bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Precise visuomotor transformations underlying collective behavior in larval zebrafish
Authors: Harpaz Roy , Nguyen Minh Nguyet , Bahl Armin , Engert Florian 
Published: May 2021

AbstractComplex schooling behaviors result from local interactions among individuals. Yet, how sensory signals from neighbors are analyzed in the visuomotor stream of animals is poorly understood. Here, we studied aggregation behavior in larval zebrafish and found that over development larvae transition from overdispersed groups to tight shoals. Using a virtual reality assay, we characterized the algorithms fish use to transform visual inputs from neighbors into movement decisions. We found that young larvae turn away from retinal “clutter” by integrating and averaging retina-wide visual inputs within each eye, and by using a winner-take-all strategy for binocular integration. As fish mature, their responses expand to include attraction to low retinal clutter, that is based on similar algorithms of visual integration. Using model simulations, we show that the observed algorithms accurately predict group structure over development. These findings allow us to make testable predictions regarding the neuronal circuits underlying collective behavior in zebrafish.
Comment on ‘Fruitless mutant male mosquitoes gain attraction to human odor’
Authors: Amos Brogan A. , Hoffmann Ary A. , Staunton Kyran M. , Lau Meng-Jia , Burkot Thomas R. , Ross Perran A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractFemale Aedes aegypti mosquitoes integrate multiple sensory cues to locate human hosts for blood meals. While male mosquitoes do not blood feed, male Ae. aegypti swarm around and land on humans in nature. Basrur et al. (2020) generated male Ae. aegypti lacking the fruitless gene and discovered that they gained strong attraction to humans, similar to female mosquitoes. The authors assume that host-seeking is a female-specific trait. However, all experiments were performed under confined laboratory conditions which are unable to detect long-range attraction. We used semi-field experiments to demonstrate robust attraction of male Ae. aegypti to humans. Our observations refute a key assumption of Basrur et al. (2020) and raise questions around conditions under which fruitless prevents male host-seeking. Male mosquito attraction to humans is likely to be important for mating success in wild populations and its basis should be further explored.
The Phtheirospermum japonicum isopentenyltransferase PjIPT1a regulates host cytokinin responses in Arabidopsis
Authors: Greifenhagen Anne , Braunstein Isabell , Pfannstiel Jens , Yoshida Satoko , Shirasu Ken , Schaller Andreas , Spallek Thomas 
Published: May 2021

