bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cis-Regulatory Evolution of CCNB1IP1 Driving Gradual Increase of Cortical Size and Folding in primates
Authors: Hu Ting , Kong Yifan , Tan Yulian , Ma Pengcheng , Wang Jianhong , Sun Xuelian , Xiang Kun , Mao Bingyu , Wu Qingfeng , Yi Soojin V. , Shi Lei
Published: December 2024

Neocortex expansion has a concerted relationship with folding, underlying evolution of human cognitive functions. However, molecular mechanisms underlying this significant evolutionary process remains unknown. Here, using tree shrew as an outgroup of primates, we identify a new regulatorCCNB1IP1,which acquired its expression before the emergence of primates. Following the evolution of cis-regulatory elements, the CCNB1IP1 expression has steadily increased over the course of primate brain evolution, mirroring the gradual increase of neocortex. Mechanistically, we elucidated that CCNB1IP1 expression can cause an increase in neural progenitors through shortening G1 phase. Consistently, the CCNB1IP1 knock-in mouse model exhibited traits associated with enhanced learning and memory abilities. Together, our study reveals how changes inCCNB1IP1expression may have contributed to the gradual evolution in primate brain.
Cell-type specific autophagy in human leukocytes
Authors: Dang Linh VP , Martin Alexis , Carosi Julian M , Gore Jemima , Singh Sanjna , Sargeant Timothy J
Published: December 2024

Autophagy is a naturally conserved mechanism crucial for degrading and recycling damaged organelles and proteins to support cell survival. This process slows biological ageing and age-related disease in preclinical models. However, there has been little translation of autophagy to the clinic, and we have identified a lack of measurement tools for physiological human autophagy as a barrier. To address this, we have previously developed a direct measurement tool for autophagy in pooled human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the context of whole blood. In order to better understand how autophagy behaves and changes in humans, we measured human autophagic flux using flow cytometry in 19 cell sub-populations in whole blood to retain physiological flux. Autophagic flux was different between different cell types, being highest in B lymphocytes and lowest in T lymphocytes and monocytes. Autophagic flux also varied with sex, being higher in monocytes in females compared with males. In keeping with previous observations in humans, autophagy also increased with ageing at sub-population levels. Importantly, we found that only monocytes – specifically, non-classical monocytes – displayed increased autophagic flux following amino acid withdrawal, underscoring the importance of population selection for measurement of autophagic flux during nutrient restriction studies in humans. Collectively, these data show PBMC population level analysis improves sensitivity of human autophagic flux measurement.
MCHelper automatically curates transposable element libraries across eukaryotic species
Authors: Orozco-Arias Simon , Sierra Pío , Durbin Richard , González Josefa
Published: December 2024

The number of species with high-quality genome sequences continues to increase, in part due to the scaling up of multiple large-scale biodiversity sequencing projects. While the need to annotate genic sequences in these genomes is widely acknowledged, the parallel need to annotate transposable element (TE) sequences that have been shown to alter genome architecture, rewire gene regulatory networks, and contribute to the evolution of host traits is becoming ever more evident. However, accurate genome-wide annotation of TE sequences is still technically challenging. Several de novo TE identification tools are now available, but manual curation of the libraries produced by these tools is needed to generate high-quality genome annotations. Manual curation is time-consuming, and thus impractical for large-scale genomic studies, and lacks reproducibility. In this work, we present the Manual Curator Helper tool MCHelper, which automates the TE library curation process. By leveraging MCHelper's fully automated mode with the outputs from three de novo TE identification tools, RepeatModeler2, EDTA, and REPET, in the fruit fly, rice, hooded crow, zebrafish, maize, and human, we show a substantial improvement in the quality of the TE libraries and genome annotations. MCHelper libraries are less redundant, with up to 65% reduction in the number of consensus sequences, have up to 11.4% fewer false positive sequences, and up to ∼48% fewer “unclassified/unknown” TE consensus sequences. Genome-wide TE annotations are also improved, including larger unfragmented insertions. Moreover, MCHelper is an easy-to-install and easy-to-use tool.
Resolving the chromatin impact of mosaic variants with targeted Fiber-seq
Authors: Bohaczuk Stephanie C. , Amador Zachary J. , Li Chang , Mallory Benjamin J. , Swanson Elliott G. , Ranchalis Jane , Vollger Mitchell R. , Munson Katherine M. , Walsh Tom , Hamm Morgan O. , Mao Yizi , Lieber Andre , Stergachis Andrew B.
Published: December 2024

