bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intranasal immunization with CPAF combined with cyclic-di-AMP induces a memory CD4 T cell response and reduces bacterial burden following intravaginal infection withChlamydia muridarum
Authors: Poston Taylor B. , Girardi Jenna , Kim Marie , Zwarycz Peter , Polson A. Grace , Yount Kacy , Hanlan Courtne , Salas Ian Jaras , Lammert Sarah Mae , Arroyo Daisy , Bruno Tony , Wu Manhong , Rozzelle James , Fairman Jeff , Esser-Kahn Aaron , Darville Toni
Published: September 2024

Chlamydia trachomatis(Ct) is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection globally, and a vaccine is urgently needed to stop transmission and disease. Chlamydial Protease Activity Factor (CPAF) is an immunoprevalent and immunodominant antigen for CD4 T cells and B cells, which makes it a strong vaccine candidate. Due to the tolerogenic nature of the female genital tract (FGT) and its lack of secondary lymphoid tissue, effective induction of protective cell-mediated immunity will likely require potent and safe mucosal adjuvants. To address this need, we produced CPAF in a cell-free protein synthesis platform and adjuvanted it with the TLR9-agonist CpG1826, STING (stimulator of interferon genes) agonist cyclic-di-AMP (CDA), and/or the squalene oil-in-water nanoemulsion, AddaS03. We determined that intranasal immunization with CPAF plus CDA was well tolerated in female mice, induced CD4 T cells that produced IL-17A or IFNγ, significantly reduced bacterial shedding, and shortened the duration of infection in mice intravaginally challenged withChlamydia muridarum. These data demonstrate the potential for CDA as a mucosal adjuvant for vaccines against Chlamydia genital tract infection.
Maternal immunity protects offspring from enteric viral infection without negatively affecting humoral immune memory
Authors: Muleta Konjit Getachew , Pærregaard Simone Isling , Dijl Sharné Van , Mustafa Asma Sadik , Segrén Niklas , Alyamani Manar , Lindberg Gina , Yuan Joan , Lahl Katharina
Published: September 2024

Passive transfer of antibodies can effectively protect newborns from dysbiosis and infection but has also been proposed to inhibit intrinsic immune onset in the protected child. Yet, some early childhood vaccines are highly efficacious despite the presence of maternal antibodies. We here used a murine neonatal Rotavirus (RV) infection model in combination with cross-foster approaches to dissect the role that milk-derived antibodies play in the long-term induction of pup-intrinsic immunity. We found that milk-derived RV-specific antibodies efficiently protect from RV infection. While the occurrence of RV-specific IgA-producing plasma cells is temporarily blunted, maternally protected pups do mount delayed protective humoral immunity after weaning. Fate-mapping of pre-existing B cells revealed that the RV-specific plasma cell pool originates from B cells imprinted at the time of virus exposure regardless of maternal protection. Our data challenges the dogma that maternal antibody is inhibitory and instead permits safe and efficacious immune education in the growing organism.
Identification of genes conferring individual-level variation responsible for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis using single-cell eQTL analysis
Authors: Hong Sung Eun , Mun Seon Ju , Lee Young Joo , Yoo Taekyeong , Suh Kyung-Suk , Kang Keon Wook , Son Myung Jin , Kim Won , Choi Murim
Published: September 2024

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasingly recognized for its medical and socioeconomic impacts, driven by diverse genetic and environmental factors. To address the urgent need for individually tailored therapies, we performed single-cell expression quantitative trait loci (sc-eQTL) analysis on liver biopsies from 25 MASLD patients and 23 controls. This approach identified over 3,500 sc-eQTLs across major liver cell types and cell state-interacting eQTLs (ieQTLs) with significant enrichment for disease heritability (for MASLD trait, ieQTL enrichment odds ratio = 10.27). We integrated transcription factors (TFs) as upstream regulators of ieQTLs, revealing 601 functional units (“quartets”) composed of TFs, cell states, ieSNPs, and ieGenes. From these results, we pinpoint the loss of an eQTL inEFHD1during hepatocyte maladaptation associated with genotype-specific regulation by FOXO1, further contributing to the risk of MASLD. Our approach underscores the role of eQTL analysis in capturing crucial genetic variations that influence gene expression and clinical outcomes in complex diseases.
Reduced Cortical Excitability is Associated with Cognitive Symptoms in Concussed Adolescent Football Players
Authors: Yu Kevin C. , Wiesman Alex I. , Davenport Elizabeth , Flashman Laura A. , Urban Jillian , Nagarajan Srikantan S. , Sai Kiran Solingpuram , Stitzel Joel , Maldjian Joseph A. , Whitlow Christopher T.
Published: September 2024

Background

American tackle football is associated with high rates of concussion, leading to neurophysiological disturbances and debilitating clinical symptoms. Previous investigations of the neurophysiological effects of concussion have largely ignored aperiodic neurophysiological activity, which is a marker of cortical excitability.

Purpose

We examined whether concussion during a season of high school football is related to changes in aperiodic and periodic neurophysiological activity and whether any such changes are associated with clinical outcomes.

