bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene expression responses to environmental cues shed light on components of the migratory syndrome in butterflies
Authors: Shipilina Daria , Höök Lars , Näsvall Karin , Talla Venkat , Palahí Aleix , Parkes Elenia , Vila Roger , Talavera Gerard , Backström Niclas
Published: July 2024

Migration is a complex behavior involving the synchronisation of many physiological and behavioral processes. Environmental cues must thus be interpreted to make decisions regarding resource allocation between, for example, migration or reproduction. In butterflies, the lack of host plants to sustain a new generation may indicate the need to migrate. Here, we used the painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) as a model to characterize gene expression variation in response to host plant availability. Assessment of the response to host plant availability in adult female butterflies revealed significant modifications in gene expression, particularly within hormonal pathways (ecdysone oxidase and juvenile hormone esterase). We therefore hypothesize that tuning the ecdysone pathway may play a crucial role in regulating the timing of migration and reproduction in adult female painted lady butterflies. In addition, our analysis revealed significant enrichment of genes associated with lipid, carbohydrate, and vitamin biosynthesis, as well as the immune response. As environmental acquisition occurs throughout the life cycle, we also tracked gene expression responses to two other environmental cues across major developmental stages. Differences in both larval crowding and host plant availability during development resulted in significant changes in the expression of genes involved in development, reproduction and metabolism, particularly at the instar V larval stage. In summary, our results offer novel insights into how environmental cues affect expression profiles in migratory insects and highlight candidate genes that may underpin the migratory syndrome in the painted lady butterfly.
RNA binding by Periphilin plays an essential role in initiating silencing by the HUSH complex
Authors: Bloor Stuart , Wit Niek , Lehner Paul J.
Published: July 2024

The human silencing hub (HUSH) complex is a transcription-dependent, epigenetic repressor complex that provides a genome-wide immunosurveillance system for the recognition and silencing of newly-integrated retroelements. The core HUSH complex of TASOR, MPP8 and Periphilin, represses these retroelements through SETDB1-mediated H3K9me3 deposition and MORC2-dependent chromatin compaction. HUSH-dependent silencing is RNA-mediated, yet no HUSH components contain any RNA-binding domain. Here we used an unbiased approach to identify which HUSH component was able to bind RNA and determine whether RNA-binding was essential for HUSH function. We identify Periphilin as the major RNA-binding component of the HUSH complex and show that Periphilin’s N-terminal domain is essential for both RNA binding and HUSH function. Periphilin binding to RNA was independent of its interaction with TASOR or MPP8, as its N-terminal domain was sufficient for RNA targeting. The artificial tethering of Periphilin to a HUSH-insensitive, nascent transcript, enabled the HUSH-dependent silencing of the transcript. This tethering of Periphilin allowed the RNA-binding region of Periphilin to be removed such that only its C-terminal domain was required for oligomerisation and interaction with TASOR. We therefore show that Periphilin is the predominant RNA-binding protein of the HUSH complex and this RNA-binding is essential for HUSH activity.
Analysis of iPLA2-VIA Gene Expression in The CNS of Larvae and AdultDrosophila MelanogasterFlies
Authors: Moura Gabriel
Published: July 2024

1

This study aimed to investigate the expression levels of the iPLA2-VIA gene (FlyBase: FBgn0035800) in the nervous tissue ofDrosophila melanogaster(FlyBase: FBsp00000008) larvae and adults. The gene was identified using the FlyBase database and the HGNC database. The results of our experiments indicated that the expression levels of the gene were consistent between the larval and adult stages, with higher expression of Larvae than of Adult. We also found that the gene was expressed in the CNS, digestive system, fat body, salivary glands, ovaries, and accessory glands. Furthermore, PLA2G6 (Gene ID: 8398) knockout resulted in lethality, fertility problems, tissue formation defects, and neurological abnormalities, highlighting its essential biological roles in neural health and disease. Our findings could inform future studies focused on the gene’s involvement in neural development and its potential as a therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases.
β3 accelerates microtubule plus end maturation through a divergent lateral interface
Authors: Wood Lisa M. , Moore Jeffrey K.
Published: July 2024

β-tubulin isotypes exhibit similar sequences but different activities, suggesting that limited sequence divergence is functionally important. We investigated this hypothesis for TUBB3/β3, a β-tubulin linked to aggressive cancers and chemoresistance in humans. We created mutant yeast strains with β-tubulin alleles that mimic variant residues in β3 and find that residues at the lateral interface are sufficient to alter microtubule dynamics and response to microtubule targeting agents. In HeLa cells, β3 overexpression decreases the lifetime of microtubule growth, and this requires residues at the lateral interface. These microtubules exhibit a shorter region of EB binding at the plus end, suggesting faster lattice maturation, and resist stabilization by paclitaxel. Resistance requires the H1-S2 and H2-S3 regions at the lateral interface of β3. Our results identify the mechanistic origins of the unique activity of β3 tubulin and suggest that tubulin isotype expression may tune the rate of lattice maturation at growing microtubule plus ends in cells.
Probing the eukaryotic microbes of ruminants with a deep-learning classifier and comprehensive protein databases
Authors: Yan Ming , Andersen Thea Os , Pope Phil B. , Yu Zhongtang
Published: July 2024

