bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does pollen limitation limit plant ranges? Evidence and implications
Authors: Dawson-Glass Emma , Hargreaves Anna L. 
Published: January 2022

Sexual reproduction often declines towards range edges, reducing fitness, dispersal and adaptive potential. For plants, sexual reproduction is frequently limited by inadequate pollination. While case studies show that pollen limitation can limit plant distributions, the extent to which pollination commonly declines towards plant range edges is unknown. Here, we use global databases of pollen-supplementation experiments and plant occurrence data to test whether pollen limitation increases towards plant range edges, using a phylogenetically controlled meta-analysis. While there was significant pollen limitation across studies, we found little evidence that pollen limitation increases towards plant range edges. Pollen limitation was not stronger towards the tropics, nor at species' equatorward versus poleward range limits. Meta-analysis results are consistent with results from targeted experiments, in which pollen limitation increased significantly towards only 14% of 14 plant range edges, suggesting that pollination contributes to range limits less often than do other interactions. Together, these results suggest pollination is one of the rich variety of potential ecological factors that can contribute to range limits, rather than a generally important constraint on plant distributions.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Species’ ranges in the face of changing environments (part I)’.
COVID-19 and its clinical severity are associated with alterations of plasma sphingolipids and enzyme activities of sphingomyelinase and ceramidase
Authors: Mühle Christiane , Kremer Andreas , Vetter Marcel , Schmid Jonas , Achenbach Susanne , Schumacher Fabian , Lenz Bernd , Cougoule Céline , Hoertel Nicolas , Carpinteiro Alexander , Gulbins Erich , Kleuser Burkhard , Kornhuber Johannes 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn the current pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19), a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality and treat post-COVID-19 disease. Here, we analyzed alterations of sphingolipids and their metabolizing enzymes in 125 men and 74 women tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and hospitalized with mild, moderate or severe symptoms or after convalescence.The activities of acid and neutral sphingomyelinases (ASM, NSM), which hydrolyze sphingomyelin to ceramide, were significantly increased in COVID-19 patients, while the activity of neutral ceramidase (NC), which hydrolyzes ceramide to sphingosine, was reduced. These alterations could each contribute to elevated ceramide levels in patients. Accordingly, liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) yielded increased levels of ceramides 16:0 and 18:0 with highest levels in severely affected patients and similar effects for dihydroceramides 16:0 and 18:0, whereas levels of (dihydro-)ceramides 24:0 were reduced. Furthermore, sphingomyelin 20:0; 22:0 and 24:0 as substrates of ASM and NSM as well as their dihydrosphingomyelin counterparts were reduced in patients as well as sphingosine-1-phosphate further downstream of NC activity. Effects of NSM, NC, ceramides and sphingomyelins remained significant after Bonferroni correction. SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in convalescent patients were associated with age but none of the sphingolipid parameters. Based on our data, COVID-19 is associated with a dysregulation of sphingolipid homeostasis in a severity-dependent manner, particularly focused around a reduction of sphingomyelins and an accumulation of ceramides by increased enzyme activities leading to ceramide elevation (ASM, NSM) combined with a decreased activity of enzymes (NC) reducing ceramide levels. The potential of a combined sphingolipid/enzyme pattern as a diagnostic and prognostic marker and therapeutic target deserves further exploration.
Severe acute respiratory disease in American mink (Neovison vison) experimentally infected with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Adney Danielle R. , Lovaglio Jamie , Schulz Jonathan E. , Yinda Claude Kwe , Avanzato Victoria A. , Haddock Elaine , Port Julia R. , Holbrook Myndi G. , Hanley Patrick W. , Saturday Greg , Scott Dana , Spengler Jessica R. , Tansey Cassandra , Cossaboom Caitlin M. , Wendling Natalie M. , Martens Craig , Easley John , Yap Seng Wai , Seifert Stephanie N. , Munster Vincent J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAn animal model that fully recapitulates severe COVID-19 presentation in humans has been a top priority since the discovery of SARS-CoV-2 in 2019. Although multiple animal models are available for mild to moderate clinical disease, a non-transgenic model that develops severe acute respiratory disease has not been described. Mink experimentally infected with SARS-CoV-2 developed severe acute respiratory disease, as evident by clinical respiratory disease, radiological, and histological changes. Virus was detected in nasal, oral, rectal, and fur swabs. Deep sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 from oral swabs and lung tissue samples showed repeated enrichment for a mutation in the gene encoding for nonstructural protein 6 in open reading frame 1a/1ab. Together, these data indicate that American mink develop clinical features characteristic of severe COVID19 and as such, are uniquely suited to test viral countermeasures.One Sentence SummarySARS-CoV-2 infected mink develop severe respiratory disease that recapitulates some components of severe acute respiratory disease, including ARDS.