Accurately quantifying the functional consequences of noncoding mosaic variants requires the pairing of DNA sequences with both accessible and closed chromatin architectures along individual DNA molecules—a pairing that cannot be achieved using traditional fragmentation-based chromatin assays. We demonstrate that targeted single-molecule chromatin fiber sequencing (Fiber-seq) achieves this, permitting single-molecule, long-read genomic, and epigenomic profiling across targeted >100 kb loci with ∼10-fold enrichment over untargeted sequencing. Targeted Fiber-seq reveals that pathogenic expansions of theDMPKCTG repeat that underlie Myotonic Dystrophy 1 are characterized by somatic instability and disruption of multiple nearby regulatory elements, both of which are repeat length-dependent. Furthermore, we reveal that therapeutic adenine base editing of the segmentally duplicated γ-globin (HBG1/HBG2) promoters in primary human hematopoietic cells induced toward an erythroblast lineage increases the accessibility of theHBG1promoter as well as neighboring regulatory elements. Overall, we find that these non–protein coding mosaic variants can have complex impacts on chromatin architectures, including extending beyond the regulatory element harboring the variant.
How the QCD trace anomaly behaves at the core of twin stars?
Authors: Jiménez José C. , Lazzari Lucas , Gonçalves Victor P.
Published: December 2024

We investigate the behavior of the dense and cold (normalized) quantum chromodynamics (QCD) trace anomaly, Δ, in the interior of twin neutron stars (obtained from several sets of equations of state in agreement with modern compact-star and multimessenger data) satisfying static and dynamic stability conditions. We scan the formed twin-star parameter space in order to look for effects caused by the presence of a strong first-order phase transition connecting hadron and quark phases by means of a Maxwell construction. We found robustly that Δ suffers an abrupt decrease around the transition point, even reaching large negative values (Δ≃−0.35), in marked contrast to current studies pointing out a smooth behavior with Δ≳0 at all densities. Besides, we characterize the behavior of the recently defined conformal factor, dc, in the four categories of twin stars for which we perform comparisons with theoretical constraints put, e.g., by Bayesian studies sometimes adjusted to agree with perturbative QCD at high densities. These analyses allow us to hypothesize modifications in the strong QCD coupling in dense nuclear matter with a strong thermodynamic discontinuity.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Leptogenesis from a phase transition in a dynamical vacuum
Authors: Bhandari Dipendu , Datta Arghyajit , Sil Arunansu
Published: December 2024

We show that a phase transition may take place in the early Universe at a temperature T* resulting a temperature dependent mass for right-handed neutrinos (RHN) which finally relaxes to a constant value after electroweak symmetry breaking (EWSB). As a result, a requisite amount of lepton asymmetry can be produced near T* satisfying the observed baryon asymmetry of the Universe via the sphaleron process even when zero temperature masses of the RHNs fall below the electroweak scale enhancing the detection possibility of RHNs. Interestingly, the framework is also capable of predicting a primordial lepton asymmetry (generated after EWSB) as hinted by helium abundance measurements, indicating a correlation with the early phase of leptogenesis.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Resisting High-Energy Impact Events through Gap Engineering in Superconducting Qubit Arrays
Authors: McEwen Matt , Miao Kevin C. , Atalaya Juan , Bilmes Alexander , Crook Alex , Bovaird Jenna , Kreikebaum John Mark , Zobrist Nicholas , Jeffrey Evan , Ying Bicheng , Bengtsson Andreas , Chang Hung-Shen , Dunsworth Andrew , Kelly Julian , Zhang Yaxing , Forati Ebrahim , Acharya Rajeev , Iveland Justin , Liu Wayne , Kim Seon , Burkett Brian , Megrant Anthony , Chen Yu , Neill Charles , Sank Daniel , Devoret Michel , Opremcak Alex
Published: December 2024

Quantum error correction (QEC) provides a practical path to fault-tolerant quantum computing through scaling to large qubit numbers, assuming that physical errors are sufficiently uncorrelated in time and space. In superconducting qubit arrays, high-energy impact events can produce correlated errors, violating this key assumption. Following such an event, phonons with energy above the superconducting gap propagate throughout the device substrate, which in turn generate a temporary surge in quasiparticle (QP) density throughout the array. When these QPs tunnel across the qubits’ Josephson junctions, they induce correlated errors. Engineering different superconducting gaps across the qubit’s Josephson junctions provides a method to resist this form of QP tunneling. By fabricating all-aluminum transmon qubits with both strong and weak gap engineering on the same substrate, we observe starkly different responses during high-energy impact events. Strongly gap engineered qubits do not show any degradation in T1 during impact events, while weakly gap engineered qubits show events of correlated degradation in T1. We also show that strongly gap engineered qubits are robust to QP poisoning from increasing optical illumination intensity, whereas weakly gap engineered qubits display rapid degradation in coherence. Based on these results, gap engineering mitigates the threat of high-energy impacts to QEC in superconducting qubit arrays.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Celestial Holography Revisited
Authors: Sleight Charlotte , Taronna Massimo
Published: December 2024

