bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The rapid degradation of translated upstream regions points to an inefficient translation initiation process
Authors: Tress Michael L.
Published: November 2024

Large-scale experimental analyses find ever more abundant evidence of translation from start codons upstream of the canonical start site. This translation either generates entirely new proteins (from novel upstream open reading frames) or produces isoforms with extended N-terminals when the novel start codon is in frame

Most extended N-terminals are likely to just add a disordered region to the canonical protein isoform, but some may also block the recognition of the signal peptide causing the isoform to accumulate in the incorrect cellular compartment. This analysis finds evidence that upstream translations that would interfere with signal peptides are detected in expected quantities in ribosome profiling experiments, but that the equivalent N-terminally extended protein isoforms are significantly reduced in multiple proteomics experiments.

This suggests that these isoforms are likely to be degraded shortly after translation by the ubiquitination pathway, thus preventing the build up of potentially harmful proteins with hydrophobic regions in the cytoplasm. In addition, this is further evidence that most of the transcripts translated from upstream start sites are the result of an inefficient translation initiation process. This has implications for the annotation of proteins given the huge numbers of upstream translations that are being detected in large-scale experiments.
Cortical assembloids support the development of fast-spiking human PVALB+ cortical interneurons and uncover schizophrenia-associated defects
Authors: Walsh Ryan M. , Crabtree Gregg W. , Kalpana Kriti , Jubierre Luz , Koo So Yeon , Ciceri Gabriele , Gogos Joseph A. , Kruglikov Ilya , Studer Lorenz
Published: November 2024

Disruption of parvalbumin positive (PVALB+) cortical interneurons is implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. However, how these defects emerge during brain development remains poorly understood. The protracted maturation of these cells during postnatal life has made their derivation from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) extremely difficult, precluding hPSC-based disease modeling of their role in neuropsychiatric disease. Here we present a cortical assembloid system that supports the development of PVALB+ cortical interneurons which match the molecular profiles of primary PVALB+ interneurons and display their distinctive electrophysiological features. Further, we characterized cortical interneuron development in a series of CRISPR-generated isogenic structural variants associated with schizophrenia and identified variant-specific phenotypes affecting cortical interneuron migration and the molecular profile of PVALB+ cortical interneurons. These findings offer plausible mechanisms on how the disruption of cortical interneuron development may impact schizophrenia risk and provide the first human experimental platform to study of PVALB+ cortical interneurons.
Successful delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 with a baculovirus vector for insect brain targets
Authors: Doğan Büşra Elif Kıvrak , Ghanem Saleh , Goblirsch Michael , Nazneen Farzana , Broadrup Robert L. , Connolly-Sporing Annie , Tuncer Doğa , Mayack Christopher
Published: November 2024

CRISPR-Cas9 (clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats with CRISPR-associated protein 9) is a powerful, versatile, and cost-effective molecular tool that can be used for genetic engineering purposes and beyond1and is especially suited for non-model organisms2. Effective delivery of this system, however, remains a challenge forin vivogenetic manipulation of specific tissues3, particularly the brain4, and in adult indivuduals5,6. We designed a new CRISPR-Cas9 plasmid that was inserted into a baculovirus vector to knockdown theoctopamine beta subtype 2 receptor(AmOctβ2R), a transmembrane protein found in the mushroom body neurons of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) brain, to determine if octopamine plays a role in appetite regulation. We first confirmed that gene editing ofAmOctβ2Ris possible with Sanger sequencing. We then demonstrated expression of the CRISPR-Cas9 system with the baculovirus vectorin vitrousing live cell imaging, flow cytometry analysis, andin vivousing confocal imaging, showing widespread expression in the cells and throughout the honey bee brain, three days post treatment. There was alsoin vitroandin vivoknockdown ofAmOctβ2Rthree days post-infection, that corresponded with appetite suppression in starved forager bees. Our findings suggest that we successfully delivered the CRISPR-Cas9 system and knocked downAmOctB2Rin neuronal cells of the honey bee brain that were previously inaccessible due to the blood brain barrier and lack of infectivity of lentivirus vectors7. The newly characterizedAmOctβ2R8can now be assigned a functional role and other targets for gene editing are now possible using this CRISPR-Cas9 system.