A scalp geometry based parameter-space for optimization and implementation of conventional TMS coil placement
Authors: Jiang Yihan , Du Boqi , Chen Yuanyuan , Wei Lijiang , Cao ZhengCao , Zhang Zong , Xie Cong , Li Quanqun , Cai Zhongxuan , Li Zheng , Zhu Chaozhe 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTranscranial magnetic stimulation efficacy is largely dependent upon coil position and orientation. A good method for describing coil placement is required for both computational optimization (planning) and actual placement (implementation). In coordinate dependent parameter-spaces (CDPs), three-dimensional coordinates are used to represent coil position and three orthogonal unit vectors are used to represent coil orientation. A CDP can precisely describe arbitrary coil placement; therefore it offers great advantage in computational optimization which checks through all possible placements. However, a neuronavigation system is usually required to accurately implement the optimized CDP parameters on a participant’s head. Routine clinical practice, on the other hand, often uses the International 10-20 system to describe coil placement. Although the 10-20 system can only perform modeling and placement at limited scalp landmarks, it allows the synthesis of different individuals’ targeting effects to find group-optimal parameters; it also allows manual placement, which is important for commonly-seen use cases without individual MRI scans and navigation devices. This study proposes a new scalp geometry based parameter-space (SGP), integrating the advantages of CDP and 10-20 methods. Our SGP 1) can quantitatively specify all possible conventional coil positions and orientations on an individual’s scalp, which is important for electrical modeling and optimization, 2) maintains inter-individual correspondence, which is important for synthesizing TMS effects from different individuals and studies. 3) enables fast and simple manual implementation. Demonstration experiments were conducted to illustrate the application of an SGP-based framework for both individual and group-based optimization. A measurement experiment was performed to evaluate speed, precision and reliability of SGP-based manual implementation; results show it surpasses previous manual placement methods.
4R-Tobacco-Cembranoid is a Positive Allosteric Modulator of the Alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor that modulates inflammation-induced thermal hypersensitivity in mice
Authors: Rivera-García Luis G. , Francis-Malavé Adela M. , Wilson Torri D. , Ferchmin P. A. , Eterovic Vesna , Carrasquillo Yarimar 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAlpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs) are activated in response to inflammation and modulate pain in humans and rodent models. The use of α7nAChRs agonists as a therapeutic option for inflammation and pain is challenged by unwanted effects resulting from constant activation and/or desensitization of α7nAChRs. Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) represent a compelling alternative as they increase endogenous nicotinic transmission but do not result in progressive desensitization or loss of receptor function. In the present study, we evaluated the function of the 4R tobacco cembranoid (4R) as a PAM of α7nAChR that reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviors in mouse models of inflammatory pain. Our electrophysiological experiments show that 4R potentiates choline-evoked currents in SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing α7nAChRs in a dose-dependent manner. At the behavioral level, we show that subcutaneous administration of 4R decreases inflammation-induced thermal but not tactile hypersensitivity or formalin-induced spontaneous nociceptive responses in both male and female mice. We further show reduced inflammation-induced paw edema in 4R-treated males, with no measurable effect observed in female mice. Altogether, the results from the experiments in this study identify 4R as a PAM of α7nAChRs that reduces thermal hypersensitivity in male and female mice and inflammation in a sex-specific manner. These findings highlight the use of 4R as a potential novel treatment strategy for pain and inflammation.
How does the host community structure affect the epidemiological dynamics of emerging infectious diseases?
Authors: Voinson Marina , Smadi Charline , Billiard Sylvain 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMany pathogens, especially those responsible for emerging infectious diseases, are transmitted in a host community. How the host community structure affects an epidemic is still debated, particularly whether increasing the host community complexity would tend to amplify or dilute the incidence of an epidemic in a target population,e.g. humans or cattle. In this paper, we build a stochastic SIR model and compare epidemiological dynamics in a target population between three simple host community structures with an increasing complexity. Globally, our results show two possible main outcomes. First, an intermediate host can have a diluting effect by preventing the direct transmission from hosts to the target population, thus reducing the prevalence of infection. Second, when two sources of infection are considered, the effects of the epidemic are generally amplified. By highlighting that the structure of the ecological hosts network can dramatically affect epidemics, our results may have implications for the control of emerging infectious diseases.
