bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active Learning-Assisted Directed Evolution
Authors: Yang Jason , Lal Ravi G. , Bowden James C. , Astudillo Raul , Hameedi Mikhail A. , Kaur Sukhvinder , Hill Matthew , Yue Yisong , Arnold Frances H.
Published: July 2024

Directed evolution (DE) is a powerful tool to optimize protein fitness for a specific application. However, DE can be inefficient when mutations exhibit non-additive, or epistatic, behavior. Here, we present Active Learning-assisted Directed Evolution (ALDE), an iterative machine learning-assisted DE workflow that leverages uncertainty quantification to explore the search space of proteins more efficiently than current DE methods. We apply ALDE to an engineering landscape that is challenging for DE: optimization of five epistatic residues in the active site of an enzyme. In three rounds of wet-lab experimentation, we improve the yield of a desired product of a non-native cyclopropanation reaction from 12% to 93%. We also perform computational simulations on existing protein sequence-fitness datasets to support our argument that ALDE can be more effective than DE. Overall, ALDE is a practical and broadly applicable strategy to unlock improved protein engineering outcomes.
Disentangling the mutational effects on protein stability and interaction of human MLH1
Authors: Larsen-Ledet Sven , Panfilova Aleksandra , Stein Amelie
Published: July 2024

Missense mutations can have diverse effects on proteins, depending on their location within the protein and the specific amino acid substitution. Mutations in the DNA mismatch repair geneMLH1are associated with Lynch syndrome, yet the underlying mechanism of most disease-causing mutations remains elusive. To address this gap, we aim to disentangle the mutational effects on two essential properties for MLH1 function: protein stability and protein-protein interaction. We systematically examine the cellular abundance and interaction with PMS2 of 4839 (94%) MLH1 variants in the C-terminal domain. Our combined data shows that most MLH1 variants lose interaction with PMS2 due to reduced cellular abundance. However, substitutions to charged residues in the canonical interface lead to reduced interaction with PMS2. Unexpectedly, we also identify a distal region in the C-terminal domain of MLH1 where substitutions cause both decreased and increased binding with PMS2, and propose a region in PMS2 as the binding site. Our data successfully distinguish benign from pathogenic MLH1 variants and correlate with thermodynamic stability predictions and evolutionary conservation. This work provides mechanistic insights into variant consequences and may help interpret MLH1 variants.

Author Summary

Mutations in proteins, including single amino acid substitutions, can disrupt normal cellular function and lead to diseases. Hence, there is great interest in understanding their consequences from both basic science and clinical genetics perspectives. Loss-of-function variants in the human mismatch repair protein MLH1 are associated with Lynch syndrome, a hereditary condition that significantly increases the risk of certain cancers. Detailed insights into the molecular consequences of MLH1 variants are essential for understanding the mechanisms underlying Lynch syndrome. In this study, we use high-throughput experimental approaches to test how missense mutations affect the cellular abundance of MLH1 and the interaction with its partner, PMS2. We find that many variants disrupting the interaction with PMS2 also lead to reduced cellular abundance levels, suggesting a strong relationship between protein stability and interaction in MLH1. Additionally, we identify a potential novel interaction site between MLH1 and PMS2, where mutations in MLH1 either increase or decrease interaction without affecting abundance. Our datasets are in line with the classification of clinically annotated MLH1 variants and may aid in interpreting variants of uncertain significance, while also providing new insights into the molecular details of the interaction with PMS2.
Cognitive sequences in obsessive-compulsive disorder are supported by frontal cortex ramping activity and mediated by symptom severity
Authors: Doyle Hannah , Garnaat Sarah , McLaughlin Nicole , Desrochers Theresa M.
Published: July 2024

Completing sequences is part of everyday life. Many such sequences can be considered abstract – that is, defined by a rule that governs the order but not the identity of individual steps (e.g., getting dressed for work). Over-engagement in ritualistic and repetitive behaviors seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) suggests that abstract sequences may be disrupted in this disorder. Previous work has shown the necessity of the rostrolateral prefrontal cortex (RLPFC) for abstract sequence processing and that neural activity increases (ramps) in this region across sequences (Desrochers et al., 2015, 2019). Neurobiological models of the cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) loops describe prefrontal circuitry connected to RLPFC and that is believed to be dysfunctional in OCD. As a potential extension of these models, we hypothesized that neural dynamics of RLPFC could be disrupted in OCD during abstract sequence engagement. We found that neural dynamics in RLPFC did not differ between OCD and healthy controls (HCs), but that increased ramping in pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (rACC), and superior frontal sulcus (SFS) dissociates these two groups in an abstract sequence paradigm.

Further, we found that anxiety and depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between observed neural activity and behavioral differences observed in the task. This study highlights the importance of investigating ramping as a relevant neural dynamic during sequences and suggests expansion of current neurobiological models to include regions that support sequential behavior in OCD. Further, our results may point to novel regions to consider for neuromodulatory treatments of OCD in the future.

