bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Mitochondrial Respiratory Complex I Subunit Deficiency Causes Tumor Immunogenicity
Authors: Liang Jiaxin , Vitale Tevis , Zhang Xixi , Jackson Thomas D. , Yu Deyang , Jedrychowski Mark , Gygi Steve P. , Widlund Hans R. , Wucherpfennig Kai W. , Puigserver Pere
Published: October 2023

Targeting of specific metabolic pathways in tumor cells has the potential to sensitize them to immune-mediated attack. Here we provide evidence for a specific means of mitochondrial respiratory Complex I (CI) inhibition that improves tumor immunogenicity and sensitivity to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Targeted genetic deletion of the CI subunitsNdufs4andNdufs6, but not other subunits, induces an immune-dependent tumor growth attenuation in mouse melanoma models. We show that deletion ofNdufs4induces expression of the transcription factorNlrc5and genes in the MHC class I antigen presentation and processing pathway. This induction of MHC-related genes is driven by an accumulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase-dependent mitochondrial acetyl-CoA downstream of CI subunit deletion. This work provides a novel functional modality by which selective CI inhibition restricts tumor growth, suggesting that specific targeting ofNdufs4, or related CI subunits, increases T-cell mediated immunity and sensitivity to ICB.
Targeting Acute Myeloid Leukemia Stem Cells Through Perturbation of Mitochondrial Calcium
Authors: Sheth Anagha Inguva , Engel Krysta , Tolison Hunter , Althoff Mark J , Amaya Maria L. , Krug Anna , Young Tracy , Pei Shanshan , Patel Sweta B. , Minhajuddin Mohammad , Winters Amanda , Miller Regan , Shelton Ian , St-Germain Jonathan , Ling Tianyi , Jones Courtney , Raught Brian , Gillen Austin , Ransom Monica , Staggs Sarah , Smith Clayton A. , Pollyea Daniel A. , Stevens Brett M. , Jordan Craig T.
Published: October 2023

We previously reported that acute myeloid leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are uniquely reliant on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) for survival. Moreover, maintenance of OXPHOS is dependent on BCL2, creating a therapeutic opportunity to target LSCs using the BCL2 inhibitor drug venetoclax. While venetoclax-based regimens have indeed shown promising clinical activity, the emergence of drug resistance is prevalent. Thus, in the present study, we investigated how mitochondrial properties may influence mechanisms that dictate venetoclax responsiveness. Our data show that utilization of mitochondrial calcium is fundamentally different between drug responsive and non-responsive LSCs. By comparison, venetoclax-resistant LSCs demonstrate a more active metabolic (i.e., OXPHOS) status with relatively high steady-state levels of calcium. Consequently, we tested genetic and pharmacological approaches to target the mitochondrial calcium uniporter, MCU. We demonstrate that inhibition of calcium uptake sharply reduces OXPHOS and leads to eradication of venetoclax-resistant LSCs. These findings demonstrate a central role for calcium signaling in the biology of LSCs and provide a therapeutic avenue for clinical management of venetoclax resistance.

Significance

We identify increased utilization of mitochondrial calcium as distinct metabolic requirement of venetoclax-resistant LSCs and demonstrate the potential of targeting mitochondrial calcium uptake as a therapeutic strategy.
MALDI-IM-MS Imaging of Brain Sterols and Lipids in a Mouse Model of Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome
Authors: Li Amy , Xu Libin
Published: October 2023

Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by genetic mutations in theDHCR7gene, encoding the enzyme 3β-hydroxysterol-Δ7-reductase (DHCR7) that catalyzes the last step of cholesterol synthesis. The resulting deficiency in cholesterol and accumulation of its precursor, 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC), have a profound impact on brain development, which manifests as developmental delay, cognitive impairment, and behavioral deficits. To understand how the brain regions are differentially affected by the defective Dhcr7, we aim to map the regional distribution of sterols and other lipids in neonatal brains from aDhcr7-KO mouse model of SLOS, using mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). MSI enables spatial localization of biomoleculesin situon the surface of a tissue section, which is particularly useful for mapping the changes that occur within a metabolic disorder such as SLOS, and in an anatomically complex organ such as the brain. In this work, using MALDI-ion mobility (IM)-MSI, we successfully determined the regional distribution of features that correspond to cholesterol, 7-DHC/desmosterol, and the precursor of desmosterol, 7-dehydrodesmosterol, in WT andDhcr7-KO mice. Interestingly, we also observedm/zvalues that match the major oxysterol metabolites of 7-DHC (DHCEO and hydroxy-7-DHC), which displayed similar patterns as 7-DHC. We then identified brain lipids usingm/zand CCS at the Lipid Species-level and curated a database of MALDI-IM-MS-derived lipid CCS values. Subsequent statistical analysis of regions-of-interest allowed us to identify differentially expressed lipids betweenDhcr7-KO and WT brains, which could contribute to defects in myelination, neurogenesis, neuroinflammation, and learning and memory in SLOS.
Natural killer cell regulation of breast cancer stem cells mediates metastatic dormancy
Authors: Bushnell Grace G. , Sharma Deeksha , Wilmot Henry C. , Zheng Michelle , Fashina Toluwaleke D. , Hutchens Chloe M. , Osipov Samuel , Wicha Max S.
Published: October 2023