Materials and Methods

Pre- and post-season resting-state magnetoencephalography (MEG) data were collected from 91 high school football players over as many as four seasons of play, for a total of 278 data collections. During these seasons of football play, a cohort of 10 individuals were diagnosed with concussion. MEG data were source-imaged, frequency-transformed and parameterized, and linear mixed models were used to examine effects of concussion on pre-to-post-season changes in neurophysiological activity. Scores on the Post-Concussive Symptom Inventory were correlated with pre-to-post-season neurophysiological changes to determine their clinical relevance.

Results

Concussion was associated with increased aperiodic exponents in superior frontal cortices, indicating a relative reduction in cortical excitability. This slowing of aperiodic neurophysiology mediated concussion effects on raw delta and gamma power and was associated with worse cognitive concerns across participants. Pre-to-post-season changes in aperiodic-corrected alpha and theta rhythmic activity were also decreased in posterior cortices in concussed players.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that concussion alters both the excitability and rhythmic signaling of the cortex, with differing spatial topographies and implications for clinical symptoms.

Key Results

Concussion reduces cortical excitability in superior frontal cortices.

This reduction accounts for canonical effects of concussion on delta and gamma power.

Concussion-related changes in cortical excitability are associated with increased cognitive symptom severity.
Assessing Stress Tolerance ofSUBIandDRO1Introgression lines Under Flooding and Drought Conditions at Different Growth Stages
Authors: Soe Ibrahim , Odama Emmanuel , Tamu Alex , Wani Aquilino Lado Legge , Ookawa Taiichiro , Ismail Abdelbagi M , Sakagami Jun-Ichi
Published: September 2024

Rice varieties tolerant to submergence and drought regulate shoot elongation during short-term submergence by expressing theSUB1Agene, while the deep-rootedDRO1is effectively expressed under drought conditions to enhance water and nutrient uptake. This study investigates the growth and yield of rice with bothSUB1AandDRO1in the background of IR64, under early season flooding and mid-season drought. The study used randomized complete design with two factors: soil moisture treatments (submergence, drought, and their combination) and genotypes. The genotypes included IR64, and three near-isogenic lines (NILs): NIL-SUB1DRO1, NIL-SUB1, and NIL-DRO1. Complete submergence was imposed for 7 days on 14-days old seedlings, while drought was imposed on control and submerged plants following a 21-day recovery period from submergence, using 42-day old plants. Variables were measured before and after treatments, and at harvest. The stresses negatively affected the genotypes. At harvest, IR64 and NIL-SUB1DRO1 under both stresses showed significant reduction in tiller numbers, shoot dry weights, and yields than their control plants. IR64 exhibited a significant delay in reaching flowering under all stresses. The rice introgression lines showed significant improvements of tolerance to the stress. The study showed no negative consequences of combining drought and submergence tolerance in rice.
Disparate demographic impacts of the Roman Colonization and the Migration Period in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Carrión Pablo , Olalde Iñigo , Jiménez-Arenas Juan Manuel , Coromina Neus , Vivó David , Vergès Josep María , Costa Ana , Botella Daniel , Bustamante-Álvarez Macarena , Heras-Mora Javier , Ortega-Ruiz Ricardo , Chaves Celia , García-Collado Maite Iris , Quirós-Castillo Juan Antonio , Roig Jordi , Suárez-Padilla José , Navarro-Luengo Ildelfonso , Cuadrado Miguel Ángel , Aguilera Isidro , Morera Jordi , Catalán Raúl , Cerdeño María Luisa , Roig-Pérez Josep F. , Díaz-García Moisés , Chirosa-Cañavate Paula , Piza-Ruiz Tatiana , Vallejo-Casas Elena , Vidal-Álvarez Sergio , Burch Josep , Sagrera Jordi , Vivo Jordi , Cubo-Córdoba Adrià , Martínez-Enamorado Virgilio , Rengel-Castro Francisca , García-Entero Virginia , Rodero Alicia , Viguera Enrique , Rohland Nadin , Morales Juan Ignacio , Soto María , Mallick Swapan , Cebrià Artur , García-Borja Pablo , Calduch-Bardoll Paz , Ulloa-Eres Pilar , Carretero Andrés , Espinosa Teresa , Campderá-Gutiérrez Beatriz , Pagés-Alonso Paula , Vara-Izquierdo Consuelo , Martínez-Peñarroya José , Sardà-Seuma Samuel , Castaño-Aguilar José Manuel , López-Chamizo Sonia , Pinhasi Ron , Lalueza-Fox Carles , Reich David
Published: September 2024

