bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The evolving CAT model and its current core features
Authors: Kerr Ian B. , Beard Hilary
Published: March 2024

The current cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) model represents the outcome of a process of evolution up to its initial articulation several decades ago and ongoing over the years since. Created by Anthony Ryle through his remarkable, creative, and humanistic efforts to integrate the valid and effective elements of then prevalent models, notably psychoanalysis and early cognitive psychology, it also represented a socially responsible effort to offer ‘good enough’ treatments to the many people in the population with mental health problems. This integrative impulse has been maintained, increasingly assisted by others, along with an increasing diversity in its applications. Notable developments include insights from Vygotskian activity theory and Bakhtinian notions of a dialogic self, introduced by Mikael Leiman, and insights from infant psychology, stressing the actively intersubjective, relational, meaning-making, and fundamentally social character of human psychology and of the ‘Self’. Further evolving applications include use as an individual therapy for a widening range of presentations, to inform group, team, and systemic work, including generic supervision and reflective practice, and beyond into overtly socio-political debate. Ryle, whose own theoretical views had evolved considerably over the years, certainly welcomed these various developments seeing them as necessary to the vitality and validity of the model. CAT practitioners will need to continue in future to respond ‘integratively’ to emerging evidence from a range of disciplines, including understandings of the ‘equivalence paradox’ in relation to treatment outcomes. We will aim here to review this evolution of CAT, its current core features, and some of their implications.
CAT within adult mental health inpatient settings
Authors: Cavieres Marisol , Tan Ranil
Published: March 2024

Cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) can be used to both understand the inpatient context as well as inform direct work with service users. In particular, the multiple self states model (MSSM) can provide a framework for supporting an ‘observing eye/I’ within inpatient units. At each level, there is scope to consider how the inpatient context (including responses of the staff team, the inpatient environment and wider systemic/organizational factors) may be reinforcing problematic procedures, fragmentation, and reducing or inhibiting reflective practice. This chapter describes how CAT has been adapted within two different inpatient settings; as a brief individual intervention within an acute inpatient unit, and within a specialist inpatient setting where CAT was used as an overarching clinical model. A framework with suggested guidelines for this work is offered. Whilst data from service evaluation presented lends support for this way of working, there is a clear need to develop the evidence base in this area.
Embodiment as a relational resource in CAT when working with developmental trauma
Authors: Sheard Tim
Published: March 2024

The focus in this chapter is on the inclusion of cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) therapists’ own embodiment as a potentially crucial relational resource when working with developmental trauma. This approach may support and enhance relational engagement and integration through enabling CAT therapists to feel more relationally resourced, safe, contained, and regulated, offer a robust and resilient relational presence for clients to engage with that is boundaried, empathic and attuned, reduce the burdening, exhaustion and physical symptoms associated with this work (a largely unrecognized form of collusive reciprocation), and enhance awareness of reciprocal roles within sessions. Embodiment for therapists may mediate more direct engagement self to self, live in session with clients and so strengthen the opening and holding of therapeutic space. It is argued that embodiment can mediate relational integration in a way that both supports and is complementary to the use in CAT of mediating ‘tools’, joint reflection, and the observing eye.
Developing relational reflective practice for individuals and teams
Authors: Jones Lindsay , Annesley Phyllis
Published: March 2024

In this chapter the authors describe the 4Ps model, a tool for reflective practice drawing on cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) concepts. This model was developed to provide an accessible framework to enable mental health practitioners and teams to understand and reflect on their therapeutic relationships with service users. This supports staff in responding effectively and compassionately, reducing the likelihood of reactive responses that can re-enact traumatic experiences. The authors start by describing the rationale for why relationally informed reflective practice is important, including a brief review of current models of reflective practice. The authors then go on to describe the 4Ps model and illustrate how it can be used to support personal reflection and group reflective practice. The authors also discuss how the 4Ps can be used ‘in the moment’ when faced with challenging interpersonal situations. An anonymized case study is presented. The authors briefly explore the barriers to reflective practice and provide suggestions of how these might be overcome. Finally, the authors make some recommendations for further development of the 4Ps model.
Future developments and challenges for the current CAT model
Authors: Kerr Ian B. , Beard Hilary
Published: March 2024

Cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) represents a mature model of mental distress and ‘disorder’, with a wide range of therapeutic and other applications. However, articulating any fully comprehensive and coherent model will continue to be extremely problematic given the epistemologically diverse, constituent domains of mental distress and disorder. This implies the need to integrate emerging evidence from a range of sources, from genetics through to developmental, social, and cross-cultural psychology and psychiatry, political economy, and studies of process and outcome in clinical research. Much of this evidence, including what exactly constitutes mental distress and disorder, or key change processes, is still poorly conceptualized and/or contentious. It also raises questions about effective ‘treatments’ or ‘interventions’, about research, about what constitutes an ‘evidence base’, about therapy trainings, and about assessments of ‘competence’ or ‘adherence’. CAT practitioners will need to keep integrating, like Tony Ryle, and aspire, the authors argue, to transcend ‘brand name’ or ‘panacea’-type models of therapy and move towards ‘effective psychotherapy’. The authors argue also that the current CAT framework, with its predominantly relational focus and (genuinely) collaborative ‘whole person, whole context’ approach, offers a good, reasonably comprehensive, and scientific basis for further integration, including of emerging understandings of the ‘equivalence paradox’ for treatment outcomes. However, many challenges prevail in addressing mental distress and disorder, not all purely scientific. Partisan and vested interests, sometimes overtly commercial, as well as socio-political context, play important roles. An important role, in turn, for CAT and its practitioners may be to attempt to influence psychologically toxic socio-political systems.
Succession in Authoritarian Regimes
Authors: Kokkonen Andrej , Møller Jørgen , Sundell Anders
Published: March 2024

This chapter focuses on the politics of succession in authoritarian regimes. Historically, succession wars regularly rattled monarchies, where power was gathered in the hands of one person, and many authoritarian regimes today are also destabilized during moments of leadership succession. This is due to the perennial problem of authoritarian succession. First, the chapter discusses why the transfer of power is so problematic in an authoritarian context and highlights the trade-offs autocrats face when trying to address the problem. Second, it addresses how authoritarian regimes have tried to balance these trade-offs throughout history and shows how these regimes can be categorized according to their mode of succession. Third, it considers how leadership successions and succession arrangements affect political stability, including coups and civil war. One area where democracies outshine their authoritarian counterparts is thus in their generally peaceful management of succession to high office over extended periods of time. The chapter ends by identifying promising venues for future research on authoritarian succession.
Acetylation of transcription factor BpTCP20 by acetyltransferase BpPDCE23 modulates salt tolerance in birch
Authors: Liu Zhujun , Shi Xinxin , Wang Zhibo , Qu Ming , Gao Caiqiu , Wang Chao , Wang Yucheng
Published: March 2024

Teosinte branched 1/Cycloidea/Proliferating cell factor (TCP) transcription factors function in abiotic stress responses. However, how TCPs confer salt tolerance is unclear. Here, we characterized a TCP transcription factor, BpTCP20, that responds to salt stress in birch (Betula platyphylla Suk). Plants overexpressing BpTCP20 displayed increased salt tolerance, and Bptcp20 knockout mutants displayed reduced salt tolerance relative to the wild-type (WT) birch. BpTCP20 conferred salt tolerance by mediating stomatal closure and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing showed that BpTCP20 binds to NeuroD1, T-box, and two unknown elements (termed TBS1 and TBS2) to regulate target genes. In birch, salt stress led to acetylation of BpTCP20 acetylation at lysine 259. A mutated BpTCP20 variant (abolished for acetylation, termed BpTCP20259) was overexpressed in birch, which led to decreased salt tolerance compared with plants overexpressing BpTCP20. However, BpTCP20259-overexpressing plants still displayed increased salt tolerance relative to untransformed WT plants. BpTCP20259 showed reduced binding to the promoters of target genes and decreased target gene activation, leading to decreased salt tolerance. In addition, we identified dihydrolipoyllysine-residue acetyltransferase component of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (BpPDCE23), an acetyltransferase that interacts with and acetylates BpTCP20 to enhance its binding to DNA motifs. Together, these results suggest that BpTCP20 is a transcriptional regulator of salt tolerance, whose activity is modulated by BpPDCE23-mediated acetylation.
Indications for Nonbiological Reconstruction of Posttraumatic Bone Defects About the Knee
Authors: Tetsworth Kevin D. , Welyczko Zhenya H. , Quinnan Stephen M.
Published: March 2024

3D printing and modeling has continued to grow in popularity over the past decade because the technology has matured and become more affordable and widely available. The main indications for nonbiological reconstruction of large bone defects are principally those patients where the candidate is unlikely to be successful if reconstructed by other means. Bespoke, custom, patient-specific implants can be designed to very effectively address bone loss, incorporating design elements that are particular to the needs of any given unique clinical condition. These implants are generally designed as titanium scaffolds that encourage bony incorporation at the host implant junction both proximal and distal. These scaffolds are typically considered a cellular solid, with high porosity that also promotes bone ingrowth directly into the substance of the body of the implant. Titanium scaffolds of this type have become a useful treatment alternative for large segmental bone defects around the knee, especially distal femoral defects. These are often adult patients with local or systemic compromise, or instead they may be too young to be considered candidates for reconstruction using a megaprosthesis. The process requires careful evaluation of individual patients, then matching that patient with the best treatment option, while recognizing the expectations and demands specific to that particular patient. Several cases are presented here to illustrate the variety of indications that can be successfully addressed with this technology, highlighting the quality of the clinical outcome that can be achieved despite the complexity of the pathology encountered.
The influence of pain and kinesiophobia on motor control of the upper limb: how pointing task paradigms can point to new avenues of understanding
Authors: Duport Arnaud , Morel Pierre , Léonard Guillaume , Devanne Hervé
Published: March 2024