Breast cancer patients with estrogen receptor positive tumors face a constant risk of disease recurrence for the remainder of their lives. Dormant tumor cells residing in tissues such as the bone marrow may generate clinically significant metastases many years after initial diagnosis. Previous studies suggest that dormant cells display “stem like” properties (CSCs), which may be regulated by the immune system. Although many studies have examined tumor cell intrinsic characteristics of dormancy, the role of the immune system in controlling dormancy and its escape is not well understood. This scientific gap is due, in part, to a lack of immunocompetent mouse models of breast cancer dormancy with many studies involving human xenografts in immunodeficient mice. To overcome this limitation, we studied dormancy in immunocompetent, syngeneic mouse breast cancer models. We find that PyMT, Met-1 and D2.0R cell lines contain CSCs that display both short- and long-term metastatic dormancyin vivo, which is dependent on the host immune system. Natural killer cells were key for the metastatic dormancy phenotype observed for D2.0R and the role of NK cells in regulating CSCs was further investigated. Quiescent D2.0R CSC are resistant to NK cytotoxicity, while proliferative D2.0R CSC were sensitive to NK cytotoxicity bothin vitroandin vivo. This resistance was mediated, in part, by the expression of Bach1 and Sox2 transcription factors. NK killing was enhanced by the STING agonist MSA-2. Collectively, our findings demonstrate the important role of immune regulation of breast tumor dormancy and highlight the importance of utilizing immunocompetent models to study this phenomenon.
Dry surface biofilm formation byCandida aurisfacilitates persistence and tolerance to sodium hypochlorite
Authors: Ware Alicia , Johnston William , Delaney Christopher , Butcher Mark , Ramage Gordon , Price Lesley , Butcher John , Kean Ryan
Published: October 2023

Candida aurisis an enigmatic fungal pathogen, recently elevated to the critical priority group of pathogens by the World Health Organization. Of key concern is its ability to cause outbreaks within intensive and chronic care units, facilitated through its environmental persistence. We investigated the susceptibility of phenotypically distinctC. aurisisolates to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) disinfection, and the subsequent role of biofilms in surviving disinfection using a dry-surface biofilm (DSB) model and transcriptomic profiling. Planktonic cells were tested for susceptibility to NaOCl in suspension, with biofilm formation using the DSB model consisting of consecutive 48 hr cycles with/without media across a 12-day period, assessed using viable counts, biomass assays, and microscopy. Disinfection efficacy was assessed using clinically relevant protocols of 500-1000ppm for 1-5min. RNA-sequencing was performed on untreated DSBs in comparison to planktonic cells. Isolates were found to be sensitive to NaOCl planktonically at concentrations ≤62.5 ppm, and grew robust biofilms using the DSB protocol. Biofilms developed tolerance to all NaOCl treatment parameters, with only 2-4 log10-reductions in viable cells observed at highest concentrations. Transcriptomics identified ABC transporters and iron acquisition pathways as strongly upregulated in DSBs relative to planktonic cells. Our novel findings have optimised a DSB protocol in whichC. aurisbiofilms can mediate tolerance to adverse conditions such as NaOCl disinfection, suggesting a lifestyle through which this problematic yeast can environmentally persist and transmit. Mechanistically it has been shown for the first time that upregulation of small-molecule and iron transport pathways are potential facilitators of environmental survival.

IMPORTANCE

Candida aurisis a pathogenic yeast that has been responsible for outbreaks in healthcare facilities across the globe, predominantly affecting vulnerable patients. This organism displays a concerning ability to persist within the healthcare environment that is likely facilitated by attaching onto surfaces and developing protective microbial communities knows as biofilms. These communities allow cells to survive and tolerate disinfection with bleach. In this study, we show thatC. aurisforms robust biofilms on surfaces which promote survival up to 12 days, even with prolonged drying periods. We also demonstrate that development of these biofilms over time significantly reduces the efficacy of hypochlorite disinfection. By investigating the molecular mechanisms of biofilms, we have shown that these biofilms express efflux pumps, which may actively remove hypochlorite molecules from cells, allowing them to tolerate disinfection, and that uptake of iron from the external environment is also important for survival of these communities.
Axonal selectivity of myelination by single oligodendrocytes established during development in mouse cerebellar white matter
Authors: Battulga Batpurev , Osanai Yasuyuki , Yamazaki Reiji , Shinohara Yoshiaki , Ohno Nobuhiko
Published: October 2023

