bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards AI-designed genomes using a variational autoencoder
Authors: Dudek Natasha K. , Precup Doina
Published: December 2024

Genomes encode elaborate networks of genes whose products must seamlessly interact to support living organisms. Humans’ capacity to understand these biological systems is limited by their sheer size and complexity. In this article, we develop a proof of concept framework for training a machine learning (ML) algorithm to model bacterial genome composition. To achieve this, we create simplified representations of genomes in the form of binary vectors that indicate the encoded genes, henceforth referred to as genome vectors. A denoising variational autoencoder was trained to accept corrupted genome vectors, in which most genes had been masked, and reconstruct the original. The resulting model, DeepGenomeVector, effectively captures complex dependencies in genomic networks, as evaluated by both qualitative and quantitative metrics. An in-depth functional analysis of a generated genome vector shows that its encoded pathways are interconnected, near complete, and ecologically cohesive. On the test set, where the model’s ability to reconstruct uncorrupted genome vectors was evaluated, Area Under the Receiver Operating Curve (AUROC) and F1 scores of 0.98 and 0.83, respectively, support the model’s strong performance. This article showcases the power of ML approaches for synthetic biology and highlights the possibility that artifical intelligence agents may one day be able to design genomes that animate carbon-based cells.
A novel HLA Class II presentation prediction algorithm deciphers immunogenic CD4 epitopes specific to KRAS G12C
Authors: Sprague Daniel , Hart Meghan G. , Klein Joshua , Kounlavouth Sonia , Vegesna Rahulsimham , Rotunno Melissa , Kraemer-Tardif Lauren D. , Zhou Rita , Kemp Lindsey , Greene Adrienne C. , Araya Joshua , Mantilla Alexis , Adeoye Bukola , Dominguez Calixto , Ferguson Andrew R. , Johnson Melissa L. , Davis Matthew J. , Lane Monica , Palmer Christine D. , Jooss Karin , Dhanik Ankur
Published: December 2024

Accurate prediction of peptide presentation by HLA molecules is important for generation of effective individualized cancer vaccines and immunotherapies. While presentation prediction algorithms for HLA class I have been successfully applied in the context of such therapies, improved prediction algorithms for class II are needed. EDGE-II is a novel algorithm based on a protein large language model that has a learned allele deconvolution network trained on existing and new immunopeptidomics data. It delivers state-of-the-art performance on prediction of peptide presentation by HLA class II and immunogenicity elicited by CD4+ T-cell epitopes. In a patient with a KRAS G12C positive tumor treated with a KRAS G12C targeting immunotherapy, EDGE-II identified KRAS G12C class II neoantigens that elicited clonally expanded CD4+T cells with cytotoxic transcriptional profiles post-vaccination. EDGE-II could play an important role in the development of effective cancer immunotherapies by elucidating an enriched understanding of the immunopeptidome.
Density correlations under global and local charge conservation
Authors: Vovchenko Volodymyr
Published: December 2024

This work presents a formalism to compute spatial n-point correlations of a conserved charge density in a large thermal system in the canonical ensemble, with explicit results presented up to fourth order. The resulting correlators contain local and balancing terms expressed through the grand-canonical susceptibilities for any equation of state. The new formalism is used to introduce a Gaussian local baryon number conservation in (spatial) rapidity in heavy-ion collisions at CERN Large Hadron Collider conditions through a modulation of the balancing term. Connection to the conservation volume Vc approach is established, indicating that the latter is appropriate for observables within a limited range around midrapidity. Quantitative analysis of the experimental data of the ALICE Collaboration on net proton cumulants in central Pb-Pb collisions at sNN=5.02 TeV shows significant evidence for local baryon conservation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Hidden strangeness in meson weak decays to baryon pair
Authors: Geng Chao-Qiang , Jin Xiang-Nan , Liu Chia-Wei , Yu Xiao
Published: December 2024

Our study focuses on the weak decay of Ds+→pn¯, which is the only possible two-body baryonic decay in the D meson system. An analysis using perturbative quantum chromodynamics (pQCD) is challenging in this decay due to the small amount of energy released. In particular, naive factorization, suppressed by the light quark masses, results in a minor contribution to this channel. In the framework of final state interactions, the hidden strangeness in the intermediate state naturally avoids this chiral suppression from light quark masses. The branching fraction is predicted to be B(Ds+→pn¯)=(1.43±0.10)×10−3, in agreement with the experimental value of (1.22±0.11)×10−3. We also analyze the decays of B mesons into two charmed baryons involving annihilation-type topological diagrams. In these decays, we conduct a joint analysis of naive factorization and final state interactions. Using the experimental upper bound of B(Bs0→Λc+Λ¯c−)<8×10−5, we set a constraint on the coupling constant gD+Λc+n<7.5. Final state interactions lead to a prediction of the decay parameter γ(Bs0→Λc+Λ¯c−)>0.8, whereas pQCD predicts it to be negative. We propose future measurements of B0→Ξc+Ξ¯c−, predicting a significant SU(3)F breaking effect with B(B0→Ξc+Ξ¯c−)B(Bs0→Λc+Λ¯c−)=1.4%, contrary to the naive estimate of 5.3%. We strongly recommend future measurements.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Analysing the factors of bus transport operations influencing the energy consumption of electric buses in real world for sustainable transport strategies
Authors: Bendigiri Priyanka , Rao Prakash
Published: December 2024