It has been unclear how the periods of Roman and later Germanic political control shaped the demography of the Iberian Peninsula and how Iberia differs in these respects from other parts of the Roman Empire. We report genome-wide data from 248 ancient individuals from the largely unsampled period 100-800 CE and co-analyze them with previously reported data. In the Roman era, we document profound demographic transformation, with an influx of people with ancestry from the Central and Eastern Mediterranean in all the areas under study and of North Africans, especially in central and southern Iberia. Germanic (Buri, Suebi, Vandals & Visigoths) and Sarmatian (Alans) took over political control beginning in the 5thcentury, and although we identify individuals with Germanic-associated ancestry at sites with Germanic-style ornaments and observe that such individuals were closely related across large distances as in the case of two siblings separated by 700 km, for Iberia as a whole, we observe high continuity with the previous Hispano-Roman population. The demographic patterns in Iberia contrast sharply with those in Britain, which showed the opposite pattern of little change in the Roman period followed by great change in the Migration period, and also from demographic patterns in the central Mediterranean where both periods were associated with profound transformation, raising broader questions about the forces that precipitated change over this time.
Generalized cold-atom simulators for vacuum decay
Authors: Jenkins Alexander C. , Moss Ian G. , Billam Thomas P. , Hadzibabic Zoran , Peiris Hiranya V. , Pontzen Andrew
Published: September 2024

Cold-atom analog experiments are a promising new tool for studying relativistic vacuum decay, enabling one to empirically probe early-Universe theories in the laboratory. However, existing proposals place stringent requirements on the atomic scattering lengths that are challenging to realize experimentally. Here we eliminate these restrictions and show that stable mixture between two states of a bosonic isotope can be used as a faithful relativistic analog. This greatly expands the landscape of suitable experiments, and will expedite efforts to study vacuum decay with cold atoms.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
High scale validity of two-Higgs-doublet scenarios with a real scalar singlet dark matter
Authors: Bhattacharya Subhaditya , Dey Atri , Lahiri Jayita , Mukhopadhaya Biswarup
Published: September 2024

We study the high-scale validity of two kinds of two Higgs doublet models (2HDM), namely, type-II and type-X, but with a scalar SU(2) singlet dark matter (DM) candidate in addition in each case. The additional quartic couplings involving the DM particle in the scalar potential in both the scenarios bring in additional constraints from the requirement of perturbative unitarity and vacuum stability. DM relic density and direct search constraints play a crucial role in this analysis as the perturbative unitarity of the DM-Higgs portal couplings primarily decide the high scale validity of the model. We find that, within the parameter regions thus restricted, the type-II scenario must have a cutoff at around 106  GeV, while the type-X scenario admits of validity up to the Planck scale. However, only those regions which are valid up to about 108  GeV in type-X 2HDM is amenable to detection at the High-luminosity LHC (up to 3000  fb−1), while most of the parameter space of the type-II scenario mentioned above is likely to be detectable.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Flat-space limit of holographic pseudoentropy in (A)dS spacetimes
Authors: Fareghbal Reza
Published: September 2024

The real part of pseudoentropy in conformal field theories is holographically calculated by the area of some extremal spacelike surfaces in the dual de Sitter (dS) and anti–de Sitter (AdS) spacetimes. We show that the flat-space limit of these curves in three-dimensional (A)dS spacetimes is well defined. We find that, if the length of the curves is calculated from the radial coordinate where the retarded time is extremum, then after taking the flat-space limit, the entanglement entropy of the dual theory of three-dimensional flat spacetime is obtained. For dS spacetime, the radial coordinate corresponding to the extremum of retarded time is located inside the cosmological horizon. Our results suggest that, on the field theory side, the entanglement entropy in the dual theory of flat spacetimes should be obtained from the ultrarelativistic limit of pseudoentropy in the dual conformal field theory to (A)dS spacetimes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nonlinear resonance in an overdamped Duffing oscillator as a model of paleoclimate oscillations
Authors: Ryd Emil , Kantz Holger
Published: September 2024

The cause of the dominant 100-kyr cycles in Earth's paleoclimate in the last 800 000 years has since long been debated. We analyze geological temperature proxy data and retrieve an anharmonic potential from time series data. The obtained potential has bistable features but has significant differences compared to the quartic potentials derived from theoretical energy-based models. Subsequently, we demonstrate the existence of vibrational resonance (VR) and nonlinear resonance phenomena at the combination tones of the driving frequencies in a simple bistable potential without self-sustained oscillations. We find that periodic forcing by the obliquity and frequencies similar to those of the precession cycle can generate output dominated by 100-kyr cycles, thereby offering a mechanism for explaining the observations in geological data. While previous studies of VR have assumed one periodic driver to have a frequency much higher than the other, we show that for a range of amplitudes, both phenomena can occur at the orbital cycle frequencies. We find that the nonlinear resonance phenomenon is more robust to noise than VR between eccentricity and obliquity and emerges within a much larger range of amplitudes of forcing. Finally, we conclude that it is conceivable that nonlinear resonance between obliquity and precession might explain the spectral frequencies observed in the late Pleistocene.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Beyond words: the transformative impact of silence
Authors: Bufalino Giambattista
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to investigate the educational and developmental benefits of silence in organizations. It aims to demonstrate how silence can be employed as a pedagogical tool to foster deeper learning, support personal and professional growth, and enhance communication. By redefining silence as a constructive element rather than an absence, the article provides educators and organizational leaders with practical strategies to create more reflective, innovative, and effective learning environments, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious organizational culture.