Myelin formation by oligodendrocytes regulates conduction velocity and functional integrity of neuronal axons. While individual oligodendrocytes form myelin sheaths around multiple axons and control the functions of neural circuits in the brains, it remains unclear if oligodendrocytes selectively form myelin sheaths around the specific types of axons. In this study, we developed a method for observing a single oligodendrocyte and its myelin sheaths around different types of axons in the mouse cerebellar white matter. This was achieved by combining sparse fluorescent labeling of oligodendrocytes by attenuated rabies virus and subsequent immunostaining for axonal markers along with tissue clearing. We revealed that approximately half of the oligodendrocytes showed a preferential myelination of axons originating from Purkinje cells in the adult mice. The preference for Purkinje cell axons was more pronounced during development, when the process of myelination within cerebellar white matter was initiated; over 90% of oligodendrocytes preferentially myelinated the Purkinje cell axons. The transgenic mice that label early born oligodendrocytes showed that their myelin sheaths were predominantly formed around Purkinje cell axons in the adult cerebellar white matter. These results suggest that a significant proportion of oligodendrocytes preferentially myelinate functionally distinct axons in the cerebellar white matter, and the axonal preference of myelination is established during development.
Taxonomic Profiling of Fecal and Intestinal Microbiota in the African Turquoise KillifishNothobranchius furzeri
Authors: Seidel Jens , Popkes Miriam , Valenzano Dario Riccardo
Published: October 2023

Killifish are emerging as a new laboratory system in which to study a range of questions, from the genetic basis of embryo dormancy to life history trait evolution, age-dependent neurodegeneration, and the connection between microbial community structure and biology of aging. Over the past decade, advances in high-throughput sequencing have helped uncover the vast diversity of microbial communities present in environmental samples and on host epithelia. Here, we describe an optimized protocol to study the taxonomic composition of intestinal and fecal microbiota in laboratory-raised as well as natural killifish populations and provide comprehensive step-by-step instructions for tissue sampling, high-throughput genomic DNA extraction, and the generation of 16S V3V4 rRNA and 16S V4 rRNA gene libraries.
Quantifying Mosquito Attraction Using a Uniport Olfactometer
Authors: Castillo John S. , Bellantuono Anthony J. , DeGennaro Matthew
Published: October 2023

Female mosquitoes respond to the world around them by using chemosensory organs, such as their antennae, to detect volatile compounds emitted from a vertebrate host. These chemosensory systems facilitate the interpretation of external stimuli from the periphery by connecting to the central nervous system and eliciting behaviors necessary for survival, such as obtaining a blood meal. This innate behavior leads to the transmission of pathogens, including dengue virus, chikungunya virus, and Zika virus. Olfaction is a primary sense mosquitoes use to differentiate between vertebrate hosts, and studying it can lead to novel strategies to reduce the risk of disease. In this protocol, we present an olfactory-driven behavioral assay using a uniport olfactometer that measures mosquito attraction rate to a specific stimulus. We include details of the behavioral assay and data analysis as well as how to prepare the mosquitoes before their introduction into the olfactometer. This uniport olfactometer behavioral assay is currently one of the most reliable methods to study mosquito attraction to a single stimulus.
Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) Vision and Associated Electrophysiological Techniques
Authors: Peach Daniel A.H. , Blake Adam J.
Published: October 2023

Mosquitoes are considered the world's deadliest animal because of the pathogens they spread. Additionally, they are an unbearable nuisance in many areas. Visual stimuli play an important role in the mosquito life cycle, helping them find vertebrate hosts, floral nectar, and oviposition sites. Here, we review mosquito vision, including its influences on mosquito behavior, the photoreceptors involved, and mosquito spectral sensitivity, as well as provide an overview of techniques used for the analysis of mosquito vision, including electroretinograms, single-cell recordings, and the use of opsin-deficient mutants. We anticipate that this information will be useful for researchers studying mosquito physiology, evolution, ecology, and management.
Experiment and simulation analysis of tribological and dynamic characteristics in aeroengine hybrid ceramic bearing
Authors: Chen Zhixiong , Long Weishan , Song Li , Li Xinglin
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to research the tribological and dynamic characteristics of aeroengine hybrid ceramic bearings through wear experiments and simulation analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors carried out wear experiments on Si3N4–GCr15 and GCr15–GCr15 friction pairs through the ball-disc wear test rig to explore the tribological properties of their materials. Second, using ANSYS/LS-DYNA simulation software, the dynamic simulation analysis of hybrid bearings was carried out under certain working conditions, and the dynamic contact stress of all-steel bearings of the same size was simulated and compared. Finally, the change of the maximum contact stress of the main bearing under the change of load and rotation speed was studied.

Findings

The results show that the Si3N4–GCr15 pair has better tribological performance. At the same time, under the conditions of high speed and heavy load, the simulation analysis shows that the contact stress between the ceramic ball and the raceway of the ring is smaller than the steel ball. That is, hybrid bearings have better transient mechanical properties than all-steel bearings. With the speed increasing to 12,000 r/min, the maximum stress point will shift in the inner and outer rings.

