bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA methylation stochasticity is linked to transcriptional variability and identifies convergent epigenetic disruption across genetically-defined subtypes of AML
Authors: Hilgart Eleanor , Zhou Weiqiang , Martinez-Montes Eduardo , Idrizi Adrian , Tryggvadottir Rakel , Gondek Lukasz P. , Majeti Ravindra , Ji Hongkai , Koldobskiy Michael A. , Feinberg Andrew P.
Published: October 2024

Disruption of the epigenetic landscape is of particular interest in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) due to its relatively low mutational burden and frequent occurrence of mutations in epigenetic regulators. Here, we applied an information-theoretic analysis of methylation potential energy landscapes, capturing changes in mean methylation level and methylation entropy, to comprehensively analyze DNA methylation stochasticity in subtypes of AML defined by mutually exclusive genetic mutations. We identified AML subtypes with CEBPA double mutation and those with IDH mutations as distinctly high-entropy subtypes, marked by methylation disruption over a convergent set of genes. We found a core program of epigenetic landscape disruption across all AML subtypes, with discordant methylation stochasticity and transcriptional dysregulation converging on functionally important leukemic signatures, suggesting a genotype-independent role of stochastic disruption of the epigenetic landscape in mediating leukemogenesis. We further established a relationship between methylation entropy and gene expression variability, connecting the disruption of the epigenetic landscape to transcription in AML. This approach identified a convergent program of epigenetic dysregulation in leukemia, clarifying the contribution of specific genetic mutations to stochastic disruption of the epigenetic and transcriptional landscapes of AML.
Exploring The Genome of The Oribatid Mite,Oppia Nitens– Environmental Stress Response and Toxicity Adaptation
Authors: Adedokun Adedamola A. , Fajana Hamzat O. , Jegede Olukayode O. , Hammond Austin S. , Smith Derek D.N. , Kvas Stephanie , Hewavithana Thulani , Jin Lingling , Princz Juliska , Siciliano Steven D.
Published: October 2024

Oribatid mites are one of the most abundant groups of microarthropods in soil.Oppia nitens, belonging to the family Oppiidae, one of the largest and most diverse families of oribatid mites, has been developed as a standardized model test organism for assessing soil contamination. However, the limited availability of genomic information for this species hinders our understanding of its physiological adaptation and sensitivity to chemical and environmental stressors in soil. Hence, we present the annotatedO. nitensdraft genome assembled using both Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Illumina sequencing platforms as a basis to identify potential genes that can be linked to adaptation to chemical and environmental stressors.

The sequences were assembled into 65 scaffolds spanning 125.4Mb with a 24.5% GC content and an N50 length of 4.41Mb. Genome quality and completeness were checked using arthropod Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) analysis, which identified 93.5 % complete single-copy orthologs, 3.4% complete but duplicated orthologs, 0.5% fragmented, and 2.6% missing orthologs (n=2934). The NCBI Eukaryotic Genome Annotation Pipeline annotated 15,291 genes, 16,969 mRNAs, and 14,938 proteins.

Here, we describe theO. nitenscomplete draft genome and discuss its utility as a genetic basis for further investigations and understanding of the molecular mechanisms and physiological functions in adaptations to environmental change, especially tolerance to metal stress.
Intracellular amphiregulin is critical for heterochromatin maintenance and genomic stability in response to replication stress inBRCA2mut/+mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Jiang Tianqi , Zein Aiman , Christine Pratt M.A.
Published: October 2024

The BRCA2 tumor suppressor protein has roles in homologous recombination DNA repair and replication fork protection and carriers of mutation in theBRCA2gene (BRCA2mut/+) are at high risk for breast cancers as a consequence of genomic instability. Mammary epithelial cells (MECs) are subjected to significant hormone-driven replication.BRCA2mut/+MECs must therefore be able to mitigate RS-induced chronic DNA damage that could result in cell death or senescence. In response to acute RS in hTERT-MECs, we have found that the EGFR ligand, amphiregulin (AREG) rapidly undergoes retrograde trafficking to the nucleus and nuclear membrane (NM) in association with lamin A resulting in a transient increase in H3K9me3 heterochromatin most markedly inBRCA2mut/+hTERT-MECs. RS promoted NM incorporation of prelamin A that was dependent on endogenous but not exogenous AREG. Prelamin A is reported to stabilize SUV39h1 and expression of a C-terminal truncated AREG that translocates to the NM increased SUV39h1, HP1α and H3K9me3. AREG knockdown reduced both HP1α and SUV39h1 accompanied by massive decompaction and reduction in global H3K9me3 heterochromatin. Loss of heterochromatin upon AREG depletion increased DNA damage, reduced replication fork speed and resulted in a significant increase in firing of new and multiple origins. Knockdown of endogenous AREG also impacted the NM resulting in activation of a type-1 interferon (IFN)-like response promoting senescence. Chronic RS also stimulated nuclear AREG along withFOXM1andESR1mRNA and protein. Consistent with this, nuclear AREG, FOXM1 and ERα were detected in hyperplastic regions of human tissue. Overall, our work reveals a critical and unanticipated nuclear role for AREG in maintenance and transient induction of heterochromatin in response to RS preventing excessive DNA damage and senescence inBRCA2mut/+MECs. Since nuclear AREG also promotes ERα expression, this may link RS with aberrant expansion of estrogen receptor-expressing MECs found inBRCA2mut/+mammary tissue.
GenePert: Leveraging GenePT Embeddings for Gene Perturbation Prediction
Authors: Chen Yiqun , Zou James
Published: October 2024