Graphical Abstract
Arabidopsis PRMT5 Buffers Pre-mRNA Splicing and Development Against Genetic Variation in Donor Splice Sites
Authors: Beckel Maximiliano S. , Martín Abril San , Sánchez Sabrina E. , Seymour Danelle K. , de Leone María José , Careno Daniel , Mora-García Santiago , Weigel Detlef , Yanovsky Marcelo J. , Chernomoretz Ariel
Published: November 2024

Genetic variation at splice site signals significantly influences alternative splicing, leading to transcriptomic and proteomic diversity that enhances phenotypic plasticity and adaptation. However, novel splice variants can negatively impact gene expression and developmental stability. Canalization—the ability of an organism to maintain a consistent phenotype despite genetic or environmental variations—helps balance the effects of genetic variation on development and evolution. Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is a key splicing regulator in plants and animals. Most splicing changes inprmt5mutants are linked to weak donor splice sites, suggesting that PRMT5 may buffer splicing against genetic variation. We examined PRMT5’s effects on splicing and development in two genetically divergentArabidopsis thalianaaccessions with different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) affecting donor splice sites. While PRMT5 inactivation similarly affected splicing in both backgrounds, it significantly increased splicing and phenotypic differences between the accessions. Our findings suggest that PRMT5 contributes to canalization, mitigating the impact of splice site polymorphisms and facilitating the evolution of adaptive splicing patterns.
Synthetic ratio computation for programming population composition and multicellular morphology
Authors: An Bolin , Tang Tzu-Chieh , Zhang Qian , Wang Teng , Gan Kesheng , Liu Kun , Liu Yuzhu , Wang Yanyi , Shaw William M. , Liang Qianyi , Wang Yaomin , Lu Timothy K. , Church George M. , Zhong Chao
Published: November 2024

Recent advancements in genetic engineering have provided diverse tools for artificially synthesizing population diversity in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. However, achieving precise control over the ratios of multiple cell types within a population derived from a single founder remains a significant challenge. In this study, we introduce a suite of recombinase-mediated genetic devices designed to achieve accurate population ratio control, enabling the distribution of distinct functionalities across multiple cell types. We systematically evaluated key parameters influencing recombination efficiency and developed data-driven models to reliably predict binary differentiation outcomes. Using these devices, we implemented parallel and series circuit topologies to create user-defined, complex cell fate branching programs. These branching devices facilitated the autonomous differentiation of precision fermentation consortia from a single founder strain, optimizing cell-type ratios for applications such as pigmentation and cellulose degradation. Beyond biomanufacturing, we engineered multicellular aggregates with genetically encoded morphologies by coordinating self-organization through cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). Our work provides a comprehensive characterization of recombinase-based cell fate branching mechanisms and introduces a novel approach for the bottom-up, high-resolution construction of synthetic consortia and multicellular assemblies.
Annelid perspectives into the role of FGF signaling in caudal regeneration
Authors: Shalaeva Alexandra Y. , Kozin Vitaly V.
Published: November 2024

Fibroblast growth factor signaling plays a crucial role in various developmental processes and is a key driver of regeneration. In annelids this pathway is active from the earliest stages of reparative morphogenesis, yet its specific function remains unclear. Here we have functionally examined FGF signaling following the amputation of posterior segments in the marine annelidAlitta virens. We utilized the pharmacological agent SU5402 to inhibit the FGF receptor kinase at different time points. With whole-mount in situ hybridization we analyzed the expression of regulatory genes that pattern posterior territories (cdx, evx, post2), multipotent/germ cells (vasa, piwi), mesodermal tissues (twist), and segmental boundaries (engrailed). Our findings reveal that FGF signaling is essential for blastema induction by promoting dedifferentiation and proliferation of cells at the wound site but is not involved in posteriorization. On the contrary, this pathway is crucial for differentiation in the anterior part of the regenerative bud, impacting its mesodermal derivatives and segment boundary formation. Comparative analysis suggests that while certain functions of FGF signaling, particularly in mesodermal patterning, are conserved across taxa, its role in posterior axis elongation appears to have evolved specifically within the vertebrate lineage. This research enhances our understanding of the evolutionary origins and functional diversification of FGF signaling in regeneration, positioningA. virensas a valuable model for exploring the complexities of regenerative biology.
Structure of the Tilapia lake virus nucleoprotein bound to RNA
Authors: Arragain Benoît , Pelosse Martin , Huard Karine , Cusack Stephen
Published: November 2024

Tilapia Lake virus (TiLV) belongs to theAmnoonviridaefamily within theArticulaviralesorder of segmented negative-strand RNA viruses and is highly diverged from more familiar orthomyxoviruses, such as influenza. The viral nucleoprotein (NP), a key component of the replication machinery, packages the viral genome into protective ribonucleoprotein particles. Here we describe the electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of TiLV-NP bound to RNA withinin vitroreconstituted, small ring-like, pseudo-symmetrical oligomers. Although TiLV-NP is considerably smaller than its influenza counterpart and unrelated in sequence, it maintains the same topology and domain organisation. This comprises a head and body domain between which is a negatively-charged groove where single-stranded RNA binds. In addition, an oligomerisation loop inserts into a hydrophobic pocket in the neighbouring NP, the flexible hinges of which allow considerable variability orientation of neighbouring NPs. Focussed cryo-EM maps (up to 2.9 Å resolution) unambiguously define the 5′ to 3′ direction of the bound RNA, confirmed by double stranded, A-form RNA regions that extrude out from some of the NP-NP interfaces. This is the first description of how RNA binds to an articulaviral NP and superposition with orthomyxoviral NPs suggest that the mode of RNA binding is likely conserved across theArticulaviralesorder.
The propensity of fructose to induce metabolic dysfunction is dependent on the baseline diet, length of the dietary exposure, and sex of the mice
Authors: Fadhul Taghreed , Park Se-Hyung , Ali Heba , Alsiraj Yasir , Wali Jibran A. , Simpson Stephen J. , Softic Samir
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives

Numerous studies have implicated high intake of sugar, particularly fructose, with the development of obesity and metabolic complications. On the other hand, fructose from fruits and vegetables has undisputed benefits for metabolic health. This paradox questions how the same fructose molecule can be associated with detrimental health effects in some studies and beneficial in others.