Originality/value

In this study, the tribological and transient mechanical properties of Si3N4 material were comprehensively analyzed through wear experiments and dynamic simulation analysis, which provided a reference for the design of hybrid bearings for next-generation aeroengines.
GPU-accelerated body-internal electric field exposure simulation using low-frequency magnetic field sampling points
Authors: Haussmann Norman , Stroka Steven , Schmuelling Benedikt , Clemens Markus
Published: October 2023

Purpose

High resolution simulations of body-internal electric field strengths induced by magneto-quasistatic fields from wireless power transfer systems are computationally expensive. The exposure simulation can be split into two separate simulation steps allowing the calculation of the magnetic flux density distribution, which serves as input into the second simulation step to calculate the body-internal electric fields. In this work, the magnetic flux density is interpolated from in situ measurements in combination with the scalar-potential finite difference scheme to calculate the resulting body-internal field. These calculations are supposed to take less than 5 s to achieve a near real-time visualization of these fields on mobile devices. The purpose of this work is to present an implementation of the simulation on graphics processing units (GPUs), allowing for the calculation of the body-internal field strength in about 3 s.

Design/methodology/approach

This work uses the co-simulation scalar-potential finite difference scheme to determine the body-internal electric field strength of human models with a voxel resolution of 2 × 2 × 2 mm3. The scheme is implemented on GPUs. This simulation scheme requires the magnetic flux density distribution as input, determined from radial basis functions.

Findings

Using NVIDIA A100 GPUs, the body-internal electric field strength with high-resolution models and 8.9 million degrees of freedom can be determined in about 2.3 s.

Originality/value

This paper describes in detail the used scheme and its implementation to make use of the computational performance of modern GPUs.
Workplace spirituality and job satisfaction among teachers: influence of well-being and spiritual leadership
Authors: Binu Raj Asha , Ambreesh Pallawi , Tripathi Nitya Nand , Ambreesh Kumar Anusha
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of well-being in mediating the relationship between workplace spirituality and job satisfaction. It also studies the role of spiritual leadership in moderating the effect of workplace spirituality on well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

The study proposes a hypothesized model tested among 515 teachers from Indian higher educational institutions, selected through random sampling. Mediation and moderation analysis are used to test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

Drawn on positive organizational studies, the results indicate that inner well-being, comprising of psychological, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual dimensions, does not mediate the relationship between spiritual dimension of workplace spirituality and job satisfaction. Same effect is observed for mediation role of physical well-being. However, inner well-being and physical well-being both mediate the relationship between mindfulness and job satisfaction among teachers. Also, teachers experience higher levels of well-being in the presence of spiritual leadership at their workplaces.

Research limitations/implications

The paper contributes to leadership and workplace spirituality literature by testing an integrated framework of mediating role of inner well-being and physical well-being.

Practical implications

The study helps practitioners to integrate their practices and programs with workplace spirituality for improving well-being and attaining positive outcomes, which can further contribute to performance and productivity in institutions.

Originality/value

The proposed framework highlights the impact of workplace spirituality dimensions and mindfulness on inner well-being and physical well-being of teachers which lead to positive outcomes such as job satisfaction. It also enriches the spiritual leadership literature.
Ambidextrous leadership, social capital, creative behaviour and well-being: a mediation-moderation model
Authors: Jain Sarika
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Since the past two years, workplace dynamics has changed, as employees have witnessed uncertainty and a constantly fluctuating business environment due to COVID-19. The outbreak is nearly over, but it has led to new work settings in most parts of the world. This requires a suitable leadership approach to derive strategic decisions and cultivate proficiency amongst employees in the new work setting. The purpose of the article is to explore the effects of ambidextrous leadership (AL) in boosting social capital (SC) which further lead to employee creative work behavior. Further, the study also examined the moderating role of well-being in enriching creative work behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, 281 knowledge workers working in Mumbai were selected as subjects for the study. Structural equation modelling using analysis of moment structure was used to test the mediation. Later, moderated regression analysis confirmed the moderating role of well-being in employee creative behaviour.

Findings

The results confirmed the role of AL comprising closed and open leadership behaviours in enhancing the SC, which is an important element to cultivate creative behaviour amongst employees. In addition, the role of well-being is found to be critical for enhancing creative work behaviour.

Practical implications

The study will help organizations to understand the role of AL, SC and well-being in enhancing creative behaviour amongst knowledge workers.

Originality/value

This study contributes to leadership literature by attempting to integrate the concepts of leadership with SC, well-being and creative work behaviour, which has rarely been done in the Indian context.
Differential reporting and earnings quality: is more better?
Authors: Daniele Mario
Published: October 2023

Purpose

When financial statements are public, the choice between alternative reporting regimes constitutes a signal that addresses external stakeholders. Generally, the choice of more complex regimes acts as a complement of firms' transparency. However, in the absence of audits, opportunistic behaviors could be incentivized. This study aims to test whether SMEs' choice between alternative accounting regimes is associated with earnings quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the literature about accounting choices and earnings quality, this study investigates whether the same conclusions are confirmed for SMEs. Using a sample of 4,054 Italian companies and 12,114 observations, it compared four earnings quality proxies of a group of companies that opted for the “Full” rules and those of a subsample of the population of companies that applied the Simplified rules.