Predicting how perturbation of a target gene affects the expression of other genes is a critical component of understanding cell biology. This is a challenging prediction problem as the model must capture complex gene-gene relationships and the output is high-dimensional and sparse. To address this challenge, we present GenePert, a simple approach that leverages GenePT embeddings, which are derived using ChatGPT from text descriptions of individual genes, to predict gene expression changes due to perturbations via regularized regression models. Benchmarked on eight CRISPR perturbation screen datasets across multiple cell types and five different pretrained gene embedding models, GenePert consistently outperforms all the state-of-the-art prediction models measured in both Pearson correlation and mean squared error metrics. Even with limited training data, our model generalizes effectively, offering a scalable solution for predicting perturbation outcomes. These findings underscore the power of informative gene embeddings in predicting the outcomes of unseen genetic perturbation experimentsin silico. GenePert is available athttps://github.com/zou-group/GenePert.
Intra-arterial Deoxyribonuclease therapy improves stroke outcomes in aged mice
Authors: Yin Junxiang , Wu Michael , White Jennifer , StClair Ellie , Waters Michael F.
Published: October 2024

Background

Futile recanalization affects more than half of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are a major factor of microvascular hypoperfusion after stroke. Deoxyribonuclease I (DNase) targeting NETs exhibited a neuroprotective effect in young mice with AIS. This study explored a novel direct intra-arterial administration of DNase therapy and its effect in aged mice with AIS.

Method

AIS was induced in aged C57BL/6 mice followed by reperfusion and immediate, intra-arterial DNase administration via the internal carotid artery. Cerebral blood flow, neurological function, cerebral infarct volume, and NET markers were examined.

Results

Direct intra-arterial DNase therapy significantly increased cerebral blood flow, reduced neurological deficit scores, increased the latency to fall in wire hang test, reduced cerebral infarct volume, and decreased neutrophil and NET count in both the parenchyma and micro vessels in aged mice with AIS compared with age-matched, vehicle controls.

Conclusion

Our data is the first to demonstrate that successful, direct intra-arterial DNase therapy provides more efficient cerebral reperfusion and better outcomes after recanalization during the treatment of large vessel occlusion in aged mice. This study provides evidence for the potential clinical application of catheter delivered intra-arterial DNase therapy post-recanalization.
eIF4ET regulates meiotic proteome levels to enable oocyte formation and storage
Authors: Bhatia Priyankaa , Amin Ruchi , Familiari Nicole E. , Yaguchi Kan , Tran Vanna M. , Bond Alec , Bukulmez Orhan , Woodruff Jeffrey B.
Published: October 2024

Animals store oocytes in a dormant state for weeks to decades before ovulation. The homeostatic programs oocytes use to endure long-term storage are poorly understood. Using female nematodes as a short-lived model, we found that oocyte formation and storage required IFET-1, the conserved eIF4E-Transporter protein (eIF4ET). IFET-1 co-assembled with CAR-1 (Lsm14) to form micron-scale condensates in stored oocytes, which dissipated after oocyte activation. Depletion of IFET-1 destabilized the oocyte proteome, leading to a decline in microtubule maintenance proteins and errors in microtubule organization and meiotic spindle assembly. Deleting individual domains within IFET-1 impaired oocyte storage without affecting oocyte formation. Thus, in addition to establishing a healthy oocyte reserve in young mothers, IFET-1 ensures that correct levels of cytoskeletal proteins are maintained as oocytes age. Human eIF4ET also localized to micron-scale puncta in dormant oocytes in a reproductively healthy patient. Our results identify a role for eIF4ET in maintaining the oocyte reserve and implicate eIF4ET dysfunction as an upstream cause of embryonic aneuploidy and age-related infertility.
SCAD Delivery Platform: A Novel Approach for Efficient CNS and Extrahepatic Oligonucleotide Therapeutics
Authors: Kang Moorim , Lin Wei-Hsiang , Xu Feifei , Zhou Xiaojie , Si Chunyan , Liu Kunshan , Dai Jianxiu , He Jichao , Schacht Ian , Li Yichen , Gan Zubao , Li Long-Cheng
Published: October 2024