We revisit the prescription commonly used to define holographic correlators on the celestial sphere of Minkowski space as an integral transform of flat space scattering amplitudes. We propose a new prescription according to which celestial holographic correlators are given by the Mellin transform of bulk time-ordered correlators with respect to the radial direction in the hyperbolic slicing of Minkowski space, which are then extrapolated to the celestial sphere along the hyperbolic directions. This prescription is analogous to the extrapolate definition of holographic correlators in AdS/CFT and, like in AdS, is centered on (off-shell) correlation functions as opposed to (on-shell) S-matrix elements. We show that celestial correlators defined in this new way are manifestly recast in terms of corresponding Witten diagrams in Euclidean anti–de Sitter space in perturbation theory. We also discuss the possibility of using this definition of celestial correlators in terms of bulk correlation functions to explore the nonperturbative properties of celestial correlators dual to conformal field theories in Minkowski space.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Proofreading mechanism for colloidal self-assembly
Authors: Zhu Qian-Ze , Du Chrisy Xiyu , King Ella M. , Brenner Michael P.
Published: December 2024

Designing components that can robustly self-assemble into structures with biological complexity is a grand challenge for material science. Proofreading and error correction is required to improve assembly yield beyond equilibrium limits, using energy to avoid kinetic traps in the energy landscape. Here, we introduce an explicit two-staged proofreading scheme for patchy particle colloidal assemblies that substantially improves assembly yield and robustness. The first stage implements local rules whereby particles increase their binding strengths when they detect a local environment corresponding to a desired target. The second stage corrects remaining errors, adding a reverse pathway inspired by kinetic proofreading. The scheme shows significant yield improvements, eliminating kinetic traps, giving a much broader temperature range with high yield. Additionally, the scheme is robust against quenched disorder in the components. Our findings illuminate a pathway for advancing the programmable design of synthetic living materials, potentially fostering the synthesis of novel biological materials and functional behaviors.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Anomalous Crystalline-Electromagnetic Responses in Semimetals
Authors: Hirsbrunner Mark R. , Dubinkin Oleg , Burnell F. J. , Hughes Taylor L.
Published: December 2024

We present a unifying framework that allows us to study the mixed crystalline-electromagnetic responses of topological semimetals in spatial dimensions up to D=3 through dimensional augmentation and reduction procedures. We show how this framework illuminates relations between the previously known topological semimetals and use it to identify a new class of quadrupolar nodal line semimetals for which we construct a lattice tight-binding Hamiltonian. We further utilize this framework to quantify a variety of mixed crystalline-electromagnetic responses, including several that have not previously been explored in existing literature, and show that the corresponding coefficients are universally proportional to weighted momentum-energy multipole moments of the nodal points (or lines) of the semimetal. We introduce lattice gauge fields that couple to the crystal momentum and describe how tools including the gradient expansion procedure, dimensional reduction, compactification, and the Kubo formula can be used to systematically derive these responses and their coefficients. We further substantiate these findings through analytical physical arguments, microscopic calculations, and explicit numerical simulations employing tight-binding models.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Utilising factor analysis on political risks including strategies of managing firm-specific risk factors for multinational construction projects in Pakistan
Authors: Amaechi Chiemela Victor , Ullah Safi , Deng Xiaopeng , Beddu Salmia Binti , Ja’e Idris Ahmed , Mohamed Daud Bin , Syamsir Agusril
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to investigate the influence that firm-specific characteristics, such as organisational capabilities, risk management methods and stakeholder relationships, have on political risks (PRs) that are associated with multinational construction projects in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology employed in this investigation involved the acquisition of data through the use of questionnaires administered to experts in the construction industry. The research applied a quantitative method, and the sources of the data are from the Pakistani stakeholders. One hundred questionnaires were used for the data collection during field visits. Based on the data, it has been ensured that the valid questionnaires were utilised, and the data were tested for validity and reliability. The analysis tool utilised was SPSS software. For the questionnaire, a total of 15 firm-specific factors were considered in order to design the survey, which specifically targeted the identified features. The factors identified as risks were investigated using quantitative method to determine firm-specific risks.

Findings

It was found that when stakeholders have a better grasp of these dynamics, they are better able to strengthen their resilience and efficacy in managing PRs, which ultimately increases the likelihood that the project will be successful.

Research limitations/implications

International construction projects (ICPs) in emerging countries are substantially impacted by PRs, which can have a considerable impact on their success and sustainability. The study is localised and not generic as it is limited to Pakistan, and the risk factors considered are firm-specific but related to PRs.

Practical implications

By identifying key risk factors, these firms can develop targeted risk management strategies, leading to enhanced decision-making and more efficient resource allocation. Effective strategies include diversification, local partnerships and comprehensive risk assessments tailored to the unique challenges faced by international contracting firms in Pakistan.

Social implications

ICPs in emerging countries like Pakistan face critical problems, which include the presence of PRs. Although the larger political environment plays a significant part, the manner in which businesses navigate and mitigate PRs is also influenced by firm-specific elements.