Purpose

In any public transit system composed of electric buses, the bus transport operating parameters tend to influence their energy consumption. However, it is essential to know which parameters are the influential ones and how they are influencing the energy consumption of the electric buses. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the transport-related operational aspects of the electric bus transit system.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents the actual world data of the energy consumption of electric buses and analyses the influences of the bus transport operations on the same using panel regression analysis. The data collected from six bus depots in a city are analysed depot-wise. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of the complete electric urban transit system is presented, followed by a framework to examine the parameters that influence the energy consumption of electric buses. A further framework is proposed to show how the electricity consumption of electric buses can be optimised.

Findings

The panel regression analysis, conducted for the real-world data collected over six depots of the public transit system composed of electric buses, indicates that the number of passengers have a positive impact on their energy consumption as compared to their mileage. With increased energy consumption, the earnings of the transit system are seen reducing. Therefore, the authors propose recommendations to increase the earnings to make the system financially more viable.

Originality/value

The study is one of its kind in the Indian context. It is based on real-world data collected over a period of 12 months from the six depots of the public transit system of a city composed of electric buses. The model is easily replicable and deployable to big bus networks if longitudinal data are obtained from the bus transit operators.
Maintenance in aviation enabled by Industry 4.0 technologies: exploring the current research trends using a topic modeling approach
Authors: Rath Bikash , Jha Kaushal Kumar , Padhy Ramakrushna , Jena Debashish
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Since passenger safety is critical, aviation maintenance is essential. Aviation maintenance management is changing due to Industry 4.0 (I4.0). According to earlier research, I4.0 technologies improve aircraft manufacturing efficiency and responsiveness through automation, predictive maintenance and process self-optimization. Thus, this study examines I4.0 research and aircraft maintenance's potential interaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a text-mining methodology, this paper looks at the state of the art in aviation maintenance research in the I4.0 era. We used the topic modeling approach and Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) technique to analyze the abstracts and indexed keywords of 929 research articles on the intersection of aviation maintenance and I4.0, subsequently clustering them into eight topics.

Findings

We have mapped out the emerging research trends at the intersection of “aviation maintenance” and “I4.0 technologies”, and presented suggestions for theoretical frameworks, applied frameworks and future lines of inquiry. This paper makes a theoretical contribution to the systematization of literature on I4.0 technologies in aviation maintenance. It provides valuable insight for managers by exploring the implications and opportunities that arise in light of recent innovations brought by I4.0 in aviation maintenance.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the use of Industry 4.0 technologies in aircraft maintenance processes, contributing to the growing research on digital technology in maintenance and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). Furthermore, the study's analysis of the LDA topic model provides valuable insights for future research on using I4.0 technologies to investigate specific areas of application in the context of digital maintenance.
The influence of marine ecological compensation policy on enterprises’ environmental investment
Authors: Pan Xiongfeng , Feng Shenghan
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This article investigates the influence of marine ecological compensation policy on enterprises’ environmental investment and explores whether enterprise ownership could impact the said influence.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the data of China's A-share listed enterprises for the period 2007–2020, the paper develops a difference-in-differences model and a moderating effect model.

Findings

The outcomes corroborate that the marine ecological compensation policy positively influences enterprises' environmental investment, and the effect is nonlinear. Specifically, the marine ecological compensation policy significantly impacts enterprises with lower and higher environmental investment. The empirical evidence from the moderation model shows that the effect of the policy is more significant on the non-state-owned enterprises’ environmental investment.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on a sample of 559 listed A-share enterprises in China. Additional studies could focus on data from other countries.

Practical implications

Based on the present scenario of Chinese enterprises' environmental investment, the results report that the marine compensation policy needs to be differentiated for firms having different ownership and different levels of environmental investment. The study provides valuable insights for the government to formulate marine ecological compensation policies.

Originality/value

Marine ecology increasingly affects the economic development of countries, and the study on the influence of relevant environmental policies is of practical significance. However, most scholars concentrate on the research of environmental regulation, and have little focus on the policy effect of marine environmental compensation. This paper studies how marine ecological compensation policy influences the environmental investment behavior of enterprises, and further analyzes the difference in the policy effect caused by the nature of enterprises’ ownership, which not only fills the gap in this field, but also provides a scientific basis for the formulation and adjustment of marine ecological compensation policy.
Mindful consumption: cultivating sustainable consumption behavior for food and clothing through mindfulness among Generation Z
Authors: Kumar Sachin , Panda Tapan K.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Generation Z (GenZers) significantly influences sustainability-related issues in emerging economies like India. Literature on sustainability suggests exploring ways to enhance their sustainable behavior, especially for food and clothing products, which have detrimental consequences despite being essential. Mindfulness is often proposed as a factor that could potentially influence sustainability. However, the empirical association between mindfulness and sustainable consumption behavior (SCB) and the underlying pathways remain underexplored. Therefore, this study aims to advance the empirical understanding of how GenZers’ trait mindfulness affects their SCB for food and clothing.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a time-lagged study involving responses from 519 Indian GenZers (college students aged 18–24 years) the authors examined two models (one for SCB related to food and one for clothing) to explore the direct relationships and mediating factors between trait mindfulness and SCB.

