (DCM). Deorphanization of DCM promises to yield very selective compounds as they, by definition, should have less off-target effects. We employed morphological profiling using the Cell painting assay (CPA) to detect bioactive DCM compounds. CPA is not biased to a given target or phenotype and can detect various unrelated mechanisms and modes of action. Within the DCM collection, we identified bioactive compounds and confirmed several modulators of microtubules, DNA synthesis and pyrimidine biosynthesis. Profiling approaches are therefore powerful tools to probe compound collections for bioactivity in an unbiased manner and particularly suitable for deorphanization of DCM.
Protein phosphatase 4 is required for Centrobin function in DNA damage repair
Authors: Réthi-Nagy Zsuzsánna , Ábrahám Edit , Sinka Rita , Juhász Szilvia , Lipinszki Zoltán
Published: May 2023

Genome stability in human cells relies on the efficient repair of double-stranded DNA breaks, which is mainly achieved by homologous recombination (HR). Among the regulators of various cellular functions, Protein Phosphatase 4 (PP4) plays a pivotal role in coordinating the cellular response to DNA damage. Meanwhile, Centrobin (Ctb), initially recognized for its association with centrosomal function and microtubule dynamics, has sparked interest due to its potential contribution to DNA repair processes. In this study, we investigate the involvement of PP4 and its interaction with Ctb in HR-mediated DNA repair in human cells. Employing a range of experimental strategies, we investigate the physical interaction between PP4 and Ctb and shed light on the importance of two specific motifs in Ctb, the PP4-binding FRVP and the ATR kinase recognition SQ sequences, in the DNA repair process. Moreover, we examine cells lacking PP4 or Ctb and cells harboring FRVP and SQ mutations in Ctb, which result in similarly abnormal chromosome morphologies. This phenomenon likely results from the impaired resolution of Holliday junctions, which serve as crucial intermediates in HR. Taken together, our results provide new insights into the intricate mechanisms and interrelationships of PP4 and Ctb in the regulation of HR repair.
Particle-based phasor-FLIM-FRET resolves protein-protein interactions inside single viral particles
Authors: Coucke Quinten , Parveen Nagma , Fernández Guillermo Solís , Qian Chen , Hofkens Johan , Debyser Zeger , Hendrix Jelle
Published: May 2023

Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) is a popular modality to create additional contrast in fluorescence images. By carefully analyzing pixel-based nanosecond lifetime patterns, FLIM allows studying complex molecular populations. At the single molecule or single particle level, however, image series often suffer from low signal intensities per pixel, rendering it difficult to quantitatively disentangle different lifetime species, such as during FRET analysis in the presence of a significant donor-only fraction. To address this problem, we combined particle localization with phasor-based FLIM analysis. Using simulations, we first showed that an average of ∼300 photons, spread over the different pixels encompassing single fluorescing particles and without background, is enough to determine a correct phasor signature (standard deviation <5% for a 4 ns lifetime). For immobilized single- or double-labeled dsDNA molecules, we next validated that particle-based phasor-FLIM-FRET readily allows estimating fluorescence lifetimes and FRET from single molecules. Thirdly, we applied particle-based phasor-FLIM-FRET to investigate protein-protein interactions in sub diffraction HIV-1 viral particles. To do this, we first quantitatively compared the fluorescence brightness, lifetime and photostability of different popular fluorescent protein-based FRET probes when genetically fused to the HIV-1 integrase enzyme (IN) in viral particles, and conclude that eGFP, mTurquoise2 and mScarlet perform best. Finally, for viral particles co-expressing FRET-donor/acceptor labeled IN, we determined the absolute FRET efficiency of IN oligomers. Available in a convenient open-source graphical user interface, we believe that particle-based phasor-FLIM-FRET is a promising tool to provide detailed insights in samples suffering from low overall signal intensities.