SummaryThe hemiparasitic plant Phtheirospermum japonicum is a nutritional specialist that supplements its nutrient requirements by parasitizing other plants through haustoria. During parasitism, the Phtheirospermum haustorium transfers hypertrophy-inducing cytokinins (CKs) to the infected host root. The CK biosynthesis genes required for haustorium-derived CKs and the induction of hypertrophy are still unknown. We searched for haustorium-expressed isopentenyltransferases (IPTs) that catalyse the first step of CK biosynthesis, confirmed the specific expression by in vivo imaging of a promoter-reporter, and further analysed the subcellular localization, the enzymatic function, and contribution to inducing hypertrophy by studying CRISPR-Cas9 induced Phtheirospermum mutants. PjIPT1a was expressed in intrusive cells of the haustorium close to the host vasculature. PjIPT1a and its closest homolog PjIPT1b located to the cytosol and showed isopentenyltransferases activity in vitro with differences in substrate specificity. Mutating PjIPT1a abolished parasite-induced CK responses in the host. A homolog of PjIPT1a with shared characteristics was also identified in the related weed Striga hermonthica. We propose that PjIPT1a exemplifies how parasitism-related functions evolve through gene duplications and neofunctionalization.
Fast photoswitchable molecular prosthetics control neuronal activity in the cochlea
Authors: Garrido-Charles Aida , Huet Antoine , Matera Carlo , Thirumalai Anupriya , Llebaria Amadeu , Moser Tobias , Gorostiza Pau 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTArtificial control of neuronal activity enables studies of neural circuits and restoration of neural function. Direct, rapid, and sustained photocontrol of intact neurons could overcome shortcomings of established electrical stimulation such as poor selectivity. We have developed fast photoswitchable ligands of glutamate receptors to establish such control in the auditory system. The new photoswitchable ligands produced photocurrents in untransfected neurons upon covalently tethering to endogenous glutamate receptors and activating them reversibly with visible light pulses of few milliseconds. As a proof of concept of these molecular prostheses, we apply them to the ultrafast synapses of auditory neurons of the cochlea that encode sound and provide auditory input to the brain. This drug-based method affords kilohertz rate stimulation of auditory neurons of adult gerbils without genetic manipulation that would be required for their optogenetic control. The new photoswitchable ligands are also broadly applicable to spatiotemporally control fast spiking interneurons in the brain.
Targeting the nociceptive somatosensory system with AAV9 and AAV2retro viral vectors
Authors: Skorput Alexander G.J. , Gore Reshma , Schorn Rachel , Riedl Maureen S. , de Velasco Ezequiel Marron Fernandez , Hadlich Bailey , Kitto Kelley F. , Fairbanks Carolyn A. , Vulchanova Lucy 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTAdeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors allow for site-specific and time-dependent genetic manipulation of neurons. However, for successful implementation of AAV vectors, major consideration must be given to the selection of viral serotype and route of delivery for efficient gene transfer into the cell type being investigated. Here we compare the transduction pattern of neurons in the somatosensory system following injection of AAV9 or AAV2retro in the parabrachial complex of the midbrain, the spinal cord dorsal horn, the intrathecal space, and the colon. Transduction was evaluated based on Cre-dependent expression of tdTomato in transgenic reporter mice, following delivery of AAV9 or AAV2retro carrying identical constructs that drive the expression of Cre/GFP. The pattern of distribution of tdTomato expression indicated notable differences in the access of the two AAV serotypes to primary afferent neurons via peripheral delivery in the colon and to spinal projections neurons via intracranial delivery within the parabrachial complex. Additionally, our results highlight the superior sensitivity of detection of neuronal transduction based on reporter expression relative to expression of viral products.
ATP disrupts lipid binding equilibrium to drive retrograde transport critical for bacterial outer membrane asymmetry
Authors: Low Wen-Yi , Thong Shuhua , Chng Shu-Sin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe hallmark of the Gram-negative bacterial envelope is the presence of the outer membrane (OM). The OM is asymmetric, comprising lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in the outer leaflet and phospholipids (PLs) in the inner leaflet; this critical feature confers permeability barrier function against external insults, including antibiotics. To maintain OM lipid asymmetry, the OmpC-Mla system is believed to remove aberrantly localized PLs from the OM and transport them to the inner membrane (IM). Key to the system in driving lipid trafficking is the MlaFEDB ABC transporter complex in the IM, but mechanistic details, including transport directionality, remain enigmatic. Here, we develop a sensitive point-to-point in vitro lipid transfer assay that allows direct tracking of [14C]-labelled PLs between the periplasmic chaperone MlaC and MlaFEDB reconstituted into nanodiscs. We reveal that MlaC spontaneously transfers PLs to the IM transporter in an MlaD-dependent manner that can be further enhanced by coupled ATP hydrolysis. In addition, we show that MlaD is important for modulating productive coupling between ATP hydrolysis and such retrograde PL transfer. We further demonstrate that spontaneous PL transfer also occurs from MlaFEDB to MlaC, but such anterograde movement is instead abolished by ATP hydrolysis. Our work uncovers a model where PLs reversibly partition between two lipid binding sites in MlaC and MlaFEDB, and ATP binding and/or hydrolysis shift this equilibrium to ultimately drive retrograde PL transport by the OmpC-Mla system. These mechanistic insights will inform future efforts towards discovering new antibiotics against Gram-negative pathogens.Significance StatementBiological membranes define cellular boundaries, allow compartmentalization, and represent a prerequisite for life. In Gram-negative bacteria, the outer membrane (OM) prevents entry of toxic substances, conferring intrinsic resistance against many antibiotics. This barrier function requires unequal distribution of lipids across the OM bilayer, yet how such lipid asymmetry is maintained is not well understood. In this study, we established the directionality of lipid transport for a conserved membrane protein complex, and uncovered mechanistic insights into how ATP powers such transport from the OM to the inner membrane. Our work provides fundamental understanding of lipid trafficking within the Gram-negative double-membrane envelope in the context of OM lipid asymmetry, and highlights the importance of targeting lipid transport processes for future antibiotics development.
Unemployment and labor force participation in Italy
Authors: Nemore Francesco , Caferra Rocco , Morone Andrea 
Published: May 2021

