bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DOES QUALITY OF COUNSELING AND EXPOSURE TO FAMILY PLANNING MESSAGES INFLUENCE THE USE OF MODERN CONTRACEPTIVES AMONG WOMEN IN NORTHERN NIGERIA?
Authors: Alabi Matthew , Dougherty Leanne , Etim Eno-Obong , Adedimeji Adebola
Published: April 2024

Background

Family Planning Counselling (FPC) involves information exchange on contraceptive methods between a provider and client and providing appropriate support in choosing a method that best suits the client’s needs. Access to sexual and reproductive health information enables women to make informed health decisions. However, the low modern contraceptive prevalence among women in northern Nigeria may be attributed to poor FPC and exposure to FP messages, among other factors. This study examines the impact of quality FPC and exposure to FP messages on modern contraceptive use.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 676 family planning clients aged 15-49 from 163 health facilities in Northern Nigeria. Quantitative data were collected using client exit interviews. The analysis included a binary logistic regression to predict the odds of modern contraceptive use using MII Plus and other explanatory variables.

Result

Only 29% received quality counselling about methods, while 35% were exposed to FP messages. The quality of counselling assessed using MII Plus did not predict modern contraceptive use. However, higher odds of using modern contraceptives were found among clients who reported their provider asked about their previous family planning experience (aOR=3.81; 95% CI: 1.04-13.99) and explained how the selected FP method works (aOR=5.51; 95% CI: 1.11-27.30). Clients who received FP messages from a place of worship (aOR=11.97; 95% CI: 1.76-81.62) and a community ruler (aOR=6.52; 95% CI: 1.02-41.58) had higher odds of using modern contraceptives.

Conclusion

Improving the quality of FPC and expanding exposure to FP messages through effective community structure can enhance the uptake of modern contraceptives in northern Nigeria.
Rare variant associations with birth weight identify genes involved in adipose tissue regulation, placental function and insulin-like growth factor signalling
Authors: Kentistou Katherine A. , Lim Brandon E. M. , Kaisinger Lena R. , Steinthorsdottir Valgerdur , Sharp Luke N , Patel Kashyap A. , Tragante Vinicius , Hawkes Gareth , Gardner Eugene J. , Olafsdottir Thorhildur , Wood Andrew R. , Zhao Yajie , Thorleifsson Gudmar , Day Felix R. , Ozanne Susan E. , Hattersley Andrew T. , O’Rahilly Stephen , Stefansson Kari , Ong Ken K. , Beaumont Robin N. , Perry John R. B. , Freathy Rachel M.
Published: April 2024

Investigating the genetic factors influencing human birth weight may lead to biological insights into fetal growth and long-term health. Genome-wide association studies of birth weight have highlighted associated variants in more than 200 regions of the genome, but the causal genes are mostly unknown. Rare genetic variants with robust evidence of association are more likely to point to causal genes, but to date, only a few rare variants are known to influence birth weight. We aimed to identify genes that harbour rare variants that impact birth weight when carried by either the fetus or the mother, by analysing whole exome sequence data in UK Biobank participants.

We annotated rare (minor allele frequency <0.1%) protein-truncating or high impact missense variants on whole exome sequence data in up to 234,675 participants with data on their own birth weight (fetal variants), and up to 181,883 mothers who reported the birth weight of their first child (maternal variants). Variants within each gene were collapsed to perform gene burden tests and for each associated gene, we compared the observed fetal and maternal effects. We identified 8 genes with evidence of rare fetal variant effects on birth weight, of which 2 also showed maternal effects. One additional gene showed evidence of maternal effects only. We observed 10/11 directionally concordant associations in an independent sample of up to 45,622 individuals (sign testP=0.01).

Of the genes identified,IGF1RandPAPPA2(fetal and maternal-acting) have known roles in insulin-like growth factor bioavailability and signalling.PPARG, INHBEandACVR1C(all fetal-acting) have known roles in adipose tissue regulation and rare variants in the latter two also showed associations with favourable adiposity patterns in adults. We highlight the dual role ofPPARGin both adipocyte differentiation and placental angiogenesis.NOS3, NRK,andADAMTS8(fetal and maternal-acting) have been implicated in both placental function and hypertension.

Analysis of rare coding variants has identified regulators of fetal adipose tissue and fetoplacental angiogenesis as determinants of birth weight, as well as further evidence for the role of insulin-like growth factors.
Effect of pregnancy intention at conception on the continuity of care in maternal healthcare services use in Somalia: Evidence from first national health and demographic survey
Authors: Alam Md Badsha , Khanam Shimlin Jahan , Kabir Md Awal , Khalif Ibrahim Yasin , Khan Md Nuruzzaman
Published: April 2024

Background

Unintended pregnancies pose a significant challenge to maternal healthcare service utilization and continuity of care (CoC) in low-resource settings. This study investigates the impact of pregnancy intention at conception on CoC in maternal healthcare service use in Somalia.