Why it matters

Phasor-FLIM is an extraordinarily popular tool for fluorescence lifetime imaging analysis. However, it remains susceptible for low signal intensities, operational challenges and therefore required informed users and a clear analysis understanding. In this work we developed a convenient all-graphical workflow for quantitative phasor-FLIM in heterogenous and low-signal samples and applied it to quantifying absolute FRET efficiencies from protein-protein interactions inside single viral particles. Moreover, containing a well-illustrated theoretical introduction to time-domain phasor-FLIM, our paper helps novice users to correctly implement phasor-FLIM in standard microscopy practice.
Human-specific lncRNAs contributed critically to human evolution by distinctly regulating gene expression
Authors: Lin Jie , Wen Yujian , Tang Ji , Zhang Xuecong , Zhang Huanlin , Zhu Hao
Published: June 2023

What genes and regulatory sequences make humans and apes that share substantial genes but show distinct phenotypes has puzzled researchers for decades. Genomic studies have examined species-specific genes and regulatory sequences (e.g., transcription factor binding sites, TFBS); birth, loss, and changes in these genes and sequences can greatly drive speciation and evolution. However, those involved in epigenetic regulation - species-specific lncRNA genes and regulatory sequences - remain poorly explored. We identified human-specific (HS) lncRNAs from GENCODE-annotated human lncRNAs, predicted their DNA binding domains (DBDs) and binding sites (DBSs) genome-wide, analyzed DBSs in modern humans (CEU, CHB, and YRI), archaic humans (Altai Neanderthals, Denisovans, and Vindija Neanderthals), and their counterparts in chimpanzees, and analyzed how DBSs influence gene expression in modern and archaic humans. Our results suggest that HS lncRNAs and their DBSs have substantially rewired gene expression human-specifically, the rewiring has evolved continuously from archaic to modern humans, and rewired gene expression has promoted brain development, made humans adapt to new environments and lifestyles, and caused differences in modern humans.
Long ant life span is maintained by a unique heat shock factor
Authors: Glastad Karl M. , Roessler Julian , Gospocic Janko , Bonasio Roberto , Berger Shelley L.
Published: May 2023

Eusocial insect reproductive females show strikingly longer life spans than nonreproductive female workers despite high genetic similarity. In the antHarpegnathos saltator(Hsal), workers can transition to reproductive “gamergates,” acquiring a fivefold prolonged life span by mechanisms that are poorly understood. We found that gamergates have elevated expression of heat shock response (HSR) genes in the absence of heat stress and enhanced survival with heat stress. This HSR gene elevation is driven in part by gamergate-specific up-regulation of the gene encoding a truncated form of a heat shock factor most similar to mammalian HSF2 (hsalHSF2). In workers, hsalHSF2 was bound to DNA only upon heat stress. In gamergates, hsalHSF2 bound to DNA even in the absence of heat stress and was localized to gamergate-biased HSR genes. Expression of hsalHSF2 inDrosophila melanogasterled to enhanced heat shock survival and extended life span in the absence of heat stress. Molecular characterization illuminated multiple parallels between long-lived flies and gamergates, underscoring the centrality of hsalHSF2 to extended ant life span. Hence, ant caste-specific heat stress resilience and extended longevity can be transferred to flies via hsalHSF2. These findings reinforce the critical role of proteostasis in health and aging and reveal novel mechanisms underlying facultative life span extension in ants.
Germ cell-specific eIF4E1b regulates maternal mRNA translation to ensure zygotic genome activation
Authors: Yang Guanghui , Xin Qiliang , Feng Iris , Wu Di , Dean Jurrien
Published: May 2023

Translation of maternal mRNAs is detected before transcription of zygotic genes and is essential for mammalian embryo development. How certain maternal mRNAs are selected for translation instead of degradation and how this burst of translation affects zygotic genome activation remain unknown. Using gene-edited mice, we document that the oocyte-specific eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E family member 1b (eIF4E1b) is the regulator of maternal mRNA expression that ensures subsequent reprogramming of the zygotic genome. In oocytes, eIF4E1b binds to transcripts encoding translation machinery proteins, chromatin remodelers, and reprogramming factors to promote their translation in zygotes and protect them from degradation. The protein products are thought to establish an open chromatin landscape in one-cell zygotes to enable transcription of genes required for cleavage stage development. Our results define a program for rapid resetting of the zygotic epigenome that is regulated by maternal mRNA expression and provide new insights into the mammalian maternal-to-zygotic transition.
Clinical case report: mosaicANK3pathogenic variant in a patient with autism spectrum disorder and neurodevelopmental delay
Authors: Fang Xiaolan , Fee Timothy , Davis Jessica , Stolerman Elliot S. , Caylor Raymond C.
Published: June 2023

