bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissecting the molecular basis of variability for flowering time inCamelina sativa
Authors: Zhang Liyong , Bollina Venkatesh , Gao Peng , Parkin Isobel A. P.
Published: November 2024

Camelina sativais an important polyploid oilseed crop with multiple favorable agronomic traits. Capturing the leaf transcriptome of 48 accessions ofC. sativasuggests allelic variation for gene expression levels and notably sub-genome dominance, both of which could provide opportunities for crop improvement. Flowering time (FT) is a crucial factor affecting the overall yield of crops. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying FT regulation inC. sativaare still limited, partly due to its complex allohexaploid genome. In this study, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis and transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) were employed to explore the FT diversity among 48C. sativaaccessions and dissect the underlying molecular basis. Our results revealed a FT-related co-expressed gene module highly enriched withSOC1s andSOC1-like genes, and identified 10 significant FT-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) defining three haplotype groups; thus providing a molecular basis for future genetic improvements inC. sativabreeding.
Comparative and population genomics analyses of the regulatory Transcription Factor (TF)-DNA interaction
Authors: Joshi Manas , Duchen Pablo , Kapopoulou Adamandia , Laurent Stefan
Published: November 2024

Natural selection heavily influences the evolutionary trajectories of species by impacting their genotype to phenotype transitions. On the molecular level, these genotype to phenotype transitions are shaped by the regulatory sequences (RSs). In this study, we employed a combination of population and comparative genomics to investigate how natural selection affects specific RS classes involved in the regulatory transcription factor (TF)-DNA interactions. These interactions consist of two motifs, namely: TF-binding domains (TF-BDs) and TF-binding sites (TF-BSs). Using publicly available annotation data, we constructed the species-specific lists of the TF-BD and TF-BS regions. We also constructed a non-synonymous equivalent class for the TF-BS regions for making comparative analyses across the coding and non-coding regions. On applying some of the commonly used summary statistics, we found a consistent signal of purifying selection acting on TF-BDs, consistent with their functional importance. Interestingly, we also observed that non-coding TF-BS regions showed similar levels of constraint to that of coding regions for populations with large Ne. Concerning positive selection, we showed that the regulatory motifs of large Nespecies are, overall, subject to an increased intensity of positive selection. We found an overall positive correlation between the intensity of purifying and positive selection and the species-specific Ne, which is expected under drift-selection equilibrium. Finally, we contrasted the signal of positive selection inH. sapiensandD. melanogaster(outcrossing species) withA. thaliana(selfing species) and noted that selfing plays a key role in influencing the action of positive selection.
Adaptive sampling in nanopore sequencing for PCR-free random access in DNA data storage
Authors: Sokolovskii Roman , Ramirez-Garcia Robert , Heinis Thomas
Published: November 2024

Adaptive sampling is a unique feature of nanopore sequencing—it enables the user to selectively enrich the sample (i.e., increase the effectively observed concentration of a subset of DNA in the sample) based on a user-provided set of reference sequences to target (or to avoid). It also enables dynamic switching of random access targets during a sequencing run as well as re-archiving of the sampled aliquot for later sequencing. As we demonstrate experimentally, the advantages of adaptive sampling make it a promising component of random access solutions in DNA data storage. We demonstrate that this approach allows selective data retrieval from a DNA pool without PCR, enabling the remaining aliquot to be re-archived for future retrieval of different target files. Our method helps to limit pool depletion effectively. It also allows dynamic switching between random access targets/data during a sequencing run. Adaptive sampling, however, primarily works for long sequences while for DNA data storage short oligos are typically used. We also show how to work around this limitation.
DNA methylation is a key determinant of response to targeted and immune checkpoint therapies in metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Jeanneret Florian , Schoch Sarah , Ballester Pedro , Symeonides Stefan N , Laird Alexander , Axelson Håkan , Pflieger Delphine , Battail Christophe
Published: November 2024

The response to targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients suffering from metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is heterogeneous and currently not predictable in clinic. In this work, a comprehensive integrated study of 700 ccRCCs profiled by DNA methylation and RNA sequencing showed that the hyper-methylated tumors exhibited a worse prognosis, a higher fraction of cycling tumor cells and a lower activity of homeobox transcription factors. To translate the use of DNA methylation information into a clinical setting, we developed a simple model accurately predicting the ccRCC methylation subtypes (AUC-ROCs of 0.91) from two gene expression ratios (IGF2BP3/PCCA, TNNT1/TMEM88). In addition, these methylation subtypes were significantly associated with the therapeutic outcome of patients to anti-PD-1, mTOR inhibitor or tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapies. Overall, our framework for predicting the ccRCC DNA methylation subtypes from targeted gene expression data is easy to translate in clinic and contributes to better personalization of ccRCC therapies.
Minimal integrating shuttle vectors forSaccharomyces cerevisiaedepleted of restriction sites outside the polylinker region
Authors: Scutteri Lorenzo , Barth Patrick , Rahi Sahand Jamal
Published: November 2024