Design/methodology/approach

This article adopts a pedagogical approach to examine the role of silence in organizational settings. The methodology involves a comprehensive literature review and analysis of case studies that illustrate the effective use of silence as a tool for learning and development. Practical strategies for incorporating silence into educational and organizational practices are explored, providing leaders with actionable insights to enhance reflective thinking, creativity, and communication within their environments.

Findings

The findings reveal that silence is a powerful educational tool that enhances learning and development in organizations. Silence fosters creativity and deep reflection, supporting cognitive processing and idea generation. It promotes personal and professional growth through mindfulness and emotional regulation. Additionally, silence improves communication by encouraging active listening and thoughtful dialogue.

Originality/value

This article contributes to the existing literature by focusing on the pedagogical and developmental role of silence within organizational contexts. It highlights the often-overlooked value of silence as a multifaceted tool for enhancing creativity, learning, and communication. The insights presented challenge conventional notions of silence, positioning it as a valuable and strategic resource in achieving a more reflective and effective organizational culture.
How and when internal marketing orientation affects frontline employees’ positive word of mouth: insights from a hotel in China
Authors: Hong Zijing , Xu Angela J. , Loi Raymond , Chow Cheris W.C.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Drawing on the theoretical underpinnings of job crafting, this study aims to investigate how and when internal marketing orientation (IMO) promotes employees’ positive word of mouth (PWOM).

Design/methodology/approach

The two-wave, multisource data came from frontline employees and their supervisors in a hotel located in Eastern China. The hypothesized relationships were tested with Mplus with multilevel path analysis.

Findings

The results reveal that IMO encourages frontline employees to change the task, cognitive and relational boundaries of their jobs. Nevertheless, it is through relational crafting that IMO ultimately affects employees’ PWOM, especially when they work with supervisors high in felt responsibility for constructive change (FRCC).

Research limitations/implications

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first studies to investigate how organizations and supervisors can work together to encourage frontline employees’ PWOM.

Practical implications

The findings carry important implications for practitioners on how to encourage frontline employees’ PWOM in the service sector.

Originality/value

First, this research adds to the limited knowledge of how organizations and supervisors can work together to promote frontline employees’ PWOM in the service sector. Second, by proposing job crafting as a key intermediary mechanism underlying IMO’s impact on employee PWOM, this research not only offers a new theoretical perspective to understand how to promote frontline employees’ PWOM but also sheds new light on the underlying mechanisms through which IMO exerts its influence on frontline employees. Third, supervisors’ FRCC as a boundary condition of IMO can help service organizations more effectively capitalize on IMO to motivate frontline employees’ engagement in job crafting and subsequent PWOM.
Swedish quality: a historical perspective and reflections for the future
Authors: Bergman Bo , Klefsjö Bengt , Sörqvist Lars
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the development of the quality movement in Sweden since the mid-20th century. The authors are convinced that a summary of the Swedish quality journey so far will offer important lessons for further quality improvements in Sweden and elsewhere.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors study how the quality movement has been included in the industrial agenda and how it has been adopted in student curricula and in research. The authors have a focus on how business leaders have learnt, adopted, adapted and innovated with respect to quality development. often in collaboration with academia.

Findings

Although the quality movement has fit well with the Swedish culture and that successful corporate leaders have successfully used the specific cultural characteristics there is still a lot to be learnt with respect to the public sector, where the ideas from the quality movement have problem to overcome institutional barriers.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the Swedish context.

Practical implications

There is a serious need to revitalize the public sector by getting leaders and politicians to understand the need for systematic quality improvement.

Social implications

If future Swedish achievements with respect to healthcare and other social welfare elements are to once again become world-class, the public sector needs to be open-minded and collaborate with the industrial sector and academia to find cost-effective strategies for making quality improvements. However, the private sector must also be alert not to be overtaken by some highly active Asian countries.

Originality/value

Swedish large companies have been very successful in applying quality leadership – however, in the public sector, this has not been the case. Suggestions for improvement are made.
Unearthing AI coaching chatbots capabilities for professional coaching: a systematic literature review
Authors: Plotkina Lidia , Sri Ramalu Subramaniam
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Recent advances in coaching technology enhanced its accessibility and affordability for a broader population. In the imposing growth of economy and the demand for extensive coaching intervention for executives, artificial intelligence (AI)-based coaching is one of the possible solutions. While the evidence of AI coaching effectiveness is expanding, a comprehensive understanding of the field remains elusive. In particular, the true potential of AI coaching tools, ethical considerations and their current functionality are subjects of ongoing investigation.

Design/methodology/approach

The systematic literature review was conducted to extract experimental results and concepts about utilizing AI in coaching practice. The paper presents the primary capabilities of state-of-the-art coaching tools and compares them with human coaching.

Findings

The review shows that AI coaching chatbots and tools are effective for narrow tasks such as goal attainment, support for various psychological conditions and induction of reflection processes. Whereas, deep long-term coaching, working alliance and individualized approach are out of current AI coaching competence. In the current state, AI coaching tools serve as complementary helping tools that cannot replace human coaching. However, they have the potential to enhance the coach’s performance and serve as valuable assistants in intricate coaching interventions.

