bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Normalized and Directional Interplay Scoring for the Interrogation of Proteoform Data
Authors: Poncha Karl F , Paparella Alyssa T. , Young Nicolas L.
Published: November 2024

Histone proteoforms, often presenting multiple co-occurring post-translational modifications (PTMs), are central to chromatin regulation and gene expression. A proteoform is a specific form of a protein that includes variations arising from genetic changes, alternative RNA splicing, proteolytic processing, and PTMs. Genomic context-dependent histone proteoforms define the histone code, influencing cellular phenotype by dictating interactions with DNA and chromatin-associated proteins. Understanding the dynamics of histone proteoforms is essential for elucidating chromatin-based regulatory mechanisms. Advances in middle-down and top-down proteomics methods enable accurate identification and quantitation of hundreds to thousands of proteoforms in a single run. However, the resulting data complexity presents significant challenges for analysis and visualization. Here, we introduce new computational methods to analyze the dynamics of histone PTMs and demonstrate their use in mouse organs during aging. We have developed and benchmarked two novel PTM crosstalk scores. The score that we term ‘Normalized Interplay’ addresses limitations of the original crosstalk score ‘Interplay’ providing a more complete and accurate measure of PTM crosstalk. The second score, ‘delta I’ or Directional Interplay is an asymmetric measure quantifying the magnitude and directionality of crosstalk between PTMs. Applying our two-stage scoring approach to data from CrosstalkDB, a community resource that curates proteoform-level data, reveals the dynamics of histone H3 modifications during aging. The source code is available under an Apache license athttps://github.com/k-p4/ptm_interplay_scoring.
Phage therapy candidates from Sphae: An automated toolkit for predicting sequencing data
Authors: Papudeshi Bhavya , Roach Michael J. , Mallawaarachchi Vijini , Bouras George , Grigson Susanna R. , Giles Sarah K. , Harker Clarice M. , Hutton Abbey L. K. , Tarasenko Anita , Inglis Laura K. , Vega Alejandro A. , Souza Cole , Boling Lance , Hajama Hamza , Cobián Güemes Ana Georgina , Segall Anca M. , Dinsdale Elizabeth A. , Edwards Robert A.
Published: November 2024

Motivation

Phage therapy is a viable alternative for treating bacterial infections amidst the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance. However, the therapeutic success of phage therapy depends on selecting safe and effective phage candidates. While experimental methods focus on isolating phages and determining their lifecycle and host range, comprehensive genomic screening is critical to identify markers that indicate potential risks, such as toxins, antimicrobial resistance, or temperate lifecycle traits. These analyses are often labor-intensive and time-consuming, limiting the rapid deployment of phage in clinical settings.

Results

We developed Sphae, an automated bioinformatics pipeline designed to streamline therapeutic potential of a phage in under ten minutes. Using Snakemake workflow manager, Sphae integrates tools for quality control, assembly, genome assessment, and annotation tailored specifically for phage biology. Sphae automates the detection of key genomic markers, including virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance genes, and lysogeny indicators like integrase, recombinase, and transposase, which could preclude therapeutic use. Benchmarked on 65 phage sequences, 28 phage samples showed therapeutic potential, 8 failed during assembly due to low sequencing depth, 22 samples included prophage or virulent markers, and the remaining 23 samples included multiple phage genomes per sample. This workflow outputs a comprehensive report, enabling rapid assessment of phage safety and suitability for phage therapy under these criteria. Sphae is scalable, portable, facilitating efficient deployment across most high-performance computing (HPC) and cloud platforms, expediting the genomic evaluation process.

Availability

Sphae is source code and freely available athttps://github.com/linsalrob/sphae, with installation supported on Conda, PyPi, Docker containers.
Constraints on axionlike ultralight dark matter from observations of the HL Tauri protoplanetary disk
Authors: Davydov Daniil , Libanov Alexander
Published: November 2024

Dark matter may consist of axionlike particles (ALPs). When polarized electromagnetic radiation passes through the dark-matter media, interaction with background ALPs affects the polarization of photons. The condensate of axionic dark matter experiences periodic oscillations, and the period of the oscillations is of the order of years for ultralight dark matter. This would result in observable periodic changes in the polarization plane, determined by the phases of the ALP field at the Earth and at the source. In this paper, we use recent polarimetric observations of the HL Tauri protoplanetary disk performed in different years to demonstrate the lack of changes of polarization angles, and hence to constrain masses and photon couplings of the hypothetical axionlike ultralight dark matter.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
de Sitter
S
matrix for the masses
Authors: Melville Scott , Pimentel Guilherme L.
Published: November 2024