Many plasmids harbor unnecessary elements that complicate or hinder cloning tasks such as inserting one gene into another for protein domain grafting. In particular, restriction sites may be present in the backbone outside the polylinker region (multiple cloning site; MCS) and thus unavailable for use, and the overall length of a plasmid correlates with poorer ligation efficiency. To address these concerns, there has been a growing interest in minimal plasmids. Here, we describe the design and validation of a collection of six minimal integrating shuttle vectors for genetic manipulation inSaccharomyces cerevisiae. We constructed the plasmids usingde novogene synthesis and consisting only of a yeast selection marker (HIS3, TRP1, LEU2, URA3, natMX6, orKanMX), a bacterial selection marker (Ampicillin resistance), an origin of replication (ORI), and the MCS flanked by M13 forward and reverse sequences. We use truncated variants of these elements where available and eliminated all other sequences typically found in plasmids. The MCS consists of ten unique restriction sites. To our knowledge, at sizes ranging from approximately 2.6 kb to 3.5 kb, these are the smallest shuttle vectors described for yeast. Further, we removed common restriction sites in the open reading frames (ORFs) and terminators, freeing up approximately 30 cut sites in each plasmid. We named our pLS series in accordance with the well-known pRS vectors, which are on average 63% larger: pLS403 (HIS3), pLS404 (TRP1), pLS405 (LEU2), pLS406 (URA3), pLS408 (natMX6), and pLS410 (KanMX). These minimal vector backbones open up new opportunities for efficient molecular biology and genetic manipulation inSaccharomyces cerevisiae.
Chemosensation drives divergent social behavior inDrosophila
Authors: Wu Binbin , Keebaugh Erin S. , Ja William W.
Published: November 2024

The social environment can have a considerable impact on animal behavior. However, the molecular signals that drive socially sensitive behaviors are not completely defined. Using the model organism,Drosophila melanogaster, we investigated behavioral responses to housing status. Group housing of male flies induces robust social interactions—composed of chasing and touching—in the Dahomey strain, but not in other commonly used parental lines. Testing mixed-strain groups revealed that strain-specific variation in chemosensation, rather than in the generation of chemosignals, likely underlies the divergent group behaviors. Using locomotor activity as a higher throughput readout for increased social interactions, we found that manipulations that decrease or ablate olfaction—through surgical removal of olfactory organs, silencing of olfactory neurons, or mutations inodorant receptor co-receptor(Orco)—decrease Dahomey social sensitivity. Females of all tested strains, including Dahomey, show no evidence of increased group activity. These results demonstrate that Dahomey social sensitivity is a sexually dimorphic, olfaction-dependent group behavior. The OR43a receptor, as well as signaling throughOr43a+neurons, contributes to Dahomey group hyperactivity. Additional studies also suggest that strain-specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in theOr43agene are associated with Dahomey social sensitivity. Our studies reveal insights on the mechanisms that regulate sensory recognition and behavioral responses to the social environment, and how divergent strategies may have evolved within the same species.
Inhibition of β-catenin signaling by Amyloid-β in endothelial cells impairs vascular barrier integrity
Authors: Leasure Joseph W. , Mai Thi , Fogel Avi , Danos Pierina , Wang Li , Sanborn Mark A. , Ye Zijing , Kim Young-Mee , Wang Xinhe , Flores Jennifer , Mushtaq Muzamil , Toth Peter T. , Ong Sang Ging , Lazarov Orly , Rehman Jalees
Published: November 2024

Dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is emerging as a critical mediator of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) progression and precedes the formation of large Amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques in AD patients. Maintenance of the blood brain barrier integrity by brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) is essential for brain homeostasis and is in part maintained by WNT/β-catenin signaling. We hypothesized that Aβ induces blood-brain barrier dysfunction by inhibiting WNT/β- catenin signaling in brain endothelial cells, leading to reduced expression of BBB-related genes and barrier function. In brain endothelial cells, we found that Aβ directly decreased β-catenin transcriptional activity, but also inhibited activation of β-catenin by the WNT3A peptide. Additionally, Aβ reduced barrier integrity of ECs, which was in part restored by exposure to exogenous WNT3A. We observed Aβ-induced inhibition within 3 hours of exposure. Aβ-induced inhibition of β-catenin signaling was consistent across both immortalized brain ECs and ECs differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells(iPSCs). We next investigated human iPSCs with and without the N141I mutation in presenilin-2 (PSEN2), known to increase Aβ buildup and familial AD risk. We found the AD ECs showed smaller cell size and expressed lower VE-cadherin at the protein level. RNA sequencing revealed that the presence ofPSEN2N141I did not significantly impact gene expression of genes coding for proteins canonically involved in barrier integrity but did show differences in the expression of transposable elements. These results indicate that BBB dysfunction early in AD may be the result of Aβ in the brain impairing WNT/β-catenin signaling which maintains the barrier integrity of brain endothelial cells.
Evaluation of transition rates from nonequilibrium instantons
Authors: Heller Eric R. , Limmer David T.
Published: November 2024