Oligonucleotide therapeutics, including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and duplex RNAs like siRNA, saRNA, and miRNA, hold immense potential for treating genetic and acquired diseases by modulating gene expression in a target-specific manner. However, effective delivery to extrahepatic tissues, particularly the central nervous system (CNS), remains a significant challenge. While GalNAc conjugation has enabled liver-specific delivery, leading to several approved siRNA drugs for hepatic targets, CNS delivery lags. ASOs, on the other hand, can self-deliver to the CNS when administered locally, as seen with nusinersen and tofersen. To address this disparity, we’ve developed the Smart Chemistry Aided Delivery (SCAD) platform which enables duplex RNA delivery by conjugating it to an accessory oligonucleotide (ACO), which acts as an aptamer to mediate protein binding and facilitate cellular uptake. Through extensive screening, we identified an optimal SCAD architecture that demonstrates enhanced cell-free protein binding andin vitroactivity. In rodent models, local administration of SCAD-siRNA conjugates resulted in broad biodistribution throughout the CNS and sustained mRNA knockdown for over five months, with a favorable safety profile. The SCAD platform also exhibited efficient delivery to other tissues, including the eye, the lung and the joint. These features support its potential for broader clinical applications, as evidenced by an ongoing trial targeting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) associated with mutations in theSOD1gene. The modular design of SCAD allows it to easily adapt to any duplex RNA, making it a powerful tool for advancing oligonucleotide therapeutics.
Ictal-Related Chirp as a Biomarker for Monitoring Seizure Progression
Authors: Bahador Nooshin , Skinner Frances , Zhang Liang , Lankarany Milad
Published: October 2024

Despite being prevalent, the causes, mechanisms, and progression of epilepsy—a chronic neurological disorder with unprovoked seizures—are not well understood, complicating drug development for treatment. This study used a comprehensive mouse epilepsy kindling model dataset to investigate frequency modulation (chirp) as a potential indicator of distinct states of epilepsy (early evoked discharge, late evoked discharge, spontaneous recurrent seizure, and drug state). Employing time-frequency ridge extraction, chirp identification, and statistical testing, our analyses revealed that chirp patterns occur in the majority of ictal discharges (>81.6%), persisting across evoked and spontaneous seizures. While the focus was on hippocampal recordings, chirps were also detected in the piriform peripheral cortex. Significant frequency and duration changes in chirp patterns during the transition from early to late evoked ictal events suggest their potential as the screening tool for seizure progression. Additionally, detailed analyses illuminate the impact of Lorazepam, aGABAAenhancer, on chirp characteristics, providing insights into how increased inhibitory tone quantifiably influences excitatory-inhibitory balances during seizures.
Analysis of off-momentum nonlinear driving terms for enlarging off-momentum dynamic apertures
Authors: Wei Bingfeng , Bai Zhenghe , Feng Guangyao , Loulergue Alexandre , Nadolski Laurent S. , Nagaoka Ryutaro
Published: October 2024

Due to scattering, particles in a ring may have large momentum deviations, which will change their dynamics, potentially resulting in particle losses. Optimization of off-momentum nonlinear dynamics is, therefore, important for increasing beam lifetime. When analyzing off-momentum dynamics using the approach of resonance driving terms (RDTs), chromatic RDTs are usually used, which denote the deviations from on-momentum dynamics. In this paper, instead of using chromatic RDTs, we propose using off-momentum RDTs to analyze off-momentum dynamics, which is a more direct way. As in the case of on-momentum dynamics, the nonlinear driving terms for off-momentum particles include off-momentum RDTs and off-momentum amplitude-dependent tune shifts, which are calculated based on off-momentum linear optics. Similar to the analysis of on-momentum dynamics in our previous work [B. Wei , ], we study the fluctuation or variation of off-momentum RDTs along the longitudinal position, which is very effective for analyzing and optimizing off-momentum dynamic apertures (DAs). Similar results are obtained for the off-momentum case: (i) minimizing the element-by-element average of the RDTs is more effective than minimizing one-turn RDTs in enlarging DAs and (ii) minimizing the average of lower-order RDTs helps reduce higher-order RDTs.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nonthermal eigenstates and slow relaxation in quantum Fredkin spin chains
Authors: Causer Luke , Bañuls Mari Carmen , Garrahan Juan P.
Published: October 2024

