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Global positioning system (GPS) data loggers are commonly used to track the movements and distribution of both wild and domestic animals. However, the expense often poses a challenge for researchers. Recently, there has been a rise in the utilization of affordable and user-friendly GPS data loggers for tracking animal movements, albeit with compromised accuracy. We aimed to identify factors influencing the accuracy of a low-cost GPS data logger (I-gotU GT-600) and to enhance its location accuracy. Initial investigations revealed that recording intervals impacted the location error of the GPS data logger. To elucidate the relationship between recording intervals and location accuracy, we conducted stationary and motion tests. Our findings indicated that recording intervals of less than 15 sec substantially enhances the location accuracy of the low-cost GPS data logger. Our results highlight the relationship between the fix schedule and location accuracy for these GPS data loggers. Our study provides information that enhances the quality of data for researchers using low-cost GPS data loggers for short-term studies in various settings, such as zoos and livestock facilities.

Nedd4-2 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase in which missense mutation is related to familial epilepsy, indicating its critical role in regulating neuronal network activity. However, Nedd4-2 substrates involved in neuronal network function have yet to be identified. Using mouse lines lacking Nedd4-1 and Nedd4-2, we identified astrocytic channel proteins inwardly rectifying K+ channel 4.1 (Kir4.1) and Connexin43 as Nedd4-2 substrates. We found that the expression of Kir4.1 and Connexin43 is increased upon conditional deletion of Nedd4-2 in astrocytes, leading to an elevation of astrocytic membrane ion permeability and gap junction activity, with a consequent reduction of γ-oscillatory neuronal network activity. Interestingly, our biochemical data demonstrate that missense mutations found in familial epileptic patients produce gain-of-function of the Nedd4-2 gene product. Our data reveal a process of coordinated astrocytic ion channel proteostasis that controls astrocyte function and astrocyte-dependent neuronal network activity and elucidate a potential mechanism by which aberrant Nedd4-2 function leads to epilepsy., (© 2023 Altas et al.)