bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corticosterone exposure causes long-term changes in DNA methylation, physiology, and breeding decisions in a wild bird
Authors: Taff Conor C. , McNew Sabrina M. , Campagna Leonardo , Vitousek Maren N. 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACTWhen facing challenges, vertebrates activate an evolutionarily conserved hormonal stress response that can dramatically alter behavior and physiology. Although this response can be costly, conceptual models suggest that it can also recalibrate the stress response system, priming more effective responses to future challenges. Little is known about whether this process occurs in wild animals, particularly in adulthood, and if so, how information about prior experience with stressors is encoded. One potential mechanism is hormonally-mediated changes to DNA methylation. We simulated the spikes in corticosterone that accompany an acute stress response using non-invasive dosing in female tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) and monitored the phenotypic effects one year later, and DNA methylation both shortly after treatment and a full year later. The year after treatment, experimental females had stronger negative feedback and initiated breeding earlier – traits that are associated with stress resilience and reproductive performance in our population – and higher baseline corticosterone. We also found that natural variation in stress-induced corticosterone predicted patterns of DNA methylation, including methylation of the MC2R gene, which encodes the adrenocorticotropic hormone receptor. Finally, corticosterone treatment causally influenced methylation on short (1-2 weeks) and long (1 year) time scales; however, many of these changes did not have clear links to functional regulation of the stress response. Taken together, our results are consistent with corticosterone-induced priming of future stress resilience, and support DNA methylation as a potential mechanism. Uncovering the mechanisms linking experience with the response to future challenges has implications for understanding the drivers of stress resilience.SIGNIFICANCEA stress response to an environmental challenge can preserve an individual’s fitness and may even prime them to survive similar challenges in the future. What mechanisms underlie priming is unclear, but epigenetic alterations to stress-related genes are one possibility. We experimentally tested whether increasing corticosterone in free-living swallows had lasting phenotypic or epigenetic effects. A year after treatment, females who received corticosterone had altered stress physiology and bred earlier than control birds, traits that are associated with higher fitness. Treatment also altered DNA methylation and methylation of the MC2R gene was correlated with stress physiology. This study adds to a growing body of literature suggesting that epigenetic changes are key to animals’ response to a changing environment.
Cell-penetrating peptides stimulate protein transport on the Twin-arginine translocation pathway
Authors: McNeilage Robert , Ganesan Iniyan , Keilman Johnathan , Theg Steven M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe Tat pathway is essential for photosynthetic protein transport across plant thylakoid membranes and is also ubiquitous throughout prokaryotes and archaea. The Tat pathway is unique amongst protein translocation pathways as it specializes in transporting folded proteins driven by a proton motive force. Mechanistic details of the actual translocation step (s) of the pathway remain elusive. Here, we show that membrane thinning stimulates Tat transport and, conversely, membrane strengthening abolishes Tat transport. We draw parallels from the Tat transport mechanism to that of cell penetrating peptides and propose that the Tat pore could be toroidal in shape and lined by lipids, as in those formed by cell penetrating peptides.Significance StatementProtein translocation across membranes is a significant cellular activity in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The Tat pathway for protein translocation operates in bacteria, archaea, chloroplasts, and plant mitochondria. Its mechanism of action has been difficult to decipher, but recent evidence suggests it does not use a conical proteinaceous transport channel. Instead, it has been suggested to translocate proteins through lipid-lined toroidal pores set up by membrane thinning. This work supports that hypothesis by showing that membrane-thinning cell-penetrating peptides stimulate the Tat pathway in both chloroplasts and bacterial plasma membranes, and that membrane stabilization blocks the pathway. We believe this is the most direct evidence to date of the toroidal pore mechanism operating in the Tat pathway.
Inhibition of an immunometabolic axis of mTORC1 activation extends mammalian healthspan
Authors: Widjaja Anissa A. , Lim Wei-Wen , Viswanathan Sivakumar , Chothani Sonia , Corden Ben , Goh Joyce Wei Ting , Tan Jessie , Pua Chee Jian , Lim Radiance , Singh Brijesh K. , Cibi Dasan Mary , Weber Susanne , Lim Sze Yun , Adami Eleonora , George Benjamin L. , Sweeney Mark , Xie Chen , Tripathi Madhulika , Withers Dominic J , Hübner Norbert , Schafer Sebastian , Ho Lena , Gil Jesus , Carling David , Cook Stuart A. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractHuman ageing is associated with metabolic dysfunction, sarcopenia and frailty that taken together reduce healthspan. For age-associated diseases and lifespan, ERK, AMPK and mTORC1 represent critical pathways, across species1–7. Here we examined the hypothesis that IL11, recently shown to regulate ERK/mTORC1, is an inflammaging factor important for healthspan. As mice age, IL11 is progressively upregulated in liver, skeletal muscle, and fat to stimulate an ERK/AMPK/mTORC1 axis of cellular, tissue- and organismal-level ageing pathologies. In old mice, deletion ofIl11orIl11ra1protects against metabolic multi-morbidity, sarcopenia, and frailty. Administration of anti-IL11 therapy to elderly mice for six months reactivates an age-repressed program of white fat beiging, reverses metabolic dysfunction, restores muscle function, and reduces frailty. Across studies, inhibition of IL11 lowers epigenetic age, reduces telomere attrition, and preserves mitochondrial function. Towards clinical translation, we generated, humanised, and engineered a neutralising, high-affinity IL11 antibody. These studies identify IL11 as a key inflammaging factor and therapeutic target for mammalian healthspan.
An amino acid-resolution interactome for motile cilia illuminates the structure and function of ciliopathy protein complexes
Authors: McCafferty Caitlyn L. , Papoulas Ophelia , Lee Chanjae , Bui Khanh Huy , Taylor David W. , Marcotte Edward M. , Wallingford John B. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMotile cilia are ancient, evolutionarily conserved organelles whose dysfunction underlies motile ciliopathies, a broad class of human diseases. Motile cilia contain myriad different proteins that assemble into an array of distinct machines, so understanding the interactions and functional hierarchies among them presents an important challenge. Here, we defined the protein interactome of motile axonemes using cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL/MS) inTetrahymena thermophila. From over 19,000 XLs, we identified 4,757 unique amino acid interactions among 1,143 distinct proteins, providing both macromolecular and atomic-scale insights into diverse ciliary machines, including the Intraflagellar Transport system, axonemal dynein arms, radial spokes, the 96 nm ruler, and microtubule inner proteins, among others. Guided by this dataset, we used vertebrate multiciliated cells to reveal novel functional interactions among several poorly-defined human ciliopathy proteins. The dataset therefore provides a powerful resource for studying the basic biology of an ancient organelle and the molecular etiology of human genetic disease.HighlightsOver 4,700 distinct amino-acid cross-links reveal the composition, structural organization, and conformational dynamics of proteins in motile ciliary axonemes.Dense interaction networks are defined for tubulins, Intraflagellar Transport complexes, axonemal dyneins, radial spokes, the CCDC39/40 96nm molecular ruler, and other complexes.These data reveal the placement of multiple adenylate kinases in the central apparatus and radial spokes of motile axonemes, a new microtubule-associated protein complex of CFAP58 and CCDC146, and insights into the activity of ciliopathy protein MAATS1/CFAP91.The data also provide the first known molecular defect resulting from loss of the human ciliopathy protein ENKUR.
Extended Q-range small-angle neutron scattering to understand the morphology of proton-exchange membranes: the case of the functionalized syndiotactic-polystyrene model system
Authors: Schiavone Maria-Maddalena , Lamparelli David Hermann , Daniel Christophe , Golla Manuchar , Zhao Yue , Iwase Hiroki , Arima-Osonoi Hiroshi , Takata Shin-ichi , Szentmiklosi Laszlo , Maroti Boglarka , Allgaier Jürgen , Radulescu Aurel 
Published: July 2023