We define an S matrix for massive scalar fields on a fixed de Sitter spacetime, in the expanding patch coordinates relevant for early Universe cosmology. It enjoys many of the same properties as its Minkowski counterpart, for instance: it is insensitive to total derivatives and field redefinitions in the action; it can be extracted as a particular “on shell” limit of time-ordered correlation functions; and for low-point scattering, kinematics strongly constrains its possible structures. We present explicit formulas relating inflationary observables—namely in-in equal-time correlators and wavefunction coefficients at the conformal boundary—to these S matrix elements. This new formalism will allow modern amplitude methods to be applied directly in cosmology and hence provide a wider range of more accurate theoretical predictions for upcoming sky surveys.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Post-Minkowskian Theory Meets the Spinning Effective-One-Body Approach for Bound-Orbit Waveforms
Authors: Buonanno Alessandra , Mogull Gustav , Patil Raj , Pompili Lorenzo
Published: November 2024

Driven by advances in scattering amplitudes and worldline-based methods, recent years have seen significant progress in our ability to calculate gravitational two-body scattering observables. These observables effectively encapsulate the gravitational two-body problem in the weak-field and high-velocity regime [post-Minkowskian (PM)], with applications to the bound two-body problem and gravitational-wave modeling. We leverage PM data to construct a complete inspiral-merger-ringdown waveform model for nonprecessing spinning black holes within the effective-one-body (EOB) formalism . This model is closely based on the highly successful model, used by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration, with its key new feature being an EOB Hamiltonian derived by matching the two-body scattering angle in a perturbative PM expansion. The model performs remarkably well, showing a median mismatch against 441 numerical-relativity (NR) simulations that is somewhat lower than a similarly calibrated version of . Comparisons of the binding energy with NR also demonstrate better agreement than , despite the latter containing additional calibration to NR simulations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Predicting the Curie temperature of magnetic materials with automated calculations across chemistries and structures
Authors: Arale Brännvall Marian , Persson Gabriel , Casillas-Trujillo Luis , Armiento Rickard , Alling Björn
Published: November 2024

We develop a technique for predicting the Curie temperature of magnetic materials using density functional theory calculations suitable to include in high-throughput frameworks. We apply four different models, including physically relevant observables, and assess numerical constants by studying 32 ferro- and ferrimagnets. With the best-performing model, the Curie temperature can be predicted with a mean absolute error of approximately 126 K. As predictive factors, the models consider either the energy differences between the magnetic ground state and a magnetically disordered paramagnetic state, or the average constraining fields acting on magnetic moments in a disordered local moments calculation. Additionally, the energy differences are refined by incorporating the magnetic entropy of the paramagnetic state and the number of nearest magnetic neighbors of the magnetic atoms. The most advanced model is found to extend well into Fe1−xCox alloys, indicating the potential efficacy of utilizing our model in designing materials with tailored Curie temperatures by altering alloy compositions. This examination can illuminate the factors influencing magnetic transition temperatures in magnetic materials and provide insights into how they can be employed to make quantitative predictions of Curie temperatures. Our approach is not restricted to specific crystal structures or chemical compositions. It offers a more cost-effective alternative, in terms of human time and need for hands-on oversight, to other density functional theory methods for predicting the Curie temperature. As a result, it provides a practical strategy for conducting high-throughput screening for new technologically applicable magnetic materials. Alternatively, it can complement ML-based screening of magnetic materials by integrating physical principles into such approaches, thereby enhancing their prediction accuracy.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Global quantum thermometry based on the optimal biased bound
Authors: Chang Shoukang , Yan Yunbin , Wang Lu , Ye Wei , Rao Xuan , Zhang Huan , Huang Liqing , Luo Mengmeng , Chen Yuetao , Ma Qiang , Gao Shaoyan
Published: November 2024

Thermometry is a fundamental parameter estimation problem that is crucial for the advancement of natural sciences. One widely adopted approach to address this issue is the local thermometry theory, which employs classical and quantum Cramér-Rao bounds as benchmarks for thermometric precision. However, this theory is constrained to decrease temperature fluctuations around a known temperature value, hardly tackling the precision thermometry problem over a wide temperature range. To overcome this limitation, we derive two basic bounds on thermometry precision within a global framework, i.e., classical and quantum optimal biased bounds. By implementing energy measurements on a thermal equilibrium system, the quantum optimal biased bound can be saturated. Furthermore, we demonstrate their thermometry performance through two specific applications: a noninteracting spin-1/2 gas and a thermalized quantum harmonic oscillator. Our results indicate that, compared to local thermometry, global thermometry provides superior temperature estimation performance. Notably, global error bound approaches its local approximation under asymptotic cases.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Tourism experiences and healthy aging: extending the successful aging model
Authors: Chen Sharleen Xiaolian , Kuok Henry Hoipong
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The surge in the older population has gained significant interest within the tourism sector worldwide. Little empirical research has been conducted to examine the role of tourism experiences on older adults’ healthy aging. Based on Rowe and Kahn’s (1987) successful aging model, this study utilized a qualitative approach to examine the health benefits that tourism can play for seniors.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 19 interviews were conducted with senior adults living in Macau aged over 60. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the tourism experience contributes to healthy aging in three ways: first, nature-based tourism benefits seniors’ physical health; second, the social interactions with friends, relatives, locals and fellow travelers during tourism activities benefit seniors' emotional well-being and third, transcendent tourism experiences can exhibit positive spirituality among seniors.