Findings

GenZers with higher levels of trait mindfulness are more likely to influence their SCB for food and clothing. Besides, in both models, self-regulation, self-compassion and prosocialness mediate the association between trait mindfulness and SCB.

Research limitations/implications

Mindfulness and its intervening variables are promising for positively driving SCB for food and clothing. Marketers and policymakers can consider these findings to strategize and encourage sustainable consumption, particularly among GenZers.

Originality/value

This seminal study uses the reperceiving theory to empirically validate the relationship between GenZers’ trait mindfulness and SCB for food and clothing.
Effects of sponsorship disclosures on social media influencer–user psychological contract violation: moderated mediation effects through the expectancy violations lens
Authors: Jhawar Anand , Varshney Sanjeev , Kumar Prashant
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to deploy the psychological lens of “expectancy violation” to examine the effects of social media influencers’ (SMIs) sponsorship disclosure on social media users’ (SMUs) behavioral outcomes (i.e. influencer avoidance, influencer switching and brand avoidance) and whether these relationships are moderated by SMIs’ honesty declaration and SMU cynicism.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2x2 between-subjects experimental design was used across four studies. Data collected across four online experiments were analyzed.

Findings

Study 1 found that sponsorship disclosures increased influencer avoidance, influencer switching and brand avoidance. Study 2 found that SMUs’ psychological contract violation with SMIs mediated these relationships. However, SMIs’ effective honesty declaration statements (vs no declaration) subdued SMUs’ negative behavioral outcomes. Study 3 elucidated that SMUs’ cynicism (vs no cynicism) accentuated the effects of sponsorship disclosures on influencer avoidance, influencer switching and brand avoidance. Studies 2 and 3 supported moderated mediation effect through SMUs’ psychological contract violation for honesty declaration but not SMU cynicism.

Practical implications

This study elucidates SMUs’ evaluation of brand-sponsored SMI posts and provides managers with tools such as honesty declaration statements and tags to offset the negative effects on consumer behavioral outcomes.

Originality/value

This is one of the initial studies investigating SMUs’ psychological contract violation and the effects of SMUs’ cynicism in SMIs’ sponsorship disclosure context. Also, this study conceptualizes a novel construct, influencer switching, as one of the consequences of sponsorship disclosure.
Roots of resilience: a qualitative exploration of youth driven community food gardens in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Kanosvamhira Tinashe P.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the dynamics of youth engagement in urban agriculture, particularly through youth gardens in distressed neighbourhoods of Cape Town. This examination is crucial due to the limited involvement of youth in urban agriculture, which poses a threat to the sustainability of these practices despite their recognised contributions to urban development.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs a qualitative methodology to explore the motivations, challenges and experiences of young urban farmers. Semi-structured interviews with youth participants from selected urban community gardens, complemented by virtual ethnography, form the core of the data collection process. This approach provides an in-depth understanding of the factors influencing youth participation in urban farming.

Findings

The study reveals that youth engagement in urban agriculture is motivated by various factors, including entrepreneurial aspirations, environmental justice activism, and a dedication to food justice. These findings suggest that for urban agriculture initiatives to be effective in such settings, they must acknowledge and address the specific motivations and contextual challenges faced by young people.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s findings are context-specific to the distressed neighbourhoods of Cape Town, which may limit their generalisability to other urban settings. Future research could expand the scope to include a comparative analysis with other cities.

Practical implications

The insights gained from this study can inform the design of urban agriculture initiatives that better engage youth, thereby fostering community development and sustainable urban practices.

Originality/value

This research offers novel insights into the underexplored area of youth engagement in urban agriculture within distressed urban environments. By focusing on the voices and experiences of young urban farmers in Cape Town, the study contributes to the development of targeted policies and programmes that aim to promote inclusive and sustainable urban agriculture practices, particularly by enhancing youth involvement.
Accelerating target‐oriented multi‐parameter elastic full‐waveform uncertainty estimation by reciprocity
Authors: Mulder W. A. , Kuvshinov B. N.
Published: December 2024