Semi-crystalline polymers exhibit microphase separation into crystalline and amorphous domains characterized by multiple structural levels with sizes ranging from ångströms to hundreds of nanometres. The combination of small-angle (SANS) and wide-angle (WANS) neutron scattering on the same beamline enables reliable in situ characterization of such materials under application-relevant conditions, with the unique advantage of contrast variation by controlled labelling, allowing the structure of such multi-component systems to be resolved in detail. This paper reports a structural analysis performed on deuterated polymer membranes based on syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) using an extended Q-range SANS and WANS combination, always with the same neutron scattering instrument, either a pinhole SANS diffractometer installed at a research reactor or a `small- and wide-angle' time-of-flight diffractometer installed at a neutron spallation source. sPS is a semi-crystalline material that becomes hydrophilic and proton conducting when suitable functionalization is achieved by thin film sulfonation, and can form various co-crystalline complexes (clathrates) with small organic molecules stored in the crystalline phase as guests in the vacancies between the polymer helices. Therefore, this material is interesting not only for its conducting properties but also for its versatility as a model system to evaluate the usefulness of extended Q-range neutron scattering in such studies. Variation of neutron contrast was achieved in the amorphous hydrophilic phase by using H2O or D2O to hydrate the membranes and in the crystalline phase by loading the clathrates with deuterated or protonated guest molecules. The experimental approach, the advantages and limitations of the two types of instrumentation used in such analyses, and the main results obtained with respect to the structural characterization of sulfonated sPS membranes under different hydration and temperature conditions are reported, and the potential of this method for similar structural studies on other semi-crystalline polymeric materials is discussed.
Enhancing innovation in universities amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of organisational resilience capacity
Authors: Mukyala Veronica , Namono Rehema 
Published: July 2023