Findings

The results suggest that the signaling power of accounting rules' choice could lead to wrong conclusions for SMEs. Indeed, a positive relationship emerged (H1) between the choice of the “Full” rules and income smoothing behaviors, while the same choice appears to reduce the probability to disclose SPOS. Moreover, the results suggest that opportunistic behaviors are more frequent for firms that have settled in a “non-cooperative” social environment (H2).

Research limitations/implications

This study could foster research on financial reporting quality in private firms.

Practical implications

Comparing the quality of financial statements drawn up according to two alternative accounting regimes could provide useful suggestions for both users and regulators.

Originality/value

The results contribute to the limited literature on the implications of differential reporting. Finally, it enriches the literature about heterogeneity in accounting quality within private firms.
Multiplying success: the power of multiple simulations with graduated weighting and coordinated sequencing for learner engagement
Authors: Alstete Jeffrey W.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The increasing need for student engagement and the wide availability of digital teaching resources are providing opportunities for careful consideration and planning of assignments within and among business management courses. This paper aims to examine implementation strategies for integrating multiple business simulations with gradually increased assignment weighting and coordinated implementation in a university business curriculum.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study research design with a pattern-matching logic is used to represent a critical test of formulated programmatic and learning theories that have a set of propositions and circumstances with which the proposals are believed to be true. Applied digital management education tools used in a graduated weighting scheme compare an empirically-based pattern with a predicted pattern.

Findings

Systemic program-wide implementation of teaching resources such as simulations, microsimulations and application-based activity role-playing assignments can deliver engaging internal course and coordinated management program experiential-type learning. Carefully planning graduated assignment weights can be a practical strategy for using a low-risk approach to enhance experiential learning.

Practical implications

The strategies proposed provide a practical approach for controlling the learning pace and facilitating low-risk experiential learning through the modern digital business education landscape.

Originality/value

This paper investigates innovative implementation ideas to strategically arrange simulation assignments that can enhance success and prepare students future management work-based training. It explores the value of incorporating different types of business simulations and advanced active learning activities to provide students with engaging experiential learning experiences.
Experimental characterization, theoretical modeling and failure analysis of the mechanical behavior of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene parts by fused filament fabrication
Authors: Algarín Roncallo Roberto Junior , Lopez Taborda Luis Lisandro , Guillen Diego
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research is present an experimental and numerical study of the mechanical properties of the acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) in the additive manufacturing (AM) by fused filament fabrication (FFF). The characterization and mechanical models obtained are used to predict the elastic behavior of a prosthetic foot and the failure of a prosthetic knee manufactured with FFF.

Design/methodology/approach

Tension tests were carried out and the elastic modulus, yield stress and tensile strength were evaluated for different material directions. The material elastic constants were determined and the influence of infill density in the mechanical strength was evaluated. Yield surfaces and failure criteria were generated from the tests. Failures over prosthetic elements in tridimensional stresses were analyzed; the cases were evaluated via finite element method.

Findings

The experimental results show that the material is transversely isotropic. The elasticity modulus, yield stress and ultimate tensile strength vary linearly with the infill density. The stresses and the failure criteria were computed and compared with the experimental tests with good agreement.

Practical implications

This research can be applied to predict failures and improve reliability in FFF or fused deposition modeling (FDM) products for applications in high-performance industries such as aerospace, automotive and medical.

Social implications

This research aims to promote its widespread adoption in the industrial and medical sectors by increasing reliability in products manufactured with AM based on the failure criterion.

Originality/value

Most of the models studied apply to plane stress situations and standardized specimens of printed material. However, the models applied in this study can be used for functional parts and three-dimensional stress, with accuracy in the range of that obtained by other researchers. The researchers also proposed a method for the mechanical study of fragile materials fabricated by processes of FFF and FDM.
Uncovering time and frequency co-movement among green bonds, energy commodities and stock market
Authors: Yadav Miklesh Prasad , Ashok Shruti , Taghizadeh-Hesary Farhad , Dhingra Deepika , Mishra Nandita , Malhotra Nidhi
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the comovement among green bonds, energy commodities and stock market to determine the advantages of adding green bonds to a diversified portfolio.

Design/methodology/approach

Generic 1 Natural Gas and Energy Select SPDR Fund are used as proxies to measure energy commodities, bonds index of S&P Dow Jones and Bloomberg Barclays MSCI are used to represent green bonds and the New York Stock Exchange is considered to measure the stock market. Granger causality test, wavelet analysis and network analysis are applied to daily price for the select markets from August 26, 2014, to March 30, 2021.