Methods

To answer this question, male and female mice were fed different normal chow diets and provided 30% fructose solution in water.

Results

Fructose-supplemented male mice on the Boston Chow Diet (BCD=23% protein, 22% fat, 55% carbs) gained weight, developed glucose intolerance and hepatic steatosis. In contrast, male mice on the Lexington Chow Diet (LXD=24% protein, 18% fat, 58% carbs) did not gain weight, remained glucose tolerant, and had normal hepatic lipid content when supplemented with fructose. Furthermore, fructose-fed male mice on a Low-Fat Diet (LFD=20% protein, 10% fat, 70% carbs) didn’t gain weight, but once switched to the BCD, they gained weight, exhibited worsening liver steatosis, and more advanced hepatic insulin resistance. The effects of fructose are sex-dependent, as female mice didn’t gain weight and remained insulin-sensitive when given fructose on BCD, despite developing hepatic steatosis.

Conclusions

The differences in metabolic outcomes correlate with the propensity of the baseline diet to suppress hepatic ketohexokinase expression and the de novo lipogenesis pathway. This is likely driven by the dietary fat-to-carbohydrate ratio. Thus, metabolic dysfunction attributed to fructose intake is not a universal outcome; rather, it depends on the baseline diet, sex, and exposure length.
Maxwell's demon across the quantum-to-classical transition
Authors: Annby-Andersson Björn , Bhattacharyya Debankur , Bakhshinezhad Pharnam , Holst Daniel , De Sousa Guilherme , Jarzynski Christopher , Samuelsson Peter , Potts Patrick P.
Published: November 2024

In scenarios coined Maxwell's demon, information on microscopic degrees of freedom is used to seemingly violate the second law of thermodynamics. This has been studied in the classical as well as the quantum domain. In this paper, we study an implementation of Maxwell's demon that can operate in both domains. In particular, we investigate information-to-work conversion over the quantum-to-classical transition. The demon continuously measures the charge state of a double quantum dot and uses this information to guide electrons against a voltage bias by tuning the on-site energies of the dots. Coherent tunneling between the dots allows for the buildup of quantum coherence in the system. Under strong measurements, the coherence is suppressed, and the system is well-described by a classical model. As the measurement strength is further increased, the Zeno effect prohibits interdot tunneling. A Zeno-like effect is also observed for weak measurements, where measurement errors lead to fluctuations in the on-site energies, dephasing the system. We anticipate similar behaviors in other quantum systems under continuous measurement and feedback control, making our results relevant for implementations in quantum technology and quantum control.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Slip flow between corotating disks with heat transfer
Authors: Turkyilmazoglu Mustafa
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the hydrodynamic and thermal behavior of an incompressible fluid flowing between uniformly corotating disks with finite radii. The narrow gap between the disks necessitates accounting for slip flow in the radial direction, departing from the classic no-slip model.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses a perturbation approach and derives full analytical approximations to the Navier–Stokes and energy equations up to the second order. Higher-order truncations require significant numerical effort due to the complexity of the resulting expressions.

Findings

For the no-slip case, the momentum solutions perfectly match those found in the literature. The author then demonstrates the convergence of the series solutions with slip for selected specific parameter sets. Finally, the author investigates the impact of both slip and Reynolds number on the velocity field, pressure and temperature field between the inlet and outlet positions.

Originality/value

The key finding is that both factors lead to thinner momentum and thermal boundary layers within the corotating finite disk setup, resulting in cooler disk surfaces.
“A new or false hope?” practice and policy on teaching–research linkage in contemporary Cambodia’s higher education
Authors: Nhem Davut
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The teaching–research nexus (TRN) has assumed a prominent role in global higher education systems. However, the connection between the two domains has been subject to diverse interpretations within well-developed higher education systems. Little is known about translating TRN into policy and practice in diverse higher education spaces. In this regard, this article examines the recent trajectory and challenges associated with integrating research and teaching in Cambodia.

Design/methodology/approach

To analyse the current development of TRN and its associated challenges, this article consolidates two sets of data: recent research papers and government policy documents on TRN in the last 10 years or so.

Findings

The analysis shows that the connection between teaching and research appears to be patchy in practice, as evidenced in previous studies. The recent government policies and interventions, although potentially fostering progress in research activities, pose dilemmas regarding the orientation and feasibility of linking these two domains.

