bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast and reliable quantitative measures of white matter development with magnetic resonance fingerprinting
Authors: Yablonski Maya , Zhou Zihan , Cao Xiaozhi , Schauman Sophie , Liao Congyu , Setsompop Kawin , Yeatman Jason D.
Published: July 2024

Developmental cognitive neuroscience aims to shed light on evolving relationships between brain structure and cognitive development. To this end, quantitative methods that reliably measure individual differences in brain tissue properties are fundamental. Standard qualitative MRI sequences are influenced by scan parameters and hardware-related biases, and also lack physical units, making the analysis of individual differences problematic. In contrast, quantitative MRI can measure physical properties of the tissue but with the cost of long scan durations and sensitivity to motion. This poses a critical limitation for studying young children. Here, we examine the reliability and validity of an efficient quantitative multiparameter mapping method - Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (MRF) - in children scanned longitudinally. We focus on T1 values in white matter, since quantitative T1 values are known to primarily reflect myelin content, a key factor in brain development. Forty-nine children aged 8-13y (mean 10.3y ±1.4) completed two scanning sessions 2-4 months apart. In each session, two 2-minute 3D-MRF scans at 1mm isotropic resolution were collected to evaluate the effect of scan duration on image quality and scan-rescan reliability. A separate calibration scan was used to measure B0 inhomogeneity and correct for bias. We examined the impact of scan time and B0 inhomogeneity correction on scan-rescan reliability of values in white matter, by comparing single 2-min and combined two 2-min scans, with and without B0-correction. Whole-brain voxel-based reliability analysis showed that combining two 2-min MRF scans improved reliability (pearson’s r=0.87) compared with a single 2-min scan (r=0.84), while B0-correction had no effect on reliability in white matter (r=0.86 and 0.83 4-min vs 2-min). Using diffusion tractography, we delineated MRF-derived T1 profiles along major white matter fiber tracts and found similar or higher reliability for T1 from MRF compared to diffusion parameters (based on a 10-minute dMRI scan). Lastly, we found that T1 values in multiple white matter tracts were significantly correlated with age. In sum, MRF-derived T1 values were highly reliable in a longitudinal sample of children and replicated known age effects. Reliability in white matter was improved by longer scan duration but was not affected by B0-correction, making it a quick and straightforward scan to collect. We propose that MRF provides a promising avenue for acquiring quantitative brain metrics in children and patient populations where scan time and motion are of particular concern.
A widespread electrical brain network encodes anxiety in health and depressive states
Authors: Hughes Dalton N. , Klein Michael Hunter , Walder-Christensen Kathryn Katsue , Thomas Gwenaëlle E. , Grossman Yael , Waters Diana , Matthews Anna E. , Carson William E. , Filali Yassine , Tsyglakova Mariya , Fink Alexandra , Gallagher Neil M. , Perez-Balaguer Masiel , McClung Colleen A. , Zarate Jean Mary , Hultman Rainbo C. , Mague Stephen D. , Carlson David E. , Dzirasa Kafui
Published: July 2024

In rodents, anxiety is charactered by heightened vigilance during low-threat and uncertain situations. Though activity in the frontal cortex and limbic system are fundamental to supporting this internal state, the underlying network architecture that integrates activity across brain regions to encode anxiety across animals and paradigms remains unclear. Here, we utilize parallel electrical recordings in freely behaving mice, translational paradigms known to induce anxiety, and machine learning to discover a multi-region network that encodes the anxious brain-state. The network is composed of circuits widely implicated in anxiety behavior, it generalizes across many behavioral contexts that induce anxiety, and it fails to encode multiple behavioral contexts that do not. Strikingly, the activity of this network is also principally altered in two mouse models of depression. Thus, we establish a network-level process whereby the brain encodes anxiety in health and disease.
Dopamine-induced Relaxation of Connectivity Diversifies Burst Patterns in Cultured Hippocampal Networks
Authors: Hoang Huu , Matsumoto Nobuyoshi , Miyano Miyuki , Ikegaya Yuji , Cortese Aurelio
Published: July 2024

The intricate interplay of neurotransmitters orchestrates a symphony of neural activity in the hippocampus, with dopamine emerging as a key conductor in this complex ensemble. Despite numerous studies uncovering the cellular mechanisms of dopamine, its influence on hippocampal neural networks remains elusive. Combining in vitro electrophysiological recordings of rat embryonic hippocampal neurons, pharmacological interventions, and computational analyses of spike trains, we found that dopamine induces a relaxation in network connectivity, characterised by a reduction in spike coherence. This relaxation expands the repertoire of burst dynamics within these hippocampal networks, a phenomenon notably absent under the administration of dopamine antagonists. Our study provides a thorough understanding of the roles of dopamine signalling in shaping functional networks of hippocampal neurons.
Compromising tyrosine hydroxylase function establishes a delusion-like temporal profile of reinforcement by dopamine neurons inDrosophila
Authors: Amin Fatima , König Christian , Zhang Jiajun , Kalinichenko Liubov S. , Königsmann Svea , Brunsberg Vivian , Riemensperger Thomas D. , Müller Christian P. , Gerber Bertram
Published: July 2024