Purpose
Resilience has been emphasised by researchers as a probable framework for overcoming challenging circumstances and fostering organisational innovation. Universities have had to shift to a blended learning system which includes online learning. Prior scholars have studied resilience as a reactive aspect which focuses on organisation's ability to bounce back from a downfall. This study aims to establish the antecedent role of resilience capacity which is a proactive ability to preparedly respond to a downfall.

Design/methodology/approach
The research adopts an explanatory study design to establish the hypothesised antecedent role of organisational resilience capacity in enhancing organisational innovation. Drawing a sample from Ugandan Universities, hierarchical regression was used to test the role of organisational resilience capacity on organisational innovation. The study also tested the influence of organisational characteristics of ownership, age and size on innovation.

Findings
The study findings show that the three dimensions of organisational resilience capacity (cognitive capacity, behavioural preparedness and contextual capacity) significantly enhance organisational innovation. The findings further reveal that ownership has a significant effect on innovation. The results show that organisational size and age do not influence innovation.

Practical implications
The study's conclusions help contemporary managers decide how to set up numerous strategic initiatives to activate organisational resilience towards innovation. To deal with disruption, organisations should use dependable innovation systems and best practices in a robust and adaptable way. Organisational managers ought to integrate the doctrines of resilience into various organisational activities such as training and development and simulation activities, so that organisational managers learn resilience skills to deal with environmental changes.

Originality/value
This research shows how the three dimensions of organisational resilience capacity (cognitive capacity, behavioural preparedness and contextual capacity) influence innovativeness since most studies have been directed to the aspect of resilience (which only focuses on ability to recover from a downfall) as opposed to resilience capacity that relates to the ability of an organisation to successfully absorb disruptive events that may endanger organisation survival, develop situation-specific remedies and eventually evolve in transformative activities. The study further intensively extends the body of knowledge by delving deeper into establishing the influence of the individual dimensions of resilience capacity on innovation.
Service-dominant logic: reframing category captainship and retailer category management
Authors: Benson Michael Christopher , Glanfield Keith , Hirst Craig , Wakenshaw Susan 
Published: July 2023