Research limitations/implications

This article focuses on enhancing TRN in Cambodia, one of the developing higher education contexts, thereby offering insights into the strategies and concerns within such environments. Policymakers in similar higher education contexts might benefit from considering the concerns and solutions highlighted in this article.

Originality/value

Research on policies and strategies for strengthening TRN in developing higher education contexts remains limited in the literature. This article contributes to our collective knowledge of TRN by looking at Cambodia's contemporary reality and strategies.
Enhancing investor decision-making: a comprehensive study of information disseminated on stock exchange websites
Authors: Rzem Marouane
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Results from this study include a tool for financial literacy through the use of stock exchange websites and a framework for managing stock market information.

Design/methodology/approach

Prior research suggests that information can significantly influence judgment and decision-making. This paper aims to provide guidance on the characteristics of information disseminated on stock exchange websites and demonstrate the value of these platforms in informing and educating cyber-investors. Based on an exploratory study, the author proposes that information should be examined through three dimensions: nature, support and source. These dimensions are crucial in shaping the behavioral learning of cyber-investors. The study results include a tool for enhancing financial literacy via stock exchange websites and a framework for effectively managing stock market information.

Findings

This study identifies potential areas where improvements can be made by stock exchange Web designers and asset management platforms, particularly life insurance websites. Based on our results and to have a successful and attractive website for cyber-investors, designers must pay close attention to the layout of the website, its navigability, structure, colors and general ergonomics. A good match between these elements and the needs of potential investors will improve the conditions for finding relevant information on stock market websites. Furthermore, ease of access to information contributes to greater satisfaction and loyalty. This finding is in line with Eltkhtash (2013) and Syaeid (2019) who highlight the importance of ease of access to the site.

Originality/value

The exploratory study analyzes information available on four French stock exchange websites: Boursorama, Zonebourse, Abcbourse and Boursier.com. The study offers a set of knowledge that allows cyber-investors to make effective decisions using financial sources. This helps the consultation of stock exchange websites and enables to target the relevant information which provides a more accurate assessment of the evolution of financial assets. Based on our analysis, it appears that investors are more interested in certain criteria at the expense of other information.
Systematic review of modelling techniques in carbon trading research in construction
Authors: Kukah Augustine Senanu Komla , Jin Xiaohua , Osei-Kyei Robert , Perera Srinath
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Carbon emissions trading is an effective instrument in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. There is a notable scarcity of comprehensive reviews on the modelling techniques within carbon trading research in construction.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews 68 relevant articles published in 19 peer-reviewed journals using systematic search. Scientometric analysis and content analysis are undertaken.

Findings

Generally, China was the largest contributor to carbon trading research using quantitative models (representing 36% of the total articles). From the results, the modelling techniques identified were multi-objective grasshopper optimisation algorithm; system dynamics; interpretive structural modelling; multi-agent-based model; decision-support model; multi-objective chaotic sine cosine algorithm; optimised backpropagation neural network; sequential panel selection method; Granger causality test; and impulse response analysis. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques were identified. System dynamics was recommended as the most suitable modelling technique for carbon trading in construction.

Originality/value

This study is significant, and through this review paper, practitioners can easily be more familiar with the significant modelling techniques, and this will motivate them to better understand their uses.
Compassion-Based Resilience Training (CBRT) to protect and nurture community care providers
Authors: Tosatti Elise , Khamash Lana
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This case study describes pilot implementation of Nalanda Institute’s Compassion-Based Resilience Training (CBRT) with community care providers in New York City (NYC) to protect them from stress and trauma impacts and nurture their capacity to deliver skillful, compassionate care.

Design/methodology/approach

The Academy for Community Behavioral Health in NYC offered CBRT at no cost to a diverse cohort of 28 nonprofit care providers. This virtual eight-week course met weekly for 2 hours over Zoom, with formal and informal meditation practice between sessions. A mixed methods pre/post survey assessed changes in meditation practice, work-related stress and mindfulness and compassion. A final survey invited participant feedback on course experiences and course outcomes.

Findings

This case study suggests that a virtual eight-week CBRT course can be both feasible and effective for community care providers, even in their demanding roles. Most participants who started the course completed it (77%). CBRT helped participants establish a regular meditation practice and led to improvements on indicators of work-related stress, mindfulness and compassion. Participants linked these changes to an increased sense of hopefulness, agency and resilience for navigating stress and trauma in their work. They also found valued peer support in the course.

Originality/value

This case study offers one model for sharing effective but underused contemplative healing tools with care providers who encounter significant stress and trauma. It can inform efforts by funders, organizational leaders, managers, direct care staff and researchers to better protect these critical helpers.
Unexpected good news: the impacts of land decentralization reform on energy development in China
Authors: Sun Tianshi , Wang Mingyue
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of land approval decentralization on energy efficiency and then analyze the mechanisms that land decentralization improves energy efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has been based on the dynamic slack based measure (DSBM) method to measure energy efficiency using input-output data at the city level in China. In the empirical analysis, this paper employed difference in differences (DID), instrumental variable (IV), propensity score matching–difference in differences (PSM–DID) and triple differences (DDD) to examine the research hypotheses.