Originality/value

The study is novel in terms of the factors looked at, the data, the conceptual framework and the findings of the study. The dynamic political scene, which is characterised by instability, policy changes, corruption and geopolitical conflicts, poses significant dangers to the timeliness of projects, the expenses of such projects and the investments that are made in those projects.
Minimization of losses in postharvest of fresh produce supply chain
Authors: Madhavarao Seshadri Narassima , Singanallur Palanisamy Anbuudayasankar , Mohanavelu Thenarasu , McDermott Olivia
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Globalization and population explosion have worsened postharvest losses (PHL) in developing countries. This study looks to identify numerous controllable variables to reduce these losses and make the fresh produce supply chain more efficient.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) technique to develop a hierarchical model to comprehend the intricate relationships between the variables influencing PHL. These variables are further classified based on the relative levels of importance in terms of their driving and dependence powers.

Findings

The findings of this research provide variables for enterprises operating in fresh food supply chains to understand the specific risks that that supply chain faces and how these risks interact within the system. The fuzzy MICMAC analysis also classifies and highlights critical risk factors in the supply chain to aid implementation of PHL mitigation measures. The study highlights the importance of devising policies, legislation and efforts to regulate and curtail PHL across the global food supply chain.

Research limitations/implications

The efficiency of the food supply chain contributes not only to economic sustainability but also to broader goals such as food security, better utilisation of global resources and sustainability in the supply chain.

Social implications

It also highlights the significance of well-informed government policies, laws and regulations in successfully controlling and reducing PHL.

Originality/value

This study compares factors contributing to PHL in the fresh produce supply chain and emphasises the stakeholders’ critical role in alleviating these losses. It also highlights the significance of well-informed government policies, laws and regulations in successfully controlling and reducing PHL.
A hybrid approach based on critical chain for project buffer consumption prediction and monitoring
Authors: Xu Jiaojiao , Bai Sijun
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The critical chain project buffer monitor process addresses uncertainty and variability in project duration. However, classical buffer monitor methods only consider buffer consumption, while the dynamic allocation of buffer zones and the buffer consumption trend of activities are ignored. This paper presents the innovative framework for dynamic monitoring of project buffer which covers the dynamic buffer allocation, predictive analytics of buffer utilization and a new monitoring technique based on control chart graph.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a dynamically buffer allocation model is framed, and buffer zones are given to the activities considering risks. Then, a predictive model amalgamating Bayesian Optimization, Convolutional Neural Networks, and Long Short-Term Memory networks (BO-CNN-LSTM) is framed. Finally, a new buffer monitor framework is constructed that takes into account historical information about buffer usage and utilizes two thresholds derived from control chart theory.

Findings

This approach is empirically tested on a representative agricultural website project in China. The results show that, first, the dynamic buffer allocation makes better use of the project buffer, reduces buffer waste and increases the possibility of timely completion of the project. Second, the BO-CNN-LSTM model predicts better than Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Grey Neural Network Model (GNNM), providing project managers with new management insights and perspectives. Third, the novel monitoring procedure makes the leveraging of historical data possible in the control of the schedule deviations, allowing for more timely interventions in the course of the implementation of the project.

Originality/value

A new project buffer monitoring method suitable for uncertain project environments is proposed.
The role of human and social capital in achieving manufacturing objectives
Authors: Turner Karynne , Miree Cynthia , Coppin Addington
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to highlight manufacturing challenges faced by firms and present a framework that can be used to guide managers on the benefits and risks of balancing between social and human capital to address firm goals and outcomes related to quality or productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The article provides a brief review of the literature and provides guidance to managers on how to best align human and social capital with the firm's strategic orientation.

Findings

Firms must balance their investments in the development and leveraging of their employees' human and social capital for maximum impact on the firm's strategic goals.

Originality/value

As more manufacturing jobs continue to return to the US, firms will need to learn or re(learn) how to best prepare and leverage their workforce to support the firm's overall strategic goals. This article provides managers with an intuitive conceptual framework for making those decisions.
Complementary effects of beneficial and non‐beneficial mycorrhizal fungi on root phosphatase activity: A mycorrhizal “White Album” effect
Authors: Steidinger Brian S.
Published: December 2024

Mycorrhizal fungi are diverse, with strains differing in the magnitude and types of benefits provided to their hosts. In mixture, mycorrhizal strains that have complementary functions could provide their hosts with greater benefits than any constituent strain in isolation. Conversely, mycorrhizal strains could also interfere with one another, competing for host resources, providing less benefits than the most beneficial strain. The actual, realized effects are likely a composite of these complementary and competitive effects.

Spatial structure in the root system may allow plants to benefit from complementary benefits while reducing competition among mycorrhizal strains. I tested the role of spatial structure using a species of plant from the family Podocarpaceae, which host arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inside both finely separated nodules and longer, contiguous sections of fine root.

In root nodules, co‐inoculation with both growth‐promoting and non‐growth‐promoting arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi resulted in complementary increases in aggregate root/fungal phosphatase activity. This complementary effect was not present in longer, contiguous sections of fine root or in either root type with P‐fertilization.