People experiencing kinesiophobia are more likely to develop persistent disabilities and chronic pain. However, the impact of kinesiophobia on the motor system remains poorly understood. We investigated whether kinesiophobia could modulate shoulder pain–induced changes in (1) kinematic parameters and muscle activation during functional movement and (2) corticospinal excitability. Thirty healthy, pain-free subjects took part in the study. Shoulder, elbow, and finger kinematics, as well as electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius and anterior deltoid muscles, were recorded while subjects performed a pointing task before and during pain induced by capsaicin at the shoulder. Anterior deltoid cortical changes in excitability were assessed through the slope of transcranial magnetic stimulation input–output curves obtained before and during pain. Results revealed that pain reduced shoulder electromyographic activity and had a variable effect on finger kinematics, with individuals with higher kinesiophobia showing greater reduction in finger target traveled distance. Kinesiophobia scores were also correlated with the changes in deltoid corticospinal excitability, suggesting that the latter can influence motor activity as soon as the motor signal emerges. Taken together, these results suggest that pain and kinesiophobia interact with motor control adaptation.
Virtual Reality Simulation in a Health Assessment Laboratory Course
Authors: Vihos Jill , Chute Andrea , Carlson Sue , Shah Mamta , Buro Karen , Velupillai Nirudika
Published: March 2024

Background:

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to examine the relationship between virtual reality simulation (VRS) and student satisfaction and self-confidence in a health assessment laboratory course.

Methods:

Second-year students (n = 37) completed a postoperative respiratory distress scenario using Elsevier’s Simulation Learning System with Virtual Reality. All participants completed the Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale; a subset participated in 1:1 semistructured interviews.

Results:

Satisfaction and self-confidence scores were strongly correlated. VRS experiences of fidelity, communication confidence and competence, learning with peers, integrated learning and critical thinking, and a safe space to learn were related to students’ satisfaction and self-confidence.

Conclusions:

VRS experiences are correlated with high student satisfaction and self-confidence.
Molecularly Defined Thoracic Neoplasms
Authors: Roden Anja C.
Published: March 2024

Molecularly defined neoplasms are increasingly recognized, given the broader application and performance of molecular studies. These studies allow us to better characterize these neoplasms and learn about their pathogenesis. In the thorax, molecularly defined neoplasms include tumors such as NUT carcinoma, SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor (DUT), primary pulmonary myxoid sarcoma with EWSR1::CREB1 fusion, hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma, and SMARCB1-deficient neoplasms. Overall, these tumors are rare but are now more often recognized given more widely available immunostains such as NUT (NUT carcinoma), BRG1 (SMARCA4-DUT), and INI-1 (SMARCB1-deficient neoplasm). Furthermore, cytogenetic studies for EWSR1 to support a hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma or primary pulmonary myxoid sarcoma are, in general, easily accessible. This enables pathologists to recognize and diagnose these tumors. The diagnosis of these tumors is important for clinical management and treatment. For instance, clinical trials are available for patients with NUT carcinoma, SMARCA4-DUT, and SMACRB1-deficient neoplasms. Herein, our current knowledge of clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular features of NUT carcinomas, SMARCA4-DUT, primary pulmonary myxoid sarcomas, hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma, and SMARCB1-deficient neoplasms will be reviewed.
Genetic factors of reproductive disorders in female
Authors: Mordovina Inna I. , Chebanu Alina K. , Donnikov Maksim Y. , Sinyukova Tatiana A. , Kovalenko Lyudmila V. , Belotserkovtseva Larisa D.
Published: March 2024

Successful reproduction in mammals requires gamete development, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Defects in any of these processes can lead to infertility, recurrent miscarriages, and congenital defects. The clinical recognition of the genetic causes of female reproductive insufficiency using increasingly advanced genetic technologies poses a serious challenge for reproductive medicine in the 21 st century. Herein, current literature on genetic factors involved in reproductive losses was summarized. A literature search was conducted using Web of Science, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases for articles written in English on the genetic causes of women’s reproductive health disorders. Future implementation of whole-exome and -genome sequencing is expected to identify numerous genetic factors responsible for oocyte quality. Which will aid in increasing the likelihood of successful female reproductive function, improve the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies, optimize treatment, and facilitate genetic diagnosis of patients.
A Retrospective Analysis of 10-year Experience on Branched and Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Arch Repair
Authors: Rohlffs Fiona , Nana Petroula , Panuccio Giuseppe , Torrealba Jose I. , Tsilimparis Nikolaos , Rybczynski Meike , Detter Christian , Kölbel Tilo
Published: March 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to present the early and mid-term outcomes of fenestrated/branched thoracic endovascular aortic repair (f/bTEVAR) for aortic arch pathologies.

Background:

f/bTEVAR represents a less invasive treatment option for aortic arch diseases. Previous published series showed decreased early mortality and morbidity compared to open repair.