Findings

Firstly, this paper finds unexpected good news and shows that decentralizing land approvals significantly improves regional energy efficiency. Secondly, this paper explores two mechanisms for this effect, one is the mitigation of land misallocation and the other one is the cleaner allocation of land resources across industries. Thirdly, this paper provides micro-evidence from Chinese listed firms and finds that the decentralization of land approvals similarly improve firms’ energy efficiency.

Originality/value

Existing studies have mainly explored the environmental impacts of land marketization reforms, with limited attention to decentralization of land approval. As a result, the promotion effect of decentralization of land approval on energy efficiency is still unclear, and the mechanism need to be further refined. Based on empirical analysis, this paper not only helps to clarify the relationship between land decentralization reform and energy efficiency, but also explores the mechanisms of transmission.
Staffing rightsizing: analyzing staffing studies to inform potential rightsizing practices
Authors: Baril Kathleen
Published: November 2024

Purpose

A review of the literature on how academic library staffing is adjusted is especially relevant right now, as higher education is anticipating a large decline in college-age students matriculating into colleges and universities beginning in 2025. Academic libraries will be affected by these enrollment drops and will have to carefully consider how to support their institutions with smaller budgets and smaller staff sizes. This review will provide libraries with potential strategies to utilize as they consider how best to serve their users, both with changing demographics and continued changes in technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature on staffing in academic libraries was reviewed from the last 20 years in the context of relevance to rightsizing.

Findings

Findings show that there are studies looking at staffing trends over longer periods of time, analyses of particular areas (i.e. reference desks, technical services, etc.) to determine levels and types of staff needed (librarians, library staff or student workers), financial analyses of staffing, studies on outsourcing and a few studies on the dangers of downsizing.

Research limitations/implications

Since the research is limited to the library literature, the findings could potentially be limited. In addition, not all staffing studies were deemed relevant to the concept of rightsizing, so this study is not all inclusive.

Originality/value

There are many publications on staffing, but the researcher did not find a literature review of staffing studies from a rightsizing perspective.
Exploring social innovation through hybridity: the case of a Norwegian social enterprise
Authors: Hunt Sophie
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the connection between hybridity and social innovation as engendered in a work integration social enterprise (SE).

Design/methodology/approach

The research takes an abductive approach to a single in-depth case study of a Norwegian SE. The analysis is based on semi-structured interviews and is supported by observations via a site visit and document sources.

Findings

This in-depth study uncovers key underlying mechanisms of how hybridity in SE plays roles in enabling and stimulating social innovation. It reveals a two-tier distinction of hybridity as catalyst and facilitator. This has important implications for policies integrating SEs and for public authorities aiming to stimulate social innovation.

Research limitations/implications

The contextual quality of social innovation and the configuration of hybridity are in part borne from the context’s institutional structures and opportunity streams, which could limit the generalisability of the findings.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the under-researched stream of SE studies focusing on social innovation. It makes explicit the connection between SE hybridity and social innovation, thereby advancing insights into their dynamics. In addition, it extends the author’s understanding of social innovation by revealing a catalytic dimension of the concept as engendered by SE. Lastly, the study makes an empirical and regional contribution to the scant SE research in Norway.
AI-driven optimisation of EHR systems implementation in Tanzania’s primary health care
Authors: Mwogosi Augustino
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to overcome the challenges associated with implementing electronic health record (EHR) systems in primary health-care facilities in Tanzania. It aims to assess the technological, organisational and environmental barriers to EHR system implementation and investigate the role of AI in optimising these systems for more effective health-care delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a qualitative approach, using case studies from five regions in Tanzania: Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Morogoro, Singida and Pwani. Data were collected through 26 semi-structured interviews with health-care providers, including medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists and IT personnel. The study applied the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory and the technology-organisation-environment framework to assess the factors affecting EHR implementation and the potential integration of AI to enhance these systems.

Findings

Key challenges include unreliable network connectivity, frequent power outages, insufficient training and complex system usability issues. Despite these challenges, EHR systems have improved patient data accessibility and workflow efficiency. AI presents opportunities to address these challenges, mainly through predictive analytics, AI-driven encryption for data security and personalised training modules. AI integration can enhance system reliability, usability and security, ultimately improving health-care outcomes.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable insights into integrating AI to optimise EHR systems in resource-constrained environments like Tanzania. It addresses a gap in the literature by focusing on how AI can be adapted to low-resource settings and provides a framework for future EHR system implementations in similar contexts. The findings contribute to the global discourse on health-care informatics and the role of AI in improving health-care systems in developing countries.
Marine protection and environmental forcing influence fish‐derived nutrient cycling in kelp forests
Authors: Shrestha June , Peters Joseph R. , Caselle Jennifer E. , Hamilton Scott L.
Published: November 2024

Animal consumers excrete dissolved inorganic nitrogen, an essential nutrient for regulating primary production and macroalgal growth in the ocean. Often overlooked in attempts to explain kelp forest productivity, relatively little is known about the role of consumers in nutrient cycling in temperate systems, such as the magnitude of nutrients excreted and the factors that influence spatial and temporal variability in consumer‐derived nutrients.