Originality/value

This paper not only enriches the theoretical and empirical studies on tourism and healthy aging but also puts forward relevant empirical suggestions to destination marketing organizations that target the senior tourist market.
Influence of environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosures on consumer brand perceptions and behavioral intentions
Authors: Cheng Li Keng , Huang Hsien-Long
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study investigates how consumers’ perceptions of brand prominence and credibility are influenced by companies’ disclosure of transparency and quality of environmental, social and governance (ESG) information. It also examines how regulatory focus influences the relationship between purchase intention and brand credibility.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a quantitative approach, utilizing an online survey of 464 Taiwanese consumers. The data collected is analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of perceived ESG information transparency and quality on brand prominence, brand credibility and purchase intentions.

Findings

The findings reveal that perceived transparency and quality of ESG information significantly enhance brand credibility and prominence. Consequently, increased brand credibility and prominence have a significant positive impact on consumer purchase intentions. Additionally, the study identifies a moderation effect, wherein a prevention regulatory focus strengthens the influence of brand credibility on purchase intentions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on brand management and consumer behavior by integrating regulatory focus theory with the impacts of ESG information. It provides new insights into how ESG-related communications influence consumer behavior, highlighting the importance of transparent and high-quality ESG data in fostering consumer trust and positive brand evaluations.
Corporate governance and environmental disclosure: a comparative analysis
Authors: Aly Doaa Abdel Rehim Mohamed , Hasan Arshad , Obioru Bolanle , Nakpodia Franklin
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of corporate governance (CG) on environmental disclosure (ED) practices within UK and US firms, addressing the contemporary challenges confronting firms in both contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the dynamic panel regression framework of system generalised method of moment (GMM), this study analyses a sample comprising 121 FTSE and 200 S&P firms from 2010 to 2020.

Findings

The findings emphasise the dynamic nature of ED practices among UK and US firms, demonstrating their propensity to swiftly adjust to desired levels whenever deviations occur. Besides, this study identifies board independence and the frequency of board meetings as significant determinants of ED for UK firms. In contrast, for US firms, board independence and audit committee independence are found to be significant determinants of ED.

Research limitations/implications

The research highlights the fundamental role played by CG in shaping how firms in the UK and the US navigate agency problems and respond to diverse stakeholder demands through ED in their annual reports. This study advocates for the promotion of robust governance systems that concurrently serve the purposes of accountability and monitoring to bridge the information expectation gap between firms and stakeholders. The findings reinforce the necessity for regulatory initiatives involving policy formulation and corporate oversight to enhance private sector awareness regarding environmental reporting practices.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the scarce literature on the impact of board and audit committee characteristics on ED practices in the UK and US contexts. In addition, by using the system GMM estimation technique, this study provides robust and updated evidence that addresses the weaknesses inherent in previous studies.
Defining human resource development: an integrative literature review
Authors: Obazuaye Cyril O.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Human resource development (HRD) poses complex challenges for scholars and practitioners due to its elusive nature in definition, scope, and boundaries. Driven by lived experiences, this integrative literature review aims to explore the complexities of HRD, focusing on its conceptualizations, boundaries, and trajectories from 1990 to 2023.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Callahan’s (2014) Six Ws, Page et al. (2020) Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses search process, and Lester et al. (2020) thematic analysis, 26 peer-reviewed articles from leading HRD journals and databases were analyzed.

Findings

This literature review’s findings enhance our understanding of HRD’s trajectory by illuminating its tumultuous beginnings, precarious present, and uncertain future – potentially even its demise. The author urges prominent HRD scholars to take decisive action to secure the discipline’s future before it is too late.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation is the reliance on specific articles for data analysis. The propensity to emphasize only the prevailing viewpoint is a constraint inherent in literature reviews (Dickson et al., 2011). Another limitation is this study’s reliance on articles exclusively from English-speaking literature. By focusing solely on publications in English, this study overlooked HRD literature published in other languages, potentially excluding valuable insights and perspectives from non-English-speaking regions and cultures.

