bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TropD-Detector: A CRISPR/LbCas12a-Based system for rapid and sensitive screening ofTrypanosoma cruziin Chagas vectors and reservoirs
Authors: Ortiz-Rodríguez Luis A. , Cabanzo Rafael , Jaimes-Dueñez Jeiczon , Mendez-Sanchez Stelia C. , Duque Jonny E
Published: October 2024

Chagas disease, also known as American Trypanosomiasis, is a zoonosis with global distribution caused by the parasiteTrypanosoma cruzi, primarily transmitted through the feces of infected triatomines. The emergence of new cases in non-endemic areas highlights the importance of early pathogen detection in vectors and reservoirs to generate effective control strategies and establish preventive policies. The objective of this study was to design and validate a detection system ofT. cruzibased on specific DNA cleavage and collateral activation using the CRISPR/LbCas12a system, targeting the genes Cytochrome B (Cytb), 18S ribosomal subunit (SR18s), and histone (H2A). This system was validated for their uses in both vectors and reservoirs of the parasite. The first step was to conduct a bioinformatic analysis of the target genes and design RNA guides for each cleavage site and primers to amplify the target region through PCR. Subsequently, we sequenced the amplified DNA target and validated the detection system usingT. cruziDNA extracted from naturally infectedRhodnius pallescensin the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga, Colombia. After standardizing the method, we tested the CRISPR/Cas system with Silvio X10/4 laboratory strain ofT. cruziand scaled up to blood samples of naturally infectedDidelphis marsupialis. As a result, we observed the DNA cleavage employing the CRISPR/Cas system withCytbguide with a sensitivity of up to 0.0475 ng/uL of provided DNA. Sequencing of theCytbgene showed no mutations in the cleavage site. However, point mutations and indels were found inSR18SandH2A, avoiding the formation of the CRISPR/LbCas12 complex. Furthermore, we introduce the design of a fluorescent detection prototype with CRISPR/LbCas12a called “Tropical Diseases Detector” (TropD-Detector). This device operates with an excitation wavelength of 480 nm emitted by an LED and a high-pass light filter with a cutoff wavelength of 500 nm. We detected positive samples using any photographic camera system. The TropD-Detector provides a visual, viable, and sensitive method for detectingT. cruziin both vectors and reservoirs from endemic areas.
TaRTLEt: Transcriptionally-active Riboswitch Tracer Leveraging Edge deTection
Authors: Kshatriya Sachit , Bagby Sarah C.
Published: October 2024

Structured RNAs have emerged as a major component of cellular regulatory systems, but their mechanism of action is often poorly understood. Riboswitches are structured RNAs that allosterically regulate gene expression through any of several different mechanisms.In vitroapproaches to characterizing mechanism are costly, low-throughput, and must be repeated for each individual riboswitch locus of interest. Bioinformatic methods promise higher throughput; despite robust computational identification of riboswitches, however, computational classification of riboswitch mechanism has so far been both model-bound, relying on identification of sequence motifs known to be required for specific models of riboswitch activity, and empirically untested, with predictions far outpacing biological validation. Here, we introduceTaRTLEt(Transcriptionally-active Riboswitch Tracer Leveraging Edge deTection), a new high-throughput tool that recoversin vivopatterns of riboswitch-mediated transcription termination from paired-end RNA-seq data using edge detection methods.TaRTLEtsuccessfully extracts transcription termination signals despite numerous sources of biological and technical noise. We tested the effectiveness ofTaRTLEton riboswitches identified from a wide range of sequenced bacterial taxa by utilizing publicly available paired-end RNA-seq readsets, finding broad agreement with previously publishedin vitrocharacterization results. In addition, we useTaRTLEtto infer thein vivoregulatory mechanism of uncharacterized riboswitch loci from existing public data.TaRTLEtis available on GitHub and can be applied to paired-end RNA-seq datasets from isolates or complex communities.
Advantage of the F(ab)’2 fragment over IgG for RIT and PRIT
Authors: Tabaja Zainab , Diab Maya , Nguyen Frédérique , Maurel Catherine , Pecorari Frédéric , Lambot Sylvia , Davodeau François
Published: October 2024

Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) has proved clinically effective in the treatment of relapsed or consolidating NHL after chemotherapy. However, it is still at the clinical trial stage for the treatment of solid tumors. The efficacy of the treatment on this type of tumor is limited by hematological toxicity, which restricts the activities injected. Pre-targeted radioimmunotherapy (PRIT) enables radiolabeling to be carried out in vivo at a time when the quantities of antigen-targeted vector reach a maximum level in the tumor, but have largely decayed in the bloodstream, thus limiting hematological toxicity. This therapeutic approach would make it possible to use higher radiopharmaceutical activities than those used in RIT, thereby increasing the doses deposited in the tumor and the therapeutic response.