The accuracy of a model obtained by multi‐parameter full‐waveform inversion can be estimated by analysing the sensitivity of the data to perturbations of the model parameters in selected subsurface points. Each perturbation requires the computation of the seismic response in the form of Born scattering data for a typically very large number of shots, making the method time consuming. The computational cost can be significantly reduced by placing sources of different types at the Born scatterer, the point where the subsurface parameters are perturbed. Instead of modelling each shot separately, reciprocity relations provide the wavefields from the shot positions to the scatter point in terms of wavefields from the scatterer to the shot positions. In this way, the Born scattering data from a single point in the isotropic elastic case for a marine acquisition with pressure sources and receivers can be expressed in terms of the wavefields for force and moment tensor sources located at the scatterer and only a small number of forward runs are required. A two‐dimensional example illustrates how the result can be used to determine the Hessian and local relative covariance matrix for the model parameters at the scatterer at the cost of five forward simulations. In three dimensions, that would be nine.
Membrane Vesicles Can Contribute to Cellulose Degradation by Teredinibacter turnerae, a Cultivable Intracellular Endosymbiont of Shipworms
Authors: Gasser Mark T. , Liu Annie , Altamia Marvin A. , Brensinger Bryan R. , Brewer Sarah L. , Flatau Ron , Hancock Eric R. , Preheim Sarah P. , Filone Claire Marie , Distel Daniel L.
Published: December 2024

Teredinibacter turnerae is a cultivable cellulolytic Gammaproteobacterium (Cellvibrionaceae) that commonly occurs as an intracellular endosymbiont in the gills of wood‐eating bivalves of the family Teredinidae (shipworms). The genome of T. turnerae encodes a broad range of enzymes that deconstruct cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin and contribute to wood (lignocellulose) digestion in the shipworm gut. However, the mechanisms by which T. turnerae secretes lignocellulolytic enzymes are incompletely understood. Here, we show that T. turnerae cultures grown on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) produce membrane vesicles (MVs) that include a variety of proteins identified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) as carbohydrate‐active enzymes (CAZymes) with predicted activities against cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin. Reducing sugar assays and zymography confirm that these MVs exhibit cellulolytic activity, as evidenced by the hydrolysis of CMC. Additionally, these MVs were enriched with TonB‐dependent receptors, which are essential to carbohydrate and iron acquisition by free‐living bacteria. These observations indicate a potential role for MVs in lignocellulose utilisation by T. turnerae in the free‐living state, suggest possible mechanisms for host–symbiont interaction and may be informative for commercial applications such as enzyme production and lignocellulosic biomass conversion.
Implementing sustainable practices to reduce wastage and costs in adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Gunda Deepika , Bernard Maria‐Pia , Borschmann Michael
Published: December 2024

Background

Surgical waste presents significant environmental and economic challenges in healthcare. Adenotonsillectomy, a common otolaryngological procedure, contributes to this issue. There is limited research on sustainability measures in adenotonsillectomy, and no studies have specifically identified waste reduction strategies for this operation in a general ENT unit. This study aimed to identify sustainable practices for waste reduction in adenotonsillectomy surgeries and quantify the extent of waste reduction in terms of weight and cost.

Methods

The items opened and waste produced during adenotonsillectomies in a single institution were documented, including weights and costs. After reviewing the actual materials used by otolaryngologists and identifying potentially avoidable waste, a low‐waste setup was designed. Waste weight and costs were evaluated post‐implementation and compared with baseline values.

Results

Several steps to reduce wastage in adenotonsillectomy surgeries were identified, including the elimination of surgical drapes and gowns. This resulted in a waste reduction of over 60%, with an average reduction in weight per case of 1.114 kg. The estimated reduction over 1 year for 294 cases was 327.52 kg. The mean reduction in material costs per case was $41.67, with an extrapolated annual savings of $12 250.98 for 294 cases.

Conclusion

Implementing sustainable practices in adenotonsillectomy surgeries can significantly reduce waste and healthcare facility cost, providing both environmental and economic benefits.
Between applause and arm crossing: Public reception of within‐group apologies and the role of system justification
Authors: Yu Yeongjin , Jung Taeyun
Published: December 2024

Within‐group apologies restore important values and afford victims their dignity; however, the system justification motive may cause group authorities to hesitate in apologizing or to include system‐justifying expressions to soothe the general public. Two studies were conducted, both on‐campus (Study 1) and off‐campus (Study 2), to empirically illustrate the public reception of within‐group apologies (victim‐focused and system‐challenging) and silence. The results indicate that higher levels of system justification are associated with more favorable attitudes toward responses from authority. For the general public (Study 2), high‐level justifiers supported the government's silence as much as the victim‐focused apology, maintaining trust despite perceiving unfairness. Conversely, low‐level justifiers, though negative overall, supported victim‐focused apology more than system‐challenging apology or silence. Additionally, the general public in Study 2 favored the victim‐focused apology over the system‐challenging one, rendering system‐justifying expressions unnecessary. We propose that authorities prioritize apologies emphasizing dignity and respect for victims, instead of fearing potential negative reception influenced by the system justification motive.
Efficacy of anal duct ligation and muscle closure: A novel sphincter‐preserving surgical technique for fistula‐in‐ano
Authors: Kang Yoon Hyung , Hyun Keehoon , Cho Dong Ho , Lee Jong‐Kyun , Hwang Do‐Yeon
Published: December 2024

Aim

Although various sphincter‐preserving techniques exist for treating anal fistulas, none have demonstrated clear superiority. Therefore, the aim of this study was to introduce a novel sphincter‐preserving technique for anal duct ligation and muscle closure (ALMC) and analyse its perioperative outcomes.