Significance Statement

Completing sequences of tasks is crucial for functional day-to-day living. The possible disruption of this cognitive process in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) urges the investigation of such behavior and its neural underpinnings in this disorder. Our findings elucidate novel cortical regions that support abstract sequential behavior in OCD, highlighting the potential contribution of ramping dynamics to pathology. Further, our results may refine models of dysfunctional neural circuits in OCD, which could inform future treatments and diagnostic criteria.
The nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio controls the cell cycle period in compartmentalized frog egg extract
Authors: Piñeros Liliana , Frolov Nikita , Ruiz-Reynés Daniel , Van Eynde Aleyde , Cavin-Meza Gabriel , Heald Rebecca , Gelens Lendert
Published: July 2024

Each proliferating cell replicates its DNA and internal components before distributing this material evenly to its daughters. Although the regulation of cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) that dictate orderly cell cycle progression is well characterized, how the subcellular localization of the cell cycle machinery contributes to timing is not well understood. We investigated the influence of the nucleus by reconstituting cell cycle oscillations in droplets of frog egg extract in the absence or presence of a nuclear compartment and monitoring dynamics by time-lapse microscopy. We found that the cell cycle time increased in the presence of nuclei, which grew larger with each cell cycle. The correlation between increasing nuclear volume and a longer cell cycle period was maintained across extracts and nuclei from variousXenopusspecies and persisted upon inhibition of DNA replication or transcription. However, inhibition of nuclear import or the kinase Wee1 impacted the relationship between the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio and the cell cycle period. These experimental findings were reproduced in a computational model incorporating cell cycle oscillations, nuclear-cytoplasmic compart-mentalization, and periodic nuclear envelope breakdown and reformation. Altogether, our results support the major role of the nuclear compartment in setting the pace of the cell cycle and provide an explanation for the increase in cell cycle length observed at the midblastula transition when cells become smaller and the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio increases.
Genetic Deletion of Skeletal Muscle Inositol Polyphosphate Multikinase Disrupts Glucose Homeostasis and Impairs Exercise Tolerance
Authors: Lee Ji-Hyun , Jung Ik-Rak , Tu-Sekine Becky , Jin Sunghee , Anokye-Danso Frederick , Ahima Rexford S. , Kim Sangwon F.
Published: July 2024

Inositol phosphates are critical signaling messengers involved in a wide range of biological pathways in which inositol polyphosphate multikinase (IPMK) functions as a rate-limiting enzyme for inositol polyphosphate metabolism. IPMK has been implicated in cellular metabolism, but its function at the systemic level is still poorly understood. Since skeletal muscle is a major contributor to energy homeostasis, we have developed a mouse model in which skeletal muscle IPMK is specifically deleted and examined how a loss of IPMK affects whole-body metabolism. Here, we report that mice in which IPMK knockout is deleted, specifically in the skeletal muscle, displayed an increased body weight, disrupted glucose tolerance, and reduced exercise tolerance under the normal diet. Moreover, these changes were associated with an increased accumulation of triglyceride in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, we have confirmed that a loss of IPMK led to reduced beta-oxidation, increased triglyceride accumulation, and impaired insulin response in IPMK-deficient muscle cells. Thus, our results suggest that IPMK mediates the whole-body metabolism via regulating muscle metabolism and may be potentially targeted for the treatment of metabolic syndromes.
CUT&Tag for high-resolution epigenomic profiling from a low amount ofArabidopsistissue
Authors: Fu Yixuan , Schmid Marc W. , Simonini Sara
Published: July 2024

Background

The genome-wide profiling of chromatin states that are defined by different histone post-translational modifications, known as epigenomic profiling, is crucial for understanding the epigenetic regulations of gene expression, both in animal and plant systems. CUT&Tag (Cleavage Under Targets and Tagmentation, [1]) is a novel enzyme-tethering method for epigenomic profiling, initially developed for mammalian cells. CUT&Tag has several advantages compared to the most commonly used epigenomic profiling methods such as Chromatin Immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq). CUT&Tag allows epigenenomic profiling from a much less amount of starting material compared to ChIP-seq. CUT&Tag is based on thein situcleavage of DNA by enzymes tethered to antibodies, while in ChIP-seq, the cleavage is done by a nearly random fragmentation step. In theory, this difference in the way of cleaving DNA allows CUT&Tag to reach a higher resolution compared to ChIP-seq. Therefore, CUT&Tag holds the potential to profile the genome-wide distribution at a high resolution even from a small amount of plant tissues.