I dub this interaction a ‘White Album effect’, a reference to the Beatles' best‐selling album, where complementary effects of single artists were only revealed when individual conflicts were avoided by separating band members and synthesizing their contributions in post‐production.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Weed management modifies functional properties of both weeds and microbial nitrogen‐cycling communities in Mediterranean vineyards
Authors: Bopp Marie‐Charlotte , De Deyn Gerlinde B. , Zwetsloot Marie J. , Moinet Gabriel Y. K. , Fried Guillaume , Metay Aurélie , Fromin Nathalie , Fort Florian , Buatois Bruno , Bastiaans Lammert , Kazakou Elena
Published: December 2024

Nitrogen (N) availability is crucial to maintaining crop productivity in agroecosystems, driven primarily by soil microbial processes such as nitrification and denitrification. Weeds are an integral part of agroecosystems and are involved in many processes related to the N cycle, but how weed management could shift plant–microbe interactions, and thus, N‐cycling is yet to be determined.

Using a network of 15 Mediterranean vineyards, we quantified the effect of 5 years of different weed management practices (chemical weeding, tillage, mowing) on the above‐ground and below‐ground functional properties of weed communities and soil microbial N‐cycling.

Specific root length (SRL) of the tilled and mowed weed communities were 30% and 44% lower than in the herbicide‐treated weed communities.

Soil pH and texture were the main drivers of soil microbial activity as quantified by substrate‐induced respiration (SIR), potential denitrifying enzyme activities to SIR ratio (PDEA:SIR) and potential nitrifying and denitrifying enzyme activity ratio (PNEA:PDEA).

SIR was also impacted by the management: Mowed weed communities had 58% higher SIR compared to herbicide‐treated communities. Weed communities with high SRL were associated with soils with a higher nitrifying enzyme efficiency per unit of respired carbon.

Synthesis and applications. Overall, our findings indicate that vineyard weed management influences the potential nitrifying enzyme activities by modifying the root strategies of weed communities. This study highlights that the design of sustainable weed management strategies should incorporate unintended effects on soil microbial communities and N‐cycling.
Herbivory resistance in dwarf shrubs combines with simulated warming to shift phenology and decrease reproduction
Authors: Gillespie Mark A. K. , Hegland Stein Joar
Published: December 2024

Research focus on the phenology of plants has accompanied current trends in climate warming, because the two are inextricably linked. Warmer temperatures have led to advanced plant phenology in a range of systems, although some responses are species specific. However, other stressors, such as herbivory, can delay or advance plant phenology, and few studies have addressed the combined impact of these drivers.

We experimentally warmed plots with open top chambers (OTCs) and simulated herbivory resistance to insect outbreaks with methyl jasmonate (MeJA), along an elevational climatic gradient. We then recorded vegetative and reproductive phenology in two functionally important dwarf shrubs, the deciduous Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) and the evergreen V. vitis‐idaea (lingonberry), to test the responses to the combined treatments. Based on earlier findings, we expected larger phenological responses at higher elevations and for bilberry.

We found that in the year after MeJA application, both bilberry and lingonberry delayed vegetative and reproductive phenology, although responses were stronger in bilberry. Warming with OTCs weakly advanced phenology in both species, but combined effects were not consistent.

We further examined the consequences of this altered phenology on reproductive output with multigroup piecewise structural equation modelling and found that herbivory resistance driven changes to phenology had a strong mediating effect on berry numbers, particularly under warmed conditions and mainly in the year after MeJA application.

Synthesis. These results demonstrate the need to consider combined pressures in understanding the impacts of global change on plants and highlight that multiple drivers may have unidentified synergetic effects on species phenology and reproduction.
Gene Expression by a Model Fungus in the Ascomycota Provides Insight Into the Decay of Fungal Necromass
Authors: Haq Irshad Ul , Kennedy Peter , Schreiner Kathryn M. , Agnich Julia C. , Schilling Jonathan S.
Published: December 2024

Dead fungal cells, known as necromass, are increasingly recognised as significant contributors to long‐term soil carbon pools, yet the genes involved in necromass decomposition are poorly understood. In particular, how microorganisms degrade necromass with differing initial cell wall chemical compositions using carbohydrate‐active enzymes (CAZymes) has not been well studied. Based on the frequent occurrence and high abundance of the fungal genus Trichoderma on decaying fungal necromass in situ, we grew Trichoderma reesei RUT‐C30 on low and high melanin necromass of Hyaloscypha bicolor (Ascomycota) in liquid cultures and assessed T. reesei gene expression relative to each other and relative to glucose. Transcriptome data revealed that T. reesei up‐regulated many genes (over 100; necromass versus glucose substrate) coding for CAZymes, including enzymes that would target individual layers of an Ascomycota fungal cell wall. We also observed differential expression of protease‐ and laccase‐encoding genes on high versus low melanin necromass, highlighting a subset of genes (fewer than 15) possibly linked to the deconstruction of melanin, a cell wall constituent that limits necromass decay rates in nature. Collectively, these results advance our understanding of the genomic traits underpinning the rates and fates of carbon turnover in an understudied pool of Earth's belowground carbon, fungal necromass.
The concept of the strategic state: An assessment after 30 years
Authors: Elliott Ian C. , Roberts Alasdair
Published: December 2024

The strategic state was conceptualised 30 years ago in response to neoliberal reforms of government and the rise of New Public Management that began in Western democracies in the 1980s. The concept was widely used by the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development in assessing the performance of governments through the 2000s. This research note describes how the concept has evolved, lessons learned from the application of the concept over the last 20 years, and some new developments that affirm the continuing relevance of the concept but also make its practical application more challenging.