Findings

Results from the Granger causality test indicate no causality between any pair of variables, while cross wavelet transform and wavelet coherence analysis confirm strong coherence at a high scale during the pandemic, validating comovement among the three asset classes. In addition, network analysis further corroborates this connectedness, implying a strong association of the stock market with the energy commodity market.

Originality/value

This study offers new evidence of the temporal association among the US stock market, energy commodities and green bonds during the COVID-19 crisis. It presents a novel approach that measures and evaluates comovement among the constituent series, simultaneously using both wavelet and network analysis.
Integrating technology with work practices in primary care: challenges to sustainable organizing “from within”
Authors: Brandenberger Isabel Alexandra , Hasu Mervi Anneli , Nerland Monika
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to generate a better understanding of how challenges and opportunities for sustainable change during digitalization relate to the organizing work of change agents mandated to facilitate technology adoption from within local work organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines the work of welfare technology coordinators, health-care professionals who are mandated to facilitate the use of technologies in home-based services in a Norwegian city. Data comprise ethnographic observations of meetings and work practices, interviews and documents collected over one year. A practice-based approach was applied to analyze how the welfare technology coordinators go about integrating technologies with the work practices, and the forms of negotiations this work implies in their work community.

Findings

The analysis identified four sets of practices in the coordinators’ work: exploring and integrating new technologies into work practices, legitimizing aims and values, formalizing routines and responsibilities and critically considering existing and envisioned service practices. Through these practices, emerging problems and disconnections in the service organization were attended to in a continuous manner.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by examining the work of internal change agents mandated to facilitate multiple and simultaneous technology adoption and demonstrates the importance of recognizing the continuous efforts and negotiations of these agents as significant to sustainable organizing.
Extinction debt and functional traits mediate community saturation over large spatiotemporal scales
Authors: Ramírez Juan P. , Reeder Tod W. , Spasojevic Marko J.
Published: October 2023

Determining if ecological communities are saturated (have a limit to the number of species they can support) has important implications for understanding community assembly, species invasions, and climate change. However, previous studies have generally been limited to short time frames that overlook extinction debt and have not explicitly considered how functional trait diversity may mediate patterns of community saturation.

Here, we combine data from biodiversity surveys with functional and phylogenetic data to explore if the colonisation events after the Great American Biotic Interchange (closure of the Panamanian Isthmus) resulted in increases in species richness of communities of the snake family Dipsadidae. We determined the number and the direction of dispersal events between Central and South America by estimating ancestral areas based on a Bayesian time‐calibrated phylogenetic analysis. We then evaluated whether variation in community saturation was mediated by the functional similarity of six traits for the resident and colonizing snakes and/or local environmental conditions.

We found that colonised communities did not support more species than those that were not colonised. Moreover, we did not find an association between the functional diversity across sites and whether they were colonised by members from the lineages dispersing across the Isthmus or not. Instead, variation in species richness was predicted best by covariates such as time since colonisation and local environment.

Taken together, our results suggest that snake communities of the Dipsadidae across the neotropics are saturated. Moreover, our research highlights two important factors to consider in studies of community saturation: extinction debt and the functional differences and similarities in species' ecological roles.
Protein fortification in oat flour gel using various dairy protein ingredients: An evaluation of textural and pasting properties
Authors: Kumar Lokesh , Brennan Margaret , Zheng Haotian , Kumar Gaurav , Brennan Charles
Published: October 2023

The effects of dairy ingredient substitution including whey protein concentrate (WPC), whey lactalbumin concentrate (WLAC) and skim milk powder (SMP) on functional properties of oat flour were investigated. Pasting analysis revealed that adding dairy ingredients at low substitution concentrations (5% and 10%) weaken the gel strength. WPC and WLAC resulted in increased hot paste stability compared to SMP as indicated by results obtained from a rapid visco analyser (RVA). Textural analysis suggested that WPC and SMP resulted in more elastic gels in comparison with WLAC, whereas WLAC reduced the elasticity of gel owing to the high denaturation resistance of α‐lactalbumin.
Assessing the efficacy of online teacher training programs in preparing pre‐service teachers to support students with special educational needs in mainstream classrooms in the UAE: A case study
Authors: Al‐Rashaida Mohammad , Massouti Ayman
Published: October 2023