Despite encouraging preclinical trials, this approach has failed to live up to expectations in terms of clinical applications. In the context of PRIT using the Inverse Electron Demand Diels Alder (IEDDA) reaction as a method for radiolabeling tumor-targeted vectors, a major research effort has been made to improve the quality of in vivo radiolabeling using tetrazine (Tz) and transcycloctene (TCO) variants whose stability and reactivity have been optimized. Most trials in this field have been carried out using antibodies which, thanks to their long biological half-life, enable prolonged irradiation of tumors. Low-molecular-weight vectors such as affinity proteins or antigen-specific antibody fragments (VHH,scFv, F(ab)’) have the advantage of being rapidly eliminated from circulation by renal filtration, but on the other hand, the quantities and residence times of these vectors in the tumor are reduced compared with IgG.

F(ab)’2 antibody fragments have properties intermediate between those of IgG and low-molecular-weight vectors that could be suitable for PRIT approaches, but they have not yet been evaluated in PRIT using IEDDA. In preparation for a preclinical trial of radioimmunotherapy of triple-negative breast cancer in spontaneously affected dogs, we compared the biodistribution of IgG and its F(ab)’2 fragment targeting canine CD138 in a xenogeneic model of canine breast cancer and in a mouse model of colon cancer expressing human ACE antigen. This analysis shows that the use of F(ab)’2 fragments improves the therapeutic index compared with IgG. F(ab)’2 fragments seem particularly well suited to tumor targeting in PRIT using short-lived isotopes such as 211At.
The major pathogenHaemophilus influenzaeexperiences pervasive recombination and purifying selection at local and global scales
Authors: MacAlasdair Neil , Pöntinen Anna K. , Ling Clare , Mallawaarachchi Sudaraka , Thaipadungpanit Janjira , Nosten Francois H. , Turner Claudia , Bentley Stephen D. , Croucher Nicholas J. , Turner Paul , Corander Jukka
Published: October 2024

Haemophilus influenzaeis a major opportunistic human pathogen which causes both non-invasive and invasive disease. TheH. influenzaetype b (Hib) vaccine has led to a significant reduction of invasive Hib disease, but offers no protection against colonisation or disease by non-typeables (NT) or non-b serotypes, andH. influenzaeremains a public health burden worldwide, with increasing reports of multi-drug resistance (MDR). Despite this, there is no comprehensive understanding of the species’ global population structure. Here, we wholegenome sequenced >4,000 isolates ofH. influenzaefrom an unvaccinated paediatric carriage and pneumonia cohort from northwestern Thailand. Despite no Hib immunisation, serotype b was uncommonly found, while 91.7% of isolates were NT. We identified a large number of nearly pan-resistant lineages and discovered that no lineages were enriched among disease samples, suggesting the ability to cause invasive disease is not restricted to any subpopulation. Population genetic analyses of our data combined with nearly 6,000 published genomes revealed a highly admixed population structure, low core genome nucleotide diversity, and evidence of pervasive negative selection. Global isolates confirm that MDR lineages are not confined to our newly-sequenced dataset, and their establishment globally is an urgent concern.
The influence of the pre-membrane and envelope proteins on structure, pathogenicity and tropism of tick-borne encephalitis virus
Authors: Rosendal Ebba , Bisikalo Kyrylo , Willekens Stefanie M.A. , Lindgren Marie , Holoubek Jiří , Svoboda Pavel , Lappalainen Amanda , Könighofer Ebba , Mirgorodskaya Ekaterina , Nordén Rickard , Morini Federico , Rosenbaum William , Růžek Daniel , Ahlgren Ulf , Anastasina Maria , Merits Andres , Butcher Sarah J , Nilsson Emma , Överby Anna K
Published: October 2024

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a neurotropic flavivirus that causes thousands of human infections annually. Viral tropism in the brain is determined by the presence of necessary receptors, entry factors and the ability of the virus to overcome host defenses. The viral structural proteins, pre-membrane (prM) and envelope (E), play an important role in receptor binding, membrane fusion, particle maturation, and antibody neutralization. To understand how these proteins influence virus distribution and tropism in the brain, we generated a chimeric virus harboring the prM and ectodomain of E from TBEV in the background of the low pathogenic Langat virus (LGTV). We solved the atomic structures of both the chimeric virus and LGTV to compare them to the known TBEV structure. We show that this chimeric virus remains low-pathogenic, while being structurally and antigenically similar to TBEV. Using 3D optical whole brain imaging combined with immunohistochemistry, we found that both LGTV and the chimeric virus primarily infect cerebral cortex, with no significant differences in their localization or tropism. In contrast, TBEV shows high infection of the cerebellum and strong preference towards Purkinje cells, indicating that the non-structural proteins are important for determining TBEV tropism in the brain. Together, this provides new insights into the roles of the structural and non-structural proteins of tick-borne flaviviruses.
Emergence and host range expansion of an epidemic lineage ofRalstonia solanacearum
Authors: Evseeva Daria , Pecrix Yann , Kucka Marek , Weiler Catrin , Franzl Carolin , Vlková-Žlebková Markéta , Colombi Elena , Chan Yingguang Frank , Poussier Stéphane , Wicker Emmanuel , McCann Honour
Published: October 2024