PurposeOur main purpose is to test the unemployment invariance hypothesis in Italy.Design/methodology/approachThis paper provides an empirical investigation of the unemployment and labor force participation in Italy.FindingsCointegration analysis results strongly suggest a clear long-run relationship between unemployment and labor force participation revealing a persistent and general added worker effect.Originality/valueOur results seem to confute the unemployment invariance hypothesis.
Annual report narrative disclosures, information asymmetry and future firm performance: evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Tran Ly Thi Hai , Tu Thoa Thi Kim , Nguyen Tran Thi Hong , Nguyen Hoa Thi Lien , Vo Xuan Vinh 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThis paper examines the role of the annual report’s linguistic tone in predicting future firm performance in an emerging market, Vietnam.Design/methodology/approachBoth manual coding approach and the naïve Bayesian algorithm are employed to determine the annual report tone, which is then used to investigate its impact on future firm performance.FindingsThe study finds that tone can predict firm performance one year ahead. The predictability of tone is strengthened for firms that have a high degree of information asymmetry. Besides, the government’s regulatory reforms on corporate disclosures enhance the predictive ability of tone.Research limitations/implicationsThe study suggests the naïve Bayesian algorithm as a cost-efficient alternative for human coding in textual analysis. Also, information asymmetry and regulation changes should be modeled in future research on narrative disclosures.Practical implicationsThe study sends messages to both investors and policymakers in emerging markets. Investors should pay more attention to the tone of annual reports for improving the accuracy of future firm performance prediction. Policymakers should regularly revise and update regulations on qualitative disclosure to reduce information asymmetry.Originality/valueThis study enhances understanding of the annual report’s role in a non-Western country that has been under-investigated. The research also provides original evidence of the link between annual report tone and future firm performance under different information asymmetry degrees. Furthermore, this study justifies the effectiveness of the governments’ regulatory reforms on corporate disclosure in developing countries. Finally, by applying both the human coding and machine learning approach, this research contributes to the literature on textual analysis methodology.
Stock market co-movement in Latin America and the US: evidence from a new approach
Authors: Vatsa Puneet , Basnet Hem , Mixon Frank 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the interlinkages among four major stock markets in Latin America, i.e., those in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico, as well as their associations with the US stock market, which influences financial markets globally.Design/methodology/approachUsing the newly developed Hamilton filter methodology (Hamilton, 2018), the authors decompose each stock series to extract cyclical components.FindingsResults indicate that the US S&P 500 is weakly contemporaneously correlated with stock market indices in Brazil, Mexico and Argentina, whereas it also leads the latter by three months. As such, sufficient time is available for policymakers and investors to enhance their forecasts of the latter.Originality/valueResults indicate that the US S&P 500 is weakly contemporaneously correlated with stock market indices in Brazil, Mexico and Argentina, whereas it also leads the latter by three months. As such, sufficient time is available for policymakers and investors to enhance their forecasts of the latter.
Access to surgical care as an efficiency issue: using lean management in French and Australian operating theatres
Authors: Mahmoud Zeyad , Angelé-Halgand Nathalie , Churruca Kate , Ellis Louise A , Braithwaite Jeffrey 
Published: May 2021