Results

We profiled the genome-wide distribution of three histone modifications, H3K27me3, H3K4me3 and H3K27Ac, from a few seedlings ofArabidopsisthat weighed around 0.01 grams. By comparing the H3K27me3 profiles generated from ChIP-seq and CUT&Tag, we showed that CUT&Tag and ChIP-seq capture the same broad lines of the epigenomes, but they also revealed different sets of peaks. Analysis using the CUT&Tag datasets for the three histone modifications revealed their genomic locations and their relationship with the gene expression level, which are consistent with the expected effect of these histone marks on gene transcription. By comparing to the nucleosome occupancy data, we show that CUT&Tag reached nucleosomal resolution, a much higher resolution than ChIP-seq. In the end, we presented that the increased resolution of CUT&Tag could better reveal the exon enrichment of histone modifications and the epigenetic states of the +1 nucleosome, showing benefits and advantages that this technique could bring to the field of plant epigenetics and chromatin study in general.

Conclusion

CUT&Tag is a valid, easy-to-perform, cost-effective, and reliable approach for efficient epigenomic profiling inArabidopsis, even with limited amount of starting material and provides a higher resolution compared to ChIP-seq. Because the CUT&Tag protocol starting input is isolated nuclei, it is also applicable to other model and non-model plants.
The connectional diaschisis and normalization of cortical language network dynamics after basal ganglia and thalamus stroke
Authors: Chen Qingwen , Guo Xiaolin , Zhong Tao , Yang Junjie , Gao Xiaowei , Hu Zhe , Li Junjing , Liu Jiaxuan , Wang Yaling , Qu Zhiheng , Li Wanchun , Li Zhongqi , Li Wanjing , Huang Yien , Chen Jiali , Wen Hao , Zhang Ye , Yuan Binke , Gao Han
Published: July 2024

Stroke affecting the basal ganglia and thalamus can lead to language deficits. In addition to the lesion’s direct impact on language processing, connectional diaschisis involving cortical-subcortical interactions also plays a critical role. This study investigated connectional diaschisis using the “dynamic meta-networking framework of language” in patients with basal ganglia and thalamus stroke, analyzing longitudinal resting-state fMRI data collected at 2 weeks (n = 32), 3 months (n = 19), and one year post-stroke (n = 23). As expected, we observed dynamic cortico-subcortical interactions between cortical language regions and subcortical regions in healthy controls (HC, n = 25). The cortical language network exhibited dynamic domain-segregation patterns in HCs, severely disrupted in the acute phase following stroke. The connectional diaschisis manifested as dual effects characterized by both hypo- and hyper-connectivity, which positively and negatively correlated with language deficits, respectively. State-specific changes in nodal and topological properties were also identified. Throughout language recovery, cortical language network dynamics gradually normalized toward sub-optimal domain-segregation patterns, accompanied by the normalization of nodal and topological properties. These findings underscore the crucial role of cortico-subcortical interactions in language processing.
Numerical studies of collinear laser-assisted injection from a foil for plasma wakefield accelerators
Authors: Wilson T. C. , Farmer J. , Pukhov A. , Sheng Z.-M. , Hidding B.
Published: July 2024

We present a laser-assisted electron injection scheme for beam-driven plasma wakefield acceleration. The laser is collinear with the driver and triggers the injection of hot electrons into the plasma wake by interaction with a thin solid target. We present a baseline case using the AWAKE Run 2 parameters and then perform variations on key parameters to explore the scheme. It is found that the trapped witness electron charge may be tuned by altering laser parameters, with a strong dependence on the phase of the wake upon injection. Normalized emittance settles at the order of micrometres and varies with witness charge. The scheme is robust to misalignment, with a 1/10th plasma skin-depth offset (20  μm for the AWAKE case) having a negligible effect on the final beam. The final beam quality is better than similar existing schemes, and several avenues for further optimization are indicated. The constraints on the AWAKE experiment are very specific, but the general principles of this mechanism can be applied to future beam-driven plasma wakefield accelerator experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Green's function embedding using sum-over-pole representations
Authors: Ferretti Andrea , Chiarotti Tommaso , Marzari Nicola
Published: July 2024

In Green's function theory, the total energy of an interacting many-electron system can be expressed in a variational form using the Klein or Luttinger-Ward functionals. Green's function theory also naturally addresses the case where the interacting system is embedded into a bath. The latter can then act as a dynamical (i.e., frequency-dependent) potential, providing a more general framework than that of conventional static external potentials. Notably, the Klein functional includes a term of the form Trωln{G0−1G}, where Trω is the integration in frequency of the trace operator. Here, we show that using a sum-over-poles representation for the Green's functions and the algorithmic-inversion method one can obtain, in full generality, an explicit analytical expression for Trωln{G0−1G}. Further, this allows us (1) to recover an explicit expression for the random phase approximation correlation energy in the framework of the optimized effective potential and (2) to derive a variational expression for the Klein functional valid in the presence of an embedding bath.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Double-gap bicone magnetorheology in steady shear under homogeneous magnetic and flow fields
Authors: Camacho Guillermo , de Vicente Juan , Morillas Jose R.
Published: July 2024