Members of theRalstonia solanacearumspecies complex are soil-borne pathogens of important crop plants. Strain-level host specialisation is considered typical, yet outbreak monitoring in Martinique revealed the emergence of a new lineage with dramatically expanded host range. We show the outbreak was caused by the parallel expansion of lineages from two differentRalstoniaspecies. One lineage of Asian origin retains a signature of host specialisation, while the emergent broad host range lineage originated in the Americas. The presence of similar integrative and conjugative elements in both lineages suggests they are exchanging genetic material. The emergent lineage acquired genes encoding novel catalytic and metabolic functions, but shows little variation among virulence genes considered host specificity determinants. The host range expansion event was not caused by the evolution of a virulence strategy targeting host immunity, but is more likely due to the acquisition of novel substrate utilisation pathways enhancing pathogen fitness in soil or plant tissues.
STRAIGHT-IN Dual: a platform for dual, single-copy integrations of DNA payloads and gene circuits into human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Blanch-Asensio Albert , Ploessl Deon S. , Wang Nathan B. , Mummery Christine L. , Galloway Kate E. , Davis Richard P.
Published: October 2024

Targeting DNA payloads into human (h)iPSCs involves multiple time-consuming, inefficient steps that must be repeated for each construct. Here, we present STRAIGHT-IN Dual, which enables simultaneous, allele-specific, single-copy integration of two DNA payloads with 100% efficiency within one week. Notably, STRAIGHT-IN Dual leverages the STRAIGHT-IN platform to allow near-scarless cargo integration, facilitating the recycling of components for subsequent cellular modifications. Using STRAIGHT-IN Dual, we investigated how promoter choice and gene syntax influences transgene silencing, and demonstrate the impact of these design features on forward programming of hiPSCs into neurons. Furthermore, we designed a grazoprevir-inducible synZiFTR system to complement the widely-used tetracycline-inducible system, providing independent, tunable, and temporally controlled expression of both transcription factors and functional reporters. The unprecedented efficiency and speed with which STRAIGHT-IN Dual generates homogenous genetically engineered hiPSC populations represents a major advancement for synthetic biology in stem cell applications and opens opportunities for precision cell engineering.
Boosted four-top production at the LHC: A window to Randall-Sundrum or extended color symmetry
Authors: Choudhury Debajyoti , Deka Kuldeep , Saini Lalit Kumar
Published: October 2024

Scenarios seeking to address the issue of electroweak symmetry breaking often have heavy colored gauge bosons coupling preferentially to the top quark. Considering the bulk Randall-Sundrum as a typical example, we consider the prospects of the first Kaluza-Klein mode (G(1)) of the gluon being produced at the LHC in association with a tt¯ pair. The enhanced coupling not only dictates that the dominant decay mode would be to a tt¯ pair, but also to a very large G(1) width, necessitating the use of a renormalized G(1) propagator. This, along with the presence of large backgrounds (specially tt¯jj), renders a conventional cut-based analysis ineffective, yielding only marginal significances of only around 2σ. The use of machine learning (ML) techniques alleviates this problem to a great extent. In particular, the use of artificial neural networks helps us identify the most discriminating observables, thereby allowing a significance in excess of 4σ for G(1) masses of ∼4  TeV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Assessment of a multiphase formulation of one-dimensional turbulence using direct numerical simulation of a decaying turbulent interfacial flow
Authors: Movaghar A. , Chiodi R. , Oevermann M. , Desjardins O. , Kerstein A. R.
Published: October 2024

The interaction between turbulence and surface tension is studied numerically using the one-dimensional-turbulence (ODT) model. ODT is a stochastic model simulating turbulent flow evolution along a notional one-dimensional line of sight by applying instantaneous maps that represent the effects of individual turbulent eddies on property fields. It provides affordable high resolution of interface creation and property gradients within each phase, which are key for capturing the local behavior as well as overall trends, and has been shown to reproduce the main features of an experimentally determined regime diagram for primary jet breakup. Here ODT is used to investigate the interaction of turbulence with an initially planar interface. The notional flat interface is inserted into a periodic box of decaying homogeneous isotropic turbulence, simulated for a variety of turbulent Reynolds and Weber numbers. Unity density and viscosity ratios serve to focus solely on the interaction between fluid inertia and the surface-tension force. Statistical measures of interface surface density and spatial structure along the direction normal to the initial surface are compared to corresponding direct-numerical-simulation (DNS) data. Allowing the origin of the lateral coordinate system to follow the location of the median interface element improves the agreement between ODT and DNS, reflecting the absence of lateral nonvortical displacements in ODT. Beyond the DNS-accessible regime, ODT is shown to obey the predicted parameter dependencies of the Kolmogorov critical scale in both the inertial and dissipative turbulent-cascade subranges. Notably, the probability density function of local fluctuations of the critical scale is found to collapse to a universal curve across both subranges.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Pulsar Nulling and Vacuum Radio Emission from Axion Clouds
Authors: Caputo Andrea , Witte Samuel J. , Philippov Alexander A. , Jacobson Ted
Published: October 2024