Points for practitioners

The strategic state is a well‐established concept of long‐term, outcomes‐based government. It is pertinent to contemporary debates around mission‐driven government and wellbeing approaches to government.

The strategic state requires long‐term and sustained investment in strategic capabilities, in part to mitigate against electoral pressures.

Secondly, it requires a connection from strategy to action through clear accountability processes for both individuals and organisations including appropriate budgeting and evaluation mechanisms.

Thirdly, a successful strategic state requires effective collaboration between different levels of government. This can be supported through a relational approach to public service design and delivery.

Challenges to the strategic state include increased turbulence from political events, economic crises, the climate emergency, and the rise of artificial intelligence; the erosion of public trust in government and social cohesion combined with the rise of populist movements; and a decay in the media environment with increasing public alienation and polarisation in political debate.
Factors Contributing to Uptake of Stillbirth Evaluations: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Riches Naomi O. , Workalemahu Tsegaselassie , Johnson Erin P. , Lopez Sarah , Blue Nathan , Page Jessica , Silver Robert M. , Rothwell Erin
Published: December 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore individuals' beliefs, values, and experiences surrounding stillbirth evaluation decisions.

Design

Qualitative research.

Setting

University of Utah Health.

Population

Parents who experienced a stillbirth in the past 5 years (n = 19) were interviewed about their experiences and decision to consent to or decline stillbirth evaluations, such as autopsy, placental histopathology, or genetic testing.

Methods

Qualitative content analysis.

Main Outcome Measures

Barriers and facilitators to parentsstillbirth postmortem decision‐making.

Results

Participants communicated several facilitators and barriers that contributed to their stillbirth evaluation decision. Reasons for consenting to evaluations were belief in science, background in medicine, altruism, to inform future pregnancies, thinking about preventing another stillbirth, and how patients viewed the care of their stillborn by the medical team. Reasons for declining evaluations were receiving a diagnosis prior to being offered a postmortem evaluation, intent to avoid causing further harm to the baby, interest to spend more time with their baby, and cost of the evaluation.

Conclusion

Stillbirth is one of the most difficult experiences of a parent. Diagnostic and emotional barriers create further challenges to decision‐making for stillbirth postmortem evaluations. Parents often rely on inadequate information and personal values and beliefs during this time‐sensitive decision process. Decision support for stillbirth evaluations and training for medical providers could benefit parents, may increase stillbirth evaluation uptake, and potentially prevent decisional regret.

Funding

Research reported in this publication was supported by the Utah Centre for Excellence in ELSI Research (UCEER).
Acetate Shock Loads Enhance CO Uptake Rates of Anaerobic Microbiomes
Authors: Robazza Alberto , Raya i Garcia Ada , Baleeiro Flávio C. F. , Kleinsteuber Sabine , Neumann Anke
Published: December 2024

Pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass commonly produces syngas, a mixture of gases such as CO, CO2 and H2, as well as an aqueous solution generally rich in organic acids such as acetate. In this study, we evaluated the impact of increasing acetate shock loads during syngas co‐fermentation with anaerobic microbiomes at different pH levels (6.7 and 5.5) and temperatures (37°C and 55°C) by assessing substrates consumption, metabolites production and microbial community composition. The anaerobic microbiomes revealed to be remarkably resilient and were capable of converting syngas even at high acetate concentrations of up to 64 g/L and pH 5.5. Modifying process parameters and acetate loads resulted in a shift of the product spectrum and microbiota composition. Specifically, a pH of 6.7 promoted methanogens such as Methanosarcina, whereas lowering the pH to 5.5 with lower acetate loads promoted the enrichment of syntrophic acetate oxidisers such as Syntrophaceticus, alongside hydrogenotrophic methanogens. Increasing acetate loads intensified the toxicity of undissociated acetic acid, thereby inhibiting methanogenic activity. Under non‐methanogenic conditions, high acetate concentrations suppressed acetogenesis in favour of hydrogenogenesis and the production of various carboxylates, including valerate, with product profiles and production rates being contingent upon temperature. A possible candidate for valerate production was identified in Oscillibacter. Across all tested conditions, acetate supplementation provided additional carbon and energy to the mixed cultures and consistently increased carboxydotrophic conversion rates up to about 20‐fold observed at pH 5.5, 55°C and 48 g/L acetate compared to control experiments. Species of Methanobacterium, Methanosarcina and Methanothermobacter may have been involved in CO biomethanation. Under non‐methanogenic conditions, the bacterial species responsible for CO conversion remain unclear. These results offer promise for integrating process streams, such as syngas and wastewater, as substrates for mixed culture fermentation allowing for enhanced resource circularity, mitigation of environmental impacts and decreased dependence on fossil fuels.
The National Security State and the Tech City: Social Structures of Militarisation in Seattle's Long Cold War
Authors: Meulbroek Chris , Glassman Jim
Published: December 2024