For a proper representation of the causal structure of the world, one must consider both evidence for and evidence against causality. To take punishment as an example, the causality of a stimulus is reasonable if the stimulus precedes punishment, whereas causality can be ruled out if the punishment occurred first. This is reflected in the associative principle of timing-dependent valence reversal: aversive memories are formed when a stimulus occurs before the punishment, whereas memories of appetitive valence are observed when a stimulus is presented upon its relieving termination. We map the temporal profile of punishment induced by optogenetic activation of the PPL1-01 neuron in the flyDrosophila melanogaster, and find that impairment of tyrosine hydroxylase function, either acutely by pharmacological methods or by cell-specific RNAi, i) enhances learning with a time gap between stimulus and PPL1-01 punishment (trace conditioning), ii) impairs learning when the stimulus immediately precedes PPL1-01 punishment (delay conditioning), and iii) prevents learning about a stimulus presented after PPL1-01 punishment has ceased (relief conditioning). This implies a delusion-like state in which causality is attributed to cues that do not merit it (better trace conditioning), whereas both credible evidence for and credible evidence against causality is not properly appreciated (worse delay and relief conditioning). Under conditions of low dopamine, we furthermore observe a compensatory role for serotonin that is pronounced in trace conditioning, weaker in delay conditioning, and absent in relief conditioning. We discuss a disturbed dopamine-serotonin balance as an endophenotype for the positive and cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia.
Genomic Evidence of Fisheries Induced Evolution in Eastern Baltic cod
Authors: Han Kwi Young , Brennan Reid S , Monk Christopher T , Jentoft Sissel , Helmerson Cecilia , Dierking Jan , Huessy Karin , Kokubun Érika Endo , Fuss Janina , Krause-Kyora Ben , Thomsen Tonny B , Heredia Benjamin D , Reusch Thorsten B.H
Published: July 2024

Humans have become one of the greatest evolutionary forces, and their perturbations are expected to elicit strong evolutionary responses. Accordingly, during (size) selective overharvesting of wild populations, marked phenotypic changes have been documented, while the evolutionary basis is often unresolved. Time-series collections combined with genomic tools present unique opportunities to study how evolutionary changes are manifested at the genome-wide level. Here, we take advantage of a unique temporal dataset from the overexploited Eastern Baltic cod (Gadus morhua) population that exhibited a 48% decrease in asymptotic body length over the last 25 years. A genome-wide association study revealed pronounced peaks of outliers linked to growth performance. The contributing loci showed signals of directional selection with significantly high autocovariance in the allele frequency and excessive intersections with regions of high Fst as well as genes relevant to growth and reproduction. Moreover, pattern of directional selection for ancestral haplotype of the well-known chromosomal inversions in Atlantic cod (on linkage group 12) was observed, while the double crossover (~1Mb) enharbouring the vitellogenin genes within this region showed signs of drift or balancing selection. Our results demonstrate evident response of the genome over a relatively short time frame and further underscore implications for fisheries management and conservation policy regarding the adaptive potential of marine populations.
Stimulus selection drives value-modulated somatosensory processing in superior colliculus
Authors: Chu Yun Wen , Chinta Suma , Keri Hayagreev V.S. , Beri Shreya , Pluta Scott R.
Published: July 2024

A fundamental trait of intelligent behavior is the ability to respond selectively to stimuli with higher value. Where along the somatosensory hierarchy does information transition from a map of stimulus location to a map of stimulus value? To address this question, we recorded single-unit activity from populations of neurons in somatosensory cortex (S1) and midbrain superior colliculus (SC) in mice conditioned to respond to a positive-valued whisker stimulus and withhold responses using an adjacent, negative-valued whisker stimulus. The stimulus preference of the S1 population was equally weighted towards either whisker, in line with a somatotopic map. Surprisingly, we discovered a large population of SC neurons that were disproportionately biased towards the positive stimulus. This disproportionate bias was controlled by spike facilitation for the positive stimulus and spike suppression for the negative stimulus in single neurons. Removing the opportunity for mice to select the positive stimulus reduced stimulus bias in SC but not S1, suggesting that sensory processing in SC neurons was partially controlled by movement preparation. Similarly, the spontaneous firing rates of SC but not S1 neurons accurately predicted reaction times, suggesting that SC neurons play a persistent role in perceptual decision-making. Taken together, these data indicate that the somatotopic map in S1 is transformed into a value-based map in SC that encodes stimulus priority.
Assessing the potential of ChatGPT-4 to accurately identify drug-drug interactions and provide clinical pharmacotherapy recommendations
Authors: Most Amoreena , Chase Aaron , Sikora Andrea
Published: July 2024

Background

Large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT have emerged as promising artificial intelligence tools to support clinical decision making. The ability of ChatGPT to evaluate medication regimens, identify drug-drug interactions (DDIs), and provide clinical recommendations is unknown. The purpose of this study is to examine the performance of GPT-4 to identify clinically relevant DDIs and assess accuracy of recommendations provided.