Methods

Data comprising 7,079 mothers were extracted from the First National Health and Demographic Survey of Somalia conducted in 2020, with the condition that they had given birth within the three years preceding the survey. Level of Continuity of Care (CoC), categorized as lowest, middle, or highest, in receiving maternal healthcare services, was considered as the explanatory variable and assessed based on the receipt of antenatal healthcare (ANC, <4, ≥4), skilled birth attendance (SBA), and postnatal healthcare (PNC, within 48 hours of birth). Mother’s intention of most recent pregnancy at conception was the primary exposure variable. Unadjusted and adjusted multilevel multinomial logistic regression models were used to assess the effect of unintended pregnancy on the level of CoC completion.

Results

Approximately 38% of live births in Somalia were unintended at conception. Only 2.4% of mothers achieved full CoC, with higher rates observed among those with intended pregnancies (3.0%) compared to those with mistimed (1.6%) or unwanted pregnancies (1.1%). Mothers having mistimed (aOR, 0.59, 95% CI, 0.37-0.95) and unwanted (aOR, 0.28, 95% CI, 0.10-0.79) pregnancies had significantly lower odds of achieving moderate and higher levels of CoC compared to those having intended pregnancies, even after adjusting for socio-demographic factors.

Conclusion

Unintended pregnancies are associated with lower level of CoC in maternal healthcare service use in Somalia. Strengthening family planning services, promoting contraceptive use, enhancing sexual education, and raising awareness about the importance of maternal healthcare services are essential steps to reduce unintended pregnancies and improve maternal and child health outcomes in the country.
Investigating the relationship between DNA methylation, genetic variation, and suicide attempt in bipolar disorder
Authors: Alrfooh Aysheh , Casten Lucas G. , Richards Jenny Gringer , Wemmie John A. , Magnotta Vincent A. , Fiedorowicz Jess G. , Michaelson Jacob , Williams Aislinn J. , Gaine Marie E.
Published: April 2024

Individuals with bipolar disorder are at increased risk for suicide, and this can be influenced by a range of biological, clinical, and environmental risk factors. Biological components associated with suicide include DNA modifications that lead to changes in gene expression. Common genetic variation and DNA methylation changes are some of the most frequent types of DNA findings associated with an increased risk for suicidal behavior. Importantly, the interplay between genetic predisposition and DNA methylation patterns is becoming more prevalent in genetic studies. We hypothesized that DNA methylation patterns in specific loci already genetically associated with suicide would be altered in individuals with bipolar disorder and a history of suicide attempt. To test this hypothesis, we searched the literature to identify common genetic variants (N=34) previously associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors in individuals with bipolar disorder. We then created a customized sequencing panel that covered our chosen genomic loci. We profiled DNA methylation patterns from blood samples collected from bipolar disorder participants with suicidal behavior (N=55) and without suicidal behavior (N=51). We identified seven differentially methylated CpG sites and five differentially methylated regions between the two groups. Additionally, we found that DNA methylation changes inMIFandCACNA1Cwere associated with lethality or number of suicide attempts. Finally, we identified three meQTLs inSIRT1,IMPA2, andINPP1. This study illustrates that DNA methylation is altered in individuals with bipolar disorder and a history of suicide attempts in regions known to harbor suicide-related variants.
Ventral frontostriatal circuitry mediates the computation of reinforcement from symbolic gains and losses
Authors: Tang Hua , Bartolo Ramon , Averbeck Bruno B.
Published: April 2024

Reinforcement learning (RL), particularly in primates, is often driven by symbolic outcomes. However, it is usually studied with primary reinforcers. To examine the neural mechanisms underlying learning from symbolic outcomes, we trained monkeys on a task in which they learned to choose options that led to gains of tokens and avoid choosing options that led to losses of tokens. We then recorded simultaneously from the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), ventral striatum (VS), amygdala (AMY), and the mediodorsal thalamus (MDt). We found that the OFC played a dominant role in coding token outcomes and token prediction errors. The other areas contributed complementary functions with the VS coding appetitive outcomes and the AMY coding the salience of outcomes. The MDt coded actions and relayed information about tokens between the OFC and VS. Thus, OFC leads the process of symbolic reinforcement learning in the ventral frontostriatal circuitry.
Identification of markers for the isolation of neuron-specific extracellular vesicles
Authors: Ter-Ovanesyan Dmitry , Whiteman Sara , Gilboa Tal , Kowal Emma JK , Trieu Wendy , Iyer Siddharth , Budnik Bogdan , Babila Clarissa May , Heimberg Graham , Burgess Michael W , Keshishian Hasmik , Carr Steven A , Regev Aviv , Church George M , Walt David R
Published: April 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released by all cells and contain RNA and protein from their cell of origin. EVs in biofluids could be used as diagnostic biomarkers to non-invasively report the state of inaccessible cells, such as neurons in the brain. As biofluids such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma contain EVs originating from many different cells, isolating cell type-specific EVs and measuring their cargo could help determine the state of specific cell types. Here, we demonstrate an approach aiming to immuno-isolate EVs from neurons based on neuron-derived protein surface markers. We first developed a framework to select transmembrane proteins suitable as neuron-specific EV markers based on gene expression and EV proteomics data. Leveraging a novel, high-purity EV isolation method we developed, we further cataloged the proteins present on EVs in human CSF and plasma. Using ultrasensitive immunoassays against several of the predicted neuron-specific proteins, we confirmed one marker, NRXN3 as present on EVs in CSF and plasma by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and density gradient centrifugation (DGC). Finally, we developed efficient EV immuno-isolation methods and applied them to isolate NRXN3+EVs. Our study provides a general methodology for the isolation of cell-type specific EVs and paves the way for the use of neuron-derived EVs to study and diagnose neurological disease.
A genomic duplication spanning multiple P450s contributes to insecticide resistance in the dengue mosquitoAedes aegypti
Authors: Bacot Tiphaine , Haberkorn Chloé , Guilliet Joseph , Cattel Julien , Kefi Mary , Nadalin Louis , Filee Jonathan , Boyer Frederic , Gaude Thierry , Laporte Frederic , Tutagata Jordan , Vontas John , Dusfour Isabelle , Bonneville Jean-Marc , David Jean-Philippe
Published: April 2024