Method

The data for patients who underwent ALMC for fistula‐in‐ano at Seoul Song Do Hospital between 2009 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, intraoperative information and postoperative outcomes were assessed. The main outcomes were recurrence and wound healing. Recurrence was defined as the presence of a fistula tract or discharge more than 12 weeks after the primary surgery after achieving complete healing. Faecal incontinence was also investigated clinically.

Results

Overall, 556 patients (84.0% male; mean age 41.7 ± 12.3 years) underwent ALMC. Among these, 152 (27.3%) had a history of fistula surgery and 261 (46.9%) had suprasphincteric fistulas. Fistula‐in‐ano recurred in 33 patients (5.9%), wound healing was delayed in 97 (17.4%) and faecal incontinence was observed in 12 (2.2%). The mean follow‐up duration was 10.0 ± 16.0 months, and the average duration until recurrence was 13.8 ± 10.7 months. The proportion of suprasphincteric fistulas was similar in those who experienced recurrence and those who did not (57.6% vs. 46.3%, respectively; p = 0.239). The proportion of suprasphincteric fistulas in the delayed wound healing group was slightly higher, although the differences were not statistically significant (56.7% vs. 44.9%, respectively; p = 0.054).

Conclusion

ALMC appeared to be a safe and feasible option for treating anal fistulas, providing good perioperative outcomes, particularly when sphincter preservation was crucial.
Transnational cultural identity through everyday practices of foraging and consuming local wild plants among Vietnamese migrants in Japan and Germany
Authors: Dinh Vien T.T.
Published: December 2024

Wild plant consumption confronts a decline in terms of natural resources, traditional knowledge and mainstream engagement, despite efforts to integrate it into global diets. However, migrants, whose culinary traditions and lifestyle are often grounded in foraging practices, represent an underexplored resource in this regard. Therefore, the study aims to explore the dynamics behind migrants gathering and consuming wild edible plants in their host environments and how their related food knowledge is transferred and reproduced in this new milieu. Based on 36 semi‐structured interviews and ethnobotanical participant observation conducted during 2021–2023, the paper focuses on everyday foraging practices among Vietnamese migrants in Japan and Germany. The results reveal that foraging practices are driven by migrants' aspirations to create a sense of place through daily interaction with local, seasonal, and wild plants that often substitute for culturally significant ingredients in their home cuisine. As settlement progresses, migrant's foraging valuation gradually shifts toward intrinsic meanings, including cultural continuity, welfare maintenance, and social connections, rather than culinary imperatives. This integration of migrant traditions and utilization of oft‐neglected plant species also contributes to biocultural diversity, facilitating migrant community building and the resurgence of wild cuisine.
A sociocultural perspective on AI assistive technology for older adults' social connectedness: A scoping review
Authors: You Soobin , Choi Heejeong
Published: December 2024

Objective

This scoping review systematically analyzes empirical research evidence on the acceptance and effectiveness of AI technology for older adults' social connectedness with a focus on sociocultural factors from an ecological perspective.

Background

The global aging population faces significant challenges, including physical decline and social isolation. AI assistive technologies may offer promising solutions to support independent daily activities and improve social connectedness with family and community. Various facilitators and barriers were known to influence the acceptance and effectiveness of these technologies in promoting the well‐being of older adults.

Method

Using Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) framework, we examined 30 peer‐reviewed articles identified from three major databases (Web of Science, Embase, and IEEE Xplore).

Results

The review revealed a range of research characteristics and technologies involved. AI technologies such as social robots and telepresence systems were effective in reducing loneliness and enhancing social connectedness. Key factors affecting the technology acceptance and effectiveness included technological features, sociodemographic characteristics of individual users (e.g., age, health status, gender, educational background and prior experience with technology, marital status, and living arrangements), and cultural relevance.

Conclusion

A sociocultural perspective is crucial to understand heterogeneity in technology use and its effectiveness among older adults.

Implications

Future research should focus on customization based on cultural relevance, sustainable effects, and robust research methodologies to develop effective and inclusive AI technologies for older adults and their families.
The pathogenic role of calcitonin gene‐related peptide and predictors of new‐onset migraine and long‐term outcomes after transcatheter atrial septal defect closure
Authors: Su Tzu‐Hsuan , Wang Jou‐Kou , Kuo Ping‐Hung , Chang Shu‐Hui , Chiou Lih‐Chu , Lee Wang‐Tso , Fan Pi‐Chuan
Published: December 2024

Objective

To evaluate factors associated with new‐onset migraine (NOM) after transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure and predictors of unremitting NOM. The pathogenic role of migraine biomarkers such as calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) were also assessed.