Metagenomics, particularly genome-resolved metagenomics, has significantly deepened our understanding of microbes, illuminating their taxonomic and functional diversity and roles in ecology, physiology, and evolutions. However, eukaryotic populations within various microbiomes, including those in the mammalian gastrointestinal (GI) tract, remain relatively underexplored in metagenomic studies due to the lack of comprehensive reference genome databases and robust bioinformatics tools. The GI tract of ruminants, particularly the rumen, contains a high eukaryotic biomass although a relatively low diversity of ciliates and fungi, which significantly impact feed digestion, methane emissions, and rumen microbial ecology. In the present study, we developed GutEuk, a bioinformatics tool that improves upon the currently available Tiara and EukRep in accurately identifying metagenome eukaryotic sequences. GutEuk is optimized for high precision across different sequence lengths. It can also distinguish fungal and protozoal sequences, facilitating further elucidation of their unique ecological and physiological impacts. GutEuk was shown to facilitate a comprehensive analysis of protozoa and fungi within more than one thousand rumen metagenomes, revealing a greater genomic diversity among protozoa than previously documented. We further curated several ruminant eukaryotic protein databases, significantly enhancing our ability to distinguish the functional roles of ruminant fungi and protozoa from those of prokaryotes. Overall, the newly developed package GutEuk and its associated databases create new opportunities for in-depth study of GI tract eukaryotes.
Rapid protein evolution by few-shot learning with a protein language model
Authors: Jiang Kaiyi , Yan Zhaoqing , Bernardo Matteo Di , Sgrizzi Samantha R. , Villiger Lukas , Kayabolen Alisan , Kim Byungji , Carscadden Josephine K. , Hiraizumi Masahiro , Nishimasu Hiroshi , Gootenberg Jonathan S. , Abudayyeh Omar O.
Published: July 2024

Directed evolution of proteins is critical for applications in basic biological research, therapeutics, diagnostics, and sustainability. However, directed evolution methods are labor intensive, cannot efficiently optimize over multiple protein properties, and are often trapped by local maxima.In silico-directed evolution methods incorporating protein language models (PLMs) have the potential to accelerate this engineering process, but current approaches fail to generalize across diverse protein families. We introduce EVOLVEpro, a few-shot active learning framework to rapidly improve protein activity using a combination of PLMs and protein activity predictors, achieving improved activity with as few as four rounds of evolution. EVOLVEpro substantially enhances the efficiency and effectiveness ofin silicoprotein evolution, surpassing current state-of-the-art methods and yielding proteins with up to 100-fold improvement of desired properties. We showcase EVOLVEpro for five proteins across three applications: T7 RNA polymerase for RNA production, a miniature CRISPR nuclease, a prime editor, and an integrase for genome editing, and a monoclonal antibody for epitope binding. These results demonstrate the advantages of few-shot active learning with small amounts of experimental data over zero-shot predictions. EVOLVEpro paves the way for broader applications of AI-guided protein engineering in biology and medicine.
Urinary Volatile Organic Compound Metabolites are Associated with High Blood Pressure Among Non-smoking Participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011-2018)
Authors: McGraw Katlyn E. , Domingo-Relloso Arce , Riggs Daniel W. , Medgyesi Danielle N. , Neupane Raghavee , Stingone Jeanette A. , Sanchez Tiffany R.
Published: July 2024

Background

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants. Exposure to VOCs is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, including elevated blood pressure (BP) in susceptible populations. However, research in the general population, particularly among non-smoking adults, is limited. We hypothesized that higher VOC exposure is associated with higher BP and hypertension, among non-smokers.

Methods

We included four cycles of data (2011-2018) of non-smoking adults (n=4,430) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Urinary VOC metabolites were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, adjusted for urine dilution, and log-transformed. We estimated mean differences in BP using linear models and prevalence ratio of stage 2 hypertension using modified Poisson models with robust standard errors. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race and ethnicity, education, body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate and NHANES cycle.

Results

Participants were 54% female, with a median age of 48 years, 32.3% had hypertension, and 7.9% had diabetes. The mean differences (95% CI) in systolic BP were 1.61 (0.07, 3.15) and 2.46 (1.01, 3.92) mmHg when comparing the highest to lowest quartile of urinary acrolein (CEMA) and 1,3-butadiene (DHBMA) metabolites. The prevalence ratios (PR) for hypertension were 1.06 (1.02, 1.09) and 1.05 (1.01, 1.09) when comparing the highest to lowest quartiles of urinary acrolein (CEMA) and 1,3-butadiene (DHBMA), respectively.