Originality/value

The review offered insights into the current capabilities of AI coaching chatbots, aligned with International Coaching Federation set of competencies. The review outlined the drawbacks and benefits of chatbots and their areas of application in coaching.
Increasing plant species diversity benefits soil protein accumulation in a subtropical forest
Authors: Zhu Zihong , Wanek Wolfgang , Gao Kun , Fang Yuantian , Li Dejun
Published: September 2024

Protein, derived from plant and microbial residues, constitutes a significant portion of soil nitrogen or organic carbon pool and plays a crucial role in determining soil nitrogen and carbon sequestration. Though diversifying plant species has been regarded as a promising strategy for promoting soil nitrogen or organic carbon accumulation during vegetation restoration or afforestation, how increasing plant species diversity (PSD) would influence soil protein pool remains unknown.

We selected 45 plots covering a natural gradient of PSD, which was reflected by the Shannon index and varied from 0.15 to 3.57, in a subtropical karst forest. The major objective was to investigate the impact of increasing PSD on soil protein abundance, with soil protein depolymerization rate and multiple biotic and abiotic variables being measured to explore the underlying mechanism.

The relative abundance of soil protein, that is proportion in soil organic matter varied between 24.1 and 34.0% with an average of 29.2 ± 2.3% across the 45 plots. Soil protein abundance increased on average by 1.56% with each unit of PSD increase. Nevertheless, soil protease activity, protein depolymerization rate and microbial amino acid uptake rate all significantly (p < 0.05) decreased as PSD increased. The mechanism underlying the increase of soil protein abundance in response to higher PSD included three aspects, that is stimulating microbial biomass and subsequent microbial residue input to the soil, promoting mineral protection of soil protein via elevating levels of soil exchangeable calcium and magnesium, and decreasing soil protease activity and protein depolymerization due to aggravated soil microbial phosphorus limitation.

Synthesis and application: Our study suggests that increasing PSD is an efficient way to promote soil protein accumulation. Given that protein is a major component of soil nitrogen or organic carbon pool, diversifying plant species during vegetation restoration or afforestation would hence benefit soil nitrogen and organic carbon sequestration.
Developing a care bundle for children who are eating and drinking with acknowledged risk: A Delphi study with speech and language therapists
Authors: Langeroudi Heideh , Feint Georgina , Smith Christina H.
Published: September 2024

Background

There is minimal research and no formal written guidance for speech and language therapists (SLTs) managing children eating and drinking with acknowledged risks (EDAR). Many SLTs lack confidence due to the complexity of these cases medically, ethically and emotionally. Guidance is recommended to aid paediatric EDAR management.

Aims

To establish consensus amongst expert paediatric SLTs regarding core components of a care bundle guiding the management of children who are EDAR.

Methods & Procedures

A two‐round online modified Delphi technique was used. An expert panel of UK SLTs working across paediatric settings (education, hospital, community) were recruited using snowball sampling. Both rounds comprised 36 statements related to potential components of a care bundle, which participants rated on a 7‐point scale (strongly agree to strongly disagree), and one open‐box question. Consensus was calculated using predetermined criteria (percentage, median and interquartile range) and the final list was ranked by level of importance (mean).

Outcomes & Results

A total of 35 participants completed round 1, with 31 completing round 2 (88.6% response rate). Thirty out of 36 statements achieved high to very high consensus. The nine statements reaching very high consensus covered topics such as documentation, capacity, safeguarding and person‐centred care.

Conclusion & Implications

There is a high level of consensus amongst SLTs about core components for a paediatric EDAR care bundle. This study provides a useful starting point for the future development of a care bundle to manage children who are EDAR.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on the subject

There is limited research and guidance for SLTs managing children who are EDAR. In adult populations, care bundles have been introduced with positive effects (e.g., better patient outcomes, increased standardisation of care and clinician confidence) and are seen as a promising avenue for paediatrics.

What this study adds to the existing knowledge

To the research team's knowledge, this is the first published Delphi study on SLT opinion around a care bundle for paediatric EDAR. There were high levels of consensus amongst UK SLTs and the results highlighted documentation, capacity, safeguarding and person‐centred care as key areas in practice. Finally, the results provide a ranked list of components UK SLTs felt are important for developing a care bundle.

What are the practical and clinical implications of this work?

This study could be a useful starting point for creating a care bundle to support the management of children who are EDAR.
Engaging with parents' voices to support children with neurodiversity, anxiety, trauma, and attachment issues: Towards more inclusive practice in schools
Authors: Shaw Tricia
Published: September 2024

The return to school following the significant disruption to education during the COVID‐19 pandemic presents challenges for students, teachers, and parents. In the English context, education leaders have expressed serious concerns about the significantly increased levels of anxiety and school absenteeism among students of all ages, particularly those with special educational needs (SEND). This article reports on the findings of a study with 10 parents of children with neurodiversity, anxiety, trauma, and attachment difficulties. The parents' views were solicited using innovative participatory tools, such as Community Asset Mapping, Blob Trees, and Unfinished Sentences, over the course of a year. The use of these tools is particularly significant as it introduces a novel approach to gathering insights in this field. The parents proposed various ways for teachers and schools to develop more inclusive practices for children with SEND. These suggestions are organised under the categories of Children, Parents, and Processes.
Linking geopolitical risk, load capacity factor, income, labor, population, and trade on natural resources: Evidence from top oil‐producing countries
Authors: Erdogan Sinan , Kartal Mustafa Tevfik , Pata Ugur Korkut
Published: September 2024