To investigate the supply of ammonium (NH4+) excreted by the dominant members of the nearshore rocky reef fish community, we combined empirically‐measured relationships between excretion rate and body mass with data on fish density and size structure from visual SCUBA surveys conducted from 2005 to 2018 in the northern Channel Islands, California, USA.

The fish community excreted a substantial amount of ammonium to the kelp forest (mean: 95.5–131.3 μmol·m−2·h−1), however excretion varied substantially among sites and over time (range: 23.1–247.9 μmol·m−2·h−1). The ammonium supply was influenced by the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) that restricted fishing activities and environmental characteristics that influenced geographic and temporal shifts in the overarching fish community structure. Fish‐derived ammonium excretion rates were 50%–80% greater inside MPAs compared to areas open to fishing, while environmental and habitat characteristics (e.g. habitat vertical relief, kelp biomass, wave exposure, chlorophyll a) explained 85% of the spatial variation in community excretion rates. In contrast, large‐scale oceanographic phenomena (e.g. North Pacific Gyre Oscillation index) and past patterns of fish recruitment explained 57% of the temporal variation in nutrient excretion over the 14‐year time series.

Results suggest that fish‐derived ammonium may provide an important and underappreciated nutrient source to kelp beds, particularly during low‐nutrient periods (e.g. seasonal reductions in upwelling or El Niño‐Southern Oscillation events), and that fishing disrupts these nutrient cycling pathways. Fishes likely play a critical role in supporting the resiliency of kelp forest ecosystems by supplying a relatively constant source of reduced nitrogen that can be utilized by giant kelp and other macroalgae to fuel primary production of biogenic habitat.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Assessment of the impact of quinoa protein modification on silver carp surimi gel quality and its utilization in 3D printing
Authors: Zhao Weiping , Liu Jiaqi , Wang Yue , Xu Qinggang , Han Ge , Prakash Sangeeta , Dong Xiuping
Published: November 2024

This study aims to investigate the effects of different modified quinoa proteins (MQP) on the gel quality of silver carp surimi, as well as to explore their feasibility for three‐dimensional (3D) printing. Five different methods were employed to modify quinoa protein, water bath (WB), microwave (MW), ultrasonic (US), microwave followed by ultrasonic (M‐U), and ultrasonic followed by microwave (U‐M), to prepare compound surimi gels (MQPs). The results showed that the addition of quinoa protein improved the gel quality of surimi, while the MQP had an even better effect on enhancing the gel quality. Among them, QP modified by US exhibited a smoother surface, with an expressible water content of 9.78%, gel strength of 22.26 N·mm, and hardness of 27.59 N. The addition of all MQP reduced the cooking loss of surimi, promoted the formation of bound water, and enhanced the G′ and G″ values of MQPs. The characterization of MQP based on molecular driving force revealed that the addition of MQP enhanced the hydrophobic interactions within the surimi gel. This improvement is attributed to the structural changes in quinoa protein induced by the modification process, where the exposure of a large number of hydrophobic groups to water facilitated the formation of a more uniform network structure among the surimi proteins. Additionally, feasibility research on 3D printing of compound products was conducted, revealing that all MQPs exhibited good support and surface smoothness, making them suitable for applications in the field of food 3D printing.

Practical Application

This study investigated the effects of quinoa protein addition on the physical properties and mechanism of silver carp surimi under different modification methods, as well as the feasibility of 3D printing. The results demonstrated that incorporating modified quinoa protein improved the quality of the surimi gel. This research expands the range of surimi products and provides a theoretical foundation for the development and production of plant protein‐surimi compound products. Additionally, it contributes theoretical insights into the characteristic application of quinoa protein.
Rapid detection of poultry meat quality using S‐band to KU‐band radio‐frequency waves combined with machine learning—A proof of concept
Authors: Siddique Aftab , Gupta Ashish , Sawyer Jason , Garner Laura J. , Morey Amit
Published: November 2024