Ankyrins are a family of proteins that link integral membrane proteins to the underlying spectrin-actin cytoskeleton and play a key role in activities such as cell motility, activation, proliferation, cell–cell contact, and the maintenance of specialized membrane domains.Ankyrin 3 (ANK3)is one of the three major subtypes of the ankyrin protein family. Ankryin genes are ubiquitously expressed, but their expression is highest in the brain. In the central nervous system, ankyrins have critical roles at the axonal initial segment, the nodes of Ranvier, and at synapses. To date, pathogenic variants inANK3have been reported in individuals with neuropsychiatric, cognitive, and neurodevelopmental disorders. The clinical severity is variable in these individuals with both autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant patterns of inheritance observed. These findings have suggested genotype–phenotype correlations and even isoform-specific implications for individuals withANK3pathogenic variants. Here, we report a patient with speech delay, autism spectrum disorder, and a language disorder in which a de novo nonsenseANK3alteration was discovered by exome sequencing. Interestingly, the next-generation sequencing data suggested the change was mosaic in the affected child, and it was confirmed by digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) at 22% allelic fraction. To our knowledge, this is the first case of an individual with a pathogenic mosaicANK3variant. This finding expands upon the existing genotype–phenotype information available for theANK3gene while also highlighting potential gene expression correlations with phenotype.
Production of Transgenic F0Animals and Permanent Lines by Sperm Nuclear Transplantation inXenopus tropicalis
Authors: Nakayama Takuya , Gray Jessica , Grainger Robert M.
Published: June 2023

Early efforts in the 1980s showed that DNA microinjected intoXenopusembryos could be integrated into the genome and transmitted through the germline at low efficiency. Subsequent studies revealed that transgenic lines, typically with multiple-copy inserts (e.g., to develop bright fluorescent protein-reporter lines), could be created via sperm nuclear injection protocols such as the one entitled restriction enzyme-mediated insertion, or REMI. Here we describe a refined sperm nuclear injection procedure, with a number of alterations, including elimination of a potential DNA-damaging restriction enzyme treatment, aimed at making F0transgenic animals and transgenic lines inXenopus tropicalis. This protocol also uses an oocyte extract rather than the egg extract used in older protocols. These changes simplify and improve the efficiency of the procedure.
Evaluation ofAedes aegyptiFeeding Status
Authors: Martin-Martin Ines , Williams Adeline E. , Calvo Eric
Published: June 2023

Female mosquitoes need vertebrate blood for egg development. Evaluating mosquito behavior is essential for determining the ability of a mosquito to blood feed. Blood feeding experiments are often performed using artificial membrane feeders; however, such experiments do not represent realistic scenarios in which a mosquito injects saliva into the host to prevent host hemostatic responses. Vertebrate animal models are therefore more representative of a natural blood feeding event. Here, we describe a methodology to evaluate mosquito blood feeding success that can be used to compare blood feeding between mosquito groups—for instance, wild-type versus transgenic mosquitoes lacking salivary proteins or field-collected versus laboratory-reared mosquitoes. We also include a simple procedure to measure blood meal size, allowing for a more quantitative assessment of feeding status. The volume of ingested blood directly affects mosquito fecundity and fertility, important markers of fitness. The methods described herein can be used to evaluate transmission-blocking vaccines, insecticides, or fitness costs associated with transgenic mosquitoes.
Crystal structure of Ag3Dy2(NO3)9 and quantitative comparison to isotypic compounds
Authors: Klein Wilhelm
Published: June 2023

Single crystals of Ag3Dy2(NO3)9 (trisilver didysprosium nonanitrate) were obtained from a mixture of AgNO3 and Dy(NO3)3·5 H2O. The new compound crystallizes in space group P4132 (No. 213) with a = 13.2004 (4) Å, V = 2300.2 (2) Å3, Z = 4. The Ag and Dy cations are coordinated by five and six bidentate nitrate anions, respectively. Ag3Dy2(NO3)9 is isostructural to several compounds that include alkali metals or ammonium and lanthanide cations, but silver and dysprosium are included for the first time and feature the smallest ion radii observed for this structure type to date. Crystal structures of isotypic compounds are compared.
Local food heritage in a mountain tourism destination: evidence from the Alagna Walser Green Paradise project
Authors: Beltramo Riccardo , Bonadonna Alessandro , Duglio Stefano , Peira Giovanni , Vesce Enrica
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims at assessing the role of authenticity of local food in contributing to tourism as an ecosystem service in a small mountain tourism destination, i.e. Alagna Valsesia (North-West of Italy).