Conclusions

Exposure to VOCs may be relevant yet understudied environmental contributors to CVD risk in the non-smoking, US population.
Induced degradation of SNAP-fusion proteins
Authors: Pol Savina Abraham , Liljenberg Sara , Barr Jack , Simon Gina , Wong-Dilworth Luis , Paterson Danielle L. , Berishvili Vladimir P. , Bottanelli Francesca , Kaschani Farnusch , Kaiser Markus , Pettersson Mariell , Hellerschmied Doris
Published: July 2024

Self-labeling protein tags are an efficient means to visualize, manipulate, and isolate engineered fusion proteins with suitable chemical probes. The SNAP-tag, which covalently conjugates to benzyl-guanine and -chloropyrimidine derivatives is used extensively in fluorescence microscopy, given the availability of suitable SNAP-ligand-based probes. Here, we extend the applicability of the SNAP-tag to targeted protein degradation. We developed a set of SNAP PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (SNAP-PROTACs), which recruit the VHL or CRBN-ubiquitin E3 ligases to induce the degradation of SNAP-fusion proteins. Endogenous tagging enabled the visualization and the selective depletion of a SNAP-clathrin light chain fusion protein using SNAP-PROTACs. The addition of PROTACs to the SNAP-tag reagent toolbox facilitates the comprehensive analysis of protein function with a single gene tagging event.
From spreadsheet lab data templates to knowledge graphs: A FAIR data journey in the domain of AMR research
Authors: Gadiya Yojana , Abbassi-Daloii Tooba , Ioannidis Vassilios , Juty Nick , Stie Kallesøe Claus , Attwood Marie , Kohler Manfred , Gribbon Philip , Witt Gesa
Published: July 2024

While awareness of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles has expanded across diverse domains, there remains a notable absence of impactful narratives regarding the practical application of FAIR data. This gap is particularly evident in the context ofin-vitroandin-vivoexperimental studies associated with the drug discovery and development process. Despite the structured nature of these data, reliance on classic methods such as spreadsheet-based visualization and analysis has limited the long-term reuse opportunities for such datasets. In response to this challenge, our work presents a representative journey towards FAIR data, characterized by structured, conventional spreadsheet-based lab data templates and the adoption of a knowledge graph framework for breaking data silos in the field of early antimicrobial resistance research. Here, we illustrate a tailored application of a “FAIRification framework” facilitating the practical implementation of FAIR principles. By showcasing the feasibility and benefits of transitioning to FAIR data practices, our work aims to encourage broader adoption and integration of FAIR principles within a research lab setting.
Multiple clustered centrosomes in antigen-presenting cells foster T cell activation without MTOC polarization
Authors: Stötzel Isabel , Weier Ann-Kathrin , Sarkar Apurba , Som Subhendu , Konopka Peter , Miková Eliška , Böthling Jan , Homrich Mirka , Schaedel Laura , Kazmaier Uli , Symeonidis Konstantinos , Abdullah Zeinab , Uderhardt Stefan , Hons Miroslav , Paul Raja , Rieger Heiko , Kiermaier Eva
Published: July 2024

Cellular polarization plays a pivotal role in regulating immunological processes and is often associated with centrosome reorientation. During immune synapse (IS) formation centrosome repositioning in lymphocytes assists in T cell activation. While a single centrosome, consisting of two centrioles, is present in T cells, antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells (DCs) amplify centrioles during maturation leading to increased centrosome numbers upon immune activation. How centrosome amplification in DCs affects IS formation and T cell activation is unclear. In this study, we combine experimental data with mathematical and computational modelling to provide evidence that centrosome amplification in DCs enhances antigen-specific T cell activation. Extra centrioles in DCs form active centrosomes, which cluster during DC-T cell interactions and unlike in T cells, localize close to the cell center. Perturbing either centriole numbers or centrosome configuration in DCs results in impaired T cell activation. Collectively, our results highlight a crucial role for centrosome amplification and optimal centrosome positioning in APCs for controlling T cell responses.
Sensitive detection and propagation of brain-derived tau assemblies in HEK293 based wild-type tau seeding assays
Authors: Huang Melissa , McEwan William A
Published: July 2024

The assembly of tau into filaments defines the tauopathies, a group of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Pick’s disease (PiD), corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The seeded aggregation of tau has been modelled in cell culture using pro-aggregant modifications such as truncation of the N- and C-termini and point-mutations within the tau microtubule-binding repeat domain. While providing experimental convenience, this limits the applicability of research findings to sporadic disease, where filaments contain wild-type, full-length tau isoforms. We therefore aimed to develop a sensitive and specific biosensor assay for the seeded aggregation of brain-derived tau species utilizing full-length, wild-type tau stably expressed in HEK293 cells. We show that addition of brain-derived tau extracted from cases of AD, PiD, CBD, or PSP induces the formation of HA- or GFP-tagged 0N3R or 0N4R tau aggregates. By isolating and expanding a single cell containing AD-seeded aggregates, we generated a cell line that propagates insoluble tau. We demonstrate that HEK293-propagated tau is hyperphosphorylated at disease relevant sites and retains a seeding profile similar to AD brain-derived material. We propose that these cell lines will aid pre-clinical, high-throughput screening for modifiers of seeded aggregation with greater conformational and strain specificity than existing cell-based biosensor assays.
DArTSNPbased genetic diversity analyses in cassava (Manihot esculenta) genotypes sourced from different regions revealed high level of diversity within population
Authors: NeimSemman A. , Abush Tesfaye A. , Ismael Rabbi Y. , Tewodros Mulualem B. , Abtew Wosene G.
Published: July 2024