Resistance of mosquitoes to insecticides is one example of rapid adaptation to anthropogenic selection pressures having a strong impact on human health and activities. Target-site modification and increased insecticide detoxification are the two main mechanisms underlying insecticide resistance in mosquitoes. While target-sites mutations are well characterised and often used to track resistance in the field, the genomic events associated with insecticide detoxification remain partially characterised. Recent studies evidenced the key role of gene duplications in the over-expression of detoxification enzymes and their potential use to track metabolic resistance alleles in the field. However, such genomic events remain difficult to characterise due to their complex genomic architecture and their co-occurrence with other resistance alleles. In this concern, the present work investigated the role of a large genomic duplication affecting a cluster of detoxification enzymes in conferring resistance to the pyrethroid insecticide deltamethrin in the mosquitoAedes aegypti.

Two isofemale lines originating from French Guiana and being deprived from major target-site mutations showed distinct insecticide resistance levels. Combining RNA-seq and whole genome pool-seq identified a 220 Kb genomic duplication enhancing the expression of multiple contiguous cytochrome P450s in the resistant line. The genomic architecture of the duplicated loci was elucidated through long read sequencing, evidencing its transposon-mediated evolutionary origin. The involvement of this P450 duplication in deltamethrin survival was supported by a significant phenotypic response to the P450 inhibitor piperonyl butoxide together with genotype-phenotype association and RNA interference. Experimental evolution suggested that this P450 duplication is associated with a significant fitness cost, potentially affecting its adaptive value in presence of other resistance alleles.

Overall, this study supports the importance of genomic duplications affecting detoxification enzymes in the rapid adaptation of mosquitoes to insecticides. Deciphering their genomic architecture provides new insights into the evolutionary processes underlying such rapid adaptation. Such findings provide new tools for the surveillance and management of resistance in the field.
Functional reorganization of brain regions supporting non-adjacent dependency learning across the first half year of life
Authors: Cai Lin , Hakuno Yoko , Hata Masahiro , Hoshino Ei-ichi , Arimitsu Takeshi , Shinohara Naomi , Takahashi Takao , Watson Stuart , Townsend Simon , Mueller Jutta L. , Minagawa Yasuyo
Published: April 2024

Pre-babbling infants can track nonadjacent dependencies (NADs) in the auditory domain. While this forms a crucial prerequisite for language acquisition, the neurodevelopmental origins of this ability remain unknown. We applied functional near- infrared spectroscopy in neonates and 6-7-month-old infants to investigate the neural substrate supporting NAD learning using tone sequences in an artificial grammar learning paradigm. Detection of NADs was indicated by left prefrontal activation in neonates while by left supramarginal gyrus (SMG), superior temporal gyrus (STG), and inferior frontal gyrus activation in 6-7-month-olds. Functional connectivity analyses further indicated that the neonate activation pattern during the test phase benefited from a brain network consisting of prefrontal regions, left SMG and STG during the rest and learning phases. These findings suggest a left-hemispheric learning-related functional brain network may emerge at birth and be strengthened by complex auditory input across the first half year of life, providing a neural basis for language acquisition.
Evaluation and comparison of methods for neuronal parameter optimization using the Neuroptimus software framework
Authors: Mohasci Mate , Torok Mark Patrik , Saray Sara , Tar Luca , Kali Szabolcs
Published: April 2024