Nonrelativistic axions can be efficiently produced in the polar caps of pulsars, resulting in the formation of a dense cloud of gravitationally bound axions. Here, we investigate the interplay between such an axion cloud and the electrodynamics in the pulsar magnetosphere, focusing specifically on the dynamics in the polar caps, where the impact of the axion cloud is expected to be most pronounced. For sufficiently light axions ma≲10−7  eV, we show that the axion cloud can occasionally screen the local electric field responsible for particle acceleration and pair production, inducing a periodic nulling of the pulsar’s intrinsic radio emission. At larger axion masses, the small-scale fluctuations in the axion field tend to suppress the backreaction of the axion on the electrodynamics; however, we point out that the incoherent oscillations of the axion in short-lived regions of vacuum near the neutron star surface can produce a narrow radio line, which provides a complementary source of radio emission to the plasma-resonant emission processes identified in previous work. While this Letter focuses on the leading order correction to pair production in the magnetosphere, we speculate that there can exist dramatic deviations in the electrodynamics of these systems when the axion backreaction becomes nonlinear.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
High-throughput magnetic co-doping and design of exchange interactions in topological insulators
Authors: Mozumder Rubel , Wasmer Johannes , Antognini Silva David , Blügel Stefan , Rüßmann Philipp
Published: October 2024

Using high-throughput automation of impurity embedding simulations, we create a database of 3d and 4d transition metal defects embedded into the prototypical topological insulators (TIs) Bi2Te3 and Bi2Se3. We simulate both single impurities as well as impurity dimers at different impurity-impurity distances inside the topological insulator matrix. We extract changes to magnetic moments, analyze the polarizability of nonmagnetic impurity atoms via nearby magnetic impurity atoms and calculate the exchange coupling constants for a Heisenberg Hamiltonian. We uncover chemical trends in the exchange coupling constants and discuss the impurities' abilities with respect to magnetic order in the fields of quantum anomalous Hall insulators and topological quantum computing. In particular, we confirm that co-doping of different magnetic dopants is a viable strategy to engineer the magnetic ground state in magnetic TIs.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Method to discriminate between localized and chaotic quantum systems
Authors: Aziz Alaoui Youssef , Laburthe-Tolra Bruno
Published: October 2024

We study whether a generic isolated quantum system initially set out of equilibrium can be considered as localized close to its initial state. Our approach considers the time evolution in the Krylov basis, which maps the system's dynamics onto that of a particle moving in a one-dimensional lattice where both the energy in the lattice sites and the tunneling from one lattice site to the next are inhomogeneous. By tying the dynamical propagation in the Krylov basis to that in the basis of microstates, we infer qualitative criteria that allow distinguishing systems that remain localized close to their initial state from systems that undergo quantum thermalization. These criteria are system-dependent and involve the expectation values and standard deviations of both the coupling strengths between Krylov states and their energy. We verify their validity by inspecting two cases: Anderson localization as a function of dimension and the out-of-equilibrium dynamics of a many-body dipolar spin system. We finally investigate the Wigner surmise and the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis that have both been proposed to characterize quantum chaotic systems. We show that when the average value of the nondiagonal terms in the Lanczos matrix is large compared to their fluctuations and to the fluctuations of the energy expectation values, which typically corresponds to delocalized quantum systems according to our criteria, there can be level repulsion of eigenenergies (also known as spectral rigidity), similar to that of the Wigner-Dyson statistics of energy levels; and we also demonstrate that in the same regime, the expectation values of typical local observables only weakly vary as a function of eigenstates, an important condition for the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis. Our demonstration assumes that, in the chaotic regime, the observable is sufficiently diagonal in the basis of Krylov states.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Modeling magnetically levitated superconducting ellipsoids, cylinders, and cuboids for quantum magnetomechanics
Authors: Bort-Soldevila Natanael , Cunill-Subiranas Jaume , Del-Valle Nuria , Wieczorek Witlef , Higgins Gerard , Trupke Michael , Navau Carles
Published: October 2024

We theoretically investigate the properties of magnetically levitated superconducting elements confined in anti-Helmholtz traps, for application in magnetomechanical experiments. We study both the translational modes and the librational mode. The librational mode gives an additional degree of freedom that levitated spheres do not have access to. We compare levitated particles of different shapes: ellipsoids (with analytical and numerical treatment), cylinders, and rectangular cuboids (numerical treatment). We find that the stable orientations of the particles depend on their aspect ratios.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Shared value in female entrepreneurship. A publicness frame in the field of knowledge sharing
Authors: Arena Claudia , Catuogno Simona , Paoloni Paola , Pastore Patrizia
Published: October 2024