Real-time precision opto-control of chemical processes in live cells
Authors: Clark Matthew G. , Gonzalez Gil , Aldana-Mendoza Jesus , Carlsen Mark S. , Eakins Gregory , Zhang Chi 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPrecision control of molecular activities and chemical reactions in live cells is a long-sought capability by life scientists. No existing technology can probe molecular targets in cells and simultaneously control the activities of only these targets at high spatial precision and on the fly. We develop a real-time precision opto-control (RPOC) technology that detects a chemical-specific optical response from molecular targets during laser scanning and uses the optical signal to trigger an acousto-optic modulator, which allows a separate laser beam to only interact with the molecules of interest without affecting other parts of the sample. RPOC can automatically probe and control biomolecular activities and chemical processes in dynamic living samples with submicron spatial accuracy, nanoseconds response time, and high chemical specificity.
Evaluation of Various Drugs’ Influence on Alzheimer’s Disease Progress Using a New Analytical Model Based on Cellular Automata
Authors: Jafari Niloofar , Golabi Faegheh , Ebrahimi-kalan Abbas , Sarbaz Yashar 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis article aims to introduce and propose a novel mathematical model for the study of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progress. The presented model is based on Cellular Automata for better representation of AD progression. The differential equations of the Puri-Li model are utilized to calculate the number of Amyloid-β molecules. Also, a new definition for AD rate is presented in this study. Moreover, other useful factors such as Critical Rate (CR) and Warning Rate (WR) are defined to determine the status of AD progression. To get exact insight into the neuron-to-neuron communications, the model is obtained for a 3×3 neuron system to investigate the influence of drug injection on the reduction of AR, CR, and WR factors. It is shown that using drugs can decrease AR and CR factors and also enhance the WR. The presented study can be utilized for the investigation of various factors in the control and treatment of AD progression.
Comprehensive visualization of cell-cell interactions in single-cell and spatial transcriptomics with NICHES
Authors: Raredon Micha Sam Brickman , Yang Junchen , Kothapalli Neeharika , Lewis Wesley , Kaminski Naftali , Niklason Laura E. , Kluger Yuval 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSummaryRecent years have seen the release of several toolsets that reveal cell-cell interactions from single-cell data. However, all existing approaches leverage mean celltype gene expression values, and do not preserve the single-cell fidelity of the original data. Here, we present NICHES (Niche Interactions and Communication Heterogeneity in Extracellular Signaling), a tool to explore extracellular signaling at the truly single-cell level. NICHES allows embedding of ligand-receptor signal proxies to visualize heterogeneous signaling archetypes within cell clusters, between cell clusters, and across experimental conditions. When applied to spatial transcriptomic data, NICHES can be used to reflect local cellular microenvironment. NICHES can operate with any list of ligand-receptor signaling mechanisms and is compatible with existing single-cell packages and pseudotime techniques. NICHES is also a user friendly and extensible program, allowing rapid analysis of cell-cell signaling at single-cell resolution.Availability and implementationNICHES is an open-source software implemented in R under academic free license v3.0 and it is available at github.com/msraredon/NICHES. Use-case vignettes are available at https://msraredon.github.io/NICHES/.Contactmichasam.raredon@yale.edu; yuval.kluger@yale.edu
Trichodesmium Erythraeum produces a higher photocurrent than other cyanobacterial species in bio-photo electrochemical cells
Authors: Shlosberg Yaniv , Spungin Dina , Holland Neta , Schuster Gadi , Frank Ilana-Berman , Adir Noam 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn recent years, the increase in world energy consumption, and the worries from potential future disasters that may derive from climate change have inspired the motivation to develop renewable energy technologies. One of the promising methods is the utilization of whole bacterial cells to produce photocurrent in a bio-photo electrochemical cell (BPEC). The photocurrent derives from the photosynthesis pathway, while the redox couple NADP+/NADPH perform cyclic electron mediation between photosystem I inside the cells, and the anode. Over the years, various cyanobacterial species were utilized in diverse BPECs setups, while the photocurrent was enhanced by the addition of natural electron mediators such as NAD+, NADP+, Cytochrome C, Vitamin B1, and the artificial mediator potassium ferricyanide. The cyanobacterium Trichodesmium Erythraeum (Te) is a marine species that consist of high content of Phycocyanin and Phycoerythrin pigments that play a major role in photosynthesis enhancement. In this work, we produce for the first-time photocurrent from Te. We apply 2D-fluorescence measurements to detect its NADPH secretion and show that its photocurrent production is enhanced as a function of increasing electrolyte salinity. Finally, we produce photocurrent from additional cyanobacterial species: Synechocystis sp. PCC6803, Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, Acaryochloris marina MBIC 11017, and Spirulina, using their cultivation medium as electrolytes in the BPEC. We show that TE produces a photocurrent intensity that is significantly greater than all other species with and without the addition of exogenous electron mediators. The utilization of TE may pave the way toward the establishment of marine clean energy technologies.