The study aimed to explore the challenges and potential benefits of online delivery in preparing pre‐service teachers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for inclusive teaching. The study specifically examined their readiness to assist students with special educational needs (SEN) within the K‐12 education system. It employed semi‐structured interviews to comprehensively understand the perspectives and experiences of 11 pre‐service teachers enrolled in an online teacher education programme. The findings revealed that the participants expressed significant concern about their preparedness to teach students with SEN. They expressed apprehension about the limited opportunities they had during their teacher education programme to learn about and interact with students with SEN. The findings also shed light on the gap between theory and practice, underscoring the importance of contemporary teacher education programmes in re‐evaluating their curricula to address the emerging needs of both learners and teachers, specifically in the post‐pandemic era of COVID‐19. Lastly, the study provided implications for practice and suggested future research in this area.
Optimization of complex coacervation parameters for the production of encapsulated black garlic using response surface methodology
Authors: Sasmaz Hatice Kubra , Adal Eda , Kadiroğlu Pınar , Selli Serkan , Uzlasir Turkan , Kelebek Hasim
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study was to optimize black garlic encapsulation parameters (core/coating ratio, extract concentration, and coacervate/maltodextrin [MD] ratio) using central composite design of the response surface methodology based on encapsulation efficiency (EE) (%). The optimum parameters were determined as 4.0 for the coating material/core ratio, 50% for the extract concentration, and 6.0 for the MD/coacervate ratio depending on the EE (%). The antioxidant activity values were determined as 101 and 134 µmol Trolox/100 g dry weight (DW) for the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) methods, respectively, whereas the total phenolic content was 49 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g DW for the encapsulated black garlic samples. S‐Allyl‐l‐cysteine (SAC), γ‐l‐glutamyl‐SAC (GSAC), γ‐l‐glutamyl‐(S)‐trans‐1‐propenyl‐l‐cysteine, and allicin were the organosulfur (OS) compounds determined in the samples. The SAC concentration of the encapsulated black garlic samples was determined as 22.36 mg/g, whereas the GSAC content was found at a lower concentration (0.33 mg/g) compared to SAC. The allicin content was quantified to be 0.31 mg/g. The encapsulated samples were also characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. The FT‐IR analysis revealed specific functional groups, including hydroxyl, carbonyl, and glycosidic linkage. The interaction between lentil protein isolate and pectin was strong enough to encourage capsule formation as visualized in the SEM images. This study shows the potential of black garlic coacervates as a functional ingredient for the food industry due to their stability, solubility, and preservation of OS and antioxidant compounds.
Late Mesozoic Exhumation of the Huangling Massif: Constraints on the Evolution of the Middle Yangtze River
Authors: SU Jianchao , LIN Xu , LI Chang'an , MARC Jolivet , WU Lin , CHENG Feng , DENG Bin , WU Zhonghai , CHEN Xiaokang , HU Chengwei
Published: October 2023

Plate subduction leads to complex exhumation processes on continents. The Huangling Massif lies at the northern margin of the South China Block. Whether the Huangling Massif was exhumed as a watershed of the middle reaches of the Paleo‐Yangtze River during the Mesozoic remains under debate. We examined the exhumation history of the Huangling Massif based on six granite bedrock samples, using apatite fission track (AFT) and apatite and zircon (U‐Th)/He (AHe and ZHe) thermochronology. These samples yielded ages of 157–132 Ma (ZHe), 119–106 Ma (AFT), and 114–72 Ma (AHe), respectively. Thermal modeling revealed that three phases of rapid cooling occurred during the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous, late Early Cretaceous, and Late Cretaceous. These exhumation processes led to the high topographic relief responsible for the emergence of the Huangling Massif. The integrated of our new data with published sedimentological records suggests that the Huangling Massif might have been the watershed of the middle reaches of the Paleo‐Yangtze River since the Cretaceous. At that time, the rivers flowed westward into the Sichuan Basin and eastward into the Jianghan Basin. The subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Asian continent in the Mesozoic deeply influenced the geomorphic evolution of the South China Block.
Prediction markets as meta‐episteme: Artificial intelligence, forecasting tournaments, prediction markets, and economic growth
Authors: Murphy Ryan H.
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a speculative framework suggesting that prediction markets (or its epistemic cousins such as artificial intelligence or forecasting tournaments) may constitute a break in the expansion of human knowledge in a manner similar to the impact of the Scientific and Industrial Revolutions. Just as the scientific understanding of the natural world facilitated the development of useful technologies to move far faster than what is allowed by blind evolution and tinkering, tools such as prediction markets allow for scientific knowledge to move faster than its current evolutionary process. The intellectual bases for these tools, such as the interpretation of probabilities as bets, are relatively recent additions to human knowledge, which may have significant implications for how we evaluate past thinkers, versus what is now possible or may be possible in the future.
Preservation of pulsatility with universal ventricular assist device: In vitro assessment for biventricular support
Authors: Kuroda Taiyo , Miyagi Chihiro , Polakowski Anthony R. , Flick Christine R. , Kuban Barry D. , Fukamachi Kiyotaka , Karimov Jamshid H.
Published: October 2023

Background

The objective of this study was to assess the pulsatility preservation capability of the universal ventricular assist device (UVAD) when used as a biventricular assist device (BVAD). This evaluation was conducted through an in vitro experiment, utilizing a pulsatile biventricular circulatory mock loop.

Methods

Two UVAD pumps were tested in a dual setup (BVAD) in the circulatory model with the simulated conditions of left heart failure (HF), right HF, and moderate/severe biventricular HF (BHF). The total flow, aortic pulse pressure, the pulse augmentation factor (PAF), the energy‐equivalent pressure (EEP), and the surplus hemodynamic energy (SHE) were observed at various pump speeds to evaluate the pulsatility.