Methods

A total of 15 medication regimens were created containing commonly encountered DDIs that were considered either clinically significant or clinically unimportant. Two separate prompts were developed for medication regimen evaluation. The primary outcome was if GPT-4 identified the most relevant DDI within the medication regimen. Secondary outcomes included rating GPT-4’s interaction rationale, clinical relevance ranking, and overall clinical recommendations. Interrater reliability was determined using kappa statistic.

Results

GPT-4 identified the intended DDI in 90% of medication regimens provided (27/30). GPT-4 categorized 86% as highly clinically relevant compared to 53% being categorized as highly clinically relevant by expert opinion. Inappropriate clinical recommendations potentially causing patient harm were provided in 14% of responses provided by GPT-4 (2/14), and 63% of responses contained accurate information but incomplete recommendations (19/30).

Conclusions

While GPT-4 demonstrated promise in its ability to identify clinically relevant DDIs, application to clinical cases remains an area of investigation. Findings from this study may assist in future development and refinement of LLMs for drug-drug interaction queries to assist in clinical decision-making.
Spatiotemporal patterns in cortical development: Age, puberty, and individual variability from 9 to 13 years of age
Authors: Bottenhorn Katherine L. , Corbett Jordan D. , Ahmadi Hedyeh , Herting Megan M.
Published: July 2024

Humans and nonhuman primate studies suggest that timing and tempo of cortical development varies neuroanatomically along a sensorimotor-to-association (S-A) axis. Prior human studies have reported a principal S-A axis across various modalities, but largely rely on cross-sectional samples with wide age-ranges. Here, we investigate developmental changes and individual variability in cortical organization along the S-A axis between the ages of 9-13 years using a large, longitudinal sample (N = 2487-3747, 46-50% female) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD Study®). This work assesses multiple aspects of neurodevelopment indexed by changes in cortical thickness, cortical microarchitecture, and resting-state functional fluctuations. First, we evaluated S-A organization in age-related changes and, then, computed individual-level S-A alignment in brain changes and assessing differences therein due to age, sex, and puberty. Varying degrees of linear and quadratic age-related brain changes were identified along the S-A axis. Yet, these patterns of cortical development were overshadowed by considerable individual variability in S-A alignment. Even within individuals, there was little correspondence between S-A patterning across the different aspects of neurodevelopment investigated (i.e., cortical morphology, microarchitecture, function). Some of the individual variation in developmental patterning of cortical morphology and microarchitecture was explained by age, sex, and pubertal development. Altogether, this work contextualizes prior findings that regional age differences do progress along an S-A axis at a group level, while highlighting broad variation in developmental change between individuals and between aspects of cortical development, in part due to sex and puberty.

Significance Statement

Understanding normative patterns of adolescent brain change, and individual variability therein, is crucial for disentangling healthy and abnormal development. We used longitudinal human neuroimaging data to study several aspects of neurodevelopment during early adolescence and assessed their organization along a sensorimotor-to-association (S-A) axis across the cerebral cortex. Age differences in brain changes were linear and curvilinear along this S-A axis. However, individual-level sensorimotor-association alignment varied considerably, driven in part by differences in age, sex, and pubertal development.
Activity-dependent synthesis of Emerin gates neuronal plasticity by regulating proteostasis
Authors: Xie Yi , Wang Ruoxi , McClatchy Daniel B. , Ma Yuanhui , Diedrich Jolene , Sanchez-Alavez Manuel , Petrascheck Michael , Yates John R. , Cline Hollis T.
Published: July 2024

Neurons dynamically regulate their proteome in response to sensory input, a key process underlying experience-dependent plasticity. We characterized the visual experience-dependent nascent proteome within a brief, defined time window after stimulation using an optimized metabolic labeling approach. Visual experience induced cell type-specific and age-dependent alterations in the nascent proteome, including proteostasis-related processes. We identified Emerin as the top activity-induced candidate plasticity protein and demonstrated that its rapid activity-induced synthesis is transcription-independent. In contrast to its nuclear localization and function in myocytes, activity-induced neuronal Emerin is abundant in the endoplasmic reticulum and broadly inhibits protein synthesis, including translation regulators and synaptic proteins. Downregulating Emerin shifted the dendritic spine population from predominantly mushroom morphology to filopodia and decreased network connectivity. In mice, decreased Emerin reduced visual response magnitude and impaired visual information processing. Our findings support an experience-dependent feed-forward role for Emerin in temporally gating neuronal plasticity by negatively regulating translation.
Allosteric modulation of protein kinase A in individuals affected by NLPD-PKA, a neurodegenerative disease in which the RIβ-L50R variant is expressed
Authors: Benjamin-Zukerman Tal , Pane Valeria , Safadi-Safa Rania , Solomon Meir , Lev-Ram Varda , Aboraya Mohammad , Dakwar Anwar , Bertinetti Daniela , Hoy Andrew , Mol Merel O , van Swieten John , Maillard Rodrigo , Herberg Friedrich W , Ilouz Ronit
Published: July 2024