Understanding the extent of genetic diversity is a pre requisite in cassava breeding program due to its, available broad genetic base of the crop and have great opportunity for its genetic improvement. This study was designed to assess the genetic diversity of 184 cassava germplasm sourced from International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and previous collection of Jimma Agricultural Research Center (JARC) by using DArTSNPs markers. The data were subjected to imputation and filtering for minor allele frequency of 0.01, 0.95 major allele frequency using TASSEL and Beagle. The resultants 9,310 informative SNPs were retained and used to perform analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), genetic diversity, population structure, and dissimilarity-based clustering of the tested cassava germplasm. The results of AMOVA revealed higher variation within (91.3%) than between (8.7%) the study populations. The high average PIC (0.44), He (0.50), major allele (0.61) and minor allele (0.28) frequency showed the existence of high variation in the study populations. Population structure analysis grouped the panels into six structures with the existence of admixtures. Similarly, principal component analysis, factor analysis and cluster analysis apparently divided the panels into six clusters. Both the introduced and locally collected germplasm formed three clusters, each creating some mixes of genotypes, indicating that alleles sharing common ancestral background. The overall results, the studied genotypes showed significant variations, which can render opportunity for association mapping and technical conservation purposes.
Significantly reduced, but balanced, rates of mitochondrial fission and fusion are sufficient to maintain the integrity of yeast mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Wisniewski Brett T. , Lackner Laura L.
Published: July 2024

Mitochondria exist as dynamic tubular networks and the morphology of these networks impacts organelle function and cell health. Mitochondrial morphology is maintained in part by the opposing activities of mitochondrial fission and fusion. Mitochondrial fission and fusion are also required to maintain mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) integrity. InSaccharomyces cerevisiae, the simultaneous inhibition of mitochondrial fission and fusion results in increased mtDNA mutation and the consequent loss of respiratory competence. The mechanism by which fission and fusion maintain mtDNA integrity is not fully understood. Previous work demonstrates that mtDNA is spatially linked to mitochondrial fission sites. Here, we extend this finding using live-cell imaging to localize mtDNA to mitochondrial fusion sites. While mtDNA is present at sites of mitochondrial fission and fusion, mitochondrial fission and fusion rates are not altered in cells lacking mtDNA. Using alleles that alter mitochondrial fission and fusion rates, we find that mtDNA integrity can be maintained in cells with significantly reduced, but balanced, rates of fission and fusion. In addition, we find that increasing mtDNA copy number reduces the loss of respiratory competence in double mitochondrial fission-fusion mutants. Our findings add novel insights into the relationship between mitochondrial dynamics and mtDNA integrity.
Prospects for detecting the hidden-strange pentaquarklike state
N*(2080)
in the
π−p→ϕn
reaction
Authors: Wang Xiao-Yun , Zhou Hui-Fang , Liu Xiang
Published: July 2024

In this work, the production of the hidden-strange pentaquarklike state, N*(2080), via the π−p scattering process is studied by the effective Lagrangian approach. Concretely, we consider the ρ meson exchange of t-channel and the nucleon exchange of u-channel, which are treated as the background terms, and take into account the contribution of the N*(2080) via the s-channel as a signal term. By global fitting of the total and differential cross sections of the π−p→ϕn process, it is shown that the N*(2080) contributes an obvious peak at the threshold energy point of the differential cross section at the forward angle (cosθ=1), which provides clues to the detection of the N*(2080) by the π−p scattering process. However, due to the limited accuracy of the experimental data, it is an objective limitation for us to determine the properties of the N*(2080) by the π−p scattering process. Therefore, more accurate experimental measurements of the π−p→ϕn reaction are highly desirable, and we have also proposed that correlation measurements can be performed on J-PARC, AMBER, and future HIKE and HIAF meson beam experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Model of the response of surface detectors to extensive air showers based on shower universality
Authors: Stadelmaier Maximilian , Engel Ralph , Roth Markus , Schmidt David , Veberič Darko
Published: July 2024

We present a full model of surface-detector responses to extensive air showers. The model is motivated by the principles of air-shower universality and can be applied to different types of surface detectors. Here we describe a parametrization for both water-Cerenkov detectors and scintillator surface detectors, as for instance employed by the upgraded detector array of the Pierre Auger Observatory. Using surface detector data, the model can be used to reconstruct with reasonable precision shower observables such as the depth of the shower maximum Xmax and the number of muons Rμ.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Thermal analysis of batteries and prediction with artificial neural networks
Authors: Yetik Ozge
Published: July 2024

Purpose

In this study, it is aimed to develop cooling models for the efficient use of batteries and to show how important the busbar material is. Batteries, which are indispensable energy sources of electric aircraft, automobiles and portable devices, may eventually run out. Battery life decreases over time; the most critical factor is temperature. The temperature of batteries should not exceed the safe operating temperature of 313 K and it is recommended to have a balanced temperature distribution through the battery.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the effect on the battery temperature caused by using different busbar materials to connect batteries together was investigated. Gold, copper and titanium were chosen as the different busbar material. The Air velocities used were 1 m/s and 2 m/s, the air inlet temperatures were 295 and 300 K and the discharge rates 1.0–1.5–2.0–2.5C were chosen for cooling the batteries.