Design/methodology/approach

A mix method approach has been adopted. The research has been carried out by using both CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interview) and PAPI (Paper And Pen Interview) methodologies for surveys on the accommodation facilities managers and tourists. In addition, an analysis of electronic word-of-mouth platforms (TripAdvisor and Google) was implemented to understand more in-depth the local foodservice.

Findings

Findings show that Alagna Valsesia embodies its authenticity with the tradition of the local culture, characterised by natural heritage and Walser uses. Some tools are identified to improve the attractiveness of the tourist destination.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study can be found in the study' application to a rather limited and geographically restricted area.

Practical implications

The results provided by this study can help local policy-makers in driving local policies and public funds in implementing ecotourism based practices.

Originality/value

Although the role of local food has been much studied in relation to the tourism sector, to the knowledge of the authors, this contribution represents a first attempt to analyse local food's role in terms of local food's crossover contribution to supporting cultural tourism.
A comparative study on the perceptions of Dutch and British Muslim leadership regarding social-political challenges
Authors: Gökçekuyu Ertuğrul
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze and compare attitudes and perceptions of Muslim leadership toward society and politics based on their personal experiences in England and the Netherlands.

Design/methodology/approach

This study provides valuable insights into how Muslim leadership experiences socio-political realities from own perspectives. The comparative analysis of Muslim leadership in England and the Netherlands highlights the unique qualities of each community, while also demonstrating shared communal awareness regarding political participation and concerns regarding the rise of Islamophobia and populism.

Findings

The study reveals significant differences between Dutch and British Muslim leadership regarding attitudes toward politics. While the Dutch political system enables minorities to have political parties, British leaders prefer peaceful resistance, internal cooperation and voting power for influence. Muslim communities in both countries face similar challenges, such as access to politics, rising Islamophobia and populism. However, there are variations in leadership maturity and attitudes toward communal unification and political participation.

Research limitations/implications

Especially Dutch Muslims were much more open toward cooperation once approached. The biggest challenge was to get into the Muslim communities in England. Even though British Muslims showed a much greater aptitude toward their civic duties, British Muslims were much more careful and wished that interviews were written down instead of being recorded. But once the author was part of the community, community leaders were more accepting and tolerant towards the author's presence. From that point on, to be recommended (snowballing) became easier.

Practical implications

This research shows clearly how different ethnic Muslim communities differ across two different countries. Even though both countries have their own advantages and disadvantages, understanding how civic responsibilities and the progressive development of minority attitudes can be best approached is important to policymakers.

Social implications

One major social implication is the way minorities perceive social and political equality and how these minority expectations can be met. Research shows that there is much fear and anxiety to growing sentiments of populism and right-wing appraisals. For a better integration and inclusion, a sound assessment of social and religious expectations is crucial.

Originality/value

As far as the author knows, there are no qualitative research studies that compare Muslim minority conditions in the Netherlands and England. This research makes this even more interesting for how to create policy that contributes to a European understanding of Muslim existence in Europe and a common European identity. This is crucial for a more stable and stronger European future.
Two-stage grey cloud clustering model under the panel data and its application
Authors: Luo Dang , Zhai Nana
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a two-stage grey cloud clustering model under the panel data for the multi-attribute clustering problem with three-parameter interval grey number to evaluation of agricultural drought resistance grade of 18 cities in Henan Province.

Design/methodology/approach

The clustering process is divided into two stages. In the first stage: Combining variance and time degree, the time weight optimization model is established. Applying the prospect theory, the index weight optimization model is established. Then, with the help of grey possibility function, the first stage of grey cloud clustering evaluation is carried out. In the second stage: the weight vector group of kernel clustering is constructed, and the grey class of the object is determined. A two-stage grey cloud clustering model under the panel data for the multi-attribute clustering problem is proposed.

Findings

This paper indicates that 18 cities in Henan Province are divided into four categories. The drought capacity in Henan province is high in the east and low in the west, high in the south and low in the north and the central region is relatively stable. The drought is greatly affected by natural factors. And the rationality and validity of this model is illustrated by comparing with other methods.

Practical implications

This paper provides a practical method for drought resistance assessment, and provides theoretical support for farmers to grasp the drought information timely and improve the drought resistance ability.