Dissecting the autism-associated 16p11.2 locus identifies multiple drivers in brain phenotypes and unveils a new role for the major vault protein
Authors: Kretz Perrine F. , Wagner Christel , Montillot Charlotte , Hugel Sylvain , Morella Ilaria , Kannan Meghna , Mikhaleva Anna , Fischer Marie-Christine , Milhau Maxence , Brambilla Riccardo , Herault Yann , Reymond Alexandre , Selloum Mohammed , Collins Stephan C. , Yalcin Binnaz 
Published: January 2022

AbstractUsing mouse genetic studies, we set out to identify which of the 30 genes causes brain size and other NeuroAnatomical Phenotypes (NAPs) at the autism-associated 16p11.2 locus. We show that multiple genes mapping to this region interact to regulate brain size in contrast to previous studies, with female significantly less affected. Major Vault Protein (MVP), the main component of the vault organelle, is a highly conserved protein found in higher and lower eukaryotic cells, yet its function is not understood. Here we find MVP expression highly specific to the limbic system and Mvp as the top driver gene of NAPs, regulating the morphology of neurons, postnatally and specifically in male. Finally, we demonstrate that the double hemideletion Mvp::Mapk3 rescues NAPs, increases phosphorylation of ERK and alters behavioral performances, suggesting that MVP and ERK share the same signalling pathway, in vivo. Our results highlight that sex-specific cellular and neuroanatomical mechanisms must be considered in neurological disorders such as autism. Most importantly, it provides the first evidence for the involvement of the vault organelle in the regulation of the mammalian brain size and limbic structures.
Corporate image as a high-order construct in hospitality
Authors: Cuic Tankovic Ana , Benazić Dragan , Kapeš Jelena 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the corporate image as a high-order construct in the hospitality industry. Therefore, it includes an important part of all the agents that contribute to the formation of this corporate image: the clients, the employees and the hotel management.Design/methodology/approachIn order to better conceptualize and understand the dimensions of corporate image in the hospitality industry, a theoretical systematization and analysis of the literature on corporate image definitions and validated scales to date are presented. The primary research is based on a questionnaire survey that emerged from the theoretical model. The collected data were tested using confirmatory factor analysis and covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM).FindingsResults indicate that corporate image is a high-order construct that includes the dimensions of symbols from servicescape, employees' behaviour, perception of the organization, perception of the management, perception of the service and perception of the hotel.Research limitations/implicationsThe application of this paper will enable new research in the corporate marketing literature, while the presented multidimensional approach will support future empirical research on corporate image in hospitality.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to theory by conceptualizing the corporate image as high-order construct. It provides evidence of corporate image multidimensionality, comprising six dimensions. Moreover, the findings provide an insight for practitioners to better understand how to manage hotel image.
Emotional intelligence, intercultural competence and online instruction: Review and reflection
Authors: Arghode Vishal , Lakshmanan Gandhi , Nafukho Fredrick Muyia 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explain how emotional intelligence (EI) influences intercultural competence (IC), which in turn may influence online instruction. The authors further explored the varying attributes of EI and the extent to which it intersects with IC in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach
Literature on EI and IC from the fields of education, business and leadership was reviewed. The search entailed articles related to EI and IC using the following databases: Business Search Premier, ERIC, JSTOR and ProQuest. The authors used the following key search terms in researching the articles: EI, IC, learning and online instruction. Title and abstract analyses judged each article’s suitability for the study.

Findings
To better perceive, understand and appreciate others and their cultures, we need to understand our own emotions and the way we interact with others. EI is thus the foundation on which IC can be built. It takes a higher level of EI to develop higher IC quotient. An online instructor should be cognizant about the emotional issues involved in the online learning and suitably modify the instruction to improve learner engagement to ensure better and improved student learning.

Research limitations/implications
Findings of this study should provide useful information for theory building and practice. Further, it is hoped the findings of this study will stimulate more scholarly interest in this relatively untapped research area exploring how EI can influence IC and ultimately influence online instruction and improve student learning.

Practical implications
The findings will serve as useful pointers for instructors and scholars who strive to improve ICs and appreciate the nuances that enable an emotionally intelligent instructor to perform better and connect with learners from a different culture.

Originality/value
Based on empirical literature reviewed, EI is the ability to perceive, understand and control our own emotions to better connect and relate with other individuals. It is the ability to recognize the emotional cues and change our behavior accordingly. IC is the ability to understand and appreciate the cultural differences to better function in a culture different from our own. The two constructs are therefore interrelated and have a significant overlap. However, while EI has been studied exclusively in different contexts, surprisingly, the researchers have not given adequate attention to the important theme of using EI in improving IC or even the role EI can play in improving instructors’ IC. Moreover, the interrelationship between EI, IC and online learning has not been explored previously. This paper seeks to address this gap.