Results

The aortic pulse pressure increased from the baseline (without pump) in all simulated hemodynamic conditions. The PAF ranged from 17%–35% in healthy, left HF, right HF, and mild BHF conditions, with the highest PAF of 90% being observed in the severe BHF condition. The EEP correlated with LVAD flow in all groups (R2 = 0.87–0.97) and increased from the baseline in all cases. The SHE peaked at approximately 5–6 L/min of LVAD support and was likely to decrease at higher LVAD pump flow. The largest decrease in SHE from the baseline, 53%, was observed in the mild BHF conditions with the highest LVAD and RVAD support.

Conclusions

The UVAD successfully demonstrated the ability to preserve pulsatility in vitro, and to optimize the cardiac output, as an isolated circulatory support device option (RVAD or LVAD) and when used for BVAD support.
Comparison of disease severity in glaucoma patients identified by screening in the 1990s and in routine clinical care in the 2010s in Sweden
Authors: Bengtsson B. , Villalba C. , Peters D. , Aspberg J.
Published: October 2023

Background and Purpose

In a previous study comparing the amount of visual field damage at presentation in patients having open‐angle glaucoma (OAG) identified through screening and in patients diagnosed in routine clinical practice in the 1990s, the damage was considerably worse in the clinically diagnosed patients. In the present study we compare visual field damage at presentation in the same 402 screened patients with that seen in 281 newly detected previously untreated patients clinically diagnosed in the 2010s.

Methods

The perimetric visual field index mean deviation (MD) was compared in the two groups of patients.

Results

In the clinical patients diagnosed with bilateral visual field damage the median MD was −5.1 dB in the better eye and −13.0 dB in the worse eye. In the screened patients the median MD in the better eye was −6.5 dB and −11.5 dB in the worse eye. The differences between the clinical and screened patients were non‐significant, p = 0.28 and p = 0.67 respectively. More clinical patients had severe visual field loss, defined as MD less than −20 dB, in the worse eye than in the screened patients, 18.5% versus 12.7% respectively, p = 0.037.

Conclusion

The visual field damage at presentation in clinically diagnosed OAG patients has improved in the past 20 years, but the proportion of patients with severe visual field loss in at least one eye, almost 20%, is still unacceptably high considering that severe visual field damage at presentation is the most important risk factor for later development of glaucoma blindness.
Creative music therapy for long‐term neurodevelopment in extremely preterm infants: Results of a feasibility trial
Authors: Haslbeck Friederike B. , Adams Mark , Schmidli Lars , Bassler Dirk , Bucher Hans Ulrich , Natalucci Giancarlo
Published: October 2023

Aim

We tested the feasibility of a future randomised clinical trial (RCT) in which Creative Music Therapy (CMT), a family‐integrating individualised approach in neonatal care, could improve neurodevelopment in extremely preterm infants (EPTs).

Methods

In this feasibility trial, 12 EPTs received CMT, while the remaining 19 received standard neonatal care. Socio‐demographic data and perinatal complications were compared between groups as risk factors. Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development at 2‐year follow‐up (FU2) and KABC‐II‐Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children at 5‐year follow‐up (FU5) were analysed using the Mann–Whitney U‐tests.

Results

Twenty‐seven (87.1%) and 18 (58.1%) EPTs attended the FU2 and FU5 examination, respectively. The rate of neurodevelopmental risk factors at birth of the two groups was quite similar. While there was no difference in the FU2 outcomes between groups, there were higher values in the CMT group's Fluid‐Crystallised Index of the KABC‐II.

Conclusion

Our results indicate neither a beneficial nor a detrimental effect of CMT on neurodevelopment at 2 years but a trend of improved cognitive outcomes at 5 years more similar to cognitive scores of term‐born infants than of standard treatment EPTs. The findings favour an RCT but must be interpreted cautiously due to the reduced sample size and non‐randomised design.
24‐Hour movement behaviors and executive functions in preschoolers: A compositional and isotemporal reallocation analysis
Authors: Lau Patrick W. C. , Song Huiqi , Song Di , Wang Jing‐Jing , Zhen Shanshan , Shi Lei , Yu Rongjun
Published: October 2023

This cross‐sectional study explored the relationship between 24‐hour movement behaviors and executive function (EF) in preschool children. A total of 426 Han Chinese preschoolers (231 males; 3.8 ± 0.6 years old) from Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China were selected from October 2021 to December 2021. Accelerometers were used to measure physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB), while sleep duration was obtained via a parent‐report questionnaire. Components of EF (cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, and working memory) were assessed using computerized behavioral tasks. The daily composition was significantly associated with inhibitory control and working memory. Inhibitory control improvements were linked to the addition of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at the expense of SB and sleep. The reallocation between MVPA, SB, sleep, and light physical activity yielded a significant association with working memory.