PurposeMillions around the world still cannot access safe, timely and affordable surgery. Considering access as a function of efficiency, this paper examines how the latter can be improved within the context of operating theatres. Carried out in France and Australia, this study reveals different types of waste in operating theatres and a series of successful tactics used to increase efficiency and eliminate wastefulness.Design/methodology/approachData for this qualitative study were collected through 48 semi-structured interviews with operating theatre staff in France (n = 20) and Australia (n = 28). Transcripts were coded using a theory-driven thematic analysis to characterise sources of waste in operating theatres and the tactics used to address them.FindingsThe study confirmed the prominence of seven types of waste in operating theatres commonly found in industry and originally identified by Ohno, the initiator of lean: (1) underutilised operating rooms; (2) premature or delayed arrival of patients, staff or equipment; (3) need for large onsite storage areas and inventory costs; (4) unnecessary transportation of equipment; (5) needless staff movements; (6) over-processing and (7) quality defects. The tactics used to address each of these types of waste included multiskilling staff, levelling production and implementing just-in-time principles.Originality/valueThe tactics identified in this study have the potential of addressing the chronic and structurally embedded problem of waste plaguing health systems' operating theatres, and thus potentially improve access to surgical care. In a global context of resource scarcity, it is increasingly necessary for hospitals to optimise the ways in which surgery is delivered.
Modelling short‐term energetic costs of sonar disturbance to cetaceans using high‐resolution foraging data
Authors: Czapanskiy Max F. , Savoca Matthew S. , Gough William T. , Segre Paolo S. , Wisniewska Danuta M. , Cade David E. , Goldbogen Jeremy A. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Anthropogenic noise is a pervasive and increasing source of disturbance to wildlife. Marine mammals exhibit behavioural and physiological responses to naval sonar and other sound sources. The lost foraging opportunities and elevated locomotor effort associated with sonar disturbance likely carry energetic costs, which may lead to population‐level consequences.

We modelled the energetic costs associated with behavioural responses using (a) empirical datasets of cetacean feeding rates and prey characteristics and (b) allometry of swimming performance and metabolic rates.

We applied our model to compare the short‐term (i.e. the scale of the disturbance response; hours to days) energetic costs of a variety of observed behavioural responses. Efficient foragers (e.g. baleen whales) incur a greater relative energetic cost for mild behavioural responses as compared to the most extreme observed response for larger odontocetes (e.g. beaked whales). Energetic costs are more sensitive to lost feeding opportunities than increased energy expenditure from elevated locomotor effort.

To scale up from short‐term costs to long‐term effects (months to years), future research should address individuals’ capacity to compensate for energetic losses as well as energetic thresholds for demographic rates (survival, fecundity). We discuss how relative energetic costs correlate with species’ pace of life and the implications for conservation planning.

Synthesis and applications. Current approaches towards understanding the Population Consequences of Disturbance (PCoD) often must rely on expert opinion due to data deficiency. Our model provides an empirical method for linking behaviour to energetics, which is critical for managers to make informed decisions on actions that may affect marine mammal species. Furthermore, our model is applicable to other forms of disturbance, such as vessel traffic or seismic exploration, and our scaling approach enables risk projections for understudied species.