PurposeThe category captain system (CC) of retailer category management (RCM) is established, accepted, and widely adopted. The paper empirically assesses the application of this system in building collaborations between retailers and their suppliers to generate growth following COVID-19. This study applies service-dominant logic (S-D logic) to RCM and establishes the current ‘practical’ application of the five axioms of S-D logic within the CC system.Design/methodology/approachThe researchers adopted a qualitative research design which examined both category managers and retail buyers currently involved in the CC system, using thematic analysis of transcripts from 25 practitioner participants.FindingsThe study reveals service is not a fundamental basis of exchange in the CC system. Value is uniquely, independently, and separately created by the retailer that significantly restricts the scope of the category service eco systems and the opportunity to innovate through value co-creation.Practical implicationsSignificant change is required to realise value co-creation and innovation applying S-D logic to RCM. The study indicates there is potential to start this change by the formalisation of wider informal category relationships between non-captain suppliers and retailers through consumer insight technology, and by aligning suppliers and retailers to make more effective and sustainable trading decisions.Originality/valueThe study indicates that certain elements of the CC system proposed by the literature's games-based theoretic models, are not applied in practice. The lived experiences of practitioners suggest informal ways of by-passing the formal system using S-D logic.
Carving a place for UK business improvement districts through COVID: exploring industry responses and practices during the pandemic
Authors: Raben Natalie , Ntounis Nikos 
Published: July 2023

Purpose
This study aims to explore UK Business Improvement Districts' (BIDs) responses and practices to the COVID crisis and evaluates how these influenced their organisational identity. The paper aims to highlight the possible shift in BIDs' operations that can lead to their positioning as integral facilitators of place management initiatives in their local areas.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors stress the confused nature of BID identity and highlight how BID activities and business plans correspond to subsequent crises through the lens of crisis management and disaster management frameworks. A mixed-methods, exploratory, sequential approach was taken, incorporating interviews and survey responses from UK BID managers in two distinct phases between October and December 2020.

Findings
The findings of the study suggest a greater emphasis on communication strategies and the formation of partnerships during the lockdown periods, along with a renewed understanding of a BID's role towards place leadership, resilience and public safety.

Practical implications
The practical implications of this work show a shift in BID business practices, programmes and services and highlight the need to establish a set of industry standards and best practices with enhanced place leadership responsibilities.

Originality/value
The research provides a detailed snapshot of the UK BID industry during the COVID crisis and shows the possibility for BIDs to reframe their identity as locally bound, place-based organisations that have a more direct role in place management.
An interdisciplinary study of racial violence through place in grades 3–12
Authors: Buchanan Lisa , Ward Cara , Roseboro Donyell , Ousley Denise 
Published: July 2023

PurposeThis article outlines theoretical and pedagogical approaches to investigating racial violence with learners in grades 3–12 and K-12 teacher candidates. Throughout, the authors use the 1898 Wilmington Race Massacre as a central example of racial violence. Using a blended framework of Muhammad’s historically responsive literacy, King’s Black historical consciousness and place-based learning, the authors describe two different inquiries that build content knowledge around the Wilmington Race Massacre and context knowledge around place as it relates to Black agency, resistance and perseverance.Design/methodology/approachThe first inquiry, aimed at 3–12 learners, explores the Black historical consciousness themes of Black agency and resistance. It uses the inquiry design model (IDM) template but expands the template to include a historically responsive literacy lens. The second inquiry describes how to incorporate historical sites into the study of racial violence. This inquiry explains how local cemeteries can be used as interdisciplinary classrooms and also artifacts.FindingsThroughout, the authors also reflect on how this work has changed and improved over time as well as thoughts moving forward with examining the 1898 Wilmington Race Massacre through an interdisciplinary lens.Originality/valueThis article is the first to explore the 1898 Massacre in Wilmington, North Carolina from an interdisciplinary practice and cross-grades lens. It offers multiple step by step approaches for classroom teachers and teacher educators to enact interdisciplinary work with both 1898 and other acts of racial violence in their own places and across the United States.
Ecosystem stability is determined by plant defence functional traits and population stability under mowing in a semi‐arid temperate steppe
Authors: Zhang Lulu , Bai Wenming , Zhang Yunhai , Lambers Hans , Zhang Wen‐Hao 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