Originality/value

Over the years, the debates regarding the definition of HRD have been fraught with ambiguity and contradictions. The boundaries of HRD remain similarly nebulous, with scholars debating its scope and applicability across contexts. This literature review adds to this debate from a unique perspective.
Critical success factors for EHR systems implementation in developing countries: a systematic review
Authors: Mwogosi Augustino , Kibusi Stephen
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify the barriers that hinder the effective implementation of electronic health records (EHR) systems in developing countries while also uncovering the critical success factors (CSFs) that can facilitate their implementation. This study focused on the sociotechnical and environmental challenges that influenced the implementation of EHR systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a systematic literature review methodology guided by the modified sociotechnical theory. It followed PRISMA guidelines to identify barriers and CSFs. This review included a comprehensive search of academic databases such as Taylor & Francis, Google Scholar, Emerald and PubMed, covering studies published between 2012 and mid-2024. The studies were screened and analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

The review identified several barriers to EHR implementation, including a lack of information and communication technology infrastructure, inadequate training, and limited government support. It also highlighted CSFs such as enhancing training programmes, improving technical infrastructure, fostering government support and addressing privacy and security concerns. This study concluded that a holistic approach addressing technical, social and environmental factors was critical for the success of EHR systems in low-resource settings.

Practical implications

This study offered actionable recommendations for policymakers and health-care leaders in developing countries. These include strategies for enhancing user training, improving technical infrastructure, ensuring government support and addressing data privacy and security issues, which are crucial for successfully adopting EHR systems.

Originality/value

This research comprehensively examined the factors influencing EHR implementation in developing countries, offering a unique perspective by applying the modified sociotechnical theory. It bridged a significant gap in the literature by focusing on the specific challenges faced in resource-constrained environments.
Implementing high-performance work systems: dynamics of professionalisation in a promoter-driven organisation
Authors: Bhayana Chayanika , Arora Harnain , Sud Kashika , Vohra Neharika
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Recent literature on high-performance work systems (HPWS) has questioned the universal success of HPWS and highlighted the need to examine contextual factors and micro-level employee experiences. To address this issue, this study aimed to explore the dynamics of HPWS implementation. Using the case of an Indian public-limited pharmaceutical company transitioning towards professionalisation, it examined the inconsistencies between the intended, enacted and perceived HPWS practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a case study approach, drawing on multiple data sources, including surveys, interviews with various stakeholders, observations, documents and reports. Quantitative data was gathered through job satisfaction and organisational culture surveys completed by 888 employees. The qualitative interview data was analysed deductively, with themes derived from the existing HPWS literature.

Findings

The analysis revealed the organisation’s struggle in integrating professionally oriented HPWS practices within its promoter-driven bureaucratic culture. Employees reported a lack of autonomy, poor communication and inequitable opportunities for training and promotion. These cultural misalignments undermined the effectiveness of HPWS, leading to perceptions of exploitation, decreased job satisfaction and reduced trust in management. The findings highlight that HPWS practices cannot be implemented in parts without holistically considering the organisational context and culture.

Practical implications

The study offers practical guidance to organisations on implementing HPWS effectively. It emphasises the importance of continuously integrating employee feedback into HPWS practices to ensure sustainable performance improvements.

Originality/value

This study addresses a critical gap in HPWS literature by offering a post-implementation analysis focused on employee experiences within a traditional family firm. It highlights the systemic challenges that hinder the effectiveness of HPWS in practice.
The path ahead for integrative public leadership: a systematic review and call for future research
Authors: Souza Maíra Gabriela Santos de , Oriol Ettore de Carvalho , Avellaneda Claudia N.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The study aims to review integrative public leadership (IPL) scholarship, identify trends and suggest future research. The paper answers the question, “How has the field of study of integrative public leadership developed, and what gaps should future research address?”

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR), utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 protocol, was conducted over the period 2000–2023. The preliminary database returned 497 articles; however, 55 articles remained after the screening phase. Three themes were addressed: the conceptualization of IPL (what it is), the study characteristics (how and where it was completed) and what has been studied (what we know about IPL).

Findings

IPL differs from its related concepts: “shared” and “distributed leadership.” Cross-boundary behaviors are one of IPL’s pillars. Most studies focus on the local level and center on upper-echelon leaders. IPL has been linked to leadership training and positive outcomes, such as organizational and network performance.

Research limitations/implications

This review focused on articles in refereed journals, excluding books.

Practical implications

This work provides a twofold contribution in that it: (1) sharpens the concept of integrative public leadership, establishing the boundaries with similar concepts and (2) provides an overview of the field, identifying relevant areas for future research.

Originality/value

This work provides a twofold contribution in that it: (1) sharpens the concept of integrative leadership, establishing the boundaries with similar concepts and (2) provides an overview of the field, identifying relevant areas for future research.
Dynamic capabilities research in international marketing: a systematic literature review and direction for future research
Authors: Dayangan Cagla , Aykol Bilge
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study intends to (1) systematically review methodological, theoretical and empirical aspects of dynamic capabilities (DCs) research in international marketing; (2) identify problematic areas and gaps in the reviewed literature and (c) provide directions to address problematic aspects and fill the gaps in future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies a systematic literature review methodology and covers 97 articles published between 2001 and 2022 in peer-reviewed journals ranked 2, 3, 4 and 4* in the Academic Journal Guide 2021.