Findings

The best busbar material was identified as copper. Because these studies are long-term studies, it is also suggested to estimate the data obtained with ANN (Artificial Neural Networks). The purpose of ANN is to enable the solution of many different complex problems by creating systems that do not require human intelligence. Four different program (BR-LM-CGP-SCG) were used to estimate the data obtained with ANN. It was found that the most reliable algorithm was BR18. The R2 size of the BR18 algorithm in the test phase was 0.999552, the CoV size was 0.007697 and the RMSE size was 0.005076.

Originality/value

When the literature is considered, the cooling part of the battery modules has been taken into consideration during the temperature observation of the battery modules, but busbar materials connecting the batteries have always been ignored. In this study, various busbar materials were used and it was noticed how the temperature of the battery model changed under the same working conditions. These studies are very time-consuming and costly studies. Therefore, an estimation of the data obtained with artificial neural networks (ANN) was also evaluated.
Role of line managers in promoting DEI in higher education institution: an autoethnographic case study
Authors: Garg N.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse the role of line management in promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Transformational leadership (TL) promotes DEI, and autocratic leadership curbs it.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach is deductive from existing literature followed by auto ethnographic case study.

Findings

The finding of this study is how the autocracy of a line manager can kill the enthusiasm of a team member. Cascuta theory, which has been introduced as a parasitic form of management in paper, will come into existence when a less qualified and closed mindset is supervising a highly qualified and performing team.

Research limitations/implications

The research limitations included inadequate autoethnographic case studies on similar circumstances. Also, the literature is divisive over the topic of DEI. On paper, policies are very strong; however, the implementation is not so good in many academic departments at many universities. Here, the whole HEIs is not to blame. Rather, the line manager has a bigger role in acknowledging or rejecting DEI. This research has many implications for studying the Cascuta phenomenon amongst DEI students, DEI staff.

Practical implications

The DEI colleagues in some academic departments of many universities in the UK are facing affinity biases. This study could be used to identify and remove the roadblocks in acknowledging the role of DEI in the UK HEIs. These remedies, though, might only be cosmetic. Persons who encourage affinity biases may also be the ones carrying out DEI programmes (Sodhi, 2024). Second, instead of taking concrete action to solve urgent social issues in the workplace, institutions may view DEI activities as regulatory mandates.

Social implications

Regional committees could be a good alternative to explore the success of implementing DEI on a wider scale. The members could be from HEIs, who are renowned for their DEI policy implementation. Their implementation process, roadblocks, and wider benefits could be studied on a wider scale. The DEI people should be able to contribute to society with ownership. If they are contributing to the economy, education, or health care, they are an asset and not a burden on society. If HEI is not recognising DEI now, they may find their way out to a more acceptable place.

Originality/value

This is a novel study to explore the role of line leadership in promoting DEI in HEI using the deductive method, supported with an autoethnographic case study.
Industry 4.0 readiness: the impact of effective implementation of I4.0 on marketing performance
Authors: Raj Rohit , Kumar Vimal , Sharma Nagendra Kumar , Verma Pratima
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how Industry 4.0 (I4.0) implementation might improve marketing performance (MP). Early adopters now have the chance to capitalize on the advantages of this successful implementation owing to the transition to I4.0. To improve MP, businesses must be able to identify and manage their effective implementation of I4.0 technologies, which are essential to improve industrial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was created and sent to 311 samples of manufacturing companies. To investigate the hypothesis created in this context, the study includes a survey-based analysis. To present the study’s findings, partial least squares-structural equation modeling has been used.

Findings

According to the findings, it can be concluded that an efficient implementation of Industry 4.0 (EII) can improve MP by positively impacting consumer loyalty and increasing customer loyalty (CL) positively enhancing by product customization (PC). The study’s key results, however, are how both PC and CL affect MP.

Research limitations/implications

The intensive production technologies that are at the center of I4.0 will be better understood by professionals thanks to this study. The Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, sophisticated robots and many more are examples of these technologies. I4.0’s application strengthens efficiency and high-quality production. The I4.0 concept is gaining popularity in both developed and emerging countries due to its higher performance. Additionally, business people are actively working to implement I4.0 and make it a big success.