Integration between the American state and technology capital has deep roots in the military‐industrial complex that has structured the US geopolitical economy since World War II. This article makes the case for understanding the urban‐regional dimensions of technology capital in terms of a transformation of, rather than as a departure from, Cold War geopolitics. It introduces the concept of a social structure of militarisation to analyse the transition from military‐Keynesianism to tech‐oriented militarism, developing this concept through a case study of high‐tech firms in the Seattle region. Our analysis shows how the class dynamics that underpinned the growth of Seattle's “high‐tech” aerospace sector in the postwar period conditioned the subsequent growth of the information and biotechnology sectors. Like other tech cities, Seattle's economy remains a privileged site of technical and managerial labour within the extended US national security state.
Exposure to nature can promote pro‐environmental behavior: Mediating role of temporal discounting
Authors: Hsia Pei‐Chen , Chang Yevvon Yi‐Chi , Chiou Wen‐Bin
Published: December 2024

One possible explanation for the lack of pro‐environmental behavior among the public is that the benefits of combating climate change are long‐term and distant. Temporal discounting is a pervasive tendency to prefer small immediate gains to large delayed benefits, which may lead to a lack of motivation to engage in pro‐environmental behavior. However, exposure to nature can reduce this tendency and by extension may promote pro‐environmental behavior. Two behavioral experiments were conducted to investigate whether exposure to natural (vs. urban) scenes would induce lower discounting and increase the tendency toward pro‐environmental behavior. We demonstrated that exposure to natural (vs. urban) scenes was associated with a lower level of discounting and a greater tendency toward pro‐environmental behavior, including energy‐saving use of air conditioning (Experiment 1), willingness to participate in beach cleaning (Experiment 2), and choosing meals with less environmental impact (Experiment 2). Mediation analysis indicated that the discounting tendency mediated the relationship between exposure to natural scenes and pro‐environmental behavior. This study provides the first experimental evidence that temporal discounting accounts for the association between exposure to natural (vs. urban) scenes and the tendency toward pro‐environmental behavior. Our findings support the development of a novel strategy for promoting pro‐environmental behavior.
Classic Grounded Theory: A Rigorous Methodology for Research Involving Participants With Severe/Profound Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Martin Anne‐Marie , Nilsson Lisbeth , Andrews Tom
Published: December 2024

Background

Including people with severe/profound intellectual disabilities as research participants challenges researchers due to their diverse abilities to participate and express themselves. Ensuring the rigour of the research and the credibility of the findings presents a challenge.

Methods

We use examples from our research to demonstrate that Classic Grounded Theory offers a systematic but flexible way of undertaking rigorous, credible research that can involve participants with severe/profound intellectual disability.

Findings

Examples from our research show that full and adherent application of Classic Grounded Theory enabled us to generate a multivariate theory at the explanatory level. Rigorous adherence to and application of this methodology and in‐depth analysis of video data unveiled subtle interaction and communication behaviours, as well as the development of tool‐use understanding.

Conclusion

It is important that people with severe/profound intellectual disabilities are included in research, so their experiences inform the knowledge and evidence guiding and shaping their care and support. Classic Grounded Theory provides a credible, rigorous research methodology for inclusion of people that may otherwise be excluded as participants.
Memantine‐induced functional rewiring of the glutamate synapse in the striatum of dopamine transporter knockout rats
Authors: Caffino Lucia , Targa Giorgia , Mottarlini Francesca , Thielens Sarah , Rizzi Beatrice , Villers Agnes , Ris Laurence , Gainetdinov Raul R. , Leo Damiana , Fumagalli Fabio
Published: December 2024

Background and Purpose

Slow‐acting biogenic amines, such as dopamine, are known to modulate fast neurotransmitters e.g. glutamate. In the striatum, dopamine (DA) interacts with glutamate, influencing neural excitability and promoting synaptic plasticity. The exact mechanism of such interaction is not fully understood. This study investigates, in detail, how dopamine overactivity in dopamine transporter knockout (DAT−/−) rats, alters the homeostasis of the striatal glutamate synapse from a molecular, behavioural and functional point of view.

Experimental Approach

The expression, localisation, retention and electrophysiological properties of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors as well as dendritic spine density and morphology were investigated in the striatum of DAT−/− rats, at baseline and after treatment with the non‐competitive NMDA receptor antagonist memantine (30 mg kg−1).