Findings

The content analysis shows that (1) methodologically, the literature is dominated by single-country studies conducted mostly in Asia and Europe on a cross-section of industries, mostly adopting survey-based approaches with a cross-sectional time emphasis; (2) theoretically, dynamic capabilities view is mainly accompanied by resource-based view, followed by institutional-, organizational learning- and internationalization theories; and (3) according to the nomological network, DCs are predicted by firm-characteristics, factors related to networks/relationship/partnerships and managerial characteristics, while they act as predictors of performance-related, strategy-related and operational change and renewal-specific outcomes. Several problematic aspects and gaps for each part of the review are diagnosed.

Originality/value

The authors provide a comprehensive assessment of current knowledge on methodological, theoretical and empirical aspects of the relevant literature, map a nomological network of variables surrounding DCs in international marketing research and offer future research directions capitalizing on the problems and gaps identified in the review.
Why do people customize avatars in the metaverse? Curiosity and SOR model perspective
Authors: Ahn Suhyoung , Jin Byoungho Ellie , Seo Hyesim
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The metaverse, a virtual space where one can build and explore with others using avatars, is drawing global interest. Then questions arise: What drives consumers to customize their avatars and purchase virtual items in the metaverse? Who customizes and purchases virtual items more than others? To find the answers, this study tested a research model that explains why consumers customize their avatars and buy virtual items in the metaverse.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the stimuli-organism-response model, this study posits that metaverse characteristics (i.e. escapism, visual attractiveness, social interaction and autonomy) arouse consumers’ curiosity toward the metaverse, which in turn evokes avatar customization behavior and virtual item purchase intention. Survey data from 501 metaverse-experienced consumers in both the US and Korea are analyzed.

Findings

The result revealed that all four metaverse characteristics were found to stimulate consumers’ curiosity. Consumers’ curiosity enhances avatar customization behavior and purchase intention of the virtual items. Further, avatar customization behavior increases the purchase intention of virtual items.

Practical implications

The findings provide valuable insights into how metaverse platforms can effectively engage consumers by stimulating curiosity, especially through social interaction, and offering extensive avatar customization options and virtual items.

Originality/value

This study highlights how the metaverse’s open-ended experiences, user-driven customization and social interactions – unlike traditional online games – spark consumer curiosity. It emphasizes the pivotal role of curiosity in driving metaverse engagement and highlights the need to consider it as a central construct in future research. Additionally, this study provides managerial implications for virtual item purchases in the metaverse.
Unraveling the nexus: intellectual capital, Fintech innovation, competitive agility, and financial inclusion
Authors: Al-Omoush Khaled , Alsmadi Ayman Abdalmajeed
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study empirically explores the impact of human capital, structural capital, relational capital and absorptive capacity on Fintech innovation. This study aims to investigate the potential impact of Fintech innovation on competitive agility and financial inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from 283 participants in Jordan. Smart PLS software was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings reveal that human capital, structural capital, relational capital and absorptive capacity plays a significant role in Fintech innovation. Also, the outcome of path analysis confirms a significant impact of Fintech innovation on competitive agility and financial inclusion.

Originality/value

This study emphasizes the practical value of intellectual capital in fostering Fintech innovation for managers, banks, financial institutions and policymakers. Prioritizing investment in human, structural and social capital enhances organizational innovation.
Technology and happiness: the association between online budget planner and financial satisfaction
Authors: Le Thanh Dat , Nguyen Nguyen , Nguyen Quynh
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study examines the impact of online budget planning platforms (e.g. Goodbudget, Mint) on households’ financial satisfaction. Furthermore, the authors identify the channels and the cross-sectional heterogeneity of this impact based on households’ income, financial literacy and minority groups.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes data from the National Financial Capability Study (NFCS) for 2018 and 2021, which encompasses over 50,000 households. The authors apply logit and ordered logit regression techniques to examine the research questions and use propensity score matching and entropy balancing to address potential sample selection bias.