Purpose

While most research on female entrepreneurship has been conducted using the traditional private-for-profit logic, with the growing rise of hybrid and public organizational forms, the value of female entrepreneurial initiatives tends to be shared with society at large. Overcoming the traditional distinction between private vs public sectors, this paper relies on the publicness theory and aims to appreciate the shared value of female entrepreneurship by reviewing evidence from the field of knowledge sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct a three-phase systematic literature review on female entrepreneurship and knowledge sharing based on a sample of 188 articles for the period 2010–2022 retrieved from the three most extensive databases for evaluating scientific research (i.e. WoS, Scopus and Google Scholar) using a combination of relevant keywords within business and management domain. After the performance analysis of selected publications, the authors conduct a content analysis aimed at identifying the most recurrent theoretical framing, the impact of female entrepreneurship on value creation and the use of knowledge sharing. Finally, the authors conduct a thematic analysis using the theoretical perspective of the publicness to frame how different knowledge-sharing practices have been used in female entrepreneurship to create and spread public value.

Findings

The findings reveal that female entrepreneurship research has generally adopted managerial organizational and sociological theoretical frameworks, reported positive implications on value creation and has seldom exploited knowledge-sharing practices, with particular reference to the settings of low level of publicness. In addition, based on the development of the conceptual model, the authors suggest that the practice of networking in organizational structures characterized by a high level of political and/or economic authority makes the pattern of public value-sharing with the entire ecosystem easier.

Originality/value

The authors adopt an original approach that frames female entrepreneurship research within the lens of publicness theory to highlight the knowledge-sharing practices that allow the value created by female entrepreneurial initiatives to become a shared value in organizations characterized by high levels of political and/or economic authority. The proposed framework contributes to the research on entrepreneurship and knowledge sharing by providing a structured reference point to carry forward research on gender entrepreneurship and knowledge-sharing practices through the theoretical lens of the publicness.
The dark side of brand community: the role of brand identification, community identification, brand passion and shopping motivation
Authors: Dini Azizi Putri , Japutra Arnold , Arango Luis , Kim Joohee
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether consumers’ identification with a brand community makes them more likely to engage in compulsive buying behavior. Specifically, this research shows that consumers are more likely to experience obsessive passion for brands they identify with if they are also part of brand communities, which, in turn, makes them more likely to engage in compulsive buying behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey (n = 533) among members of the Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth (ARMY) Bangtan Boys (BTS) brand community was conducted. A partial least squares approach was employed to test the validity and reliability of the measurement model as well as to assess the structural equation model.

Findings

Results show that brand identification affects harmonious and obsessive passion and that both relationships are moderated by brand community identification. Harmonious passion, in turn, has a positive effect on impulsive buying, whereas obsessive passion has a positive effect on both impulsive and obsessive-compulsive buying. Furthermore, consumer hedonic motivations moderate the relationship between (i) harmonious passion and impulsive buying and (ii) obsessive passion and obsessive-compulsive buying.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is the first to examine the potential negative impacts brand community identification has on compulsive buying behavior. Besides contributing to research on the negative aspects of brand community identification, by employing a model that distinguishes between two types of passion and compulsive buying, the study provides clarification on relationships suggested by prior studies.
Is Bowman’s paradox an empirical artifact? Evidence from Asian emerging countries
Authors: Khan Asad , Rehman Zia ur , Badshah Imtiaz , Khan Muhammad Ibrahim
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to reconcile and address Bowman’s paradox empirical criticism from the lens of financial theory, corporate strategy and their econometric adversaries based on three issues, i.e. risk conceptualization, measurement and econometric modeling in Asian emerging countries (AEC).

Design/methodology/approach

The study is conducted on panel data sampling from 2,872 firms across four Asian Emerging Countries (AEC) and employs a two-stage least squares (2SLS) estimation technique. We proposed a theoretical framework based on triangulation that outlines four risk-return relationships based on proxies derived from capital market and firm-level data and used different econometric models to answer Bowman’s paradox ongoing criticism.

Findings

The empirical results negate the empirical artifact viewpoint in AEC. The risk-return relationship estimated on firm accounting-based ratios or its combination with market-based measures supports Bowman’s paradox and thus upholds the corporate strategy point of view. Whereas the risk-return relationship based on market-based ratios upholds the financial theory point of view. However, the results are mixed when risk is subdivided into systematic and business risk. Our results are robust across standard deviation and semi-standard deviation-based measures of risk, and there is no evidence of a non-linear relationship.