Originality/value

The study identifies the successful adoption of I4.0 that has a substantial impact on businesses’ MP. However, there is a lack of noteworthy studies that can concentrate on the marketing reach with I4.0 deployment. As a result, the goal of the current research is to comprehend how I4.0 will affect MP.
What are prison offender managers’ experiences of delivering New Me MOT?
Authors: Pagano Catia , Fusco Louise
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The New Me MOT toolkit is part of the His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) accredited offending behaviour programmes, consisting of a series of short exercises that enable offender managers to support graduates of the programmes to generalise their learning. This study was commissioned by HMPPS with the aim to evaluate the delivery of the toolkit in custody, through exploring probation prison offender managers’ (POMs’) delivery experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants from male prisons in England and Wales via semi-structured interviews (n = 8), and data was analysed through thematic analysis.

Findings

Five overarching themes with related subthemes were identified: New Me MOT is useful, flexible toolkit, motivation of the prisoner, limited resources and lack of structured guidance.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should consider investigating POMs’ experiences from other prison establishments, to explore any possible additional findings about what impacts New Me MOT delivery in custody.

Practical implications

Suggestions were made to improve the future delivery of the toolkit across HMPPS. This is fundamental to support the behavioural change process.

Originality/value

No previous research on New Me MOT exists. This study findings showed that, based on the experiences of eight POMs interviewed, there are factors which aid and obstruct the toolkit delivery. This suggests that POMs might miss opportunities to prioritise generalisation of work for those most in need, target their criminogenic needs and tailor the toolkit content according to participants’ personal circumstances.
Comparing teacher beliefs and actions during collaborative geographical inquiry
Authors: Kriewaldt Jeana , Robertson Lucy , Ziebell Natasha , Lee Shu Jun
Published: July 2024

The importance of between‐desk instruction during inquiry‐based learning to deepen learning is well recognised in some curriculum areas but remains under‐researched in geography. Inquiry‐based learning incorporates the use of generative questions and inquiry methods to support student‐driven investigations. This paper reports on a study of teacher–student interactions during geography inquiry‐based learning. A cross‐case fine‐grained analysis of two teachers’ video‐recorded lessons in a classroom laboratory using a kikan‐shido coding framework showed that “guiding” was the dominant between‐desk function used. The teachers differed in whether guiding was mainly used for task completion or to deepen student understanding. Semi‐structured interviews revealed that the characteristics and sequence of these guiding actions were influenced by teachers’ beliefs. Those beliefs mediated how teachers guided students during the inquiry, debunking a dichotomous view of inquiry‐based learning as either teacher or student directed. We conclude that inquiry‐based learning is a necessary and complex interplay of teacher‐directed and student‐directed activities and that more research on the elements contributing to the kikan‐shido functions performed by teachers could help better identify and strengthen teacher practice for inquiry‐based learning.
Examination disclosure, issuance examination committee connections and accountants' IPO market share
Authors: Zhang Zhaoya , Wang Jenny Jing , Zhou Biao
Published: July 2024

This study examines the impact of an initial public offering (IPO) examination disclosure on accountants' IPO market share, using accounting firms undertaking A‐share approval system IPO audit projects from 2011 to 2021. We find that the IPO market share of accounting firms with Issuance Examination Committee Connections (IECC) decreases after the implementation of the issuance examination disclosure policy and that the market share decrease is more pronounced for low‐reputation accounting firms with IECC. This study reveals the impact of issuance review disclosures on the appointment of accountants by IPO firms. This study extends the research related to accountants' market share from the perspective of the impact of IPO examination disclosure on the IPO market share of IECC accountants.
A population pharmacokinetic model for sertraline in women during the perinatal period—A contribution from the ConcePTION project
Authors: Monfort Anaëlle , Cardoso Evelina , Eap Chin B. , Ansermot Nicolas , Crettol Severine , Fischer Fumeaux Céline J. , Graz Myriam Bickle , Harari Mathilde Morisod , Weisskopf Etienne , Gandia Peggy , Allegaert Karel , Annaert Pieter , Nordeng Hedvig , Hascoët Jean‐Michel , Claris Olivier , Epiney Manuella , Ferreira Ema , Leclair Grégoire , Csajka Chantal , Panchaud Alice , Guidi Monia ,   collaborators of the SSRI Breast Milk study
Published: July 2024

Aims

Sertraline is frequently prescribed for mental health conditions in both pregnant and breastfeeding women. According to the limited available data, only small amounts of sertraline are transferred into human milk, yet with a large amount of unexplained interindividual variability. This study aimed to develop a population pharmacokinetic (popPK) model to describe the pharmacokinetics of sertraline during the perinatal period and explain interindividual variability.

Methods

Pregnant women treated with sertraline were enrolled in the multicenter prospective cohort SSRI‐Breast Milk study. A popPK model for sertraline maternal plasma and breast milk concentrations was developed and allowed estimating the milk‐to‐plasma ratio (MPR). An additional fetal compartment allowed cord blood concentrations to be described. Several covariates were tested for significance. Ultimately, model‐based simulations allowed infant drug exposure through placenta and breast milk under various conditions to be predicted.