Methods:

A single-center retrospective analysis of consecutive patients, managed with f/bTEVAR (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA) between 01.09.11and 30.06.22 was conducted. Primary outcomes were technical success, 30-day mortality and stroke. Data during follow-up and factors affecting early mortality and stroke were analyzed.

Results:

209 patients were included (38.3% females; mean age 69.8±3.4years; mean aortic diameter 61±4.7 mm); 14.4% were managed urgently. Fenestrations/scallop configuration was used in 39.7%, branched devices in 55.5% and branch/scallop combination in 4.8%. Landing to zone 0 was performed in 65.5% and in zone 1 in 32.1%. Non-native aortas were used for landing in 39.2%. Technical success was 97.1% and 30-day mortality 9.5%. Strokes were identified in 10%; 5.7% major. Non-native proximal aortic landing zone was an independent protective factor for stroke (P=0.002). Post-operative stroke (P<0.001) and pericardial effusion (P<0.001) were independently related to 30-day mortality. The mean follow-up was 21±8 months. The estimated survival and freedom from reintervention rates were 79.5% (standard error; SE3.1%) and 47.1% (SE 4.3%) at 24months, respectively.

Conclusions:

f/bTEVAR presented high technical success and acceptable 30-day mortality. Non-native proximal landing zone was related to lower stroke rate. Half of patients needed a reintervention within the 24-month follow-up.
The Increasing Burden of Emergency Department and Inpatient Consultations for “Papilledema”
Authors: Ray Hetal J. , Okrent Smolar Avital Lily , Dattilo Michael , Bouthour Walid , Berman Gabriele , Peragallo Jason H. , Kedar Sachin , Pendley Andrew M. , Greene James G. , Keadey Matthew T. , Wright David W. , Bruce Beau B. , Newman Nancy J. , Biousse Valérie
Published: March 2024

Background:

Increasing incidence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), overreported radiologic signs of intracranial hypertension, difficult access to outpatient neuro-ophthalmology services, poor insurance coverage, and medicolegal concerns have lowered the threshold for emergency department (ED) visits for “papilledema.” Our objective was to examine referral patterns and outcomes of neuro-ophthalmology ED and inpatient consultations for concern for papilledema.

Methods:

At one university-based quaternary care center, all adults referred for “papilledema” over one year underwent a standardized ED “papilledema protocol.” We collected patient demographics, final diagnoses, and referral patterns.

Results:

Over 1 year, 153 consecutive patients were referred for concern for papilledema. After papilledema protocol, 89 of 153 patients (58%) had bilateral optic disc edema, among whom 89% (79/89) had papilledema (intracranial hypertension). Of the 38 of 153 (25%) consultations for suspected disorder of intracranial pressure without previous fundus examination (Group 1), 74% (28/38) did not have optic disc edema, 21% (8/38) had papilledema, and 5% (2/38) had other causes of bilateral disc edema. Of the 89 of 153 (58%) consultations for presumed papilledema seen on fundus examination (Group 2), 58% (66/89) had confirmed papilledema, 17% (15/89) had pseudopapilledema, and 9% (8/89) had other causes of bilateral optic disc edema. Of the 26 of 153 (17%) patients with known IIH (Group 3), 5 had papilledema and 4 required urgent intervention. The most common diagnosis was IIH (58/79). Compared with IIH, patients with secondary causes of intracranial hypertension were older (P = 0.002), men (P < 0.001), not obese (P < 0.001), and more likely to have neurologic symptoms (P = 0.002).

Conclusions:

Inpatient and ED consultations for “papilledema” are increasing. Of the 153 ED and inpatient neuro-ophthalmology consultations seen for “papilledema” over 1 year, one-third of patients with optic disc edema of unknown cause before presentation to our ED had new vision- or life-threatening disease, supporting the need for prompt identification and evaluation of optic disc edema in the ED. In the face of limited access to neuro-ophthalmologists, this study supports the need for emergency department access to expert eye-care evaluation or ocular fundus camera for prompt identification of optic disc edema and standardized evaluation for neurologic emergencies.
Interdependence of trabecular microarchitectural parameters from micro-computed tomography
Authors: Neeteson Nathan J. , Bugbird Annabel R. , Burt Lauren A. , Boyd Steven K.
Published: March 2024

Standard microarchitectural analysis of bone using micro-computed tomography produces a large number of parameters that quantify the structure of the trabecular network. Analyses that perform statistical tests on many parameters are at elevated risk of making Type I errors. However, when multiple testing correction procedures are applied, the risk of Type II errors is elevated if the parameters being tested are strongly correlated. In this article, we argue that four commonly used trabecular microarchitectural parameters (thickness, separation, number, and bone volume fraction) are interdependent and describe only two independent properties of the trabecular network. We first derive theoretical relationships between the parameters based on their geometric definitions. Then, we analyze these relationships with an aggregatedin vivodataset with 2987 images from 1434 participants and a synthetically generated dataset with 144 images using principal component analysis (PCA) and linear regression analysis. With PCA, when trabecular thickness, separation, number, and bone volume fraction are combined, we find that 92% to 97% of the total variance in the data is explained by the first two principal components. With linear regressions, we find high coefficients of determination (0.827 – 0.994) and fitted coefficients within expected ranges. These findings suggest that to maximize statistical power in future studies, only two of trabecular thickness, separation, number and bone volume fraction should be used for statistical testing.
Exploring the Relationship Between Smoking and Poor Sleep Quality: A Cross-Sectional Study Using NHANES
Authors: Sun Haoxiong
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Although some previous research has reported the relationship between smoking and sleep disorders, there is a lack of studies with large sample sizes and determining the potential dose-response relationship.