Background

New‐onset migraine has been observed after transcatheter ASD closure. Neuropeptides like CGRP and NPY stored both in the brain and heart are implicated in migraine pathophysiology. The potential role of those migraine biomarkers in NOM, as well as the risk factors and long‐term outcomes of NOM, remain largely unknown.

Methods

We enrolled patients without previous migraine who underwent successful transcatheter ASD closure between 2001 and 2013. The parameters of transthoracic echocardiography, and plasma CGRP and NPY levels measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, were collected prospectively before and after ASD closure, and compared between patients with NOM and those without. Predictors of NOM were assessed. Telephone interviews were performed in 2022 to assess migraine status. Clinical and procedural characteristics were compared between patients with unremitting migraine and those with transient migraine that remitted within 1 year.

Results

Of the 212 patients (median age, 21 years; 75.9% female), 43 (20.3%) had NOM. Potential predictors of NOM included a young age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96–0.99; p = 0.040), large ASD size (aOR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.14; p = 0.022), and transient residual shunting after closure (aOR 2.78, 95% CI 1.05–7.36; p = 0.039). Post‐closure plasma CGRP levels, but not NPY levels, were significantly higher than pre‐closure levels (47.9 vs. 38.0 pg/mL, p = 0.023) among patients with NOM. Of the 27 patients with migraine who reported their migraine status at a median 14‐year follow‐up, 13 (48.1%) had unremitting migraine. Patients with unremitting migraine were more likely to have a smaller device‐to‐ASD size ratio (1.21 vs. 1.33, p = 0.039) and a larger pulmonary flow‐to‐systemic flow ratio (2.9 vs. 2.3, p = 0.012) than those with transient migraine.

Conclusions

Calcitonin gene‐related peptide may play a pathogenic role in NOM after transcatheter ASD closure. A young age, large ASD size, and transient residual shunting potentially predict migraine occurrence after ASD closure. NOM not reaching remission for years may result from a significant shunt before closure.
Impact of the 2023 ACR/EULAR Classification Criteria on START2 Antiphospholipid Registry
Authors: Aiello Anna , Sarti Luca , Sandri Gilda , Poli Daniela , Sivera Piera , Barcellona Doris , Prisco Domenico , Pizzini Attilia Maria , Vercillo Giuseppe , Antonucci Emilia , Palareti Gualtiero , Pengo Vittorio ,   the Start2 Antiphospholipid Registry collaborators
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The recently published ACR/EULAR classification criteria score (3 points or more) both clinical and laboratory criteria to define the presence of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The clinical criteria have been better defined while laboratory criteria remain the same [lupus anticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti ß2‐Glycoprotein I (aß2GPI) antibodies] but with different impact (points) on the classification of patients. APS is excluded if more than 3 years separate positive test for antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and clinical manifestation.

Methods

The present study evaluates how many patients would be excluded by the new criteria among those enrolled as APS in the START 2 antiphospholipid registry. The analysis includes 380 patients (274 APS and 106 carriers).

Results

Of 274 patients classified as APS, 118 (43%) did not match the new ACR/EULAR criteria for various reasons. First, the determination of aCL and aß2GPI antibodies was performed by automated instrumentations not allowed in the new criteria. Second, laboratory test score was less than 3 and this was due to an isolated IgM aCL or IgM aß2GPI in most cases and to isolated LA unconfirmed after 12 weeks in few cases. Third, 2 patients had a positive laboratory tests more than 3 years after the clinical event.

Of the 106 carriers, 62% had aCL and aß2GPI determined by ELISA thus meeting the ACL/EULAR laboratory criteria but were negative for clinical criteria.

Discussion

This study shows that many patients classified as APS in the START 2 registry do not match the classification using the new ACR/EULAR criteria.
How European integration rationales shape reintegration assistance in Guinea and Senegal
Authors: Jurt Luzia , Odermatt Eveline
Published: December 2024

To date, discussions on migrants' integration and returnees' reintegration have been kept apart. With the increased salience of return migration, reintegration schemes have gained importance, not only for European countries aiming at preventing further migration after return but also for migrants' countries of origin. However, research on reintegration from the perspective of transnational migration governance is still scarce. This article thus contributes to the advancement of theoretical approaches to return and reintegration policies by showing how core rationales of migrant integration in Europe spill over to the context of reintegration beyond the continent. Drawing from an ethnographic research project on gender, return migration and reintegration in West Africa, we compare the European key actors' perceptions of (re)integration, in the cases of Germany and Switzerland, with those of their counterparts in Guinea and Senegal. Moreover, we touch on how the returnees and their families and communities perceive the key actors' definitions of reintegration. Our results show the different ways in which Eurocentric expectations and rationales of migrant integration come to shape their reintegration support schemes in the countries of return. These include the narrowly defined target groups, the paradigm of ‘promoting and demanding’, which currently gravitates towards the principle of ‘demanding and controlling’, a high priority on economic (re)integration, and accountability.
Conflict‐free tow train routing in just‐in‐time assembly lines
Authors: Gündüz Mengübaş Gül , Sörensen Kenneth , Kotan Muhammed
Published: December 2024