Findings

The authors find a substantial correlation between the adoption of financial budgeting tools and a notable improvement in households’ financial satisfaction, driven by the promotion of healthy financial behaviors and enhanced financial self-efficacy. The empirical findings underscore that the positive effects of online budget planners are more pronounced among low-income, financially illiterate and Black households.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine the impact of online budget planners on household financial satisfaction. It contributes to the literature by offering valuable insights into how these tools influence financial satisfaction within households.
Death detector: Using vultures as sentinels to detect carcasses by combining bio‐logging and machine learning
Authors: Rast Wanja , Portas Rubén , Shatumbu Gabriel Iita , Berger Anne , Cloete Claudine , Curk Teja , Götz Theresa , Aschenborn Ortwin , Melzheimer Jörg
Published: November 2024

Bio‐logging technologies allow scientists to remotely monitor animal behaviour and the environment. In this study, we used the combination of natural abilities of African white‐backed vultures Gyps africanus and state‐of‐the‐art bio‐logging technology for detecting and locating carcasses in a vast landscape.

We used data from two captive and 27 wild vultures to create a reference data set for the training of a support vector machine to distinguish between six behaviour classes based on acceleration data. Next, we combined the classified behaviour of the initial 27 and 7 additional vultures with GPS data and used the ‘Density‐Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise’ algorithm to cluster all GPS data to get a position of potential feeding locations. Finally, we used the clustered data set to train a Random Forest algorithm to distinguish between clusters with and without a carcass.

The behaviour classifier was trained on 14,682 samples for all behaviour classes, which were classified with a high performance (overall precision: 0.95, recall: 0.89). This enabled a ground team to examine 1900 clusters between May 2022 and March 2023 in the field, 580 linked to a carcass and 1320 without a carcass. The cluster classifier trained on this data set was able to correctly distinguish between carcass and no carcass clusters with high performance (overall precision: 0.92, recall: 0.89).

Synthesis and applications. We showed that a carcass detection system using vultures, loggers and artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to monitor the mortality of numerous species in a vast landscape. This method has broad applications, such as studying the feeding ecology of vultures, detecting and monitoring of disease outbreaks, environmental poisoning or illegal killing of wildlife. Similar to vultures and carcasses, our methodological framework can be applied to other species to locate their respective food resources. It could also be applied to other types of resources like temporary water sources, roosting sites and to other behaviours such as marking to locate marking sites.
Disability status investigation and risk prediction model for middle‐aged and older adults in Anhui Province: A derivation and validation study
Authors: Li Jing , Wang Shu , Zhang Yan‐Bei
Published: November 2024

This study investigated the disability status of middle‐aged and older adults in Anhui Province, China, with a primary focus on physical disability, and constructed a nomogram to predict disability risk. Data was collected through a province‐wide questionnaire survey conducted in 16 cities and counties from January to December 2021, involving 3386 participants aged 60 years and above. The abilities of daily living (ADL) scale assessed participants' comprehensive ability. Risk factors for disability were identified using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and logistic regression, highlighting six independent factors: age, poor sleep quality, depression, malnutrition, stroke, and the number of comorbid chronic diseases. A nomogram prediction model was then established and validated internally and externally. The model demonstrated good fit according to the Hosmer–Lemeshow test and provided significant benefits across various thresholds, as shown by decision curve analysis. This nomogram accurately and quickly identifies high‐risk groups, aiding in early intervention.
Trimetazidine restores autophagy via lncRNA H19/AMPK in diabetic heart: Implications for its therapeutic value against diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wei Wei , Hu Yadi , Gao Jing , Fan Danjun , Ye Xiaorong , Chen Yan
Published: November 2024

Objective

Previous studies have shown that trimetazidine (TMZ) alleviates diabetes‐induced cardiac dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanism for its protective effects on cardiac function remains incompletely understood. Diminished autophagy was found in diabetic hearts, and restoration of autophagy generates cardioprotective effect. This study aims to investigate whether and how TMZ produces protective effect through increasing autophagic activity in the diabetic heart.

Method

A high‐fat diet and low‐dose streptozotocin were applied to induce type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in male C57BL/6 mice, followed by treatment with TMZ for 14 weeks before cardiac function was evaluated. To mimic the diabetic condition, the neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) were exposed to high glucose/palmitic acid (HP) in the presence or absence of TMZ.

Results

We found that TMZ treatment promotes autophagic flux in cardiomyocytes, which is impaired in diabetes. We further found that the AMPK and lncRNA H19 played critical roles in mediating TMZ‐induced enhancement of autophagy in cardiomyocyte. We showed that TMZ treatment restored the level of H19 and phosphorylated AMPK (p‐AMPK T172) in diabetic heart and NRCMs exposed to HP. Of note, the effect of TMZ on autophagy and p‐AMPK was abolished by knockdown of H19.