Protein kinase A (PKA) is a crucial signaling enzyme in neurons, with its dysregulation being implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. Assembly of the PKA holoenzyme, comprising a dimer of heterodimers of regulatory (R) and catalytic (C) subunits, ensures allosteric regulation and functional specificity. Recently, we defined the RIβ-L50R variant as a causative mutation that triggers protein aggregation in a rare neurodegenerative disease. However, the mechanism underlying uncontrolled PKA allosteric regulation and its connection to the functional outcomes leading to clinical symptoms remain elusive. In this study, we established anin vitromodel using patient-derived cells for a personalized approach and employed direct measurements of purified proteins to investigate disease mechanisms in a controlled environment. Structural analysis and circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed that cellular proteins aggregation resulted from misfolded RIβ-subunits, preventing holoenzyme assembly and anchoring through A Kinase Anchoring Proteins (AKAPs). While maintaining high affinity to the C subunit, the resulting RIβ-L50R:C heterodimer exhibits reduced cooperativity, requiring lower cAMP concentrations for dissociation. Consequently, there was an increased translocation of C-subunit into the nucleus, impacting gene expression. We successfully controlled C subunit translocation by introducing a mutation that decreased RIβ:C dissociation in response to elevated cAMP levels. This research thus sets the stage for developing therapeutic strategies that modulate PKA assembly and allostery, thus exerting control over the unique molecular signatures identified in the disease-associated transcriptome profile.
Streamlined spatial and environmental expression signatures characterize the minimalist duckweedWolffia australiana
Authors: Denyer Tom , Wu Pin-Jou , Colt Kelly , Abramson Bradley W. , Pang Zhili , Solansky Pavel , Mamerto Allen , Nobori Tatsuya , Ecker Joseph R. , Lam Eric , Michael Todd P. , Timmermans Marja C.P.
Published: July 2024

Single-cell genomics permits a new resolution in the examination of molecular and cellular dynamics, allowing global, parallel assessments of cell types and cellular behaviors through development and in response to environmental circumstances, such as interaction with water and the light–dark cycle of the Earth. Here, we leverage the smallest, and possibly most structurally reduced, plant, the semiaquaticWolffia australiana, to understand dynamics of cell expression in these contexts at the whole-plant level. We examined single-cell-resolution RNA-sequencing data and foundWolffiacells divide into four principal clusters representing the above- and below-water-situated parenchyma and epidermis. Although these tissues share transcriptomic similarity with model plants, they display distinct adaptations thatWolffiahas made for the aquatic environment. Within this broad classification, discrete subspecializations are evident, with select cells showing unique transcriptomic signatures associated with developmental maturation and specialized physiologies. Assessing this simplified biological system temporally at two key time-of-day (TOD) transitions, we identify additional TOD-responsive genes previously overlooked in whole-plant transcriptomic approaches and demonstrate that the core circadian clock machinery and its downstream responses can vary in cell-specific manners, even in this simplified system. Distinctions between cell types and their responses to submergence and/or TOD are driven by expression changes of unexpectedly few genes, characterizingWolffiaas a highly streamlined organism with the majority of genes dedicated to fundamental cellular processes.Wolffiaprovides a unique opportunity to apply reductionist biology to elucidate signaling functions at the organismal level, for which this work provides a powerful resource.
Supporting clients via narrative storytelling and artificial intelligence: a practitioner guide for career development professionals
Authors: Donald William E. , Straby Rob
Published: July 2024

Purpose

In this practitioner-focused essay, we combine traditional narrative storytelling approaches with Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) innovative abilities to enable career development professionals to support individuals across their lifespan.

Design/methodology/approach

We propose a three-phase career exploration approach, developed and tested in a real-world setting for career development professionals to support their clients to consider various career-related options as well as identify strengths and opportunities for personal development.

Findings

In phase one, the client recounts 7–10 positive narrative stories about engaging in activities they enjoyed. In phase two, the career development professional uses AI with tailored prompts to generate a personalised client report based on these narrative stories. In phase three, the report serves as the basis for further discussion and exploration with the client.

Practical implications

The approach provides a practical guide for career development professionals to increase their capability to support their clients in response to technological advancement and the contemporary world of work. A training document incorporating a worked example of the approach is provided in “Supplementary Material Appendix 1”.