We design, fabricate, and test a double-gap bicone magnetorheological (MR) device to measure steady shear rheological properties of MR fluids under saturating magnetic fields (i.e., large enough to saturate the MR fluids). The device is optimized using finite element method and computational fluid dynamics simulations so that homogeneous, saturating field strengths are reached while keeping a constant shear rate within the main shearing gaps. Experiments demonstrate that the flow curves in the saturation regime can be fitted to a viscoplastic Casson model in good agreement with MR fluids under much lower (nonsaturating) fields. Moreover, yield stress data follow a linear dependence on volume fraction at low particle loadings, in agreement with existing theoretical models.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Energies and spectra of solids from the algorithmic inversion of dynamical Hubbard functionals
Authors: Chiarotti Tommaso , Ferretti Andrea , Marzari Nicola
Published: July 2024

Energy functionals of the Green's function can simultaneously provide spectral and thermodynamic properties of interacting electrons' systems. Although powerful in principle, these formulations need to deal with dynamical (frequency-dependent) quantities, increasing the algorithmic and numerical complexity and limiting applications. We first show that, when representing all frequency-dependent propagators as sums over poles—a truncated Lehmann representation—, the typical operations of dynamical formulations become closed (i.e., all quantities are expressed as sums over poles) and analytical. In the framework, the Dyson equation is mapped into a nonlinear eigenvalue problem that can be solved exactly; this is achieved by introducing a fictitious noninteracting system with additional degrees of freedom, which shares, upon projection, the same Green's function of the real system. In addition, we introduce an approximation to the exchange-correlation part of the Klein functional adopting a localized GW approach; this is a generalization of the static Hubbard extension of density-functional theory with a dynamical screened potential U(ω). We showcase the algorithmic efficiency of the method, and the physical accuracy of the functional, by computing the spectral, thermodynamic, and vibrational properties of SrVO3, finding results in close agreement with experiments and state-of-the-art methods, at highly reduced computational costs and with a transparent physical interpretation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
On the feasibility of time-resolved X-ray powder diffraction of macromolecules using laser-driven ultrafast X-ray sources
Authors: Khakurel Krishna Prasad , Žoldák Gabriel , Angelov Borislav , Andreasson Jakob
Published: July 2024

With the emergence of ultrafast X-ray sources, interest in following fast processes in small molecules and macromolecules has increased. Most of the current research into ultrafast structural dynamics of macromolecules uses X-ray free-electron lasers. In parallel, small-scale laboratory-based laser-driven ultrafast X-ray sources are emerging. Continuous development of these sources is underway, and as a result many exciting applications are being reported. However, because of their low flux, such sources are not commonly used to study the structural dynamics of macromolecules. This article examines the feasibility of time-resolved powder diffraction of macromolecular microcrystals using a laboratory-scale laser-driven ultrafast X-ray source.
Modulated crystallographic shear structure in titanium–chromium oxides: their structure and phonon-transport properties
Authors: Harada Shunta , Hattori Taiga , Inden Mai , Sugimoto Shunya , Ito Manaho , Tagawa Miho , Ujihara Toru
Published: July 2024

Advancements in phonon engineering have propelled the study of heat conduction within nanostructures, focusing on the wave nature of phonons for thermal conductivity manipulation. This work investigates the annealing-induced structural transformation of titanium–chromium oxide crystals, highlighting a role in modulating thermal conductivity through the regularization of crystallographic shear (CS) plane spacing. Utilizing high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and selected-area electron diffraction, a transformation from disordered to ordered arrangements of CS planes was observed through annealing at high temperatures. The thermal conductivity increased following annealing. The variability observed in the spacing of CS planes before annealing implies that phonon Anderson localization might play a role in the changes in thermal conductivity.
In situ X-ray diffraction evidence of field-induced transitions in a PbHfO3 single crystal
Authors: Arkhipov Nickolay , Ganzha Alexander , Kniazeva Maria , Vakulenko Alexander , Filimonov Alexey , Burkovsky Roman
Published: July 2024

Antiferroelectric (AFE) materials are interesting due to recent discoveries of new prospective applications, although the mechanisms of the phase transitions that are at the heart of these applications remain incompletely understood. This work is devoted to the study of a single crystal of a model AFE, lead hafnate, by X-ray diffraction with in situ application of an electric field to trigger the transition to a polar phase. Two consecutive experiments were carried out on a 35 µm thick plate with [110] surface normal orientation over a field range from 0 to 330 kV cm−1 and back. A sharp drop in the intensity of R- and Σ-type reflections around 225 kV cm−1 was registered, with almost complete disappearance after 250 kV cm−1. This is compatible with a field-induced phase transition from the AFE to the R3m polar phase, which was suggested earlier on the basis of non-diffraction characterizations. X-ray diffraction reveals that the AFE domains with displacements parallel to the field direction react much more smoothly to the field, gradually reducing the AFE order at very small fields instead of holding it almost constant up to the critical field value, which is naturally expected. This expectation is fulfilled for domains with other orientations, but only for the first switching cycle; in the second switching cycle the AFE order already shows a notable decrease at subcritical fields. It is suggested that these observations could be linked with the antiphase domain wall population being affected by the field, which is consistent with the observation of diffuse rods between the Γ and Σ points. Another remarkable observation is the much smoother recovery of the AFE phase compared with its sharp disappearance at the critical field.
Refinement of cryo-EM 3D maps with a self-supervised denoising model: crefDenoiser
Authors: Agarwal Ishaant , Kaczmar-Michalska Joanna , Nørrelykke Simon F. , Rzepiela Andrzej J.
Published: July 2024

Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is a pivotal technique for imaging macromolecular structures. However, despite extensive processing of large image sets collected in cryo-EM experiments to amplify the signal-to-noise ratio, the reconstructed 3D protein-density maps are often limited in quality due to residual noise, which in turn affects the accuracy of the macromolecular representation. Here, crefDenoiser is introduced, a denoising neural network model designed to enhance the signal in 3D cryo-EM maps produced with standard processing pipelines. The crefDenoiser model is trained without the need for `clean' ground-truth target maps. Instead, a custom dataset is employed, composed of real noisy protein half-maps sourced from the Electron Microscopy Data Bank repository. Competing with the current state-of-the-art, crefDenoiser is designed to optimize for the theoretical noise-free map during self-supervised training. We demonstrate that our model successfully amplifies the signal across a wide variety of protein maps, outperforming a classic map denoiser and following a network-based sharpening model. Without biasing the map, the proposed denoising method leads to improved visibility of protein structural features, including protein domains, secondary structure elements and modest high-resolution feature restoration.
Economic growth and deviations from the equilibrium exchange rate: a panel ARDL and panel NARDL approach
Authors: Ramos-Herrera Maria Del Carmen
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide empirical evidence on the impact of deviations from the long-run sustainable real exchange rate (RER) equilibrium on real economic growth rate applying panel autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) (Pooled Mean Group, Mean Group and Dynamic Fixed Effects estimators) in a dynamic heterogeneous panel setting and panel NARDL for the largest database covering 104 countries during 1995–2022 period developed by Couharde et al. (2017).

Design/methodology/approach

The EQCHANGE database makes available not only the equilibrium RER but also misalignments according to the Behavioral Equilibrium Exchange Rate approach for each country. One of the main objectives is to examine whether undervaluation or overvaluation RER can imply different responses on economic performance trying to differentiate between short and long run effects. Additionally, the authors consider the World Bank (WB)’s income classifications to compare the asymmetries attending to high-income, upper-middle-income, lower-middle-income and low-income levels.

Findings

Applying the panel ARDL technique, the results suggest that the RER misalignments have a negative but not significant effect on the short-run, nevertheless a negative and highly significant impact on real economic growth rate is detected on the long-run. Considering the panel NARDL, the asymmetric relationship between RER misalignment and economic growth rate is supported considering all countries in the long-run (in the short-term is not significant). In the long run is detected that undervaluation can promote economic growth rate, rather than overvaluation which can harm the economic performance. Additionally, the WB and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) income’s classifications have been applied and the long-run symmetry test is strongly rejected regardless of income group.

Originality/value

To the best of the author knowledge, this is the first time the non-linear panel ARDL methodology has been applied for analyzing the impact of deviations from the long-run sustainable RER equilibrium on real economic growth. This allows us to see the asymmetric effect not seen before. The panel ARDL estimation can efficiently performed regardless of the integration level of the variables, additionally, it is consistent even in the presence of endogeneity. Besides, another advantage of this method is that it is possible to reflect not only the short but also the long-run dynamics. Moreover, this analysis offers a comparison between linear panel ARDL and non-linear to compare the advantages from the former. Additionally, this study covers the largest database, in particular, 104 countries during the 1995–2022 period implemented with the Couharde et al. (2017) EQCHANGE database. Finally, it is compared the asymmetries attending to different income classifications.
Customer-oriented front-line employees' voice behaviours in the hospitality industry: a comprehensive literature review
Authors: Memon Khalid Rasheed , Ghani Bilqees , Han Heesup
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Using employee voice to advocate for customers' requirements, improves hospitality service. Organizations must understand what motivates or deters employee customer-oriented voice behaviour (COVB) to achieve its goals and enhance performance. This research investigates the predictors and outcomes of COVB of front-line employees (FLEs) in the hotel industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to steer the article search, screening, and inclusion. The research identified the extant studies conducted in both, high/low power distance countries that met the search criteria using the databases of SCOPUS, Web of Science, EBSCOHost and through snowballing of references.

Findings

The content analysis of 55 selected studies identified four themes that explain FLEs’ COVB in the hospitality industry. These four themes include customer-related, employee-related, organizational and leadership factors. Moreover, it was found that theoretical frameworks of the most of published studies are dominated by social exchange and conservation resource theories.