Originality/value

The model in this paper solves the situation of ambiguity and randomness to some extent with the help of grey cloud possibility function. Moreover, the time weight of time degree and variance are used to reduce the volatility and the degree of subjective empowerment. Considering the risk attitude of the decision makers, the prospect theory is applied to make the index weight more objective. The rationality and validity of the model are illustrated by taking 18 cities in Henan Province as examples.
Service quality of online food delivery mobile application: an examination of the spillover effects of mobile app satisfaction
Authors: Lin Pearl M.C. , Au Wai Ching Wilson , Baum Thomas
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Drawing on the mSERVQUAL model and spillover theory, this study aims to examine the mechanism through which food-ordering mobile app service quality influences users’ mobile app satisfaction, food satisfaction and repurchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Online surveys were completed by 1,000 customers who used a food-ordering mobile app to order fast food on the day they completed the online survey. Structural equation modelling was then used to examine the proposed mechanism.

Findings

Results showed that the effects of food-ordering mobile app service quality on customer satisfaction (i.e. mobile app satisfaction and food satisfaction) and repurchase intention varied widely across service quality dimensions. Mobile app service quality had significant spillover effects on food satisfaction and repurchase intention.

Practical implications

Online food-delivery platforms should find the results insightful to better design their food-ordering mobile app. The findings can also assist restaurateurs and mobile payment companies with supporting the whole online food delivery process.

Originality/value

Rather than examining online food delivery service quality based on the service delivery process in the during-consumption stage or the service outcomes in the post-consumption stage, this study focused on the service quality in the pre-consumption stage to highlight the important role of online food delivery mobile apps. From a longitudinal perspective, this study drew on the associate network theory to explain the spillover effect of mobile app satisfaction in the pre-consumption stage on food satisfaction in the during-consumption stage and repurchase intention in the post-consumption stage.
Drivers of willingness to pay for reforestation of urban ecosystems in Ghana
Authors: Korle Kofi
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Population growth and urbanization pose several threats to terrestrial ecosystems, especially in forest ecological zones worldwide. This study examines the drivers of average willingness to pay (WTP) to restore urban forests in a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

It utilizes survey data of households and employs a robust Heckman two-step estimator with bootstrapping to address the research objective.

Findings

The study underscores the role of income, gender, education and perception of the health benefits of forests as the underlying determinants of restoration bids by respondents. These drivers have a positive and statistically significant effect on forest restoration. Education and gender appear to be the most effective by magnitude, followed by the perception of health benefits, then income. Attention is therefore drawn to relevant economic, sociocultural and psychological factors towards the goal of forestry to improve well-being in urban centres.

Originality/value

This paper seeks to add methodological insights to the literature on reforestation and land use changes in the Accra metropolitan area and the local population’s WTP for reforestation in this area. In principle, this is a case study informing about the values people hold for forests in Ghana and Africa, where a knowledge gap exists with respect to their socio-economic valuation.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-09-2022-0618
Can media richness and interaction act as stimulants to medical professionals’ learning persistence in MOOCs via fostering learning engagement?
Authors: Cheng Yung-Ming
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a research model based on the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model to examine whether media richness (MR), human-system interaction (HSI) and human-human interaction (HHI) as technological feature antecedents to medical professionals’ learning engagement (LE) can affect their learning persistence (LP) in massive open online courses (MOOCs).

Design/methodology/approach

Sample data for this study were collected from medical professionals at six university-/medical university-affiliated hospitals in Taiwan. A total of 600 questionnaires were distributed, and 309 (51.5%) usable questionnaires were analyzed using structural equation modeling in this study.

Findings

This study certified that medical professionals’ perceived MR, HSI and HHI in MOOCs positively affected their emotional LE, cognitive LE and social LE elicited by MOOCs, which together explained their LP in MOOCs. The results support all proposed hypotheses and the research model accounts for 84.1% of the variance in medical professionals’ LP in MOOCs.

Originality/value

This study uses the S-O-R model as a theoretical base to construct medical professionals’ LP in MOOCs as a series of the psychological process, which is affected by MR and interaction (i.e. HSI and HHI). Noteworthily, three psychological constructs, emotional LE, cognitive LE and social LE, are adopted to represent medical professionals’ organisms of MOOCs adoption. To date, hedonic/utilitarian concepts are more commonly adopted as organisms in prior studies using the S-O-R model and psychological constructs have received lesser attention. Hence, this study enriches the S-O-R model into an invaluable context, and this study’s contribution on the application of capturing psychological constructs for completely explaining three types of technological features as external stimuli to medical professionals’ LP in MOOCs is well-documented.
Cui bono: a conversation with ChatGPT
Authors: Hirsch Peter Buell
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To assess the ability of generative AI to assist in crisis management planning and response.