Methods

This study used data from 30,269 participants from the NHANES database (2007-2020). Logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between smoking and sleep outcomes, including insufficient sleep duration, sleep problems, snoring, and snorting or stop breathing during sleep. Dose-response relationships were explored using restricted cubic splines.

Results

Light-to-moderate and heavy smokers had significantly higher odds of experiencing sleep disorders compared to non-smokers. The odds ratios for Light-to-moderate and heavy smokers are 1.341 and 2.101 for insufficient sleep duration, 1.493 and 2.142 for sleep problems, 1.444 and 2.003 for snoring, and 1.439 and 1.720 for snorting or stop breathing during sleep, respectively. Dose-response analyses revealed that the odds of these sleep outcomes increased with higher smoking frequency.

Conclusion

Smoking can lead to increased odds of sleep disorders, and the more an individual smokes, the higher the odds of experiencing sleep disorders.
Phase Contrast Tomography (PCT)
Authors: Ma Ying , Feng Wenjing , Lei Yunze , Ma Lin , Zheng Juanjuan , An Sha , Liu Min , Gao Peng
Published: March 2024

Phase contrast microscopy has been employed for 2D imaging of thin samples since its invention. Herein, we propose and demonstrate phase contrast tomography (PCT) that incorporates the scanning of LED illumination with quantitative phase contrast microscopy (QPCM) to realize 3D phase imaging of a sample. The proposed PCT is demonstrated 3D imaging of 200-nm polystyrene microspheres (PMs) and sub-organelles inside COS7 cells. The results reveal that the proposed PCT has high spatial resolution and stability without speckle noise, and thence, it has a great potential to be applied to industrial testing and life science research.
ΔNp63-restricted viral mimicry response impedes cancer cell viability and remodels tumor microenvironment in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yu Valen Zhuoyou , So Shan Shan , Lung Bryan Chee-chad , Hou George Zhaozheng , Wong Carissa Wing-yan , Chow Larry Ka-yue , Chung Michael King-yung , Wong Ian Yu-hong , Wong Claudia Lai-yin , Chan Desmond Kwan-kit , Chan Fion Siu-yin , Law Betty Tsz-ting , Xu Kaiyan , Tan Zack Zhen , Lam Ka-on , Lo Anthony Wing-ip , Lam Alfred King-yin , Kwong Dora Lai-wan , Ko Josephine Mun-yee , Dai Wei , Law Simon , Lung Maria Li
Published: March 2024

Tumor protein p63 isoform ΔNp63 plays roles in the squamous epithelium and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), including esophageal SCC (ESCC). By integrating data from cell lines and our latest patient-derived organoid cultures, derived xenograft models, and clinical sample transcriptomic analyses, we identified a novel and robust oncogenic role of ΔNp63 in ESCC. We showed that ΔNp63 maintains the repression of cancer cell endogenous retrotransposon expression and cellular double-stranded RNA sensing. These subsequently lead to a restricted cancer cell viral mimicry response and suppressed induction of tumor-suppressive type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling through the regulations of Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, Interferon regulatory factor 1, and cGAS-STING pathway. The cancer cell ΔNp63-IFN-I signaling axis affects both the cancer cell and tumor-infiltrating immune cell (TIIC) compartments. In cancer cells, depletion of ΔNp63 resulted in reduced cell viability. ΔNp63 expression is negatively associated with the anticancer responses to viral mimicry booster treatments targeting cancer cells. In the tumor microenvironment, cancer cellTP63expression negatively correlates with multiple TIIC signatures in ESCC clinical samples. ΔNp63 depletion leads to increased cancer cell antigen presentation molecule expression and enhanced recruitment and reprogramming of tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells. Similar IFN-I signaling and TIIC signature association with ΔNp63 were also observed in lung SCC. These results support the potential application of ΔNp63 as a therapeutic target and a biomarker to guide candidate anticancer treatments exploring viral mimicry responses.
A widespread family of ribosomal peptide metallophores involved in bacterial adaptation to metal stress
Authors: Leprevost Laura , Jünger Sophie , Lippens Guy , Guillaume Céline , Sicoli Giuseppe , Oliveira Lydie , Rivera-Millot Alex , Billon Gabriel , Henry Céline , Antoine Rudy , Zirah Séverine , Dubiley Svetlana , Li Yanyan , Jacob-Dubuisson Françoise
Published: March 2024

Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are a structurally diverse group of natural products that bacteria employ in their survival strategies. Herein, we characterized the structure, the biosynthetic pathway and the mode of action of a new RiPP family called bufferins. With thousands of homologous biosynthetic gene clusters throughout the eubacterial phylogenetic tree, bufferins form by far the largest family of RiPPs modified by multinuclear non-heme iron-dependent oxidases (MNIO, DUF692 family). UsingCaulobacter vibrioidesbufferins as a model, we showed that the conserved Cys residues of their precursors are transformed into 5-thiooxazoles, further expanding the reaction range of MNIO enzymes. This rare modification is installed in conjunction with a partner protein of the DUF2063 family. Bufferin precursors are the first examples of bacterial RiPPs found to feature an N-terminal Sec signal peptide and thus to be exported by the ubiquitous Sec pathway, a new paradigm in the RiPP field. Other original features of bufferins are their large size and protein-like fold, which blurs the line between modified peptides and proteins. We reveal that bufferins are involved in copper homeostasis, and their metal-binding propensity requires the thiooxazole heterocycles. Bufferins enhance bacterial growth under copper stress by sequestering excess metal ions in the periplasm. Our study thus describes a large family of RiPP metallophores and unveils a widespread but overlooked metal homeostasis mechanism in eubacteria likely to be relevant to One-Health strategies.

Significance statement

Copper is both essential and toxic in excess. Bacteria face copper in their environments, notably in phagocytes, hence they have developed several defense mechanisms. We discovered a widespread strategy of protection from copper, through the biosynthesis of natural products that we call bufferins. Bufferins areribosomally synthesizedpost-translationally modifiedpeptides (RiPPs), natural products with key roles in bacterial physiology and ecology. Bufferins enhance bacterial growth under copper stress by complexing with the metal using thiooxazole heterocycles that result from enzymatic modification of cysteine residues. With thousands of homologs throughout the eubacterial phylogenetic tree, bufferins represent a highly prevalent strategy of adaptation to metal stress. They are larger in size than most RiPPs, expanding the concept of RiPPs to modified proteins.
First attempt of directionality reconstruction for atmospheric neutrinos in a large homogeneous liquid scintillator detector
Authors: Yang Zekun , Liu Jiaxi , Duyang Hongyue , Guo Wanlei , He Xinhai , Hu Yuxiang , Li Teng , Liu Zhen , Luo Wuming , Luo Xiaojie , Ma Wing Yan , Tan Xiaohan , Zeng Fanrui , Zhang Yongpeng
Published: March 2024

The directionality information of incoming neutrinos is essential to atmospheric neutrino oscillation analysis since it is directly related to the oscillation baseline length. Large homogeneous liquid scintillator detectors, while offering excellent energy resolution, are traditionally very limited in their capabilities of measuring event directionality. In this paper, we present a novel directionality reconstruction method for atmospheric neutrino events in large homogeneous liquid scintillator detectors based on waveform analysis and machine learning techniques. We demonstrate for the first time that such detectors can achieve good direction resolution and potentially play an important role in future atmospheric neutrino oscillation measurements.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Transversity PDFs of the proton from lattice QCD with physical quark masses
Authors: Gao Xiang , Hanlon Andrew D. , Mukherjee Swagato , Petreczky Peter , Shi Qi , Syritsyn Sergey , Zhao Yong
Published: March 2024

We present a lattice QCD calculation of the transversity isovector- and isoscalar-quark parton distribution functions (PDFs) of the proton utilizing a perturbative matching at next-to-leading-order (NLO) accuracy. Additionally, we determine the isovector and isoscalar tensor charges for the proton. In both calculations, the disconnected contributions to the isoscalar matrix elements have been ignored. The calculations are performed using a single ensemble of Nf=2+1 highly improved staggered quarks simulated with physical-mass quarks and a lattice spacing of a=0.076  fm. The Wilson-clover action, with physical quark masses and smeared gauge links obtained from one iteration of hypercubic smearing, is used in the valence sector. Using the NLO operator product expansion, we extract the lowest four to six Mellin moments and the PDFs via a neural network from the matrix elements in the pseudo-PDF approach. In addition, we calculate the PDFs in the quasi-PDF approach with hybrid-scheme renormalization and the recently developed leading-renormalon resummation technique, at NLO with the resummation of leading small-x logarithms.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Leptonic ALP portal to the dark sector
Authors: Armando Giovanni , Panci Paolo , Weiss Joachim , Ziegler Robert
Published: March 2024

We discuss the leptonic axionlike particle (ALP) portal as a simple scenario that connects observed discrepancies in anomalous magnetic moments to the dark matter relic abundance. In this framework an axionlike particle in the multi-MeV range couples to SM leptons and a dark matter (DM) fermion, with mass above the ALP mass but below 1 GeV. The ALP contributes to (g−2)μ and (g−2)e dominantly through two-loop Barr-Zee diagrams, while the DM abundance is generated by p-wave annihilation to ALP pairs. Constraints from beam-dump experiments, colliders, and cosmic microwave background probes are very stringent, and restrict the viable parameter space to a rather narrow region that will be tested in the near future.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Traversable wormholes via a double trace deformation involving
U(1)
conserved current operators
Authors: Ahn Byoungjoon , Jahnke Viktor , Bak Sang-Eon , Kim Keun-Young
Published: March 2024