Practical implications

This study suggests hospitality firms to develop management strategies to foster FLEs COVB especially long-term personality trainings for FLEs is suggested for innovative and novel ideas.

Originality/value

This is the first study, as per our knowledge, on the hospitality industry that has been conducted to analyse and synthesize the literature related to FLEs’ COVB.
Integration through education: utilizing project ECHO to mitigate fragmentation and support adaptive expert care in HIV Psychiatry
Authors: Chaukos Deanna , Genus Sandalia , Guimond Timothy , Mylopoulos Maria
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Care of complex patients requires collaboration across hospital and community settings. Yet there is little recognition of the capabilities that healthcare workers need to effectively implement integrated care. An adaptive expertise theoretical framework can inform educational efforts that aim to give providers the abilities to navigate complexity and ambiguity in the healthcare system, including across hospital and community settings. Prior education research in the HIV sector has demonstrated that adaptive expert skills can be cultivated through education that emphasizes perspective exchange, inviting uncertainty in practice and integration of diverse perspectives on care.

Design/methodology/approach

These principles informed the creation of an Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) in HIV Psychiatry – the first ECHO directed at a non-clinical, community health worker (CHW) audience. The goal was to improve informal collaborations across hospitals and communities.

Findings

Participation in the ECHO was robust, with significant on-camera engagement. Participants attributed success of the ECHO to key themes: explicit value placed on all kinds of knowledge (not simply clinical knowledge), emphasis on approaches for navigating ambiguity and complexity and engagement in perspective exchange for provision of integrated, team-based care. Future cycles of ECHO HIV Psychiatry are being pursued, with a focus on the development of adaptive expert capabilities and the impact on integration of care between community and hospital services.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, this is the only ECHO that is specifically aimed at frontline CHWs.
Heritage yet contemporary: an aesthetic cultural precept explaining diasporic consumer aesthetic appreciation for package design
Authors: Buschgens Mark , Figueiredo Bernardo , Blijlevens Janneke
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how visual elements used in packaging design relate to diasporic consumer identity and influence aesthetic appreciation.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on social identity theory, research on aesthetic principles and using a mixed methods approach, two studies are conducted. Study 1 involves a qualitative exploration of the nature of diasporic consumer identity and its relation with visual design in packaging. Study 2 involves quantitative testing and calibration of this relationship and its subsequent influence on aesthetic appreciation.

Findings

Diasporic consumers from the Middle East appreciate hybrid visual designs and prefer packaging that strikes an optimum balance of visual elements (colour, shapes, patterns) from the heritage aspects of their ancestral homeland and more contemporary aspects from their culture of living. Preference for balance elicits an overall positive diasporic identity feeling that mediates the relationship with aesthetic appreciation of visual design in packaging.

Research limitations/implications

These findings offer new knowledge about the role of visual design in packaging in delivering symbolic value to diasporic consumers, evidencing how diasporic consumers’ dual identities shape aesthetic appreciation and preferences for hybrid visual designs.

Practical implications

Provides marketing practitioners and packaging designers with a concise and contextual directive for creating visual designs that appeal to a growing segment of diasporic consumers.

Originality/value

This research draws on social identity theory to uncover an aesthetic cultural precept – heritage, yet contemporary – that can inform the development of packaging designs targeting diasporic consumers.
Numerical simulation of acoustic fields in open boreholes generated by linear phased array acoustic transmitters driven by pulse compression signals
Authors: Tao Shengyue , Che Xiaohua , Qiao Wenxiao , Wang Jiale , Zhao Qiqi
Published: July 2024

Acoustic logging is an important method used to determine formation velocities near boreholes. However, in practice, determining accurate formation velocities from acoustic logging data is challenging because of the presence of various noise interferences. Accordingly, a method to increase the amplitudes of refracted waves in open boreholes is proposed herein on the basis of the directional radiation technology of pulse compression signal–driven linear phased array acoustic transmitters. The waveforms generated by a Ricker monopole acoustic transmitter, linear frequency modulation monopole acoustic transmitter and pulse compression signal–driven linear phased array acoustic transmitter in a fluid‐filled open borehole are numerically simulated by employing the finite‐difference method. The effects of the pulse compression signal–driven linear phased array parameters on the amplitudes of the refracted compressional and shear waves are studied. Results show that borehole mode waves with the same velocities and dispersion characteristics can be determined using the pulse compression signal–driven linear phased array acoustic and Ricker monopole acoustic transmitters in fluid‐filled open boreholes. Pulse compression signal–driven linear phased array acoustic transmitters leverage the advantages of pulse compression and phased array technologies, ensuring that a single element can radiate more acoustic energy, whereas pulse compression signal–driven linear phased array parameters can be modulated to further increase the amplitudes of the refracted compressional and shear waves. Compared with Ricker and linear frequency modulation monopole acoustic transmitters, pulse compression signal–driven linear phased array acoustic transmitters can provide downhole received waveforms of better quality and improved a signal‐to‐noise ratio of the mode wave dispersion curves obtained using the downhole received waveforms. Because pulse compression signal–driven linear phased array acoustic transmitters use linear frequency modulation drive signals of longer duration, the recording time required for the received waveforms is also longer and the amount of data generated is larger, presenting new challenges for downhole data processing and high‐speed data transmission.
Ontogeny of migration destination, route and timing in a partially migratory bird
Authors: Chan Ying‐Chi , Kormann Urs G. , Witczak Stephanie , Scherler Patrick , Grüebler Martin U.
Published: July 2024