We study the dynamics and thermalization of the Fredkin spin chain, a system with local three-body interactions, particle conservation, and explicit kinetic constraints. We consider deformations away from its stochastic point in order to tune between regimes where kinetic energy dominates and those where potential energy does. By means of exact diagonalization, perturbation theory, and variational matrix product states, we show there is a sudden change of behavior in the dynamics that occurs, from one of fast thermalization to one of slow metastable (prethermal) dynamics near the stochastic point. This change in relaxation is connected to the emergence of additional kinetic constraints, which lead to the fragmentation of Hilbert space in the limit of a large potential energy. We also show that this change can lead to thermalization being evaded for special initial conditions because of nonthermal eigenstates (akin to quantum many-body scars). We provide clear evidence for the existence of these nonthermal states for large system sizes even when far from the large-potential-energy limit, and explain their connection to the emergent kinetic constraints.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
{101¯4}
twin boundary in calcite: Structure and physical properties
Authors: Yang Yang , Lin Yixin , Ding Xiangdong , Sun Jun , Butterfield Nicholas J. , Aufort Julie , Salje Ekhard K. H.
Published: October 2024

Calcite, a CaCO3 polymorph, is one of the most significant materials in nature. In addition to its fundamental role in the global carbon cycle, it fills an unparalleled range of applications, both as a natural biomineral and more directly engineered materials. One of the most notable characteristics of calcite is its tendency to form twins, the boundaries of which are expected to determine key attributes of the host mineral at mesoscopic scales. Using a classical molecular dynamics simulation performed with a thermodynamically consistent rigid-ion force field, we show that the walls between the two twin domains aligned along the hexagonal (101¯4) plane of calcite have some unexpected properties: (1) rather than monoatomic planes, these twin walls are composed of two layers with fundamentally different distortions, (2) atomic shifts within the twin walls create strong polarity while the bulk remains centrosymmetric, and (3) the temperature evolution of the structural order parameter is mostly, but not completely, related to the tilt and rotation of CO32− molecules. Molecular dynamics simulations using thermodynamically accurate interatomic potentials demonstrate that the temperature evolution of twin walls is different from that of the bulk material. We show that kinks in twin walls have a low energy and generate high structural disorder near the kink position. Our methods are applicable to other molecular systems and emphasize the dominance of twin walls in materials.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum Inequalities for Quantum Black Holes
Authors: Frassino Antonia M. , Hennigar Robie A. , Pedraza Juan F. , Svesko Andrew
Published: October 2024

We formulate spacetime inequalities applicable to quantum-corrected black holes to all orders of backreaction in semiclassical gravity. Namely, we propose refined versions of the quantum Penrose and reverse isoperimetric inequalities, valid for all known three-dimensional asymptotically anti–de Sitter quantum black holes. Previous proposals of the quantum Penrose inequality apply in higher dimensions but fail when applied in three dimensions beyond the perturbative regime. Our quantum Penrose inequality, valid in three dimensions, holds at all orders of backreaction. This suggests cosmic censorship must exist in nonperturbative semiclassical gravity. Our quantum reverse isoperimetric inequality implies a maximum entropy state for quantum black holes at fixed volume.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Leadership styles and collection development practices of librarians in academic libraries: a case of Ekiti state, Nigeria
Authors: Oguntuase Moyosade Omolade , Okhakhu David O. , Fasae Joseph Kehinde
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of leadership styles on collection development practices in academic libraries within Ekiti State, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used a survey research design, using a questionnaire as the primary data collection instrument. The study encompassed 86 library personnel selected from six academic libraries in Ekiti State.

Findings

The study’s findings revealed a notably high level of engagement in collection development practices within the academic libraries under investigation. In addition, the library managers exhibited a blend of leadership styles, with the democratic style being the most frequently used, followed by autocratic and laissez-faire styles. Furthermore, the research identified a significant influence of leadership styles on collection development practices, with evidence suggesting a collective impact when considering various leadership styles together.

Social implications

The study implies that effective leadership plays a crucial role in realizing the overarching objectives of academic libraries, and a well-informed leadership approach positively impacts the library’s ability to meet its collection development goals and serve its academic community effectively.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by shedding light on the intricate relationship between leadership styles and collection development practices in academic libraries. The identification of a predominant democratic leadership style and its implications on library practices provides a nuanced understanding of leadership dynamics in this context.
Consumerbased conceptualisation of brand transparency: scope, characteristics and contextual determinants
Authors: Sansome Kate , Conduit Jodie , Wilkie Dean Charles Hugh
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Escalating uncertainty surrounding brand communications has intensified consumer demands for transparency. Many definitions link transparency to the quantity of shared information, yet more information might not alleviate consumer uncertainty. The purpose of this paper is to develop a consumer-based conceptualisation of brand transparency that recognises the subjectivity in how transparency manifests for consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a qualitative approach, leveraging 10 exploratory interviews with experts and 20 in-depth interviews with consumers.