Results

Thirty‐eight women treated with sertraline were included in the study and provided 89 maternal plasma, 29 cord blood and 107 breast milk samples. Sertraline clearance was reduced by 42% in CYP2C19 poor metabolizers compared to other phenotypes. Doubling milk fat content increased the MPR by 95%. Simulations suggested a median daily infant dosage of 6.9 μg kg−1 after a 50 mg maternal daily dose, representing 0.95% of the weight‐adjusted maternal dose. Median cord blood concentrations could range from 3.29 to 33.23 ng mL−1 after maternal daily doses between 25 and 150 mg.

Conclusions

Infant exposure to sertraline, influenced by CYP2C19 phenotype and breast milk fat content, remains low, providing reassurance regarding the use of sertraline during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Prospective study of urinary incontinence recovery following endoscopic enucleation of the prostate
Authors: Wu Shao‐Wei , Tseng Chi‐Shin , Yuan Lun‐Hsiang , Huang Yu‐Wen , Chen Yi‐Jhou , Kuo Ming‐Chieh , Chueh Jeff Shih‐Chieh , Huang Shi‐Wei
Published: July 2024

Objective

To investigate the clinical trajectories and identify risk factors linked to post‐enucleation urinary incontinence (UI).

Patients and Methods

In this prospective study (April 2020 to March 2022) at a single institution, 316 consecutive patients receiving endoscopic enucleation due to benign prostatic enlargement were included. Patient information and perioperative details were collected. Follow‐ups, from 1 to 6 months, assessed postoperative UI using International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Urinary Incontinence Short Form and a four‐item pad questionnaire, classified per International Continence Society definitions. Logistic regression analysed predictors at 1 week, while generalised estimating equation assessed risk factors from 1 to 3 months postoperatively.

Results

Patients with a median prostate volume of 57 mL underwent enucleation, with 22.5% experiencing postoperative UI at 1 week, 5.6% at 3 months, decreasing to 1.9% at 6 months. Multivariable analysis identified age (>80 years), specimen weight (>70 g), en bloc with anteroposterior dissection, and anal tone (Digital Rectal Examination Scoring System score <3) as potential factors influencing UI. Subgroup analysis revealed that specimen weight was associated with both continuous and stress UI. Anal tone was related to both other types and stress UI, while overactive bladder symptoms were associated with urge UI.

Conclusion

In summary, our study elucidates transient risk factors contributing to temporary post‐enucleation UI after prostatectomy. Informed decisions and personalised interventions can effectively alleviate concerns regarding postoperative UI.
SCA44‐ and SCAR13‐associated GRM1 mutations affect metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 function through distinct mechanisms
Authors: Wang Yuyang , Muraleetharan Ashwin , Langiu Monica , Gregory Karen J. , Hellyer Shane D.
Published: July 2024

Background and Purpose

Metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGlu1) is a promising therapeutic target for neurodegenerative CNS disorders including spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs). Clinical reports have identified naturally‐occurring mGlu1 mutations in rare SCA subtypes and linked symptoms to mGlu1 mutations. However, how mutations alter mGlu1 function remains unknown, as does amenability of receptor function to pharmacological rescue. Here, we explored SCA‐associated mutation effects on mGlu1 cell surface expression, canonical signal transduction and allosteric ligand pharmacology.

Experimental Approach

Orthosteric agonists, positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) and negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) were assessed at two functional endpoints (iCa2+ mobilisation and inositol 1‐phosphate [IP1] accumulation) in FlpIn Trex HEK293A cell lines expressing five mutant mGlu1 subtypes. Key pharmacological parameters including ligand potency, affinity and cooperativity were derived using operational models of agonism and allostery.

Key Results

mGlu1 mutants exhibited differential impacts on mGlu1 expression, with a C‐terminus truncation significantly reducing surface expression. Mutations differentially influenced orthosteric ligand affinity, efficacy and functional cooperativity between allosteric and orthosteric ligands. Loss‐of‐function mutations L454F and N885del reduced orthosteric affinity and efficacy, respectively. A gain‐of‐function Y792C mutant mGlu1 displayed enhanced constitutive activity in IP1 assays, which manifested as reduced orthosteric agonist activity. The mGlu1 PAMs restored glutamate potency in iCa2+ mobilisation for loss‐of‐function mutations and mGlu1 NAMs displayed enhanced inverse agonist activity at Y792C relative to wild‐type mGlu1.