Originality/value

A compelling debate exists that Bowman’s paradox is an empirical artifact. We provide an innovative approach that aims to reconcile and address the ongoing debate by employing diverse risk-return proxies and econometric models in Asian emerging countries. Methodological issues such as endogeneity, sample biases, temporal fluctuations, downside risk variations, multiple moments of a variable and model misspecification are also addressed. This triangulation enhances the robustness of our analysis, providing a comprehensive perspective on AEC and laying the groundwork for future researchers to explore Bowman’s paradox through alternative measures and models.
Legacies from decolonizing methodologies
Authors: Vaughn Kēhaulani
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to reflect and honor Linda Smith and her seminal work Decolonizing Methodologies.

Design/methodology/approach

Reflecting on Linda Smith’s Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples, I discuss my own application of Smith’s major contributions to my research, teaching- and community engaged work. I begin with my positionality and detail my journey as a Native Hawaiian teacher and researcher who has been influenced by the major tenants of Decolonizing Methodologies. After 25 years, Smith continues to empower Indigenous scholars and reminds us of the importance of the process of research and the necessary actions to collaborate with Indigenous communities towards knowledge production.

Findings

Reflections of how the tenants of Decolonizing Methodologies have influenced my own research, teaching and community engaged work.

Research limitations/implications

This is my personal reflection and so it is limited.

Practical implications

Other Indigenous scholars can relate to my reflections of Linda Smith and Decolonizing Methodologies.

Social implications

Many of us can attest to the power of Decolonizing Methodologies.

Originality/value

My reflections as a Native Hawaiian woman will add value to the special issue.
A review on surface morphology and tribological behavior of titanium alloys via SLM processing
Authors: Kuntoğlu Mustafa , Salur Emin , Gupta Munish Kumar , Waqar Saad , Szczotkarz Natalia , Vashishtha Govind , Korkmaz Mehmet Erdi , Krolczyk Grzegorz M. , Aslan Abdullah , Binali Rüstem
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Additive manufacturing became the most popular method as it enables the production of light-weight and high-density parts in effective way. Selective laser melting (SLM) is preferred by means of producing a component with good surface quality and near-net shape even if it has complex form. Titanium alloys have been extensively used in engineering covering a variety of sectors such as aeronautical, chemical, automotive and defense industry with its unique material properties. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to study the tribological behavior and surface integrity that reflects the thermal and mechanical performances of the fabricated parts.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is focused on the tribological and surface integrity aspects of SLM-produced titanium alloy components. It is aimed to outline the effect of SLM process parameters on tribology and surface integrity first. Then, thermal, thermal heat, thermomechanical and postprocessing surface treatments such as peening, surface modification and coatings are highlighted in the light of literature review.

Findings

This work studied the effects of particle characteristics (e.g. size, shape, distributions, flowability and morphology) on tribological performance according to an extensive literature survey.

Originality/value

This study addresses this blind spot in existing industrial-academic knowledge and goals to determine the impact of SLM process parameters, posttreatments (especially peening operations) and particle characteristics on the SLMed Ti-based alloys, which are increasingly used in biomedical applications as well as other many applications ranging from automobile, aero, aviation, maritime, etc. This review paper is created with the intention of providing deep investigation on the important material characteristics of titanium alloy-based components, which can be useful for the several engineering sectors.
Effective elastic properties of fractured rocks considering fracture interactions
Authors: Guo Junxin , Fu Bo‐Ye
Published: October 2024

Fracture interactions are an important factor that affects rock effective elastic properties. We study the fracture interaction effects by combinations of theoretical modelling, numerical simulations and experiments in this work. First, we propose a simplified differential effective medium scheme and self‐consistent approximation for effective elastic properties of rocks with aligned fractures, and we compare their results to those of non‐interaction approximation. The results show that the predictions by differential effective medium scheme and self‐consistent approximation are lower than those by non‐interaction approximation. This indicates that the differential effective medium scheme and self‐consistent approximation quantify the stress amplification effects but not stress shielding effects. To validate this, we carry out numerical simulations for cases with coplanar cracks and stacked cracks, respectively. We find that the stress shielding effect (stacked cracks) causes a significant increment of effective elastic stiffnesses of fractured rocks. However, the stress amplification (coplanar cracks) has the opposite effect, which induces a slight reduction in rock effective elastic stiffnesses. The differential effective medium scheme quantifies the lower bound for this effect well. Besides numerical simulations, applying theoretical models in experimental measurements also shows a pronounced effect of stress shielding but a small influence of stress amplification on fractured rock elastic properties. This work indicates that the stress shielding is an important effect that affects fractured rock elastic properties. Without considering this effect, the fracture density may be largely underestimated by the seismic or sonic logging inversion. Hence, the models accounting for stress shielding effects need to be developed in the future, which can combine with the above models for the seismic or sonic logging inversion of fracture properties.
Novel oil‐associated bacteria in Arctic seawater exposed to different nutrient biostimulation regimes
Authors: Davila Aleman Francisco D. , Bautista María A. , McCalder Janine , Jobin Kaiden , Murphy Sean M. C. , Else Brent , Hubert Casey R. J.
Published: October 2024