Rapid changes in consumer preferences for high‐quality animal‐based protein have driven the poultry industry to identify non‐invasive, in‐line processing technologies for rapid detection of muscle meat quality defects. At production plants, technologies like radio‐frequency waves (RF waves) can identify and separate myopathy‐conditioned meat, reducing misclassification errors due to human fatigue and inexperience. Previous studies have shown that advanced diagnostic tools combined with complex data analytics, such as support vector machines (SVMs) and backpropagation neural networks (BPNNs), can classify chicken breast myopathies post‐deboning. This study demonstrates RF wave use for myopathy detection at four processing stages. Using 107 (48‐day old) broilers, RF wave data in amplitude and phase were collected from live birds, pre‐chilled without giblets (WOGs), post‐chilled WOGs, and freshly deboned fillets (3–3.5 h post‐slaughter) and examined by hand‐palpation for woody breast categories (1—normal; 2—moderate; 3—severe). Data preprocessing involved false discovery rate and predictor analysis to identify specific signature frequencies and develop classification models using supervised machine learning (ML) algorithms. Variable clustering analysis identified seven to eight different frequencies at various processing stages. Preprocessed data with identified signature frequencies were used to develop classification models using BPNN and SVM. BPNN demonstrated superior classification accuracy compared to SVM, with accuracy ranges from 90.0% to 96.1% for live birds, 78.9% to 97.1% for pre‐chilled WOGs, 82.1% to 95.9% for post‐chilled WOGs, and 94.2% to 98.2% for deboned fillets. Integrating specific RF range devices or sensors with supervised ML algorithms like SVM and BPNN in poultry processing can effectively detect muscle myopathies at different processing steps during in‐line processing.
Identification of differentially expressed genes and polymorphisms related to intramuscular oleic‐to‐stearic fatty acid ratio in pigs
Authors: Valdés‐Hernández Jesús , Ramayo‐Caldas Yuliaxis , Passols Magí , Criado‐Mesas Lourdes , Castelló Anna , Sánchez Armand , Folch Josep M.
Published: November 2024

The intramuscular oleic‐to‐stearic fatty acid ratio (C18:1n‐9/C18:0) is an important indicator of the biosynthesis and desaturation of fatty acids in muscle. By using an RNA‐Seq approach in muscle samples from 32 BC1_DU (25% Iberian and 75% Duroc) pigs with divergent values (high: H and low: L) of C18:1n‐9/C18:0 fatty acids ratio, a total of 81 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Functional analyses of DEGs indicate that mainly peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor signaling pathway (associated genes: PPARG, SCD, PLIN1, and FABP3) was overrepresented. Notably, SCD is directly involved in the conversion of C18:0 to C18:1n‐9, and PPARG is a transcription factor regulating lipid metabolism genes, including SCD. However, other DEGs (e.g., ACADVL, FADS3, EPHB2, HGFAC, NGFR, NR0B2, MDH1, MMAA, PPP1R1B, SFRP5, RAB30, and TRARG1) are plausible candidate genes to explain the phenotypic differences of the C18:1n‐9/C18:0 ratio. Interestingly, seven genetic variants within the SCD (including the well‐known AY487830:g.2228T>C SNP and other novel genotyped polymorphisms) are associated with two haplotypes. Although the haplotypes are segregating at different frequencies in the H and L groups, they do not fully explain the desaturation ratios or the SCD expression levels. A more complex model, including polyunsaturated fatty acids such as C18:2n‐6, C20:4n‐6, and C18:3n‐3, is suggested to explain the regulation of the C18:1n‐9/C18:0 desaturation ratio in porcine muscle.
Efficacy of high‐flow nasal oxygenation during induction of general anaesthesia in parturients living with obesity: a two‐centre, prospective, randomised clinical trial
Authors: Zhou Shuang‐Qiong , Lian Jian‐Feng , Zhou Yao , Cao Xiu‐Hong , Ni Xiu , Zhang Xiao‐Peng , Xu Zhen‐Dong , Xiao Quan‐Sheng , Liu Zhi‐Qiang
Published: November 2024

Introduction

High‐flow nasal oxygenation has been shown to improve oxygenation during induction of anaesthesia in parturients who are not obese. However, data on the efficacy of high‐flow nasal oxygen in parturients living with obesity are lacking. This study investigated the effects of high‐flow nasal oxygenation on pre‐oxygenation and apnoea oxygenation during tracheal intubation in parturients living with obesity.

Methods

This prospective, randomised clinical trial was conducted at two tertiary hospitals and included parturients with BMI > 30 kg.m‐2 undergoing scheduled caesarean delivery under general anaesthesia. Parturients were allocated randomly to standard facemask or high‐flow nasal oxygen groups (oxygen flow rates 10 l.min‐1 and 50 l.min‐1, respectively). The primary outcome measure was arterial partial pressure of oxygen after 3 min of pre‐oxygenation.

Results

54 patients completed the study. The arterial partial pressure of oxygen after 3 min of pre‐oxygenation was significantly lower in parturients allocated to the standard facemask group compared with those allocated to the high‐flow nasal oxygen group (mean (SD) 40.1 (8.9) kPa vs. 53.8 (9.7) kPa, p < 0.001). End‐tidal oxygen concentration on commencing ventilation was also lower in parturients allocated to the standard facemask group compared with those allocated to the high flow‐nasal oxygen group (mean (SD) 78.3 (5.38)% vs. 86.2 (5.10)%, p < 0.001). The arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide post tracheal intubation and fetal outcomes were similar in both groups.