Conclusion

These findings indicated that TMZ is able to recover the cardiac autophagic activity which is impaired by T2DM, and the underlying mechanism accounted for this ability is mostly likely attributed to the restored expression of H19 and AMPK activity.
A long view of social mobility in Scotland and the role of economic changes
Authors: Paterson Lindsay , Wen Fangqi , Breen Richard , Iannelli Cristina , In Jung
Published: November 2024

Changes in the social mobility of men in Scotland between the late‐19th and the late‐twentieth century are examined using new individual‐level data from nineteenth‐century censuses, linking records of men aged 0–19 in 1871 to their records in 1901, and then comparing their patterns with the social mobility of men aged 30–49 in 1974 and in 2001 as recorded in social surveys at these dates. The extent of social mobility in the nineteenth century was large. In particular, the social origins of people in the highest classes—the salariat—were very varied, indicating a society that was more open than is sometimes supposed. There was a slow growth in social mobility between then and 2001. In both periods, class inheritance—sons in the same social class as their father—was strongest in the economically declining sectors, which were agriculture and fisheries in 1901 and industry in 1974 and 2001. In the 1901 data, however, the transition to a non‐agricultural economy induced strong outward mobility from agriculture.
Long noncoding RNAs and metabolic memory associated with continued progression of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Kumar Jay , Malaviya Pooja , Kowluru Renu A.
Published: November 2024

Progression of diabetic retinopathy resists arrest even after institution of intensive glycemic control, suggesting a “metabolic memory” phenomenon, but the mechanism responsible for this phenomenon is still elusive. Gene expression and biological processes can also be regulated by long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs), the RNAs with >200 nucleotides and no open reading frame for translation, and several LncRNAs are aberrantly expressed in diabetes. Our aim was to identify retinal LncRNAs that fail to reverse after termination of hyperglycemia. Microarray analysis was performed on retinal RNA from streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats in poor glycemic control for 8 months, followed by in good glycemic control (blood glucose >400 mg/dL), or for 4 months, with four additional months of good glycemic control (blood glucose <150 mg/dL). Differentially expressed LncRNAs and mRNAs were identified through Volcano filtering, and their functions were predicted using gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses. Compared with age‐matched normal rats, rats in continuous poor glycemic control had >1479 differentially expressed LncRNAs (710 downregulated, 769 upregulated), and among those, 511 common LncRNAs had similar expression in Diab and Rev groups (139 downregulated, 372 upregulated). Gene Ontology/pathway analysis identified limited LncRNAs in biological processes, but analysis based on biological processes/molecular function revealed >350 genes with similar expression in Diab and Rev groups; these genes were mainly associated with stress response, cell death, mitochondrial damage and cytokine production. Thus, identifying retinal LncRNAs and their gene targets that do not benefit from termination of hyperglycemia have potential to serve as therapeutic targets to slow down the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

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Can foreign aid reduce the desire to emigrate? Evidence from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Simon Miranda , Schwartz Cassilde , Hudson David
Published: November 2024

Parallel to traditional immigration control policies, states send substantial amounts of foreign aid to address the root causes of migration. Using a randomized controlled trial (RCT), we evaluate a representative type of “root causes” aid (RCA) project in Africa, implemented by the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM). We find the project reduced aspirations to migrate and slowed preparations for the journey. Multiple mediation analysis shows “instrumental place attachment”—or the ability to pursue important goals in one's place of residence compared to other destinations—is the main driver. However, effects wane 6 months after project end. That a small RCA project increased instrumental place attachment, albeit briefly, is significant given global inequalities. We explore this finding by conducting interviews with international organization (IO) and nongovernmental organization (NGO) practitioners to understand how development organizations affect instrumental place attachment, and with youth to understand how interventions (un)successfully moderate the choice to stay or migrate.
Impact of a music intervention on heart rate variability in very preterm infants
Authors: Barcos‐Munoz Francisca , Hernández Alfredo I. , Abreu De Araujo Marlene A. , Fau Sébastien , Filippa Manuela , Hüppi Petra S. , Beuchée Alain , Baud Olivier
Published: November 2024

Aim

Infants born very preterm spend their early postnatal life in a neonatal intensive care unit, where irregular and unpredictable sounds replace the structured and familiar intrauterine auditory environment. Music interventions may contribute to alleviate these deleterious effects by reducing stress and providing a form of environmental enrichment.

Material and Methods

This was an ancillary study as part of a blinded randomised controlled clinical trial entitled the effect of music on preterm infant's brain development. It measured the impact of music listening on the autonomic nervous system (ANS), we assessed heart rate variability (HRV) through high‐resolution recordings of heart rate monitoring, at three specific postmenstrual ages in premature infants.

Results

From 29 included subjects, 18 were assessed for complete HRV dataset, including nine assigned to the music intervention and nine to the control group. Postmenstrual age appeared to be the main factor influencing HRV from 33 weeks to term equivalent age. Further analyses did not reveal any detectable effect of music intervention on ANS response.