In migratory animals, the developmental period from inexperienced juveniles to breeding adults could be a key life stage in shaping population migration patterns. Nevertheless, the development of migration routines in early life remains underexplored. While age‐related changes in migration routes and timing have been described in obligate migrants, most investigations into the ontogeny of partial migrants only focused on age‐dependency of migration as a binary tactic (migrant or resident), and variations in routes and timing among individuals classified as ‘migrants’ is rarely considered.

To fill this gap, we study the ontogeny of migration destination, route and timing in a partially migratory red kite (Milvus milvus) population. Using an extensive GPS‐tracking dataset (292 fledglings and 38 adults, with 1–5 migrations tracked per individual), we studied how nine different migration characteristics changed with age and breeding status in migrant individuals, many of which become resident later in life.

Individuals departed later from and arrived earlier at the breeding areas as they aged, resulting in a gradual prolongation of stay in the breeding area by 2 months from the first to the fifth migration. Individuals delayed southward migration in the year prior to territory acquirement, and they further delayed it after occupying a territory. Migration routes became more direct with age. Individuals were highly faithful to their wintering site. Migration distance shortened only slightly with age and was more similar among siblings than among unrelated individuals.

The large gradual changes in northward and southward migrations suggest a high degree of plasticity in temporal characteristics during the developmental window. However, the high wintering site fidelity points towards large benefits of site familiarity, prompting spatial migratory plasticity to be expressed through a switch to residency.

The contrasting patterns of trajectories of age‐related changes between spatial and temporal migration characteristics might reflect different mechanisms underlying the expression of plasticity. Investigating such patterns among species along the entire spectrum of migration tactics would enable further understanding of the plastic responses exhibited by migratory species to rapid environmental changes.
Secondary compounds increase litter removal by termites across 23 savanna grass species
Authors: de Jonge Inger K. , Cornelissen J. Hans C. , Olff Han , Berg Matty P. , van Logtestijn Richard S. P. , Veldhuis Michiel P.
Published: July 2024

Termites—one of the most abundant animal groups in tropical ecosystems—are vital in nutrient recycling, contributing significantly to maintaining ecosystem functioning. However, how selective they are in their litter food choice, and whether they prefer nutritious or less nutritious litter substrates, are still important unresolved questions.

Here, we test the effect of litter traits on the removal of litter by fungus‐growing termites, a dominant group of macrodetritivores in the Serengeti‐Mara ecosystem. We used metal‐mesh litterbags to measure the mass loss of stem and leaf litter from 23 grass species after an incubation period of 61 days.

Sheeting—soil deposits indicating termite presence—strongly increased with tannin and phenolic compounds, especially in leaf litter (R2 = 0.54), where highly aromatic species likeCymbopogon caesiusandBothriochloa insculptaexhibited the highest sheeting rates. Litterbags with sheeting displayed 66% higher mass loss on average compared to those without. Once termites had selected the substrate, mass loss increased consistently irrespective of litter traits.

Quantifying the combined effects of sheeting frequency and differential mass loss, we found that fungus‐growing termites predominantly increased the mass loss of high‐nutrient litter. This was mainly due to additional mass loss in leaf litter, not stem litter, with tannin concentration being the primary predictor of enhanced overall decomposition by termites. This suggests termites ameliorate the otherwise adverse influence of plant secondary compounds on litter decomposition.

Synthesis: Our results support the idea that fungus‐growing termites are generalists, as termites collected organic substrates with varying quality. The strong effect of phenolic compounds on sheeting rate implies that secondary compounds play an important role in termite substrate selection. The selective removal of substrates high in secondary compounds suggests fungus‐growing termites lift important constraints to microbial breakdown, potentially enhancing ecosystem‐level carbon and nutrient recycling rates. Termites play crucial roles in recycling organic matter across tropical biomes and our study highlights that the role of secondary compounds in their selection and detection in decomposition studies needs more attention
COVID companions: Exploring pets as social support
Authors: Sudbury‐Riley Lynn
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the social support provided by domestic animals to humans during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The study comprises interviews with 39 British and American pet owners during March 2021, the point at which the UK had recently emerged from the third national lockdown and US states were under various restrictions. A thematic network approach to data analysis revealed four global themes, illustrating how pets provided buffers to the stress of the pandemic, facilitated ontological security by maintaining a sense of routine and purpose, offered myriad types of emotional support and enhanced and enabled wider social support. Taken together, these results reinforce and extend knowledge pertaining to the importance of companion animals for social support.
A qualitative exploration of the impact of educational social fields on mental health help‐seeking in post‐primary schools in Northern Ireland
Authors: Waterhouse‐Bradley Bethany , Corry Dagmar , Leavey Gerard
Published: July 2024