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Intrinsic value and educational value
Authors: Gatley Jane 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In this paper, I ask whether educational value is determined in any way by intrinsic value. The aim of the paper is to explore whether appeals to the intrinsic value of an activity or state of affairs can justify proposed educational value. I turn to Korsgaard's work on the concept of intrinsic value to cast light on the relationship between intrinsic value and educational value. Korsgaard claims that the often held distinction between intrinsic and instrumental value conflates two separate distinctions. These are the intrinsic/extrinsic value distinction and the final/instrumental value distinction. These two distinctions will be considered with regard to literature that appeals to intrinsic value. The distinctions between intrinsic/extrinsic value and final/instrumental value will be used to clarify puzzles which arise when philosophers of education use the concept of intrinsic value to make claims about educational value. I argue that the intrinsic/extrinsic value distinction has little bearing on an activity's educational value. The instrumental/final value distinction is relevant, but does not imply that activities with final value are any more educationally valuable than those with instrumental value. I conclude that, regardless of the distinction being appealed to, general intrinsic value has little bearing on educational value.
The flourishing child
Authors: Wolbert Lynne , de Ruyter Doret , Schinkel Anders 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper aims to offer conceptual clarification on the use of the concept of human flourishing with regard to children. We will argue that the concept can meaningfully be applied to parts of human lives, specifically one's childhood, and discuss when we can meaningfully speak of a flourishing child. Viewing children's lives in terms of whether they are flourishing may be able to help us understand and articulate in which ways a child's life may go better or worse. This is relevant, firstly, to the overall evaluation of people's lives, and secondly, because a flourishing childhood could be instrumentally necessary for adult flourishing. But, most importantly, childhood is a period of life that is good in itself irrespective of its contribution to adult flourishing, that is, being able to be a child has intrinsic goodness. Children have particular characteristics that can optimally function in childhood. While these contribute to the overall evaluation of a flourishing life, they are not regarded as valuable only because of this contribution.
Patient experience of telephone consultations in gynaecology: a service evaluation
Authors: Khan Z M , Kershaw V , Madhuvrata P , Radley S C , Connor M E 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate patient perspective of telephone consultations (TCs) in gynaecology and identify which patients benefit most from a telemedicine system.DesignService evaluation.SettingGynaecology outpatient services at a tertiary referral hospital.PopulationPatients who received a TC during May and June 2020.MethodsPostal questionnaire combining three validated tools: QQ‐10, Patient Enablement Index (PEI) and National Health Service Friends and Family Test (NHS‐FFT). Quantitative data and free text responses were analysed.Main outcome measuresResponses to QQ‐10, PEI and NHS‐FFT.ResultsIn total, 1307 patients were contacted and 504 patients responded (39%). Most (89%) described their experience as ‘Very good’ or ‘Good’ (NHS‐FFT). Positive themes from responses included ‘convenience’, ‘effectiveness’ and ‘equivalent care’. QQ‐10 responses demonstrated a high Value score of 79 (0–100) and a low Burden score of 15. PEI scores suggested that most patients felt better or much better able to understand and cope with their condition following TC. The majority of patients (77%) would ‘Strongly agree’ or ‘Mostly agree’ to a repeat TC. Regarding patient outcomes, 21% were discharged and 71% required follow up. Menopause, fertility and endometriosis follow‐up clinic patients benefited most from TC. Gynaecology–oncology patients found TC least acceptable.ConclusionWe report a large questionnaire survey of patient experience of TC in gynaecology. Telemedicine is convenient, acceptable and effective for conducting care in selected groups. TC can support patients in communicating intimate symptoms.Tweetable abstractTelephone consultations are a convenient, acceptable and effective medium for conducting patient care in gynaecology.
Association between nutritional and functional status indicators with caregivers' burden in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Vicente de Sousa Odete , Mendes Joana , Amaral Teresa F. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimTo investigate the association between nutritional and functional status of Alzheimer's disease patients and caregivers' burden.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted among 79 community‐dwelling Alzheimer's disease patients living with their caregivers. Caregivers' burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden‐Interview. Multinomial logistic regressions were carried out using caregivers' burden as the dependent variable.ResultsCaregivers' severe overload was strongly associated with weight loss of more than 3 kg during the previous 3 months (OR = 7.34; 95% CI: 2.02‐26.65), lower values of calf girth (OR = 3.20; 95% CI: 1.03‐9.93), sarcopenia status (OR = 3.50; 95% CI: 1.09‐11.22), and lower gait speed values (OR = 3.83; 95% CI: 1.18‐12.47). Otherwise, overweight or obesity (OR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.05‐0.83), was related to lower odds of higher caregivers' burden.ConclusionIn community‐dwelling older adults with Alzheimer's disease, the nutritional and functional status impairments were strongly associated with increasing caregivers' burden, whereas overweight conferred protection.