Findings

Confronted with information asymmetry, consumers rely on cues (openness, clarity, timeliness, evidence-based, explanatory) to evaluate a brand’s intentions to provide accurate information about focal domains in a way that establishes brand transparency. Focal domains of brand transparency (pro-social values, processes and product and service offerings) evolve in line with changing consumer expectations. Both consumer relationships and brand experiences influence brand transparency perceptions.

Research limitations/implications

This study challenges an inherent assumption that access to more information informs brand transparency perceptions; instead, consumers require transparency about salient and focal topics. By delineating the observable signals consumers use to infer transparency and highlighting how consumers’ biases towards certain brands and product categories influence their perceptions of brand transparency, this study contributes to customer–brand relationship literature.

Practical implications

The authors identify challenges for evoking brand transparency perceptions when information is salient. The authors stress the importance of open dialogue across all touchpoints to address consumer queries.

Originality/value

By challenging some assumptions of brand transparency literature, which have evolved from accounting and governance disciplines, this research introduces a distinctive perspective on consumer-based brand transparency.
The impact of the COVID-19 market shock on residential buyer preferences
Authors: Cain Christopher , Huerta Daniel , Maynard Norman , Waller Bennie
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic market shock on house pricing, time-on-market (TOM) and probability-of-sale functions using local multiple listing service data from Richmond, Virginia, USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analyses use a two-stage residual inclusion model to simultaneously address endogeneity and nonlinearity in modeling sales price and TOM, and a Heckman two-stage procedure to account for sample selection bias in estimating the probability-of-sale.

Findings

The pandemic shock not only directly impacted average home prices, TOM and probability-of-sale, but it also caused the coefficients of some of the factors that influence these metrics to change while others were stable to the exogenous shock of the pandemic. The authors find that coefficients in the hedonic pricing, TOM and probability-of-sale models did not shift instantaneously; instead, the impact evolved over several months at the beginning of the pandemic until stabilization.

Originality/value

The results should be of interest to buyers and sellers of residential properties, agents specializing in residential properties and researchers looking to better capture the impact of exogenous events on housing prices and buyer preferences.
A three-phase framework for mapping barriers to blockchain adoption in sustainable supply chain
Authors: Ali Md. Ramjan , Khan Sharfuddin Ahmed , Kayikci Yasanur , Mubarik Muhammad Shujaat
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Blockchain technology is one of the major contributors to supply chain sustainability because of its inherent features. However, its adoption rate is relatively low due to reasons such as the diverse barriers impeding blockchain adoption. The purpose of this study is to identify blockchain adoption barriers in sustainable supply chain and uncovers their interrelationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-phase framework that combines machine learning (ML) classifiers, BORUTA feature selection algorithm, and Grey-DEMATEL method. From the literature review, 26 potential barriers were identified and evaluated through the performance of ML models with accuracy and f-score.

Findings

The findings reveal that feature selection algorithm detected 15 prominent barriers, and random forest (RF) classifier performed with the highest accuracy and f-score. Moreover, the performance of the RF increased by 2.38% accuracy and 2.19% f-score after removing irrelevant barriers, confirming the validity of feature selection algorithm. An RF classifier ranked the prominent barriers and according to ranking, financial constraints, immaturity, security, knowledge and expertise, and cultural differences resided at the top of the list. Furthermore, a Grey-DEMATEL method is employed to expose interrelationships between prominent barriers and to provide an overview of the cause-and-effect group.

Practical implications

The outcome of this study can help industry practitioners develop new strategies and plans for blockchain adoption in sustainable supply chains.

Originality/value

The research on the adoption of blockchain technology in sustainable supply chains is still evolving. This study contributes to the ongoing debate by exploring how practitioners and decision-makers adopt blockchain technology, developing strategies and plans in the process.
Corporate social and digital responsibility in esports
Authors: Kolyperas Dimitrios , Anagnostopoulos Christos , Pavlopoulou Ismini , Manoli Argyro Elisavet , Chadwick Simon
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The esports industry has experienced a dynamic growth. In this context, a significant evolution in the logic of corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be observed, particularly in the digital sphere. By extending Carroll’s three-dimensional model to include corporate digital responsibility (CDR), this paper addresses a key research question: How does CSR evolve and develop in the dynamic digital industry of esports?

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a qualitative multiple case study research design. It drew on secondary data from 50 professional esports organisations and key players in CSR development in the global esports industry, such as game publishers, pro-teams, pro-athletes, event organisers, and governing bodies. A content analysis of 50 official websites and 72 public annual, CSR, and environmental reports for the financial years ending in 2021 and 2022 was conducted.

Findings

Our empirical findings not only map the territory of esports CSR and CDR but also provide practical insights. These insights are later synthesized to develop an esports CSR/CDR framework that extends Carroll’s three-dimensional model. CSR and CDR domains of esports are theoretically grounded (business performance, responsiveness, social issues, and digital responsibilities), while practical implications for managers and academics are forwarded.