The global economy has been witnessing increasing geopolitical risk (GPR) in recent years. The rise in GPR has several consequences, and the impact of this situation on natural resource rent (NR) has not yet been analyzed for the major oil‐producing countries. Given this deficiency, this study analyzes the impact of GPR, gross domestic product, the labor force (LBR), load capacity factor, population density, and trade openness on the NR for the five major oil‐producing countries (namely, Canada, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the United States of America). To this end, the study analyzes data for the period 1995/Q1‐2021/Q4 by using a cross‐sectional Autoregressive Distributed Lag approach. The results demonstrate that (i) an increase in GPR and load capacity factor declines the NR; (ii) an increase in gross domestic product stimulates the NR; and (iii) a rise in population density, labor force, and trade openness has a stimulating impact on the NR. Overall, the research shows that all variables substantially impact the NR. Based on the results, various policy options are discussed, such as assessing geopolitical tensions as leverage to sustainably regulate the natural resource market and growth to prevent negative impact from managing the NR effectively for the five major oil‐producing countries.
Consensus QTL map deciphered genes and pathways regulating tolerance to post‐flowering diseases in maize
Authors: Sunitha Nagenahalli Chandrappa , Ramesh Sampangi , Lohithaswa Hirenalluru Chandappa , Sabarinathan Selvaraj , Anilkumar Chandrappa
Published: September 2024

Post‐flowering diseases (PFDs), such as ear rot, stalk rot and smut, affect maize yield and quality by damaging the reproductive organs, stalks and seeds. We hypothesized that quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with different PFDs colocalize and share similar defence mechanisms. Hence, to find a stable consensus meta‐QTL (MQTL) for single or multiple PFDs, MQTL analysis was performed. QTL conferring resistance to PFD reported in 31 independent studies were collated to develop a consensus map. As many as 49 MQTL conferring PFD resistance were projected using appropriate algorithms. Most MQTL regions encompass genes encoding a wide range of defence‐related proteins. MQTL1.1 and MQTL10.5 included QTL/genes for resistance to all PFDs, which supported our hypothesis. Candidate genes for PFDs in MQTL7.1 were associated with pathogenesis‐related 1 protein and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling. MQTL5.2 encompassed chalcone flavanone isomerase and cinnamoyl coenzyme A (CoA) reductase genes involved in flavonoid and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, respectively. Furthermore, MQTL10.4 was found to harbour genes encoding E3 ubiquitin ligase, WRKY‐TF11, calcium‐binding domains and zinc finger motifs. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis reiterated the role of genes within MQTL7.1 in the MAPK signalling pathway, phytohormone signal transduction and plant–pathogen interaction. Hence, we propose that these genes are potential candidates for PFD resistance. Furthermore, 75% of the genes within the MQTL showed orthology with sorghum and rice, indicating that these genes were conserved across species. The role of 27 MQTL, including the six most significant MQTL, was confirmed with reported genome‐wide association study (GWAS) results. Thus, the hotspots associated with PFDs identified in our study could be reliably used in marker‐assisted breeding for PFD resistance.
Fifty years of killing and letting die: On the limits of philosophical bioethics
Authors: Räsänen Joona , Häyry Matti
Published: September 2024

In 1975, The New England Journal of Medicine published James Rachels' article ‘Active and Passive Euthanasia’. The argumentative method that Rachels introduced, the Bare Difference Argument (also known as the Contrast Strategy), became one of the most widely used tools in ethical reasoning. The argument, however, fails to show active euthanasia being morally permissible. It fails because Rachels takes the intuitions from the case where letting die is morally impermissible and applies the intuitions to cases where letting die is morally permissible. While it is possible to create thought‐experiments that are more analogous to euthanasia, in this respect, than Rachels' cases, they too are disanalogous to euthanasia with some of the relevant features. Creating the perfect analogy, however, would be a mistake too. Such a case would be too analogous; people would simply be divided on what kind of moral intuitions they would have. The problem thus highlights a methodological limit in philosophical bioethics and raises questions related to the roles of philosophical ethicists in the context of assisted dying.
Oroxylin A attenuates psoriasiform skin inflammation by direct targeting p62 (sequestosome 1) via suppressing M1 macrophage polarization
Authors: Ma Yuxiang , Liu Yunyao , Zhong You , Li Xiangzheng , Xu Yujiao , Chen Leyi , Gong Litong , Huang He , Chen Xu , He Yuan , Qiang Lei
Published: September 2024

Background and Purpose

Psoriasis results from the interplay of innate and adaptive immunity in the skin. Oroxylin A (OA) has shown anti‐inflammatory effects in various disorders. This study explores oroxylin A potential in treating psoriasis, particularly its impact on type I macrophage (Mφ1) polarization.