Conclusion

This study found that ANS responses were not modified by recorded music intervention in very preterm infants during wakefulness or sleep onset. Further research is warranted to explore other factors influencing ANS development in this population.
Skin tissue dielectric constant: Time of day and skin depth dependence
Authors: Mayrovitz Harvey N.
Published: November 2024

Background

Skin water measurements are used to investigate skin physiology, clinically study dermatological issues, and for conditions like diabetes, oedema, and lymphedema with measurements done at various times of day (TOD). One method used is skin's tissue dielectric constant (TDC), often clinically measured to a single depth of 2.5 mm. This report characterizes intraday variations measured to multiple depths to guide expected TOD and depth dependence.

Materials and Methods

Twelve medical students self‐measured TDC on their forearm to depths of 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, and 5.0 mm every 2 h from 08:00 to 24:00 h on 2 consecutive days. All were trained in the procedure.

Results

TDC declined slightly from morning through evening, mostly at 0.5 mm for which TDC was reduced by 4%. TDC values were not related to participants' whole‐body fat or water percentages. The TDC decrease was less at 1.5 mm where the reduction was 2.7%. At depths of 2.5 or 5.0 mm, there was no significant decrease in TOD.

Conclusion

Skin TDC shows a minor decreasing trend with an effect greater for shallower depths. In part, the clinical relevance of the findings relates to the confidence level associated with skin water estimates, based on TDC measurements, when measured at different TOD and depths during normal clinic hours. Based on the present data the TOD change is at most 4% and insignificant for measurement depths of 2.5 mm.
High‐dose intranasal insulin in an adaptive dose‐escalation study in healthy human participants
Authors: Schmitzberger Florian , Fowler Jennifer , Hsu Cindy H. , Pai Manjunath P. , Neumar Robert W. , Meurer William J. , Silbergleit Robert
Published: November 2024

Intranasal insulin is a putative neuroprotective therapy after cardiac arrest, but safety in humans at doses extrapolated from animal models is unknown. This phase I, open‐label adaptive dose‐escalation study explores the maximum tolerated dose of intranasal insulin in healthy human participants. Placebo or insulin at doses from 0 to 1000 units was given to healthy participants intranasally on repeated weekly visits. Serum glucose, insulin, and C‐peptide levels were measured serially at 0, 15, 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 min after administration. Twenty‐four participants (12 female, median age 53, IQR 35–61) were enrolled. There was minimal change in average serum glucose after administration of intranasal insulin. Average serum insulin increased slightly in a dose‐dependent manner, reaching maximum concentrations at 15 min. C‐peptide decreased over time from administration in all groups. One participant had severe hypoglycemia (24 mg/dL at 45 min) and a different participant had mild hypoglycemia (51 mg/dL at 30 min), both after receiving 600 U intranasal insulin. Hypoglycemic episodes were associated with increases in serum insulin. Both participants continued in the study without hypoglycemia after additional doses. High‐dose intranasal insulin up to 1000 U was generally well tolerated, with minimal measurable systemic absorption and without significant aggregate changes in mean glucose. Idiosyncratic episodic systemic absorption and hypoglycemia require further study and additional caution in potential clinical application. Further study of its target engagement and efficacy as a neuroprotective therapy after cardiac arrest at these doses is warranted.
Use cases of registry‐based randomized controlled trials—A review of the registries' contributions and constraints
Authors: Kubesch Nadine , Gaitonde Sneha , Petriti Uarda , Bakker Elisabeth , Basu Swati , Birks Laura Ellen , Aubrun Elodie , de Vries Sieta T. , Schneider Rahel
Published: November 2024

Registry‐based randomized controlled trials (RRCTs) can combine the advantages of registries with those of randomization. This review aimed to expand the current knowledge on RRCT utilization and implementation by providing a comprehensive overview of RRCT use cases. A targeted literature search was conducted through July 2023 to identify articles on RRCTs. Information regarding the RRCT characteristics, their utilization, and the registries' contributions and the constraints faced was extracted. Descriptive statistics were used. We identified 102 RRCTs in 110 publications. RRCTs were mostly performed for the assessment of medical devices or surgical/clinical procedures (n = 45), followed by drugs (n = 30). More than half of the RRCTs were conducted in the Nordic countries (n = 58) and the most used registry types were health service registries/administrative health data (n = 63), followed by disease registries (n = 46). Approximately half of the RRCTs (n = 53) utilized additional data sources aside from registry data. The contribution of a registry to the RRCT was mostly for data collection and study follow‐up (n = 90–92), followed by patient recruitment (n = 56–61), and randomization (n = 28–38), with varying levels of transparency in reporting. We collated author‐reported constraints related to the used registries into four overarching themes, that is, data availability and completeness, data quality, representativeness, and registry infrastructure and accessibility. This review shows that RRCTs are already used in different domains and geographic regions. Guidelines on structured and transparent reporting of RRCT methods and the optimal use are, however, needed to inform decision‐making by health authorities and to reach their full potential.