Originality/value

This paper stands out as a pioneering empirical study, filling a significant research gap in the fields of CSR and CDR in esports. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first to illuminate these concepts within the unique ecosystem of esports, thereby contributing to the evolving understanding of CSR in the digital context.
Using artificial intelligence to address mental health inequalities: co-creating machine learning algorithms with key stakeholders and citizen engagement
Authors: Morgan Phil , Cogan Nicola Ann
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to reshape mental health practices, policies and research in the coming decade. Simultaneously, mental health inequalities persist globally, imposing considerable costs on individuals, communities and economies. This study aims to investigate the impact of AI technologies on future citizenship for individuals with mental health challenges (MHCs).

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a community-based participatory approach, engaging peer researchers to explore the perspectives of adults with MHCs from a peer-led mental health organisation. This study evaluated potential threats and opportunities presented by AI technologies for future citizenship through a co-created film, depicting a news broadcast set in 2042. Data were gathered via semi-structured interviews and focus groups and were analysed using a reflexive thematic approach.

Findings

The analysis identified four key themes: Who holds the power? The divide, What it means to be human, and Having a voice. The findings indicate that adults with living experiences of MHCs are eager to influence the development of AI technologies that affect their lives. Participants emphasised the importance of activism and co-production while expressing concerns about further marginalisation.

Originality/value

This study provides new insights into the intersection of AI, technology and citizenship, highlighting the critical need for inclusive practices in technological advancement. By incorporating the perspectives of individuals with living experiences, this study advocates for participatory approaches in shaping AI technologies in mental health. This includes the co-creation of machine learning algorithms and fostering citizen engagement to ensure that advancements are equitable and empowering for people with MHCs.
Pharma industry 4.0 deployment and readiness: a case study within a manufacturer
Authors: McDermott Olivia , Wojcik Aneta Magdalena , Trubetskaya Anna , Sony Michael , Antony Jiju , Kharub Manjeet
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the readiness for and understanding of Industry 4.0 in a pharmaceutical manufacturer.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilising qualitative interviews within a single-site case study in a pharmaceutical organisation, the understanding of Industry 4.0 and the challenges, benefits and critical success factors for Industry 4.0 readiness therein and applications of Industry 4.0 are assessed.

Findings

The research findings found that Industry 4.0 implementation has implications for regulatory compliance and enhancing operational excellence on the site. The Pharma site is embracing Industry 4.0 technologies, particularly for paperless systems and data collation and analytics, but the site is somewhat of a late adaptor of Industry 4.0 implementation and is on a path towards increased digitalisation.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of the study is that it is a single-site case study, but the results can be generalisable in demonstrating how Industry 4.0 is being deployed and its challenges and benefits.

Originality/value

This study is unique and novel because to the authors knowledge, it is one of the first studies on Industry 4.0 readiness and status in an Irish Pharma site within a single pharmaceutical organisation. This study can be leveraged and benchmarked by all pharmaceutical organisations as it demonstrates the complexity of Industry 4.0 deployment from a highly regulated and complex pharmaceutical manufacturing and processing viewpoint.
Plant responses to urban gradients: Extinction, plasticity, adaptation
Authors: Sotillo Alejandro , Hardion Laurent , Chanez Etienne , Fujiki Kenji , Muratet Audrey
Published: October 2024

Biodiversity‐oriented urban management and planning require information on the drivers of wildlife composition and ecosystem function within cities. Urban landscapes impose environmental gradients along which species may be filtered away, or respond by showing adaptive variation in functional trait values. Such trait variation may in turn be due to a species' phenotypic plasticity, or a consequence of microevolution leading to local adaptation.

This study investigates three possible plant responses to urban environmental gradients, with different evolutionary consequences: extinction, plasticity and adaptation. We assessed whether individual functional traits (LMA—leaf mass per area, plant height and flower length), population performance traits (seed mass and germination rate), as well as species frequency in the plant community, responded to gradients in mowing frequency, soil fertility and structure, temperature and surrounding mean building height, among four herbaceous plant species present in the metropolitan area of Strasbourg. Using a common garden experiment, we tested whether the observed trait variation was hereditary, and may thus constitute evidence for local adaptation.

Our results detected the three types of expected responses. Plantago lanceolata is plastic to urban gradients, and Trifolium pratense showed both plastic and hereditary responses. Dactylis glomerata and Medicago lupulina showed all three responses: they both declined under increasing mowing frequency, were plastic to surrounding mean building height, and showed hereditary responses to different urban gradients.