Experimental Approach

Oroxylin A‐mediated therapeutic effects were evaluated using imiquimod‐induced or IL‐23‐injected psoriatic mice models, followed by proteomics assays to predict potential signalling and targeting proteins. Immunofluorescence and immunoblot assays verified that oroxylin A suppresses NF‐κB signalling in Mφ1 macrophages. Co‐immunoprecipitation and microscale thermophoresis (MST) assays further demonstrated that p62 (sequestosome 1) is the target protein for oroxylin A in macrophages. Oroxylin A‐p62‐mediated suppression of psoriasis was validated in an imiquimod‐induced p62 conditional knockout (cKO) mice model.

Key Results

Oroxylin A demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in murine models induced by imiquimod or IL‐23 by attenuating cutaneous inflammation and mitigating Mφ1 polarization via NF‐κB signalling. Proteomics analysis suggested SQSTM1/p62 as a key target, confirmed to interact directly with oroxylin A. Oroxylin A disrupted the p62‐PKCζ interaction by binding to PB1 domain of p62. Its anti‐inflammatory effects were significantly reduced in macrophages from p62 cKO mice compared to the wild‐type (WT) mice in psoriasis model, supporting oroxylin A role in suppressing Mφ1 polarization through its interaction with p62.

Conclusion and Implications

Our findings demonstrated oroxylin A suppressed psoriasiform skin inflammation in mouse models by blocking the PKCζ‐p62 interaction, subsequently inhibiting the activation of NF‐κB p65 phosphorylation in macrophages.
Thymol and p‐Cymene Protect the Liver by Mitigating Oxidative Stress, Suppressing TNF‐α/NF‐κB, and Enhancing Nrf2/HO‐1 Expression in Immobilized Rats
Authors: Peirovy Yasaman , Asle‐Rousta Masoumeh
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the monoterpenes thymol and p‐cymene on the liver of rats subjected to prolonged immobilization stress and to discover the possible mechanism behind this effect. For 14 consecutive days, the rats were placed in a restrainer for 2.5 h every day to expose them to stress. During the same period, thymol (10 mg/kg, gavage) and p‐cymene (50 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) were also administered. Thymol and p‐cymene prevented the increase in malondialdehyde levels and the decrease in glutathione content in the liver of rats exposed to chronic immobility. They also increased the activity of the glutathione peroxidase enzyme in the liver of stressed animals, but only thymol could increase the activity of superoxide dismutase. These monoterpenes reduced the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐6 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) in the liver of stressed animals. They increased the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1). Thymol and p‐cymene greatly prevented the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the liver parenchyma of stressed rats. In conclusion, the study found that thymol and p‐cymene have a hepatoprotective effect on immobilized rats, likely exerted by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation, stimulating Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling, and inhibiting the TNF‐α/NF‐κB pathway.
Do Board‐Level Employee Representatives Increase Pay Equity in Firms?
Authors: Fard Amirhossein , Chung Chune Young
Published: September 2024

Question/Issue

This study investigates the role of board‐level employee representatives (BLERs), a common corporate governance practice in Europe, in determining the pay ratio between CEOs and average employees.

Research Findings/Insights

Using 15,340 firm‐year observations from 17 European countries between 2001 and 2019, we find that BLERs provide greater bargaining power to the board for dealing with CEOs and use this power to reduce the pay gap between CEOs and employees. Subsample analyses indicate that bargaining power is more apparent when BLERs are more socially connected, have longer tenure, and hold more seats on the board.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

This study supports the role of BLERs in providing workers with more bargaining power to create fairer wage distribution in firms. Furthermore, it supports the fair wage–effort theory, indicating a positive effect of lower pay ratios on firm value following the presence of BLERs.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This study demonstrates the effects of a unique corporate governance practice, the presence of BLERs, on companies' wage distribution, with significant policy implications. In particular, the results indicate that when presented with opportunities in affecting companies decision‐making BLERs provide fairer environments for the workers who they represent.
Natural history of cerebral visual impairment in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Galli Jessica , Loi Erika , Calza Stefano , Micheletti Serena , Molinaro Anna , Franzoni Alessandra , Rossi Andrea , Semeraro Francesco , Merabet Lotfi B. , Fazzi Elisa
Published: September 2024

Aim

To longitudinally evaluate the natural history of cerebral visual impairment (CVI) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and identify which early visual signs or symptoms are associated with cognitive visual disorders (CVDs) at school age.

Method

Fifty‐one individuals with CP and CVI underwent an ophthalmological, oculomotor, and basic visual function evaluation at three time points: T0 (6–35 months old); T1 (3–5 years old); and T2 (≥6 years old). We also performed a cognitive visual evaluation at T2. Logistic regression fitted using a generalized estimation equation (binary) and cumulative link models (ordinal) were used to model the outcomes of interest.