Finding optimal parameters for detailed neuronal models is a ubiquitous challenge in neuroscientific research. Recently, manual model tuning has been replaced by automated parameter search using a variety of different tools and methods. However, using most of these software tools and choosing the most appropriate algorithm for a given optimization task require substantial technical expertise, which prevents the majority of researchers from using these methods effectively. To address these issues, we developed a generic platform (called Neuroptimus) that allows users to set up neural parameter optimization tasks via a graphical interface, and to solve these tasks using a wide selection of state-of-the-art parameter search methods implemented by five different Python packages. Neuroptimus also offers several features to support more advanced usage, including the ability to run most algorithms in parallel, which allows it to take advantage of high-performance computing architectures. We used the common interface provided by Neuroptimus to conduct a detailed comparison of more than twenty different algorithms (and implementations) on six distinct benchmarks that represent typical scenarios in neuronal parameter search. We quantified the performance of the algorithms in terms of the best solutions found and in terms of convergence speed. We identified several algorithms, including covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy and particle swarm optimization, that consistently found good solutions in all of our use cases. By contrast, some other algorithms including all local search methods provided good solutions only for the simplest use cases, and failed completely on more complex problems. Finally, we created an online database that allows uploading, querying and analyzing the results of optimization runs performed by Neuroptimus, which enables all researchers to update and extend the current benchmarking study. The tools and analysis we provide should aid members of the neuroscience community to apply parameter search methods more effectively in their research.
WITHDRAWN: Discovery of a potent inhibitor that suppresses glioblastoma by dual targeting of both syntenin PDZ domains
Authors: Heo Yunseok , Moon Jihoon , Lee Jisoo , Kim Minsup , Ko Yoon-Joo , Kim Kyung Hwan , Yoon Ki-Jun , Koo Bon-Kyoung , Shariff Fairolniza Mohd , Yun Ji-Hye , Lee Weontae
Published: April 2024

Withdrawal Statement

The authors have withdrawn their manuscript owing to correct and validate the errors before resubmitting. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
Onco-Circuit Addiction and Onco-Nutrient mTORC1 Signaling Vulnerability in a Model of Aggressive T Cell Malignancy
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Cornish Andrew E. , Do Mytrang H. , Brunner Julia S. , Hsu Ting-Wei , Xu Zijian , Malik Isha , Edwards Chaucie , Capistrano Kristelle J. , Zhang Xian , Ginsberg Mark H. , Finley Lydia W.S. , Lim Megan S. , Horwitz Steven M. , Li Ming O.
Published: April 2024

How genetic lesions drive cell transformation and whether they can be circumvented without compromising function of non-transformed cells are enduring questions in oncology. Here we show that in mature T cells—in which physiologic clonal proliferation is a cardinal feature— constitutiveMYCtranscription andTsc1loss in mice modeled aggressive human malignancy by reinforcing each other’s oncogenic programs. This cooperation was supported by MYC-induced large neutral amino acid transporter chaperone SLC3A2 and dietary leucine, which in synergy withTsc1deletion overstimulated mTORC1 to promote mitochondrial fitness and MYC protein overexpression in a positive feedback circuit. A low leucine diet was therapeutic even in late-stage disease but did not hinder T cell immunity to infectious challenge, nor impede T cell transformation driven by constitutive nutrient mTORC1 signaling viaDepdc5loss. Thus, mTORC1 signaling hypersensitivity to leucine as an onco-nutrient enables an onco-circuit, decoupling pathologic from physiologic utilization of nutrient acquisition pathways.
Zebrafish Foxl2l suppresses stemness of germline progenitors and directs feminization
Authors: Hsu Chen-wei , Ho Hao , Yang Ching-Hsin , Wang Yan-wei , Li Ker-Chau , Chung Bon-chu
Published: April 2024

Zebrafish is an important organism for genetic studies, but its germ cell types and the mechanism of sex differentiation remain elusive. Here, we conducted a single-cell transcriptomic profiling and charted a developmental trajectory going from germline stem cells, through early, committed, and late progenitors, to pre-meiotic and meiotic cells. A transcription factor, Foxl2l, is expressed in the progenitors committed to the ovary fate. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated mutation offoxl2lproduced 100% male fish with normal fertility. Another single-cell profiling offoxl2l-/-germ cells reveals the arrest of early progenitors. Concomitantly the expression ofnanos2(stem cell marker) andid1(transcription repressor in stem cells) was elevated together with an increase ofnanos2+germ cell infoxl2lmutants, indicating the reversion to the stem cell state. Thus, we have identified developmental stages of germ cells in juvenile zebrafish and demonstrated that Foxl2l drives zebrafish germ cell progenitors toward feminization and prevents them from reverting back to the stem cell state.
Redox Conduction Through Cytochrome ‘Nanowires’ Can Sustain Cellular Respiration
Authors: Guberman-Pfeffer Matthew J.
Published: April 2024