Originality/value

Our approach acknowledges AI as a new actor and career development professionals as undervalued actors in supporting individuals to foster a sustainable career ecosystem.
Multimaterial filtering applied to the topology optimization of a permanent magnet synchronous machine
Authors: Cherrière Théodore , Hlioui Sami , Louf François , Laurent Luc
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to propose a general methodology to handle multimaterial filtering for density-based topology optimization containing periodic or antiperiodic boundary conditions, which are expected to reduce the simulation time of electrical machines. The optimization of the material distribution in a permanent magnet synchronous machine rotor illustrates the relevance of this approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimization algorithm relies on an augmented Lagrangian with a projected gradient descent. The 2D finite element method computes the physical and adjoint states to evaluate the objective function and its sensitivities. Concerning regularization, a mathematical development leads to a multimaterial convolution filtering methodology that is consistent with the boundary conditions and helps eliminate artifacts.

Findings

The method behaves as expected and shows the superiority of multimaterial topology optimization over bimaterial topology optimization for the chosen test case. Unlike the standard approach that uses a cropped convolution kernel, the proposed methodology does not artificially reflect the limits of the simulation domain in the optimized material distribution.

Originality/value

Although filtering is a standard tool in topology optimization, no attention has previously been paid to the influence of periodic or antiperiodic boundary conditions when dealing with different natures of materials. The comparison between the bimaterial and multimaterial topology optimization of a permanent magnet machine rotor without symmetry constraints constitutes another originality of this work.
A comparative exploration of youth participation in local sustainable development: insights from Italian metropolitan cities
Authors: Fiorani Gloria , Chiper Ribana Andreea , Di Gerio Chiara
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the extent of public participation of youth in strategic planning for local sustainable development, emphasising the establishment of a positive dialogue process between public administration and young people. Previous studies and international guidelines recognise youth as an essential group in the territorial sustainability process but also require a framework for processes and modalities for youth participation.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis was carried out according to a multiple-case study approach conducted from the secondary sources (e.g. planning documents enabling sustainable development at the local level) developed by the 14 Italian metropolitan cities to assess the state-of-the-art and establish similarities and differences concerning the engagement levels found in the literature.

Findings

Although almost all the sample has undertaken a youth engagement process, this research demonstrates that only 6 out of 14 metropolitan cities - corresponding to 43% of the sample - have promoted highly engagement-intensive forms, underlining a total absence of a standardised and recursive approach in which the younger generation is consistently an integral part of sustainability strategies.

Originality/value

This research is innovative as it addresses practical and theoretical objectives simultaneously. The study underlines the adoption of engagement processes by metropolitan cities by considering the participatory methods implemented and providing a framework for enhancing forms of dialogue between young people and public authorities, contributing to the advancement of theoretical understanding and practical implementation.
A novel deep learning method for motion assessment in upper limb rehabilitation grasping test
Authors: Yang Lei , Zhang Fuhai , Zhu Jingbin , Fu Yili
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The accuracy and reliability of upper limb motion assessment have received great attention in the field of rehabilitation. Grasping test is widely carried out for motion assessment, which requires patients to grasp objects and move them to target place. The traditional assessments test the upper limb motion ability by therapists, which mainly relies on experience and lacks quantitative indicators. This paper aims to propose a deep learning method based on the vision system of our upper limb rehabilitation robot to recognize the motion trajectory of rehabilitation target objects automatically and quantitatively assess the upper limb motion in the grasping test.

Design/methodology/approach

To begin with, an SRF network is designed to recognize rehabilitation target objects grasped in assessment tests. Moreover, the upper limb motion trajectory is calculated through the motion of objects’ central positions. After that, a GAE network is designed to analyze the motion trajectory which reflects the motion of upper limb. Finally, based on the upper limb rehabilitation exoskeleton platform, the upper limb motion assessment tests are carried out to show the accuracy of both object recognition of SRF network and motion assessment of GAE network. The results including object recognition, trajectory calculation and deviation assessment are given with details.

Findings

The performance of the proposed networks is validated by experiments that are developed on the upper limb rehabilitation robot. It is implemented by recognizing rehabilitation target objects, calculating the motion trajectory and grading the upper limb motion performance. It illustrates that the networks, including both object recognition and trajectory evaluation, can grade the upper limb motion functionn accurately, where the accuracy is above 95.0% in different grasping tests.