The Arctic Ocean is an oligotrophic ecosystem facing escalating threats of oil spills as ship traffic increases owing to climate change‐induced sea ice retreat. Biostimulation is an oil spill mitigation strategy that involves introducing bioavailable nutrients to enhance crude oil biodegradation by endemic oil‐degrading microbes. For bioremediation to offer a viable response for future oil spill mitigation in extreme Arctic conditions, a better understanding of the effects of nutrient addition on Arctic marine microorganisms is needed. Controlled experiments tracking microbial populations revealed a significant decline in community diversity along with changes in microbial community composition. Notably, differential abundance analysis highlighted the significant enrichment of the unexpected genera Lacinutrix, Halarcobacter and Candidatus Pseudothioglobus. These groups are not normally associated with hydrocarbon biodegradation, despite closer inspection of genomes from closely related isolates confirming the potential for hydrocarbon metabolism. Co‐occurrence analysis further revealed significant associations between these genera and well‐known hydrocarbon‐degrading bacteria, suggesting potential synergistic interactions during oil biodegradation. While these findings broaden our understanding of how biostimulation promotes enrichment of endemic hydrocarbon‐degrading genera, further research is needed to fully assess the suitability of nutrient addition as a stand‐alone oil spill mitigation strategy in this sensitive and remote polar marine ecosystem.
Cable bacteria colonise new sediment environments through water column dispersal
Authors: van Dijk Jesper R. , Geelhoed Jeanine S. , Ley Philip , Hidalgo‐Martinez Silvia , Portillo‐Estrada Miguel , Verbruggen Erik , Meysman Filip J. R.
Published: October 2024

Cable bacteria exhibit a unique metabolism involving long‐distance electron transport, significantly impacting elemental cycling in various sediments. These long filamentous bacteria are distributed circumglobally, suggesting an effective mode of dispersal. However, oxygen strongly inhibits their activity, posing a challenge to their dispersal through the water column. We investigated the effective dispersal of marine cable bacteria in a compartmentalised microcosm experiment. Cable bacteria were grown in natural ‘source’ sediment, and their metabolic activity was recorded in autoclaved ‘destination’ cores, which were only accessible through oxygenated seawater. Colonisation occurred over weeks, and destination cores contained only one cable bacterium strain. Filament ‘snippets’ (fragments with a median size of ~15 cells) accumulated in the microcosm water, with about 30% of snippets attached to sediment particles. Snippet release was also observed in situ in a salt marsh creek. This provides a model for the dispersal of cable bacteria through oxygenated water: snippets are formed by filament breakage in the sediment, released into the overlying water and transported with sediment particles that likely offer protection. These insights are informative for broader theories on microbial community assembly and prokaryotic biogeography in marine sediments.
‘This environment will change you’: Risk factors faced by newly qualified teachers in special education needs schools for learners with physical disabilities
Authors: Kuboni Samukelisiwe , Mawila Daphney
Published: October 2024

Newly qualified teachers face several risk factors when entering the teaching profession as novice teachers. This study addressed the gap in knowledge by exploring the risk factors they face in special educational needs schools for learners with physical disabilities. Eight newly qualified teachers were selected purposefully as participants for this study. Qualitative techniques such as a focus group and semi‐structured interviews were used to collect data. Thematic data analysis was used to analyse data. Emotional challenges, lack of support from school authorities, inadequate induction and training, resource shortages and poor maintenance of infrastructure emerged as risk factors faced by newly qualified teachers. In alignment with these findings, the study underscored the role of policymakers, school administrators and teacher training institutions in developing interventions to combat the risk factors faced by newly qualified teachers in special educational needs schools for learners with physical disabilities.
The relationship between four indicators of future time orientation, criminal thinking style, and illegal behaviors
Authors: Squillaro Danielle , Bixter Michael T.
Published: October 2024

Individuals who commit criminal behaviors are often thought to prioritize short‐term goals rather than long‐term goals (i.e., a present vs. a future time orientation). Though previous theories of crime and empirical research support a relationship among future time orientation, criminal thinking, and illegal behaviors, there is disagreement in the literature about how to operationalize the multidimensional construct of future time orientation. The primary aim of this pre‐registered survey study was to measure multiple components of future time orientation to better understand the relationship with criminality‐related outcomes. Participants were 248 undergraduate college students. Survey materials included a measure of impulsivity (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale‐11), self‐control (Brief Self‐Control Scale), delay discounting (Monetary Choice Questionnaire), and Carstensen's Future Time Perspective Scale. Participants also completed two measures of criminal thinking style (the Texas Christian University Criminal Thinking Scale, the Criminogenic Cognitions Scale) and an illegal behaviors checklist. Bivariate results demonstrated a negative relationship between future time orientation (i.e., low impulsivity, high self‐control, high future time perspective) and criminal thinking style. The relationship between delay discounting and criminal thinking was in the hypothesized direction but failed to reach statistical significance. Multiple regression analyses indicated that the measure of self‐control had the most consistent and incrementally significant relationship with both criminal thinking style and illegal behaviors. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed along with study limitations and future directions.
Adaptation of skin structures to environmental variations in anurans from southern and southwestern China
Authors: CAO Lingsen , LIAO Wenbo , YUAN Lianju , SUN Yanbo , YAN Chengzhi
Published: October 2024