Micron-scale electron transfer through polymeric cytochrome ‘nanowires’ powers prokaryotic life from hydrothermal vents to terrestrial soils in ways not fully understood. Herein, six reduction potentials from recently reported spectroelectrochemistry are each assigned with <0.04 eV to the cryogenic electron microscopy structure of the hexa-heme homopolymeric outer-membrane cytochrome type S (OmcS) fromGeobacter sulfurreducensusing hybrid quantum/classical computations. The unambiguous assignments define a reversible free energy ‘roller-coaster’ that is dynamically modulated by <0.1 V under the flow of electrons due to redox cooperativities between adjacent hemes. A physiologically relevant tens to hundreds of filaments are predicted to suffice for cellular respiration by pairing, in the context of non-adiabatic Marcus theory, the free energy landscape with reorganization energies that account for active site or protein-water electronic polarizability, and electronic couplings characteristic of the highly conserved heme packing motifs. General considerations on protein electron transfer and comparison to all known cytochrome ‘nanowires’ suggest the mechanistic insights are broadly applicable to multi-heme cytochromes in all kingdoms of life.
Elucidation of the molecular mechanism of the breakage-fusion-bridge (BFB) cycle using a CRISPR-dCas9 cellular model
Authors: Singh Manrose , Raseley Kaitlin , Perez Alexis M. , MacKenzie Danny , Kosiyatrakul Settapong T , Desai Sanket , Batista Noelle , Guru Navjot , Loomba Katherine K. , Abid Heba Z. , Wang Yilin , Udo-Bellner Lars , Stout Randy F. , Schildkraut Carl L. , Xiao Ming , Zhang Dong
Published: April 2024

Chromosome instability (CIN) is frequently observed in many tumors. The breakage-fusion-bridge (BFB) cycle has been proposed to be one of the main drivers of CIN during tumorigenesis and tumor evolution. However, the detailed mechanisms for the individual steps of the BFB cycle warrants further investigation. Here, we demonstrated that a nuclease-dead Cas9 (dCas9) coupled with a telomere-specific single-guide RNA (sgTelo) can be used to model the BFB cycle. First, we showed that targeting dCas9 to telomeres using sgTelo impeded DNA replication at telomeres and induced a pronounced increase of replication stress and DNA damage. Using Single-Molecule Telomere Assay via Optical Mapping (SMTA-OM), we investigated the genome-wide features of telomeres in the dCas9/sgTelo cells and observed a dramatic increase of chromosome end fusions, including fusion/ITS+ and fusion/ITS-.Consistently, we also observed an increase in the formation of dicentric chromosomes, anaphase bridges, and intercellular telomeric chromosome bridges (ITCBs). Utilizing the dCas9/sgTelo system, we uncovered many novel molecular and structural features of the ITCB and demonstrated that multiple DNA repair pathways are implicated in the formation of ITCBs. Our studies shed new light on the molecular mechanisms of the BFB cycle, which will advance our understanding of tumorigenesis, tumor evolution, and drug resistance.
Temporal Ablation of the Ciliary Protein IFT88 Alters Normal Brainwave Patterns
Authors: Strobel Matthew R. , Zhou Yuxin , Qiu Liyan , Hofer Aldebaran M. , Chen Xuanmao
Published: April 2024

The primary cilium is a hair-like organelle that hosts molecular machinery for various developmental and homeostatic signaling pathways. Its alteration can cause rare ciliopathies such as the Bardet-Biedl and Joubert syndromes, but is also linked to Alzheimer’s disease, clinical depression, and autism spectrum disorder. These afflictions are caused by disturbances in a wide variety of genes but a common phenotype amongst them is cognitive impairment. While cilia-mediated neural function has been widely examined in early neurodevelopment, their function in the adult brain is not well understood. To help elucidate the role of cilia in neural activity, we temporally induced the ablation of IFT88, a gene encoding the intraflagellar transport 88 protein which is neccessary for ciliogenesis, in adult mice before performing memory-related behavioral assays and electroencephalogram/electromyogram (EEG/EMG) recordings. Inducible IFT88 KO mice exhibited severe learning deficits in trace fear conditioning and Morris water maze tests. They had strongly affected brainwave activity both under isoflurane induced anesthesia and during normal activity. And additionally, inducible IFT88 KO mice had altered sleep architecture and attenuated phase-amplitude coupling, a process that underlies learning and memory formation. These results highlight the growing significance of primary cilia for healthy neural function in the adult brain.
An iron-sulfur cluster as a new metal centre in a flavodiiron protein
Authors: Martins Maria C. , Silveira Célia M. , Morgado Leonor , Teixeira Miguel , Folgosa Filipe
Published: April 2024