Originality/value

A novel assessment method of upper limb motion is proposed and verified. According to the experimental results, the accuracy can be remarkably enhanced, and the stability of the results can be improved, which provide more quantitative indicators for further application of upper limb motion assessment.
Empowering innovative work behaviors: unfolding the contextual, personal and behavioral spectrum
Authors: Mehboob Farhan , Haque Raheela
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of empowering leadership (EL) on employee innovative work behavior (IWB), using an interactionist perspective on creativity and conservation of resources theory. Following the premise, the study unravels the mediating role of job crafting (JC) and creative self-efficacy (CSE) as a boundary condition that likely triggers and facilitates this process.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a dyadic cross-sectional design, this study focuses on academic staff at four universities in Pakistan. Participants were surveyed, and questionnaires were distributed to collect data pertaining to accomplish the study objectives.

Findings

The study results reveal that JC plays a pivotal role as an intervening factor in establishing the connection between EL and employees’ IWB. This implies that EL likely promotes employees’ JC behavior, thus contributing to a greater manifestation of innovative behaviors at work. Furthermore, this interplay is further enhanced by using CSE as a moderator.

Originality/value

This study accentuates the importance of JC in eliciting the mechanism which effectively channelizes and translates the impact of EL on IWB. It also offers the valuable and fresh perspective on the conditions favoring the innovative behaviors at work.
Revitalizing university performance evaluation: the case of SETARA model in Malaysia
Authors: Islam Rafikul , Anis Azilah , Azam Md Siddique E
Published: July 2024

Purpose

SETARA is a well-known university rating tool in Malaysia. The study aims to enhance the transparency, accuracy, and reliability of SETARA assessment instrument by improving its weighting scheme for the domains, sub-domains, criteria, and indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized a quantitative research design and collected responses from 29 academic administrators in both public and private higher education institutions in Malaysia. The four steps of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) were employed. An AHP questionnaire was developed, adopting the domains, sub-domains, criteria, and indicators of the SETARA assessment instrument. The “Superdecision” software was used to synthesize the pairwise comparison judgments and compute the consistency ratio for all group pairwise comparison matrices.

Findings

The AHP-assigned weights differed significantly from those assigned by the SETARA rating system. For instance, the weight for “Input” increased from 20 to 41.05 out of 100, and the weight for “Output” decreased from 40 to 25.52. The new SETARA rating instrument is expected to be used by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) due to its scientifically justified foundation to ensure transparency, accuracy, and reliability.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by small sample size for data collection. Future research could benefit from a larger and more diverse sample, including participants from a number of national-level universities and relevant agencies like Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA) and MOHE. Additionally, the research focused solely on recalculating weights and did not consider modifying the criteria set. Further investigation is needed to determine if some criteria can be added or removed.

Practical implications

This research offers practical implications for refining the SETARA assessment mechanism and improving the quality of higher education in Malaysia. The modified weights provide guidance to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) on where to focus their efforts to ensure quality. The transparent methodology introduced by this study can serve as a model for enhancing educational quality evaluations in Malaysia and potentially in other higher education systems worldwide.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in its innovative application of the AHP to the SETARA assessment tool, addressing a crucial gap in the assessment process. By providing a comprehensive and transparent methodology for assigning percentages and weights, this research offers a practical blueprint for enhancing the precision and impact of educational quality evaluations in Malaysia and beyond.
Skills development for sustainable career planning in Bangladesh: the case of gender equality in education
Authors: Alam Md Jahangir , Hafaz Md Abul , Methe Firuz Humayra
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the importance of lifelong learning in cultivating competent human capital, fostering long-term career sustainability and promoting gender equality in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has used a qualitative research methodology with inductive reasoning. The researchers used purposive sampling to conduct semi-structured interviews with 34 male and female students at the graduate and undergraduate levels, in addition to six stakeholders. This research is grounded in the theoretical frameworks of human capital development theory and gender and development theory.

Findings

The results suggest that there exists a positive correlation between lifelong learning, sustainable career development and gender equality in the context of Bangladesh. Successfully executing strategies might also play a significant role in attaining Bangladesh’s sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Practical implications

Educational curriculum reform within institutions is urgently needed, necessitating the active involvement and influential contributions of actors and stakeholders. Implementing lifelong learning must also align with gender equality and SDGs.

Originality/value

This study addresses a significant gap in the existing literature by offering insights into the relationship between lifelong learning, career sustainability and gender equality within the specific context of Bangladesh. This study provides valuable contributions to scholars, stakeholders and policymakers while establishing a foundation for future research endeavors.
Geophysical contribution based on vertical electrical sounding to hydrogeological evaluation in Ras Jebel coastal aquifer, Tunisia
Authors: Issaoui Wissal , Nasr Imen Hamdi , Guellala Rihab , HALLAL Nassim , Hamai Lamine , Inoubli Mohamed Hédi
Published: July 2024