Variations in skin structures can possibly reflect local adaptation to distinct environmental factors. As the primary interface with the surrounding environment, amphibian skin undergoes phenotypic innovations that play a key role in protection, water absorption, and respiration. However, the effects of environmental factors on skin structures have been examined in only a limited number of species. Here, we conducted a comparative analysis of the skin structures of 102 Chinese anuran species across varying geographical distributions and habitat types. Our results revealed that the total volume of granular glands and capillary density in the dorsal skin significantly increased with increasing latitude. We also found that the thickness of calcified layers in both dorsal and ventral skin was positively correlated with annual temperature and negatively correlated with humidity. Additionally, terrestrial species exhibited the largest dorsal granular gland, whereas arboreal species had the smallest one. Likewise, the largest dorsal mucous gland was observed in aquatic species, while the smallest was found in terrestrial species. These results highlighted the importance of understanding the relationship between skin phenotypes and environmental variables and thus providing conservation strategies based on the evolutionary adaptations in anurans. Our study can contribute to the broader knowledge of evolutionary biology in anurans by demonstrating how specific skin traits are linked to survival and fitness across various ecological contexts.
Comprehensive amino acids profiling: Grape varieties grown in California and in Tuscany, Italy
Authors: Lima Maísa M. M. , Choy Ying Yng , Runnebaum Ron C.
Published: October 2024

Twenty‐three amino acids and glutathione were profiled in 33 juices: Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc, and Merlot grown in Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy, and Napa Valley, CA, as well as Petit Verdot grown in Napa Valley, CA. The method was carried out by online pre‐column derivatization followed by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection; residual standard deviation values for repeatability (n = 20) were <5%. All amino acids could be successfully separated in these samples within 18 min. The most abundant amino acids, PRO, γ‐aminobutyric acid, and ARG, varied by two‐, two‐, and three‐fold, respectively, across all of the grape juices sampled. Comparisons between grape juices based on their geographic origin and variety were made with principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. Merlot juices from both regions were correlated differently by amino acids profile than Cabernet sauvignon and Cabernet franc juices. The amino acids profile in Merlot juices was more similar between most sites in Bolgheri. In contrast, Cabernet sauvignon and Cabernet franc juices had a higher similarity between vineyards in Bolgheri and vineyards in Napa Valley. Overall, most of the amino acids quantified in Cabernet franc juices and, to a lesser degree, Cabernet sauvignon juices from Bolgheri and Napa Valley vineyards were strongly correlated with each other.
Acute amiodarone‐induced pulmonary toxicity in adult ICU patients with new‐onset atrial fibrillation—A systematic review
Authors: Ling‐Vannerus Theodor , Skrubbeltrang Conni , Schjørring Olav L. , Møller Morten H. , Rasmussen Bodil S.
Published: October 2024

Background

New‐onset atrial fibrillation or flutter (NOAF) is a common arrhythmia in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Intravenous amiodarone is one of the most used anti‐arrhythmic drugs, despite its risk of inducing acute amiodarone‐induced pulmonary toxicity (APT). We aimed to outline the body of evidence on acute APT in ICU patients with NOAF.

Methods

We performed a systematic search using the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) approach. We included studies of adults admitted to the ICU, who developed NOAF during their ICU stay, were treated with amiodarone, and reported on acute APT, irrespective of research design. The CASE guidelines were applied to evaluate the quality of the included studies, and study results are reported in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses.

Results

No randomised controlled trials or observational studies were identified. Nine case reports and one retrospective case series of fatal outcomes in ICU patients treated with amiodarone for NOAF constituted the evidence base. The quality of the included studies was high with a mean of 10 (range 8–12) of the 13 CASE guideline criteria fulfilled. The studies included a total of 16 critically ill adults who was diagnosed with acute APT after a mean of 9 days (range 2–20 days) following initiation of amiodarone with a mean total dose of amiodarone of 4553 mg (range 1100–13,500 mg) predominantly administrated intravenously. Three out of nine patients in the case reports died in the ICU during the amiodarone treatment. No long‐term follow‐up was conducted for the survivors.

Conclusion

Acute APT in adult ICU patients treated with amiodarone for NOAF is poorly described and is based on a total of 16 reported cases. Additional studies assessing the safety of amiodarone in critically ill adults with NOAF in the ICU is warranted.