Conflicts among tow trains pose a significant challenge in just‐in‐time manufacturing systems, impacting both safety and efficiency. This paper proposes an innovative solution to achieve conflict‐free tow train routing. In our approach, the production layout is partitioned into “pixels.” The A‐star (A*) algorithm is then employed on this pixel‐based layout to create a distance matrix between workstations. Subsequently, a simulated annealing heuristic optimizes tow train routes to deliver parts demanded at the workstations. Additionally, a conflict detection algorithm identifies collisions among tow trains on the pixel layout, which are then resolved through two distinct conflict avoidance strategies. The algorithms are implemented and tested on a set of benchmark instances, demonstrating their effectiveness.
Adapting a Self‐Concept Questionnaire for Students With Intellectual Disabilities: An Inclusive Research Approach
Authors: Yepes‐Baldó Montserrat , Romeo Marina , Codina Núria , Pallarés Gemma
Published: December 2024

Background

Given the significant gap in tailored assessment tools, this research seeks to adapt the Self‐concept (Form 5‐AF5) questionnaire for young students with intellectual disabilities, employing an inclusive approach.

Method

Twenty‐three disability experts initially assessed questionnaire suitability, leading to revisions for clarity. Cognitive interviews with eight students with intellectual disabilities clarified questions, and both original and adapted questionnaires were administered to students with and without intellectual disabilities for equivalence verification.

Results

The adapted scale showed good internal consistency. The correlation between scores of students without intellectual disabilities on original and adapted questionnaires exceeded 0.70. Students with intellectual disabilities reported higher levels of academic self‐concept than their peers without intellectual disabilities.

Conclusions

The adaptation of the Self‐concept (Form 5‐AF5) questionnaire in this research facilitates the comparison of diverse student populations, as demonstrated by the alignment of results between the original and adapted questionnaires in the general student population.
The Proof is in the Pudding: Workers Care About Evidence‐Based Diversity Cues
Authors: De Cock Valerie , Celik Pinar , Toma Claudia
Published: December 2024

Organizations promote their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) while facing increasing public scrutiny concerning their progress in the domain. This research examined how value‐based (i.e., DEI statements) and evidence‐based (i.e., progress in minority representation) diversity cues, together or separately, influence workers' company perceptions (perceived corporate hypocrisy) and individual outcomes (inclusion, organizational commitment, person‐organization fit, negative affect, and turnover intentions). The goal was to assess the relative importance of these cues. Two studies were conducted. In Study 1 (N = 440), participants reacted to a hypothetical situation in a 2 (value‐based cue: diversity talk present vs. absent) × 2 (evidence‐based cue: diversity progress present vs. absent) experimental design. In Study 2 (N = 242), value‐based and evidence‐based cues were measured, and participants were reporting about their organization. Our results show that evidence‐based diversity cues systematically influenced workers' perceptions of the organization and their work‐related experiences, while the role of the value‐based diversity cues remained ambiguous. Moreover, perceived corporate hypocrisy mediated the effect of evidence‐based diversity cues on workers' experiences. Our research highlights the key, but often underestimated, role of evidence‐based diversity cues for workers and raises questions about the conditions under which value‐based diversity cues might be effective.
A Mixture Transition Distribution Modeling for Higher‐Order Circular Markov Processes
Authors: Ogata Hiroaki , Shiohama Takayuki
Published: December 2024

This study considers the stationary higher‐order Markov process for circular data by employing the mixture transition distribution modeling. The underlying circular transition distribution is based on Wehrly and Johnson's bivariate joint circular models. The structures of the circular autocorrelation function, together with the circular partial autocorrelation function, are investigated. They are found to be similar to those of the autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation functions of the real‐valued autoregressive process when the underlying binding density has zero sine moments. The validity of the model is assessed by applying it to some Monte Carlo simulations and real directional data.
CAViaR Model Selection via Adaptive Lasso
Authors: Cai Zongwu , Fang Ying , Tian Dingshi
Published: December 2024

The estimation and model selection of the conditional autoregressive value at risk (CAViaR) model may be computationally intensive and even impractical when the true order of the quantile autoregressive components or the dimension of the other regressors are high. On the other hand, conventional automatic variable selection methods cannot be directly applied to this problem because the quantile lag components are latent. In this paper, we propose a two‐step approach to select the optimal CAViaR model. The estimation procedure consists of an approximation of the conditional quantile in the first step, followed by an adaptive Lasso penalized quantile regression of the regressors as well as the estimated quantile lag components in the second step. We show that under some regularity conditions, the proposed adaptive Lasso penalized quantile estimators enjoy the oracle properties. Finally, the proposed method is illustrated by a Monte Carlo simulation study and applied to analyzing the daily data of the S& P 500 return series.
Distinct effects of PTST2b and MRC on starch granule morphogenesis in potato tubers
Authors: Hochmuth Anton , Carswell Matthew , Rowland Aaron , Scarbrough Danielle , Esch Lara , Kamble Nitin Uttam , Habig Jeffrey W. , Seung David
Published: December 2024