Urban management and planning therefore impact on the evolutionary capabilities of plants in cities. In the case of management this is highlighted by the detected trends in species' traits and frequency in response to mowing. The consequences of urban planning are evidenced by mean building height eliciting most often plastic and adaptive responses.

Synthesis. Herbaceous plants often change their morphology in response to urban conditions: grass cutting, altered soils, warmer temperatures and being surrounded by tightly packed buildings. These changes are sometimes hereditary, which suggests that city management and planning affect the ability of plants to survive and evolve in urban environments.
Spatial and climatic drivers of β‐diversity in assemblages of angiosperm genera across the world
Authors: Qian Hong , Qian Shenhua , Kessler Michael
Published: October 2024

β‐diversity quantifies the change in taxonomic and phylogenetic composition between areas. It can be partitioned into two additive components (turnover and nestedness). Geographic distance, which reflects dispersal limitation, and climatic distance, which reflects environmental filtering, are major drivers of β‐diversity, but few studies have assessed their relative importance to β‐diversity at a global scale.

Here, we investigate the relationship of β‐diversity of angiosperm genera in regional floras worldwide to climatic conditions within regions and to geographic and climatic distances between regions.

We found that (1) current climate has a stronger effect on phylogenetic turnover than does Quaternary climate change; (2) of the current climate variables examined, mean annual temperature is the strongest driver of phylogenetic turnover, followed by precipitation seasonality; (3) regions with high precipitation seasonality have high phylogenetic β‐diversity and phylogenetic turnover; and (4) at a global scale, the variation in phylogenetic turnover explained jointly by geographic and climatic distances is, on average, much larger than that explained uniquely by either distance, but that geographic distance explains more variation in phylogenetic turnover than climatic distance.

Synthesis. These results reveal the synergistic role of geographic isolation and climatic filtering in determining the composition of floras worldwide, with less influence of Quaternary climate changes.
Political contexts and new electorates: The case of women in Norway
Authors: Kinsey Barbara Sgouraki
Published: October 2024

Extension of voting rights is basic to political representation, but getting the newly eligible to the polls is also essential to representative politics. What are the factors that contribute to the mobilization of new voters? Study of the entry of women in electoral politics remains limited due to lack of appropriate data. However, in the case of Norway, as in several other countries, separate records were kept on women's eligibility and voting turnout. This paper examines how social factors may condition the influence of a major determinant of women's turnout, political party competition, in parliamentary elections immediately following their enfranchisement in the case of Norway. The study is conducted at the commune level and uses spatial tools of analysis. It takes place across (a) regions with different socio‐cultural and political attributes, (b) different franchise extensions to women by socioeconomic status, and (c) genders. Findings suggest that social context, that is, women's location in different socio‐cultural/political settings and socio‐economic status may condition the effects of political party competition on women's turnout.
Reimagining crisis management with an organizational learning framework
Authors: Schneider Erika J.
Published: October 2024

Technological advancements have altered the landscape of crisis management, making many crises potentially preventable and controllable. Moreover, these technological advancements have provided opportunities for organizations to implement an informed learning approach in crisis responses. The interconnectedness and complementary aspects of three theories within crisis management, including the situational crisis communication theory's base crisis response strategies, image repair theory's corrective action, and discourse of renewal theory's organizational learning, were assessed and integrated into a proposed framework for understanding a comprehensive approach to crisis management. In this research, technology is regarded as both an asset for facilitating organizational learning (e.g., informed decision‐making through data analytics), and a potential source of challenges in crisis communication (e.g., Zoombombing and negative social amplification). The proposed framework aims to bridge proactive risk and reactive crisis management efforts through organizational learning. Findings from this 4 × 2 between‐subjects experimental design study explore the effectiveness of organizational learning to address crisis responsibility in an evolving technological landscape.
ECMO support for endoscopic resection of postpneumonectomy critical central airway obstruction
Authors: Fiorelli Alfonso , De Feo Marisa , Torella Michele , Ferraro Fausto , Bianco Andrea , Vicario Giuseppe , Capasso Francesca , Messina Gaetana , Natale Giovanni
Published: October 2024

A 73‐year‐old woman was admitted to our hospital with severe respiratory distress due to postpneumonectomy neoplastic central airway obstruction. An emergency recanalization with rigid bronchoscopy (RB) was planned. Controlled and jet ventilation are routinely used to assure ventilation during RB, but the risk of inadequate oxygenation and removal of carbon dioxide was prohibitively high in this case due to the presence of a single lung. The use of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was decided by multidisciplinary team to support ventilation during RB. Complete airway recanalization was successfully achieved without any complications. The patient was discharged 2 days later. Pathology revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma, and the patient was reviewed for oncologic treatment.
Landscape effects on seasonal abundance of Drosophila suzukii and its parasitoids in California cane berry fields
Authors: Hogg Brian N. , Daane Kent M.
Published: October 2024

Spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, has become a major pest of soft‐skinned fruit crops in the Americas, Europe and North Africa. In many regions, D. suzukii management is complicated by the fly's ability to persist on non‐crop hosts and then invade or reinvade crop fields from surrounding natural habitats. In California, non‐crop habitats adjacent to commercial cane berry fields often contain wild blackberry (Rubus spp.), a potential overwintering host for D. suzukii.