Syntrophomonas wolfeicontains two distinct multiple domain flavodiiron proteins (FDPs), of Classes H and E, presumably acting as oxygen reductases to protect this anaerobic bacterium from oxidative stress due to exposure to environments containing, even if only transiently, oxygen. The Class E FDP was predicted to have, besides the two core domains characteristic of this type of enzymes, an extra C- terminal domain putatively harbouring an iron-sulfur centre. Bioinformatic analyses showed that, thus far, Class E FDPs are only present in three other bacteria of theSyntrophomonasgenus:Syntrophomonas palmitatica,Syntrophomonas zenhnderiandThermosyntropha lipolytica.In this work, we extensively characterized the enzyme fromSyntrophomonas wolfei(wild type, site directed mutants and truncated domains) and showed unequivocally, using EPR and Resonance Raman spectroscopies, that indeed it contains a [3Fe- 4S]1+/0centre, a novelty in the field of FDPs. Structure prediction using Alphafold indicated some similarities to [3Fe4S]1+/0containing ferredoxins. The reduction potentials of each cofactor were determined: +70 mV, -5/-70 mV and -90 mV for the FeS, diiron centre and flavin, respectively.
The Structure of the Drp1 Lattice on Membrane
Authors: Peng Ruizhi , Rochon Kristy , Hutson Anelise N. , Stagg Scott M. , Mears Jason A.
Published: April 2024

Mitochondrial health relies on the membrane fission mediated by dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1). Previous structural studies of Drp1 on remodeled membranes were hampered by heterogeneity, leaving a critical gap in the understanding of the mitochondrial fission mechanisms. Here we present a cryo-electron microscopy structure of full-length human Drp1 decorated on membrane tubules. Using the reconstruction of average subtracted tubular regions (RASTR) technique, we report that Drp1 forms a locally ordered lattice along the tubule without global helical symmetry. The filaments in the lattice are similar to dynamin rungs with conserved stalk interactions. Adjacent filaments are connected by GTPase domain interactions in a novel stacked conformation. We identified two states of the Drp1 lattice among the heterogenous dataset representing conformational changes around hinge 1. Additionally, we observed contact between Drp1 and membrane that can be assigned to the variable domain sequence. Together these structures revealed a putative mechanism by which Drp1 constricts mitochondria membranes in a stepwise, “ratchet” manner.

This study provides new insights into the structure of Drp1 on lipid membranes. A locally ordered Drp1 lattice structure is solved and reveals intermolecular contacts and conformational rearrangements that suggest a mechanism for constriction of mitochondrial membranes.
Contextualizing work-family experiences in India: sex, gender role perception and urbanization
Authors: Raina Mahima , Cho Eunae
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Despite the recognition that contextual factors play a key role in shaping individuals’ work-family (WF) interface, empirical research that simultaneously considers individual, roles and contextual factors is scarce. Drawing on the pyramid model of work-home interface, we delve into the intersection among sex, gender role ideology (GRI) and urbanization (URB) in relation to WF conflict and enrichment in India. Specifically, we explored whether and how sex (male vs female), GRI (traditional vs egalitarian) and URB (big vs small city) interact to predict WF conflict and WF enrichment.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from 586 full-time employees working in both more and less urbanized cities in India. Moderation analyses were utilized to study the interaction effects on WF conflict and enrichment.

Findings

Results indicate that GRI is a stronger driver of WF experiences, especially WF enrichment, for women regardless of location. The study contributes to the understanding of WF experiences in India and addresses the complexity of WF experiences, especially with respect to sex and gender.

Originality/value

Our study offers a nuanced understanding of WF experiences in India by integrating micro- to macro-level antecedents, thereby addressing the complexity of WF experiences. While a lot of research explains sex and gender differences in WF experiences, our study highlights how these experiences vary with the degree of URB.
Dynamic analysis of a tensegrity-based traction structure
Authors: Liu Heping , Lu Jinxin , Zhu Fusheng , Luo Ani
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study proposes a tensegrity-based traction structure with D-bar dual cable units. It is used to connect the airship and the ground to stabilize the airship.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical models and dynamic models of the D-bar dual cable (hereafter referred to as DD cable) unit of the tensegrity-based traction structure are established. Based on the minimum mass method, the mass of the DD cable unit in the critical state (cable member is yielding, or bar member is buckling or yielding) is analyzed. Then, the tensile strength of the DD cable unit and single cable unit under the same condition is compared using the control variate method. Finally, based on ANSYS dynamic simulation, the stability of the two structures under the same external force disturbance was tested.

Findings

Expressions for the minimum mass of the DD cable unit under different failure conditions are solved. Dynamic simulation results show that the capacity of resisting disturbance of the DD cable unit is much better than that of the single cable unit under the same wind speed. So, we find a structure more suitable for the fixed connection of an airship.