Design/methodology/approach

The viewpoint is built on a “conversation” with ChatGPT (CGPT) on the subject of crisis management. As such, portions of the text were generated by CGPT, a Large Language Model (LLM) and not by the author.

Findings

While CGPT has mastered the language of crisis management, its ability to assist in real-life situations is probably limited. Paradoxically, it believes it can help provide predictive analytics even though it claims not to be able to assess future events.

Originality/value

The author believes that the paradoxes inherent in CGPT’s claims to be able to assist in crisis management have not previously been examined.
Importance of meaningful engagement: how and why older adults volunteer in uncertain times
Authors: Dumont Renee , Sellon Alicia M. , Newsham Tina M.K. , Hollifield Mary C. , Thomas Alicia , Pate Melannie , Fugate-Whitlock Elizabeth
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Many older adults engage in volunteer activities, drawing meaning and purpose through such efforts. Social distancing restrictions, put in place during Covid-19 surges to reduce the risk of transmission, disrupted older adult volunteers’ lives and volunteer experiences. Social distancing measures provide a unique opportunity to explore what happened when the choices around pausing or stopping volunteering were not entirely within the control of older adults. This paper aims to explore the experiences of older adult volunteers as they navigated uncertainties and made difficult decisions around balancing their safety and their desire to continue volunteering.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted interviews with 26 community-dwelling older adults, age 50+, who had engaged in volunteer activities for at least 1 h a week prior to the start of the pandemic. The interviews were conducted on the phone or via Zoom. The authors used thematic analysis to help us analyze the data and identify patterns from participants’ experiences.

Findings

Despite the risk presented by Covid-19, most participants volunteered during the pandemic. They continued some or all of their previous activities with safety-related adjustments, with some seeking new or different opportunities. Participants’ discussions highlight the challenges of volunteering during the pandemic and the importance of engagement to their resiliency and subjective well-being.

Originality/value

This paper provides original contributions to understanding how and why older adults volunteered during the Covid-19 pandemic. The social distancing measures provide a novel opportunity to enrich our understanding of the meaningfulness and value of volunteerism to older adults’ lives and subjective well-being.
Rescripting creativity after automation: situating the simulacrum to interpret the queerness of computational creativity
Authors: Arantes Janine Aldous , Vicars Mark
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how automation in the ever-changing technological landscape is increasing integrated into, and has become a significant presence in, our personal lives.

Design/methodology/approach

Through post qualitative inquiry, the authors provide a contemplation of automation and its effect on creativity, as a contemporary expression of dis/locations, the simulacrum, performative work and a toxic digital presence in socio-cultural-technical spaces.

Findings

The authors discuss how we behave, contribute, explore, interact and communicate within and across automated digital platforms, has salience for understanding and questioning the ways that dominant discourses in the contemporary construction and enactment of subjectivity, creativity and agency are being modulated by the machine.

Originality/value

This paper offers a nuanced consideration of creativity, by considering the way creativity is being performed and situated within the effects of automation and its role in dis/locations, performative work and its potential as a the simulacrum in socio-cultural-technical spaces.
Covid-19 Vaccine and International Relations
Authors: Ullah AKM Ahsan , Kumpoh Asiyah Az-Zahra Ahmad , Haji-Othman Noor Azam
Published: June 2023

The initial policy of the countries that developed vaccines has been to lock the vaccine by patent. This has been due to the fact that domestic demand for vaccine was mounting. Since only a few countries could invest in it, manufacturing and export remained at the behest of those few resulting in deep inequity in the global rollout. Pandemics are global health crises. Hence, calls for the patent waiver for the COVID-19 vaccine are growing to access the vaccine. The vaccine and its production, marketing and distribution have been politicized driven by the hegemonic aspiration. Both manufacturing and import-dependent countries are racing to win the diplomatic battle: the former has to win to gain hegemony and the latter to get the vaccine. Hence, the vaccine distribution has been marked with deep discrimination, and as a result, the migrant community is less likely to get their vaccine on time. This article engages in the decades-long debate over intellectual property rights and patenting life-saving vaccines. We argue that exemption of COVID-19 vaccines from intellectual property rights would improve global access and equity.