Results

Ophthalmological deficits were stable over time, except for ocular fundus abnormalities (T1–T0, p = 0.01; T2–T1, p = 0.02; T2–T0, p < 0.01) and strabismus, whose frequency increased with age (T2–T0, p= 0.02 with T2‐T0, p = 0.05). Conversely, fixation (T1–T0, T2–T0, p < 0.01), smooth pursuit (T2–T1, T2–T0, p < 0.01), saccades (T1–T0, T2–T1, T2–T0, p < 0.01), as well as visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and visual field (T1–T0, T2–T0, p < 0.01) all improved over time. Early oculomotor dysfunction was associated with CVD at T2.

Interpretation

Although a diagnosis of CVI was confirmed in all children at each time point, several visual signs and symptoms improved over time; in some cases, they reached complete recovery at T1 and T2. These results emphasize the ‘permanent’ but ‘not unchanging’ nature of the CVI associated with CP during development.
Synaptic integration of somatosensory and motor cortical inputs onto spiny projection neurons of mice caudoputamen
Authors: Sampathkumar Vandana , Koster Kevin P. , Carroll Briana J. , Sherman S. Murray , Kasthuri Narayanan
Published: September 2024

The basal ganglia play pivotal roles in motor control and cognitive functioning. These nuclei are embedded in an anatomical loop: cortex to basal ganglia to thalamus back to cortex. We focus here on an essential synapse for descending control, from cortical layer 5 (L5) onto the GABAergic spiny projection neurons (SPNs) of the caudoputamen (CP). We employed genetic labeling to distinguish L5 neurons from somatosensory (S1) and motor (M1) cortices in large volume serial electron microscopy and electrophysiology datasets to better detail these inputs. First, M1 and S1 synapses showed a strong preference to innervate the spines of SPNs and rarely contacted aspiny cells, which are likely to be interneurons. Second, L5 inputs commonly converge from both areas onto single SPNs. Third, compared to unlabeled terminals in CP, those labeled from M1 and S1 show ultrastructural hallmarks of strong driver synapses: They innervate larger spines that were more likely to contain a spine apparatus, more often had embedded mitochondria, and more often contacted multiple targets. Finally, these inputs also demonstrated driver‐like functional properties: SPNs responded to optogenetic activation from S1 and M1 with large EPSP/Cs that depressed and were dependent on ionotropic but not metabotropic receptors. Together, our findings suggest that individual SPNs integrate driver input from multiple cortical areas with implications for how the basal ganglia relay cortical input to provide inhibitory innervation of motor thalamus.
Narrative Understanding
Authors: Prescott‐Couch Alexander
Published: September 2024

Much work in history, anthropology, sociology, and political science has a narrative form — the events described are emplotted into stories. A number of recent critics of narrative have argued that the story form is a poor vehicle for social scientific explanation, as it often misleads us about the causal structure of the social world. Defenders of narrative typically claim that such criticisms miss the point of narrative. Even if narrative is not the best means for providing us with causal information, it can provide us with information about something else of importance such as the events' “meanings” or others' experiences. I reject such defenses of narrative, but I then offer a novel defense in their place. On the view I defend, narratives increase our understanding of the social world not by giving us some kind of special information about the social world but rather by cuing certain kinds of responses to it. I tie this conception of the epistemic function of narrative to the political role that narrative can play in correcting failures of interpersonal recognition and promoting structural change.
Lessons learned from existing carbon removal methodologies for agricultural soils to drive European Union policies
Authors: Criscuoli Irene , Martelli Andrea , Falconi Ilaria , Galioto Francesco , Lasorella Maria Valentina , Maurino Stefania , Phillips Avion , Bonati Guido , Dara Guccione Giovanni
Published: September 2024

Soil plays a central role in the global carbon (C) cycle and the fight against climate change as it contains the largest existing organic C stock on earth. Natural processes exacerbated by climate change and unsustainable agricultural soil management practices are contributing to the steady decrease in organic C stocks in farmland. Carbon farming practices, underpinned by various incentives, can be used to maintain and increase C stocks in agricultural soils. Carbon credit mechanisms, that is, tradable credits each corresponding to one tonne of CO2eq, are one such incentive. Carbon credits are issued upon the demonstration of increased soil C stocks over time through the application of C accounting methodologies for each agroecosystem and farming practice. This study presents a detailed and critical analysis of carbon credit methodologies, focusing on agricultural soil C in temperate zones, by comparing the European Commission proposal for a regulation on carbon removals with relevant certification frameworks implemented in extra‐European Union industrialized countries (Australia, Alberta in Canada, United States). Based on this, we recommend strengthening the European Commission proposal by (i) expanding the list of eligible agricultural practices, (ii) setting a minimum maintenance time frame for each agricultural practice and incentivizing longer duration, (iii) setting the Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions of the European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as a regulatory baseline, (iv) beyond the regulatory baseline, defining a farm level baseline in terms of carbon farming practices applied that can be monitored through the Integrated Administration and Control System of the CAP, (v) clarifying the interaction between the European Commission proposal of regulation and the CAP, the Soil Monitoring Law, and Land Use/Cover Area Frame Survey inventory, (vi) retaining a portion of unsold carbon credits as a buffer against the risk of reversal and (vii) applying a default discount to account for leakage risk if yield reductions are observed. We propose these recommendations to guarantee effective environmental protection, technical and bureaucratic feasibility as well as economic affordability for farmers.