We study the effects of conservation laws on wormholes that are made traversable by a double trace deformation. After coupling the two asymptotic boundaries of a maximally extended (d+1)-dimensional black brane geometry with U(1) conserved current operators, we find that the quantum matter stress-energy tensor of the corresponding bulk gauge fields in the hydrodynamic limit violates the averaged null energy condition, rendering the wormhole traversable. Applying our results to axionic two-sided black hole solutions, we discuss how the wormhole opening depends on the charge diffusion constant, how this affects the amount of information that can be sent through the wormhole, and possible implications for many-body quantum teleportation protocols involving conserved current operators.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Effect of hot air inclined jet impingement to container for controlling of energy storage of PCM: experimental and numerical investigation
Authors: Oztop Hakan F. , Kiyak Burak , Aksoy Ishak Gökhan
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to focus on understanding how different jet angles and Reynolds numbers influence the phase change materials’ (PCMs) melting process and their capacity to store energy. This approach is intended to offer novel insights into enhancing thermal energy storage systems, particularly for applications where heat transfer efficiency and energy storage are critical.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved an experimental and numerical analysis of PCM with a melting temperature range of 22 °C–26°C under various conditions. Three different jet angles (45°, 90° and 135°) and two container angles (45° and 90°) were tested. Additionally, two different Reynolds numbers (2,235 and 4,470) were used to explore the effects of jet outlet velocities on PCM melting behaviour. The study used a circular container and analysed the melting process using the hot air inclined jet impingement (HAIJI) method.

Findings

The obtained results showed that the average temperature for the last time step at Ф = 90° and Re = 4,470 is 6.26% higher for Ф = 135° and 14.23% higher for Ф = 90° compared with the 45° jet angle. It is also observed that the jet angle, especially for Ф = 90°, is a much more important factor in energy storage than the Reynolds number. In other words, the jet angle can be used as a passive control parameter for energy storage.

Originality/value

This study offers a novel perspective on the effective storage of waste heat transferred with air, such as exhaust gases. It provides valuable insights into the role of jet inclination angles and Reynolds numbers in optimizing the melting and energy storage performance of PCMs, which can be crucial for enhancing the efficiency of thermal energy storage systems.
Bearing the brunt: a daily diary examination of abusive supervision and the sustaining role of coworkers’ support
Authors: Akram Zubair , Ahmad Saima , Akram Umair , Khan Abdul Gaffar , Huo Baofeng
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between abusive supervision and workplace incivility using a dual theoretical framework. First, it draws on the ego depletion theory to investigate the relationship between abusive supervision and incivility by exploring the mediating role of ego depletion. Second, it integrates the job demands–resources model with the ego depletion theory to examine how perceived co-workers’ support functions as a buffer in mitigating the effects of ego depletion on incivility.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors tested our moderated mediation model using hierarchical linear modeling through an experience-sampling study based on data collected from a participants across five consecutive workdays.

Findings

The findings reveal employees subjected to abusive supervision are more likely to experience a depletion of self-regulatory resources. Moreover, the authors found a positive association between ego depletion and workplace incivility, suggesting that diminished self-control resulting from abusive supervision contributes to a higher likelihood of engaging in uncivil workplace behaviors. In addition, perceived coworkers’ support emerged as a significant moderating factor that attenuates the indirect impact of abusive supervision on workplace incivility through ego depletion. Specifically, when perceived coworkers’ support is high, the negative influence of abusive supervision on ego depletion, and subsequently, on workplace incivility, is mitigated.

Originality/value

By exploring ego depletion as the underlying mechanism and boundary conditions imposed by perceived coworker support on the relationship between abusive supervision and workplace incivility, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of the intricate dynamics of this relationship. Based on the research findings, the authors advocate that organizations should establish and integrate support services, such as counseling and employee assistance programs, to reduce the emotional turmoil caused by abusive supervision.
The impact of COVID-19 on women’s labour market outcomes: evidence from four MENA countries
Authors: Hlasny Vladimir , Rizk Reham , Rostom Nada
Published: March 2024

Purpose

COVID-19 has had various effects on women’s labour supply worldwide. This study investigates how women’s labour market outcomes in the MENA region have been affected by the stringency of governments’ COVID-19 responses and school closures. We examine whether women, particularly those with children at young age, reduced their labour supply to take care of their families during the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate whether having a family results in an extra penalty to women’s labour market outcomes, we compare single women to married women and mothers. Using the ERF COVID-19 MENA Monitor Household Surveys, we analyse the key conditions underlying women’s labour market outcomes: (1) wage earnings and labour market status including remaining formally employed, informally, unpaid or self-employed, unemployed or out of the labour force and (2) becoming permanently terminated, being suspended, seeing a reduction in the hours worked or wages, or seeing a delay in one’s wage payments because of COVID-19. Ordered probit and multinomial logit are employed in the case of categorical outcomes, and linear models for wage earnings.