Discussion

Pre‐oxygenation using high‐flow nasal oxygenation provided a higher arterial partial pressure of oxygen and end‐tidal oxygen concentration during general anaesthesia induction than standard facemask oxygenation in parturients living with obesity; however, the differences were not clinically meaningful. High‐flow nasal oxygenation may be considered as an alternative option for pre‐oxygenation during rapid sequence induction in parturients living with obesity.
Validation of minimally invasive articular cartilage sparing technique for olecranon osteotomy
Authors: McClelland Damian , Blackwell John R , Dover Caroline , Grocott Natalie , Ogrodnik Peter J , Mataliotakis George I , Kim Edward
Published: November 2024

Background

The authors present a cadaveric validation of a minimally invasive articular cartilage preserving olecranon osteotomy technique for use in the operative management of distal humeral fractures.

Methods

Twenty‐four elbows in six male and six female formaldehyde embalmed cadavers were dissected. With the cadaver placed in a lateral decubitus position, a posterior sub‐periosteal dissection was performed to the medial and lateral aspects of the olecranon at the level of the joint and Mini Hohmann retractors were inserted into each side of the ulnohumeral joint. The medial (M) and the lateral (L) points where the retractors touch the articular surface were marked with a fine marker pen (Crown point) and a line drawn between the two points. The midpoint formed the apex of the chevron osteotomy. An osteotomy was performed and analysis of the osteotomy relative to the ulnar bare area (UBA) was undertaken.

Results

The distal boundary of the UBA can be reliably found at a distance of 4.8 ± 0.4 mm (females) and 5.4 ± 0.8 mm (males) distal to the Crown point using this technique.

Conclusion

Identifying the Crown of the olecranon articular surface is a reliable and accurate technique which identifies the ulnar bare area reproducibly for the safe performance of a cartilage sparing, and minimally invasive, olecranon osteotomy for the surgical management of distal humeral fractures.
Bayesian Persuasion With Complementary Information
Authors: Xu Shuo
Published: November 2024

A decision maker chooses between the status quo and an alternative action under uncertainty. The uncertainty is two‐dimensional, and its realization in each dimension is independent. For each dimension, there is an expert who provides information only on that dimension. Both experts strictly prefer the alternative action and simultaneously provide information to the decision maker. We compare the experts' highest equilibrium payoff in this game with the payoff in an auxiliary game where they collude and can choose any information structure. We show that the experts strictly gain from collusion if and only if one of the experts can unilaterally persuade the decision maker to take the alternative action with positive probability.
Uncovering the Paradox of Affordable Innovation: The Divergent Effect of Innovativeness on Managers' Attitudes Toward Affordable Innovation
Authors: Gurtner Nadine , Gurtner Sebastian , Schaarschmidt Mario
Published: November 2024

Affordable innovation refers to new products and services that target customers with a low willingness or ability to pay. Although they can provide significant economic and societal benefits, managers often prefer premium innovations to affordable innovations. To understand the factors that lead managers to reject affordable innovations, we hypothesize several antecedents at the individual, firm, and product levels to the individual affordable innovation rejection attitude. We conduct a cross‐national study and test a structural equation model with 319 participants from Germany, the United States, and South Africa. The results show that individual innovativeness plays a central but contradictory role in managers' attitudes toward affordable innovation. While general innovativeness leads to positive attitudes toward affordable innovation, technological innovativeness drives rejection of affordable innovation. Individual perceptions of firm‐level and product‐level factors are also important. Individuals' rejection of affordable innovation in managerial contexts in turn leads to lower investment in affordable innovation projects. We corroborate and enrich these findings also in a qualitative follow‐up study. With this research, we contribute to the literature on innovation management by explaining the conditions under which managers reject affordable innovations.
PD‐1 blockade treatment in melanoma: Mechanism of response and tumor‐intrinsic resistance
Authors: Wang Tong , Ma Wenjie , Zou Zijian , Zhong Jingqin , Lin Xinyi , Liu Wanlin , Sun Wei , Hu Tu , Xu Yu , Chen Yong
Published: November 2024

Malignant melanoma is characterized by high immunogenicity, genetic heterogeneity, and diverse pathological manifestations, affecting both skin and mucosa over the body. Pembrolizumab and nivolumab, both anti‐PD‐1 monoclonal antibodies, were approved by the US FDA for unresectable or metastatic melanoma in 2011 and 2014, respectively, with enduring and transformative outcomes. Despite marked clinical achievements, only a subset of patients manifested a complete response. Approximately 55% of melanoma patients exhibited primary resistance to PD‐1 antibodies, with nearly 25% developing secondary resistance within 2 years of treatment. Thus, there is a critical need to comprehensively elucidate the mechanisms underlying the efficacy and resistance to PD‐1 blockade. This review discusses the fundamental mechanisms of PD‐1 blockade, encompassing insights from T cells and B cells, and presents resistance to anti‐PD‐1 with a particular focus on tumoral‐intrinsic mechanisms in melanoma.