Originality/value

This study helps to provide theoretical reference and thinking for the practical application of the traction structure with a D-bar dual cable unit.
When social enterprise ecosystem shapes national public policy: examining Brazil’s national impact economy strategy
Authors: Mathias Ana Luiza Terra Costa , Souza Aline Gonçalves Videira de , Ribeiro Matheus de Mello Sá Carvalho
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Social enterprises are embedded in ecosystems with multiple actors interested in the field’s growth. One way to enhance social enterprises is through public policies and developing countries like Brazil included this in the public agenda. After an important mobilization of private organizations and public managers, the Brazilian federal government implemented in 2017 the National Impact Investment and Business Strategy (ENIMPACTO) renamed in 2023 to National Impact Economy Strategy with the same abbreviation. Since its creation, ENIMPACTO saw significant modifications leading to a decree in 2023 extending its mandate, amplifying membership and changing its name to the National Impact Economy Strategy while maintaining the same acronym. This experience leads us to the following question: How was ENIMPACTO created and developed?

Design/methodology/approach

We used institutional arrangements and advocacy coalition theory to analyze the key elements that contributed to ENIMPACTO’s creation and its evolution through time. A qualitative, single-case study on the Brazilian experience implementing ENIMPACTO was conducted through semi-structured interviews with national strategy members, participant observation, document and data analysis.

Findings

We argue that advocacy coalition and institutional arrangements frameworks combined are needed to understand Enimpacto’s complexity. The strategy presented an extensive multiple-actor articulation involving shared beliefs that were also important to gather support on recreating and expanding Enimpacto when external events threatened its continuity. Yet, it presented important challenges on how to achieve consensus and alignment regarding important concepts and regulation strategy among the actors and manage the public policy governance and activities implementation.

Originality/value

We combine institutional arrangements and advocacy coalition frameworks and apply them to analyze a public policy composed of actors of multiple sectors that play an active advocacy coalition role. We also present empirical evidence that elements of the advocacy coalition framework add analytical elements to institutional arrangements literature and how they affect each other. We point to two important elements of the institutional arrangements framework (territoriality and subsidiarity) that were not initially considered by ENIMPACTO and were later incorporated because of tensions in the field. We provide empirical evidence of the incipient role that public administration can play in promoting social enterprises' agenda that might base similar strategies to boost social enterprises in other locations.
A cold chain logistics distribution optimization model: Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region low-carbon site selection
Authors: Zhang Liyi , Fu Mingyue , Fei Teng , Lim Ming K. , Tseng Ming-Lang
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study reduces carbon emission in logistics distribution to realize the low-carbon site optimization for a cold chain logistics distribution center problem.

Design/methodology/approach

This study involves cooling, commodity damage and carbon emissions and establishes the site selection model of low-carbon cold chain logistics distribution center aiming at minimizing total cost, and grey wolf optimization algorithm is used to improve the artificial fish swarm algorithm to solve a cold chain logistics distribution center problem.

Findings

The optimization results and stability of the improved algorithm are significantly improved and compared with other intelligent algorithms. The result is confirmed to use the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region site selection. This study reduces composite cost of cold chain logistics and reduces damage to environment to provide a new idea for developing cold chain logistics.

Originality/value

This study contributes to propose an optimization model of low-carbon cold chain logistics site by considering various factors affecting cold chain products and converting carbon emissions into costs. Prior studies are lacking to take carbon emissions into account in the logistics process. The main trend of current economic development is low-carbon and the logistics distribution is an energy consumption and high carbon emissions.
Evaluation of the performance of Spanish family businesses portfolios
Authors: Otero González Luis , Querentes Hermida Raquel Esther , Durán Santomil Pablo , López Penabad Celia
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The primary objective of this study is to analyze the performance and risk characteristics of portfolios composed of Spanish family businesses (FBs) when sustainability and quality factors are taken into account. By comparing different portfolio compositions against a benchmark, the study aims to provide insights into the impact of these factors on portfolio performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs an empirical approach to evaluate the performance and risk of portfolios consisting of Spanish family businesses (FBs) by incorporating sustainability and quality factors. It compares the results of various portfolios against a benchmark, utilizing GARCH models and the extended six-factor model of Fama and French for the period 2018–2023.

Findings

The findings reveal that investing in Spanish family businesses (FBs) yields higher returns compared to the index, with portfolios incorporating quality factors demonstrating superior performance. However, the inclusion of sustainability factors negatively affects portfolio performance. These results highlight the significance of considering sustainability and quality factors in portfolio construction and investment decisions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by examining the performance and risk implications of incorporating sustainability and quality factors into portfolios of family businesses. The findings offer valuable insights for investors and managers interested in constructing portfolios or developing financial products that balance risk and return effectively.
The e-entrepreneurial intentions of Jordanian business students to start an online business in emerging economies: an application of planned behavior theory
Authors: Abu Shriha Sofyan , AL-Shboul Moh’d Anwer , Abaddi Samer
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the correlations between the e-entrepreneurial intentions, attitude toward e-entrepreneurship, subjective norms, perceived behavior control, attitude toward risk and entrepreneurial knowledge of Jordanian business students to start an online business and the e-entrepreneurial intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 392 undergraduate business students from different Jordanian public and private universities participated in the study. Data were collected using an online survey-based questionnaire (i.e. Google Forms) using emails and social media platforms (i.e. WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.); reliability and validity tests were ensured. This study employs a 50-item questionnaire (distributed online via Google Forms and in two languages) to collect data, utilizing 5-point Likert scales; correlation analysis, linear regression analysis, and structural equation modeling are used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results showed that the e-entrepreneurship intentions of Jordanian business students are significantly predicted by their attitude toward e-entrepreneurship, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and entrepreneurial knowledge. One’s attitude toward risk does not influence the ambition to launch an Internet company much. Furthermore, their affiliation does not significantly impact the students' plans to pursue e-entrepreneurship.