Findings

Women, regardless of whether they have children or not, appear to join the labour market out of necessity to help their families in the times of crisis. Child-caring women who are economically inactive are also more likely to enter the labour market. There is little difference between the negative experiences of women with children and child-free women in regard to their monthly pay reduction or delay, or contract termination, but women with children were more likely to experience reduction in hours worked throughout the pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

These findings may not have causal interpretation facilitating accurate inference. This is because of potential omitted variables such as endogenous motivation of women in different circumstances, latent changes in the division of domestic work between care-giving and other household members, or selective sample attrition.

Originality/value

Our analysis explores the multiple channels in which the pandemic has affected the labour outcomes of MENA-region women. Our findings highlight the challenges that hamper the labour market participation of women, and suggest that public policy should strive to balance the share of unpaid care work between men and women and increase men’s involvement, through measures that support child-bearing age women’s engagement in the private sector during crises, invest in childcare services and support decent job creation for all.
The struggle to deliver in squatters: a qualitative study on inter-state migrant women in Aligarh
Authors: Iqrar Sanoobia , Musavi Azra
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the maternal health vulnerabilities of migrant women in slums and explore their challenges during and after childbirth.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a qualitative approach, including in-depth interviews through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Thematic analysis was used for analysing data. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies (COREQ)-32 items were followed for reporting this study.

Findings

The study found that migrant women were highly susceptible to adverse birthing outcomes due to risks involved in birthing, lack of care and hygiene, lack of skilled care in dealing with complicated pregnancies and exposure to domestic and obstetric violence.

Originality/value

The study intends to highlight the narratives of female migrants’ birthing and maternal health challenges. The entire process of childbirth in slums with consequences can result in maternal and infant morbidities and mortalities.
Actors' facial similarity and its impact on US movies' box-office performance in East and South-East Asia
Authors: Giannetti Verdiana , Chen Jieke , Wei Xingjie
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Anecdotal evidence suggests that casting actors with similar facial features in a movie can pose challenges in foreign markets, hindering the audience's ability to recognize and remember characters. Extending developments in the literature on the cross-race effect, we hypothesize that facial similarity – the extent to which the actors starring in a movie share similar facial features – will reduce the country-level box-office performance of US movies in East and South-East Asia (ESEA) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

We assembled data from various secondary data sources on US non-animation movies (2012–2021) and their releases in ESEA countries. Combining the data resulted in a cross-section of 2,616 movie-country observations.

Findings

Actors' facial similarity in a US movie's cast reduces its box-office performance in ESEA countries. This effect is weakened as immigration in the country, internet penetration in the country and star power increase and strengthened as cast size increases.

Originality/value

This first study on the effects of cast's facial similarity on box-office performance represents a novel extension to the growing literature on the antecedents of movies' box-office performance by being at the intersection of the two literature streams on (1) the box-office effects of cast characteristics and (2) the antecedents, in general, of box-office performance in the ESEA region.
Trauma-informed practices and leadership education: A literature review
Authors: Holden Sarah , Bruce Jackie
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This integrative literature review aims to explore themes within higher education that may be applicable to leadership education including: descriptions of trauma, trauma-informed practices and trauma-informed practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

Integrative, systematic literature review.

Findings

The results suggest that trauma and trauma-informed practices may have a place in leadership education pedagogy.

Originality/value

There is no work being done in trauma informed practice in leadership education. This study provides future direction for both research and practice.
Blending access-based services and triadic frameworks: an empirical evaluation of Packaging-as-a-Service
Authors: Fella Stefanie , Ratay Christoph
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Recently emerged Packaging-as-a-Service (PaaS) systems adopt aspects of access-based services and triadic frameworks, which have typically been treated as conceptually separate. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the implications of blending the two in what we call “access-based triadic systems,” by empirically evaluating intentions to adopt PaaS systems for takeaway food among restaurants and consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

We derived relevant attributes of PaaS systems from a qualitative pre-study with restaurants and consumers. Next, we conducted two factorial survey experiments with restaurants (N = 176) and consumers (N = 245) in Germany to quantitatively test the effects of those system attributes on their adoption intentions.

Findings

This paper highlights that the role of access-based triadic system providers as both the owners of shared assets and the operators of a triadic system is associated with a novel set of challenges and opportunities: System providers need to attract a critical mass of business and end customers while balancing asset protection and system complexity. At the same time, asset ownership introduces opportunities for improved quality control and differentiation from competition.

Originality/value

Conceptually, this paper extends research on access-based services and triadic frameworks by describing an unexplored hybrid form of non-ownership consumption we call “access-based triadic systems.” Empirically, this paper addresses the need to account for the demands of two distinct target groups in triadic systems and demonstrates how factorial survey experiments can be leveraged in this field.