In a study of post‐primary students in Northern Ireland, Bourdieu’s concepts of cultural capital, habitus and fields are used to explore attitudes towards help‐seeking from general practitioners (GPs). Findings from Grammar and Secondary Modern School students are compared using the role of educational fields in influencing help‐seeking behaviours for mental health problems. Focus groups were conducted of 54 students at 10 post‐primary schools in Northern Ireland, each consisting of 5–7 pupils, stratified by age (13–17 years) and gender. The data were analysed thematically to assess attitudinal and belief patterns within school environments. Participants from both types of schools expressed reluctance to seek help from GPs for mental health concerns. However, the attitudes towards help seeking differ between grammar schools (GSs) and secondary modern schools with regards to (a) the act of help‐seeking; (b) service knowledge and medical professionalism; and (c) trust and disclosure. The field of GSs appears to produce students who feel more able and, importantly, more entitled to mental health support from health professionals. While this apparent conference of cultural norms increases some individuals’ access to services, work is required to build help‐seeking pathways which are responsive to diverse young people.
The challenges of coeliac disease at work: A contestation of the politics of inclusion
Authors: Steinhoff Anne , Warren Rebecca , Carter David , Glynos Jason
Published: July 2024

By focusing on the experiences of employees living with coeliac disease as evidenced in UK employment tribunal cases, this paper interrogates the way practices of exclusion are performed in legal and organisational contexts that purport to promote values of inclusion. In paying attention to how differences are constructed and negotiated, the paper unpacks the way organisational practices mobilise an array of workplace mechanisms to produce complex dynamics of exclusion. Applying Laclau and Mouffe’s logics of equivalence and difference, we show how questionable impulses and practices emerge in a workplace environment characterised by unclarity and vagueness. One impulse, for example, involves privatising and individualising the condition of employees with coeliac disease, giving rise to patronising and stigmatising attitudes that can turn them into victims. However, we also identify workplace mechanisms countering these tendencies, which can underpin forms of collective support in the struggle for recognition. Our study thus contributes to the body of sociological literature that pays attention to health‐related workplace injustices by challenging the purported promotion of health‐based inclusion through a focus on tribunal cases, leading to suggestions for further research into the way medical conditions are theorised and ‘lived’ at work.
The potential use of microalgae for nutrient supply and health enhancement in isolated and confined environments
Authors: Zhang Jian , Yang Huayu , Sun Yuying , Yan Bowen , Chen Wei , Fan Daming
Published: July 2024

Exploring isolated and confined environments (IACEs), such as deep‐sea ecosystems, polar regions, and outer space, presents multiple challenges. Among these challenges, ensuring sustainable food supply over long timescales and maintaining the health of personnel are fundamental issues that must be addressed. Microalgae, as a novel food resource, possess favorable physiological and nutritional characteristics, demonstrating potential as nutritional support in IACEs. In this review, we discuss the potential of microalgae as a nutritional supplement in IACEs from four perspectives. The first section provides a theoretical foundation by reviewing the environmental adaptability and previous studies in IACEs. Subsequently, the typical nutritional components of microalgae and their bioavailability are comprehensively elucidated. And then focus on the impact of these ingredients on health enhancement and elucidate its mechanisms in IACEs. Combining the outstanding stress resistance, rich active ingredients, the potential to alleviate osteoporosis, regulate metabolism, and promote mental well‐being, microalgae demonstrate significant value for food applications. Furthermore, the development of novel microalgae biomatrices enhances health safeguards. Nevertheless, the widespread application of microalgae in IACEs still requires extensive studies and more fundamental data, necessitating further exploration into improving bioavailability, high biomass cultivation methods, and enhancing palatability.
In search of an imagined China: International students’ motivations to study in the Global South
Authors: Liu Yang , Luo Ming
Published: July 2024

International student mobility (ISM) to China is an underexplored topic, especially as it relates to mobility emanating from the Global North. Between 2019 and 2020, we interviewed 25 international students originally from Europe, North and South America, and Oceania and, using thematic analysis, analysed their decisions to study in China. The results show that these young people’s international migration patterns were motivated by a strong desire to search for a sense of home, cultural adventure, personal growth, authenticity, and abundant opportunities in China. In this light, we argue that international students’ migration decision‐making is intertwined with their imaginaries of and imaginative frames for China, which various agents formulate at the intersection of global, national, and local contexts. In the process, we reveal a geographical imaginary of ISM that has been overlooked in the existing literature.