The molecular mechanisms underpinning the formation of the large, ellipsoidal starch granules of potato tuber are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate the distinct effects of PROTEIN TARGETING TO STARCH2b (PTST2b) and MYOSIN RESEMBLING CHLOROPLAST PROTEIN (MRC) on tuber starch granule morphology. A gene duplication event in the Solanaceae resulted in two PTST2 paralogs (PTST2a and PTST2b). PTST2b is expressed in potato tubers, and unlike PTST2a, it had no detectable interaction with STARCH SYNTHASE 4. MRC expression was detectable in leaves, but not in tubers. Using transgenic potato lines in the variety Clearwater Russet, we demonstrate that MRC overexpression leads to the formation of granules with aberrant shapes, many of which arise from multiple initiation points. Silencing PTST2b led to the production of striking near‐spherical granules, each arising from a single, central initiation point. Contrary to all reported PTST2 mutants in other species, we observed no change in the number of granules per cell in these lines, suggesting PTST2b is specifically involved in the control of starch granule shape. Starch content and tuber yield per plant were not affected by PTST2b silencing, but MRC overexpression led to strong decreases in both parameters. Notably, the spherical granules in PTST2b silencing lines had a distinctively altered pasting profile, with higher peak and final viscosity than the wild type. Thus, PTST2b and MRC are promising target genes for altering starch granule size and shape in potato tubers, and can be used to create novel starches with altered physicochemical and/or functional properties.
Dental Abnormalities in Congenital Ichthyoses: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Maarouf Sarah , Clark Marie , Chen Anthony , Haggstrom Anita
Published: December 2024

We describe a 1‐day old female with features of keratitis‐ichthyosis‐deafness (KID) syndrome and natal teeth. Genetic analysis confirmed GJB2 263C and A88V de novo pathogenic variants consistent with KID syndrome. Natal teeth were promptly extracted to avoid the risk of aspiration. This review describes subsets of ichthyoses that have been reported in association with dental anomalies, highlighting the need for early dental referral and importance of long‐term follow‐up.
Modelling photosynthetic responses by day and night during initial water stress in Pulmonaria vallarsae
Authors: Pupillo Paolo , Sparla Francesca , Melandri Bruno Andrea , Trost Paolo
Published: December 2024

The relationships between photosynthesis and initial water deficit stress were investigated by chlorophyll fluorescence analysis in Pulmonaria vallarsae, a shade tolerant, perennial C3 herb by following changes of light response curves (LRCs) in single leaves during water shortage. We devised an LRC model based on two interacting rectangular hyperbolae (DH model) for the low (H1) and the high irradiance regions (H2), characterized by two parameters: maximum extrapolated ETR (V1, V2) and half‐saturation irradiance (K1, K2). While H1 is assumed to represent an ETR‐related function, H2 may reflect Rubisco activity. Plants were subjected to four days of water restriction in summer and tested every 12 h. While daytime values remained relatively stable, increasing water stress gradually induced a night depression of photosynthesis mainly dependent on decreasing ETR with concomitant reduction of PSII‐dependent parameters (ΦPSII) and fluorescence‐related functions, while nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) was strongly enhanced. In terms of the DH model, the night depression of photosynthesis featured a night drop of V2 and K2 followed by decreases of V1 and K1. The H2 hyperbola was more stress responsive than H1 and frequently showed a reversible decrease of nocturnal H2 parameters (bright illumination constraint, BIC). Pulmonaria plants tested during winter with very low water stress displayed LRCs resembling rectangular hyperbolae, similar during day and night. The DH model is shown to yield accurate and perspicuous photosynthetic parameters representing the principal components of an LRC and to be well suitable to document the day/night divergence of photosynthetic capacity during a water deficit stress.
Reconstructing Identity and Purpose in the Athlete-to-Coach Transition: A Cross-Case Analysis of Two Contrasting Division I Graduate Assistant Coaches in the United States
Authors: Yukhymenko-Lescroart Mariya A.
Published: December 2024

The pathway to becoming a coach often begins with playing the sport as an athlete; yet, the athlete-to-coach transition often presents challenges concerning self-comprehension, encompassing both one’s sense of self and overall purpose in life. Through a qualitative case study approach, this study sought to examine the athlete-to-coach transition experiences of two contrasting Division I graduate assistant coaches in the United States: one in men’s football and one in women’s softball. Employing in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, a “case-based” approach followed by a cross-case synthesis showed the main themes of (a) athlete-to-coach transition experiences (process, challenges, and the role of athletic experiences); (b) identity transformation (as an athlete, postathletic redefinition of self, emerging identity as a coach, and major shifts in self-views during each major phase); and (c) shifts in life purpose (process, challenges, and orientation: self vs. others focused). Recommendations for supporting graduate assistant coaches are discussed.