We sampled D. suzukii and its naturally occurring parasitoids (the pupal parasitoids Trichopria drosophilae and Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae) in commercial berry fields and adjacent non‐crop habitat throughout the year, to determine whether non‐crop habitat is a seasonal or year‐round refuge for D. suzukii, and whether numbers of D. suzukii and its parasitoids in berry fields are dependent on the composition of the surrounding landscape.

Numbers of D. suzukii adults were consistently higher in non‐crop habitat, and proportions of female D. suzukii were highest in berry fields, indicating that females dispersed more widely than males. The effect of habitat diversity on numbers of D. suzukii adults was positive in fall and negative in early spring, possibly reflecting differing habitat requirements of D. suzukii over time.

Parasitoid numbers were also higher in non‐crop habitat and were positively affected by proportions of non‐crop habitat and cropland in summer.

Results indicate that non‐crop habitats were a year‐round refuge for both D. suzukii adults and its parasitoids, and that landscape effects on D. suzukii abundance in crop fields can change over the seasons.
Prospective evaluation of the store‐and‐forward teledermatology service (eConsult) delivery at Townsville Hospital: A pilot study
Authors: Lee Celine Jessica , Evans Rebecca , Boyce Aaron
Published: October 2024

Background

The shortage of dermatologists in rural and regional Australia is acutely felt in north Queensland where the population experiences a leading burden of skin cancer and tropical dermatoses. Store‐and‐forward teledermatology (SAFT) is recognised as a potential solution to improve accessibility of dermatology specialist care in rural communities. eConsult (a SAFT service) was piloted for the broader Townsville community in 2022. Evaluation was necessary to ensure wider implementation would meet stakeholder needs and improve patient care.

Objective

To evaluate clinician perspectives and use of eConsult within the Townsville Hospital and Health service catchment over the pilot period (up to 9 months).

Methodology

Pre‐engagement interviews with clinicians assessed their management of dermatoses and service expectations prior to eConsult usage. eConsult referrals identified case characteristics, outcomes and uptake of the service amongst clinicians. Post‐engagement interviews assessed clinician perceptions and their suggestions for the service at the conclusion of the pilot period.

Results

In total, 24 and 17 clinicians participated in the pre‐ and post‐engagement interviews respectively, and 38 referrals were submitted by clinicians. The service assisted diagnosis and management of non‐urgent skin conditions for any age group. Clinicians generally had positive perceptions and appreciated timely access to local specialist advice. This study suggests a SAFT service can improve access to dermatology specialist opinion and increase management of dermatoses in primary care.

Conclusions

Establishing sustainable teledermatology services with strong engagement from users is important for accessible care. Future research may investigate similar SAFT models involving more specialists and assess long‐term cost‐effectiveness.
A new hybrid robotic surgery by minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic (MILAR) system using da Vinci single‐port (SP) in distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Yoshikawa Takaki , Hayashi Tsutomu , Nishino Masashi , Ogawa Rei , Fujisaki Yurina , Honda Shunya , Wada Takeyuki , Yamagata Yukinori , Seto Yasuyuki
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The da Vinci SP (SP) has only 1 robotic arm, containing 4 channels. It provides a wide space for assistant surgeons using laparoscopic forceps. We performed a new type of minimally invasive surgery using laparoscopy and a robot (MILAR) utilizing the SP in distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Materials and Surgical Technique

An incision at the umbilicus was made for the SP, and 2 ports were inserted from the right abdomen for laparoscopic surgery. In the above view, where surgeons look down at the surgical field, the scope was inserted from the channel at 12 o'clock, and the round tooth retractor was inserted from 6 o'clock. In the below view, where surgeons look up at the surgical field, the scope and retractor were inserted from opposite directions. The robotic operator uses 3 forceps and a scope. The laparoscopic operator uses 2 forceps. On the greater curvature side, the left or right epiploic artery pedicles was retracted by the robot operator under the below view. The suprapancreatic area was dissected with the pedicle of the left gastric artery retracted by the laparoscopic operator under the above view.

Discussion

By setting the scope and the retractor in a diagonal direction of 12–6 o'clock, robotic surgeons have a wide space bilaterally for using forceps for nodal dissection under the co‐axial setting. Laparoscopic surgeons can use this space easily. Gastrectomy by MILAR using SP could provide quality surgery within a short operative time.