The coastal aquifer of Ras Jebel is located in the northeastern governorate of Bizerte. It is formed by a Mio–Plio‐quaternary geological structure. The region of Ras Jebal is considered an important agricultural centre due to intensive groundwater exploitation. This overexploitation results in a decrease in piezometry and an increase in salinity. The groundwater piezometric study shows a decrease in the piezometric level of approximately −3.34 to −1.79 m in 2015. Our study based on vertical electrical sounding had the aim to monitor the salinity of the water table in 2017, which showed that refill transactions in the aquifer of Ras Jebel caused the improvement of the chemical quality of water. In fact, the salinity in the coastal zone is between 2.53 and 4.14 g/L. As for the resistivity, which reached 2 Ω m near the sea, the geophysical study based on the geoelectric method has provided an electrical image of the basement to clarify the basin structure. The use of an electrical prospection method to study the salinization of the water table of Ras Jebel has highlighted the contribution to the most origin of saltwater: natural origin (sea water intrusion) on the northeastern coast of Ras Jebel. This source is the main origin of the degradation of the quality of underground water resources in Ras Jebel.
Rhodopsin‐based light‐harvesting system for sustainable synthetic biology
Authors: Tu Weiming , Saeed Haris , Huang Wei E.
Published: July 2024

Rhodopsins, a diverse class of light‐sensitive proteins found in various life domains, have attracted considerable interest for their potential applications in sustainable synthetic biology. These proteins exhibit remarkable photochemical properties, undergoing conformational changes upon light absorption that drive a variety of biological processes. Exploiting rhodopsin's natural properties could pave the way for creating sustainable and energy‐efficient technologies. Rhodopsin‐based light‐harvesting systems offer innovative solutions to a few key challenges in sustainable engineering, from bioproduction to renewable energy conversion. In this opinion article, we explore the recent advancements and future possibilities of employing rhodopsins for sustainable engineering, underscoring the transformative potential of these biomolecules.
The Primula edelbergii S‐locus is an example of a jumping supergene
Authors: Potente Giacomo , Yousefi Narjes , Keller Barbara , Mora‐Carrera Emiliano , Szövényi Péter , Conti Elena
Published: July 2024

Research on supergenes, non‐recombining genomic regions housing tightly linked genes that control complex phenotypes, has recently gained prominence in genomics. Heterostyly, a floral heteromorphism promoting outcrossing in several angiosperm families, is controlled by the S‐locus supergene. The S‐locus has been studied primarily in closely related Primula species and, more recently, in other groups that independently evolved heterostyly. However, it remains unknown whether genetic architecture and composition of the S‐locus are maintained among species that share a common origin of heterostyly and subsequently diverged across larger time scales. To address this research gap, we present a chromosome‐scale genome assembly of Primula edelbergii, a species that shares the same origin of heterostyly with Primula veris (whose S‐locus has been characterized) but diverged from it 18 million years ago. Comparative genomic analyses between these two species allowed us to show, for the first time, that the S‐locus can ‘jump’ (i.e. translocate) between chromosomes maintaining its function in controlling heterostyly. Additionally, we found that four S‐locus genes were conserved but reshuffled within the supergene, seemingly without affecting their expression, thus we could not detect changes explaining the lack of self‐incompatibility in P. edelbergii. Furthermore, we confirmed that the S‐locus is not undergoing genetic degeneration. Finally, we investigated P. edelbergii evolutionary history within Ericales in terms of whole genome duplications and transposable element accumulation. In summary, our work provides a valuable resource for comparative analyses aimed at investigating the genetics of heterostyly and the pivotal role of supergenes in shaping the evolution of complex phenotypes.
Erectile dysfunction in cardiovascular patients: A prospective study of the eNOS gene T‐786C, G894T, and INTRON variable number of the tandem repeat functional interaction
Authors: Segura Ana , Muriel Javier , Miró Pau , Agulló Laura , Arrarte Vicente , Carracedo Patricia , Zandonai Thomas , Peiró Ana M
Published: July 2024

Background

Cardiovascular disease induces erectile dysfunction modulated by endothelial nitric oxide synthase enzyme and an impaired ejection fraction that restricts penis vascular congestion. However, the mechanisms regulating endothelial dysfunction are not understood.

Objectives

Exploring the functional impact of endothelial nitric oxide synthase genetic polymorphisms on erectile dysfunction and drug therapy optimization in high‐risk cardiovascular disease patients.

Materials and methods

Patients with erectile dysfunction symptoms and candidates for andrology therapy were included (n = 112). Clinical data and endothelial nitric oxide synthase rs1799983 (G894T) and rs2070744 (T‐786C), genotyped by fluorescence polarization assays, were registered. The 27‐bp variable number of the tandem repeat polymorphism in intron 4 (intron4b/a) was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism. Association analyses were run with the R‐3.2.0 software.