Practical implications

The study has important real-world implications, particularly for Jordan. The country could create more jobs and boost the economy by encouraging students to start online businesses and helping small businesses grow. This is especially important in Jordan, where many people, particularly young adults, struggle to find work. Therefore, true need for interventions to foster e-entrepreneurship among business students in emerging economies like Jordan.

Originality/value

The goal of this research is to examine Jordanian business students' aspirations to launch Internet businesses in developing nations throughout the digital age. The results offer valuable information on the elements influencing the e-entrepreneurial intents of Jordanian business students. This information may be utilized to create programs and policies that effectively encourage e-entrepreneurship in Jordan.
Research on small sample target detection for underwater robot
Authors: Luo Hu , Ruan Haobin , Tu Dawei
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a whole set of methods for underwater target detection, because most underwater objects have small samples, low quality underwater images problems such as detail loss, low contrast and color distortion, and verify the feasibility of the proposed methods through experiments.

Design/methodology/approach

The improved RGHS algorithm to enhance the original underwater target image is proposed, and then the YOLOv4 deep learning network for underwater small sample targets detection is improved based on the combination of traditional data expansion method and Mosaic algorithm, expanding the feature extraction capability with SPP (Spatial Pyramid Pooling) module after each feature extraction layer to extract richer feature information.

Findings

The experimental results, using the official dataset, reveal a 3.5% increase in average detection accuracy for three types of underwater biological targets compared to the traditional YOLOv4 algorithm. In underwater robot application testing, the proposed method achieves an impressive 94.73% average detection accuracy for the three types of underwater biological targets.

Originality/value

Underwater target detection is an important task for underwater robot application. However, most underwater targets have the characteristics of small samples, and the detection of small sample targets is a comprehensive problem because it is affected by the quality of underwater images. This paper provides a whole set of methods to solve the problems, which is of great significance to the application of underwater robot.
The role of awareness of circular economy’s concept in purchase of sustainable goods and access-based and collaborative consumption – Porto case
Authors: Vieira Elvira , Pinto Borges Ana , Rodrigues Paula Lopes , Reis Ana Maria , Ostapenko Svitlana
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Circular economy (CE) is receiving increasing worldwide attention as a manner to overcome the challenges linked to current trends of unsustainable energy and resource consumption. This paper aims to fill this gap and analyze the adherence to sustainable, access-based and collaborative consumption practices by exploring the role of CE awareness, specifically in the context of Porto, the second-largest city of Portugal.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of choice is quantitative, based on partial least square-based structural equation modeling.

Findings

The result shows that there is an influence of CE awareness on subsequent sustainable consumption models.

Research limitations/implications

Present research contributes to the theory on CE awareness and sustainable consumption. It proposes a model that could be applied in other countries. As this research is developed within the city of Porto, it may limit generalizations of obtained results.

Practical implications

As CE practices are embodied into national and local policies, this research contributes to understanding local contexts of CE practices dissemination, providing practical suggestions for businesses and policymakers aiming the transition to the CE.

Originality/value

An original approach to measuring the awareness of CE economy is proposed, that is analyzed not only from the familiarity perspective but in six dimensions of its construction: familiarity, importance, perception or interpretation, advantages, social impact and barriers in this process. Further, the conceptual model of the impact that these dimensions have on the adoption of sustainable consumption models (purchase of sustainable products, access-based and collaborative consumption) is proposed.
The Terminator in the goldfields: speculative affects in an extractive frontier in Colombia
Authors: Jaramillo Pablo
Published: April 2024

This article analyses the relationships among speculative rumour, everyday storytelling, and financial speculation that impact small‐scale gold mining towns in Colombia. By following the stories surrounding the visit of Arnold Schwarzenegger to Marmato, a mining town in central Colombia, and its consequences, I explore how people speculate about such ‘speculative’ visits so as to reframe the events as part of wider colonial histories. I aim to comprehend the affective constellation of lives criss‐crossed by financial speculation and the political openings created by rumour, storytelling, and fabulation. I argue that people locate the Schwarzenegger visit as part of a crisis‐ridden history that counters the narratives of modern and responsible mining. The argument contributes to the conceptualization of speculation in anthropology, as well as to questions of history, temporality, and politics of extractive frontiers. The article is based on ethnographic fieldwork carried out between 2016 and 2019 in the central Andes of Colombia and with governmental and corporate representatives.