Key Results

Dopamine overactivity dramatically reorganises the striatal glutamate synapse, redistributing NMDA receptors in the synapse as typified by reduced synaptic availability and reduced expression of NMDA scaffolding proteins, as well as by increased GluN2B‐containing NMDA receptors in the extra synapse. Such changes are accompanied by reduced spine density, suggesting dopamine‐induced structural rearrangements. These results converge into a compromised plasticity, as shown by the impaired ability to promote long‐term depression (LTD) in the striatum of DAT−/−rats. Notably, memantine counteracts hyperlocomotion, reverses spine alterations and abolishes the extrasynaptic movements of NMDA receptors in the striatum of DAT−/− rats, thus restoring functional LTD.

Conclusion and Implications

A hyperdopaminergic condition seems to alter striatal homeostasis by increasing extrasynaptic NMDA receptors. These findings may be relevant to manipulate disorders characterised by elevated dopaminergic activity.
A Novel De Novo Missense Variant in Netrin‐1 (NTN1) Associated With Chorioretinal Coloboma, Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Polydactyly
Authors: Toms Maria , Heppell Cara , Owen Nicholas , Malka Samantha , Moosajee Mariya ,   Genomics England Research Consortium
Published: December 2024

Microphthalmia, anophthalmia and coloboma (MAC) comprise a highly heterogeneous spectrum of congenital ocular malformations with an estimated incidence of 1 in 5000 to 1 in 30 000 live births. Although there is likely to be a genetic component in the majority of cases, many remain without a molecular diagnosis. Netrin‐1 was previously identified as a mediator of optic fissure closure from transcriptome analyses of chick and zebrafish and was shown to cause ocular coloboma when knocked out in both mouse and zebrafish. Here, we report the first patient with chorioretinal coloboma and microphthalmia harbouring a novel heterozygous likely pathogenic NTN1 missense variant, c.1483T>A p.(Tyr495Asn), validating a conserved gene function in ocular development. In addition, the patient displayed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss which was investigated by examining the sensory hair cells of ntn1a morphant zebrafish, suggesting a role for netrin‐1 in hair cell development.
Integration of AI‐Assisted in Digital Cervical Cytology Training: A Comparative Study
Authors: Yang Yihui , Xian Dongyi , Yu Lihua , Kong Yanqing , Lv Huaisheng , Huang Liujing , Liu Kai , Zhang Hao , Wei Weiwei , Tang Hongping
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the supporting role of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital cervical cytology training.

Methods

A total of 104 trainees completed both manual reading and AI‐assisted reading tests following the AI‐assisted digital training regimen. The interpretation scores and the testing time in different groups were compared. Also, the consistency, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of diagnoses were further analysed through the confusion matrix and inconsistency evaluation.

Results

The mean interpretation scores were significantly higher in the AI‐assisted group compared with the manual reading group (81.97 ± 16.670 vs. 67.98 ± 21.469, p < 0.001), accompanied by a reduction in mean interpretation time (32.13 ± 11.740 min vs. 11.36 ± 4.782 min, p < 0.001). The proportion of trainees' results with complete consistence (Category O) were improved from 0.645 to 0.803 and the averaged pairwise κ scores were improved from 0.535 (moderate) to 0.731 (good) with AI assistance. The number of correct answers, accuracies, sensitivities, specificities, PPV, NPV and κ scores of most class‐specific diagnoses (NILM, Fungi, HSV, LSIL, HSIL, AIS, AC) also improved with AI assistance. Moreover, 97.8% (89/91) of trainees reported substantial improvement in cervical cytology interpretation ability, and all participants (100%, 91/91) expressed a strong willingness to integrate AI‐assisted diagnosis into their future practice.

Conclusions

The utilisation of an AI‐assisted digital cervical cytology training platform positively impacted trainee performance and received high satisfaction and acceptance among clinicians, suggesting its potential as a valuable adjunct to medical education.
Reporting Bone Cytopathology—A Proposal Based on a Single Tertiary Centre Experience
Authors: Köster Jan , De Mattos Camila Bedeschi Rego , Domanski Henryk A.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) from bone lesions has been proven to be a useful diagnostic tool but lacks standardisation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of FNAC as a basis to propose and test a reporting system for bone reporting cytopathology.

Methods

This retrospective study is based on patients with bone lesions, that were approached by cytology at Skåne University Hospital, Sweden between 2015 and 2023. The diagnostic performance was measured by sensitivity, specificity and accuracy analyses. All diagnoses were then distributed in six categories: (I) Non‐diagnostic, (II) Benign, (III) Atypia, (IV) Bone neoplasm of uncertain significance, (V) Suspicious for malignancy and (VI) Malignant. The risk of malignancy (ROM) in each category was calculated.

Results

The final cohort consisted of 721 cases. Bone cytology was able to differentiate between benign and malignant lesion with a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 99%. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 65% but varied significantly among different types of lesions. Within the tested diagnostic categories, the ROM was (I) 48%, (II) 6.7%, (III) 69%, (IV) 28%, (V) 93% and (VI) 100%.

Conclusion

FNAC from bone lesions is a sensitive and specific diagnostic tool with high diagnostic accuracy among various tumour types. This study provides valuable insights for the development of a standardised reporting system for bone cytopathology.