Results

A significant association between endothelial nitric oxide synthase 786‐TT (p = 0.005) and the aa/ac of intron 4 variable number of the tandem repeat (p = 0.02) with higher erectile dysfunction susceptibility was observed in cardiovascular disease patients (60 ± 9 years, 66% severe erectile dysfunction, 56% ejection fraction). After 3‐months of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, erectile dysfunction (International Index of Erectile Function, 50 ± 16 scores, the International Index of Erectile Function‐Erectile Function 21 ± 10 scores, p < 0.001) and sexual quality of life (modified Sexual Life Quality Questionnaire 55 ± 23 scores, p < 0.001) had significantly improved. The cardiovascular ejection fraction was influenced positively with better sexual quality of life (0.1941), and also in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase G894‐T allele (p = 0.076) carriers, which could merit future analyses. Erectile dysfunction was present as the primary clinical manifestation in 62% of cases, with cardiovascular disease occurring concurrently. Only former smokers and obese subjects debuted prior to cardiovascular disease than to erectile dysfunction.

Conclusions

Our study provides comprehensive insights into the functional interaction linking endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms, erectile function, and ejection fraction in high‐risk cardiovascular disease patients. Future therapeutic strategies could target endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity by including lifestyle changes and epigenetic modulations.
Extended total colonic aganglionosis and total intestinal aganglionosis: Challenging enemies
Authors: Eshel Fuhrer Audelia , Govorukhina Olga , Becker Gal , Ben‐Shahar Yoav , Moran‐Lev Hadar , Sukhotnik Igor
Published: July 2024

Aim

Extended total colonic aganglionosis (ETCA) represents uncommon forms of Hirschsprung disease (HD), with aganglionosis extending into the proximal small bowel. ETCA management is challenging and associated with poor outcomes and high mortality. This study compares management and outcomes of ETCA to more common HD forms.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of HD patients (2012–2023) from two institutions. Three HD forms were compared: short‐segment HD (SSHD, n = 19), long‐segment HD or total colonic aganglionosis (LS/TCA, n = 9) and ETCA (n = 7).

Results

Normally innervated segments in ETCA patients ranged 0–70 cm. Median times to first surgery were; ETCA = 3 days versus TCA = 21 days (p = 0.017) and SSHD = 95 days (p < 0.001), respectively. Median number of surgeries were; ETCA = 4, versus TCA = 2 (p = 0.17) and SSHD = 1 (p = 0.002), respectively. All the patients underwent a definitive pull‐through procedure, except four ETCA patients with a permanent jejunostomy and residual aganglionic segment of 57–130 cm. ETCA patients had 92% lower odds of enterocolitis (14%) compared to TCA patients (67%, p = 0.054), and comparable odds to SSHD patients (16%, p = 0.92). ETCA mortality was 14%.

Conclusion

Extended total colonic aganglionosis patients require earlier and multiple interventions. Leaving an aganglionic segment may be advantageous, without increasing risk for enterocolitis. Tailored surgical treatment and rehabilitation programmes may prevent mortality and need for transplantation.
School bullying victimization and child subjective well‐being in east Asian countries and territories: Role of children's participation in decision‐making in schools and community
Authors: Shamrova Daria , Lee Jeoung Min , Choi Shinwoo
Published: July 2024

The study aimed to test children's subjective perception of participation in decision‐making in school and community as protective factors against the negative effects of bullying on child subjective well‐being in three East Asian countries and territories—South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan. This study is based on the subset of data from the third wave of the Children's World survey that consists of 5717 children 10–12 years of age. Our findings suggest that the children with bullying victimization who experience more participation in decision‐making in their school and local community are less likely to have decreased well‐being.
Multicenter integration analysis of TRP channels revealed potential mechanisms of immunosuppressive microenvironment activation and identified a machine learning‐derived signature for improving outcomes in gliomas
Authors: Li Yuntao , Zhang Yonggang , Feng Shi , Zhu Hua , Xing Ying , Xiong Xiaoxing , Chen Qianxue
Published: July 2024

Aim

This study aimed to explore the mechanisms of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels on the immune microenvironment and develop a TRP‐related signature for predicting prognosis, immunotherapy response, and drug sensitivity in gliomas.

Methods

Based on the unsupervised clustering algorithm, we identified novel TRP channel clusters and investigated their biological function, immune microenvironment, and genomic heterogeneity. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed the association between TRPV2 and macrophages. Subsequently, based on 96 machine learning algorithms and six independent glioma cohorts, we constructed a machine learning‐based TRP channel signature (MLTS). The performance of the MLTS in predicting prognosis, immunotherapy response, and drug sensitivity was evaluated.

Results

Patients with high expression levels of TRP channel genes had worse prognoses, higher tumor mutation burden, and more activated immunosuppressive microenvironment. Meanwhile, TRPV2 was identified as the most essential regulator in TRP channels. TRPV2 activation could promote macrophages migration toward malignant cells and alleviate glioma prognosis. Furthermore, MLTS could work independently of common clinical features and present stable and superior prediction performance.

Conclusion

This study investigated the comprehensive effect of TRP channel genes in gliomas and provided a promising tool for designing effective, precise treatment strategies.