Conclusion and Implications

Collectively, these data highlight distinct mechanisms by which mGlu1 mutations affect receptor function and show allosteric modulators may present a therapeutic strategy to restore aberrant mGlu1 function in rare SCA subtypes.
Lianas associated with continued forest biomass losses following large‐scale disturbances
Authors: Mackintosh Emma J. , Waite Catherine E. , Putz Francis E. , Brennan Sophie , Pfeifer Marion , Marshall Andrew R.
Published: July 2024

Lianas are important to rainforest ecosystems but often impede tree growth and increase tree mortality and stem damage after disturbances that favor their growth. Understanding how lianas affect biomass recovery and rates of carbon sequestration following disturbance is therefore of crucial importance. In this study, we determine how a tropical forest recovers biomass following a large‐scale disturbance, and test how this varies with liana dominance and stem damage. We use remote sensing methods to develop a model, validated by field data from 40 20 × 20 m vegetation plots, to measure the change in tree aboveground biomass 8 years after Tropical Cyclone Yasi damaged logged forests in the Australian Wet Tropics. We related tree biomass changes to field measures of current liana dominance over trees, expressed as liana: tree basal area ratio, and assessed how these measures related to tree stem damage. Biomass declined in 34 of the 40 plots during the 8 years post‐disturbance, with loss rates and proportions of damaged tree stems increasing with the liana: tree ratio. From spatial upscaling, we found a net loss in biomass across the study landscape over the same period. Our results show that, following disturbances, lianas not only limit tree biomass recovery but also are associated with further biomass declines, most likely through their contribution to stem damage and delayed mortality. Furthermore, our finding of net biomass loss across the landscape since the cyclone shows that, post‐disturbance, rainforests can act as a carbon source with consequences for the global carbon sink.
Children as ‘becomings’—Mapping parental adultcentrism in Hungary
Authors: Németh Barbara , Sulyok Róza Sára , Szabó Brigitta , Miklósi Mónika
Published: July 2024

Adultcentrism is the tendency of adults to view children from a biased perspective, hindering the recognition of children's competence and agency. It presents a challenge for parents, potentially influencing parenting practices and children's participation in decision‐making. Adultcentrism has received increasing attention in the literature, and with its recent operationalization, a new focus has emerged. However, adultcentrism has remained unexplored in Hungary. Using the Adultcentrism Scale, we aimed to conceptualize adultcentrism in this sociocultural context and validate the instrument in a different language, both for the first time. A cross‐sectional sample of 422 parents was surveyed online to analyse adultcentrism in Hungary and identify whether adult‐centric thinking is associated with less‐positive parenting behaviour. Our findings showed that extreme adult‐centric biases are rare among Hungarian parents and indicated that adult‐centric thinking has two major dimensions in our context. Firstly—and dominantly—adults tend to think about children as ‘becoming’ rather than ‘being’. Secondly, they tend to underestimate children's agency. The present conceptualization challenged the role of seeing children as incompetent in the construct. Adultcentrism indicated a weak positive association with parental perceptions of children's participation in decision‐making and positive parenting behaviours. However, it was not associated with negative behaviours, except for physical control. Our findings support the latest research that emphasizes that a certain level of adultcentrism is natural and presents thought‐provoking dilemmas regarding the understanding and measurement of adultcentrism in the Hungarian context. The study has implications for researchers analysing and theorizing this evolving construct and practitioners who want to improve the adult–child relationship.
Is there a conservation relationship between tourism, economic output, and forest areas?
Authors: Kocak Emrah , Cavusoglu Muhittin
Published: July 2024

This study employed advanced panel data analysis, accounting for cross‐sectional dependence and heterogeneity, to investigate the impact of tourism development and economic output on forest areas in major international tourist markets. The research was guided by forest transformation hypothesis (FTH). The study assessed the validity of FTH, examined the influence of tourism, and identified the income level at which a turning point occurs. The results revealed a heterogeneous impact of tourism on forested areas across major international tourist markets. Specifically, tourism development encouraged afforestation in Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States, but led to deforestation in China. In contrast, no significant relationship was observed between the tourism‐forest area nexus in Türkiye and Thailand. Additionally, the study provided evidence supporting FTH in the relationship between economic growth and forested areas in Italy, Spain, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Given these findings, the paper underscores the strong heterogeneity among the individual countries and their tourism, economic development, and forest areas. Consequently, country‐specific sustainable policies are advocated over generic approaches in the fight against deforestation.
The Impact of High‐standard Free Trade Areas on the Diversification of China's Export Products: Expanding Market or Intensifying Competition?
Authors: Fan Zhaobin , Bian Ruimin , Li Hui
Published: July 2024

In the context of China's efforts to establish a global network of free trade areas and diversify its export products, this study explores the impact of trade agreement depth on China's export diversification. Building upon a trade model with multiproduct firms, we discover that the effect of trade agreement depth on export diversification is multifaceted, depending on the relative magnitude of the “market expansion effect” and the “competition intensification effect.” Through empirical analysis of China's exports to 132 countries (or regions) from 2000 to 2015, we find that the deepening of trade agreements affected China's export diversification negatively. This negative correlation was predominantly due to the similarity in comparative advantages between China and its trade partners, leading to the “competition intensification effect” overshadowing the “market expansion effect.” We also note that “natural” agreements, when deepened, were more likely to affect China's export diversification adversely than their “non‐natural” counterparts. Moreover, as export diversification increased, the marginal impact of deepening trade agreements exhibited an inverted U‐shaped trajectory.