As a common grassland management practice in many high‐latitude regions worldwide, mowing has great impacts on grassland functioning and stability. Species richness, species asynchrony and species stability have been suggested as central in responses to environmental change. Mowing can evoke plant defence system due to physical damages to plants. However, no studies have comprehensively evaluated the role of plant defence functional traits, species richness, species asynchrony and stability in ecosystem functioning under mowing regimes across timescales.

In this study, we set up short‐term (4 years) and long‐term (16 years) mowing experiments with three stubble heights (control, 10 cm, 2 cm) in a temperate steppe of Inner Mongolia. We investigated the effects of mowing‐induced changes in distribution metrics associated with plant defence traits, that is mean, variance, skewness and kurtosis of trait distribution, on ecosystem stability of grassland communities using structural equation modelling.

We found that grassland ecosystem stability was enhanced by increasing mowing duration and decreasing stubble height. Mowing‐induced increase in abundance and diversity of plant defence traits contributed to greater ecosystem stability by enhancing species asynchrony and population stability. Moreover, we found that mowing enhanced the abundance and diversity of plant defence traits of dominant species and contributed to population stability and species asynchrony, thus enhancing temporal stability of grassland ecosystems.

These results demonstrate the important roles of plant defence traits in maintaining stability of grasslands under mowing, and highlight that, in addition to species richness, asynchrony and population stability, plant functional defence trait acts in stabilizing ecosystem functions under human‐induced environmental changes.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Estimating mosquito abundance and population suppression in an incompatible insect technique study
Authors: Griffin Lachlan , Pagendam Daniel , Drovandi Christopher , Trewin Brendan , Beebe Nigel W. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Aedes aegypti (L.) is an invasive mosquito responsible for vectoring diseases such as dengue, Zika and Chikungunya. Dengue affects a large proportion of the global population, with the World Health Organization estimating that half the global population is at risk, with 390 million infections occurring each year. Control of mosquito vector populations over large geographical scales can be improved and made economically viable by computer models with potential to aid decision support.

We introduce a method for estimating mosquito abundance (population size) over time in biocontrol programmes that involve the release of sterilised insects. We employ Bayesian state‐space modelling to provide insight into population trajectories using data from an application of incompatible insect technique (IIT) biological control, in Far North Queensland, Australia. The general approach could be adapted to other insect species.

We demonstrate how the modelling approach can estimate trajectories of abundance over time as an unmarked–release–recapture analysis. Additionally, it provides a means for quantifying population suppression in IIT programmes (a statistic that can be challenging to estimate in practice) using counterfactuals.

Modelling results show that estimated population trajectories exhibit similar temporal patterns to raw trapping rate data collected in the field, for example, the presence of peaks (and troughs) associated with the timing of rainfall events. Additional confidence in our model was demonstrated through a cross‐validation study where we left out each of the six landscapes from our dataset, fit the model using the remaining five regions and assessed its predictive skill. Modelled counterfactuals allowed us to estimate that population suppression in treated landscapes was 95%–99%.

Synthesis and applications. Our model can provide valuable insights that can shape decision support systems in sterile insect technique and incompatible insect technique programmes operating over large geographical scales. The model helps determine how many sterile/incompatible insects should be released over time and how population control is progressing (via use of counterfactual scenarios). These outcomes are achieved because the model provides estimates of wild‐type populations over time, even when there has been no differentiation between sterile/incompatible and wild‐type insects caught in traps.