Equilibrium rate theories play a crucial role in understanding rare, reactive events. However, they are inapplicable to a range of irreversible processes in systems driven far from thermodynamic equilibrium like active and biological matter. Here we develop an efficient numerical method to compute the rate constant of rare nonequilibrium events in the weak-noise limit based on an instanton approximation to the stochastic path integral and illustrate its wide range of application. We demonstrate excellent agreement of the instanton rates with numerically exact results for a particle under a nonconservative force. We also study phase transitions in an active field theory. We elucidate how activity alters the stability of the two phases and their rates of interconversion in a manner that can be well described by modifying classical nucleation theory.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Construction waste management in residential green buildings in New Zealand
Authors: Tong Nguyet , Domingo Niluka , Le An
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Construction and demolition waste has emerged as a significant challenge for sustainable development globally. Hence, construction waste management (CWM) is considered one of the critical sustainable deliveries stipulated in various green building rating systems (GBRSs), including Homestar in New Zealand (NZ). The 6 Homestar rating is mandated for use by the national public housing provider. However, no empirical study has been conducted on CWM in 6 Homestar dwellings. This study investigates the current practice of CWM in those projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were extracted from 6 Homestar built assessment submissions for 100 public housing projects. The waste reports provided quantitative data to calculate the waste generation rate (WGR), waste diversion rate (WDR) and diverted waste rate (DWR) for descriptive analysis. These findings underwent further exploration by analysing site waste management plans.

Findings

With the aid of on- and off-site sorting and the recycling centre, a significant WDR is achieved at an average of 75.6%. However, diverted waste is treated at a low-priority level in the waste management hierarchy, and WGR remains relatively high.

Originality/value

The findings of this study can serve as valuable resources for managers in formulating comprehensive waste management plans and for policymakers in developing strategies and policies towards enhancing CWM practices. The study suggested the need for further focus towards minimising construction waste (CW) from the early design plan to achieve the construction industry's zero-waste target.
Optimizing job satisfaction: a configurational framework for integrating HRD, HR, and employee attributes
Authors: Shen Stella , Mullens Drake
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Addressing a significant gap in current understanding, this study explores how workforce development, workplace practices, and employee characteristics interact to influence job satisfaction. We introduce a configurational framework to bolster talent development and enhance job satisfaction in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Through conceptual analysis, we identify and propose strategic talent management configurations that include two-way and three-way interactions between HRD initiatives, HR practices, and employee attributes. We demonstrate the potential efficacy of these tailored configurations with real-world examples, such as aligning developmental support with employee learning styles and job design.

Findings

A configurational model is proposed that offers a practical framework for leveraging the interplay between HRD initiatives (e.g., training and mentoring), HR practices (e.g., compensation and performance management), and employee attributes (e.g., personality and cognition) to create a tailored, supportive, and engaging work environment.

Originality/value

The findings provide a novel and actionable framework for workforce development. This configurational model emphasizes the strategic alignment of HRD initiatives, HR practices, and employee attributes, equipping practitioners with a valuable tool to enhance talent management, optimize job satisfaction, improve resource allocation, and ultimately boost organizational performance.
The adoption of fast payment systems (FPS) in Latin America: the role of financial literacy and cash-related beliefs
Authors: Giraldo Carlos , Giraldo-Salazar Iader , Peña-García Nathalie , Losada-Otálora Mauricio
Published: November 2024

Purpose

In this paper, we ask: how do individual factors affect individuals’ intentions of adopting fast payment systems (FPS)? We examine the role of financial literacy and beliefs about cash as individual-related variables that complement the technology acceptance model (TAM) in explaining the individuals’ intention to adopt financial innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

We surveyed consumers in 11 Latin American countries to measure relevant variables. By applying structural equation modeling, we extended the TAM. We demonstrated that financial literacy and beliefs about cash contribute to developing a fine-grained understanding of what stimulates individuals’ adoption of financial innovations like FPS.

Findings

Our results support the claim that individuals with higher levels of financial literacy exhibit a higher intention to adopt FPS through the mediation role of beliefs about cash, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and attitude.

Practical implications

To improve FPS’s acceptance probability, designers must add highly usable platforms. However, it could be more important to increase the perceived usefulness of FPS as the system competes directly with traditional payment methods such as cash. If individuals exhibit strong positive beliefs about cash, their attitudes and intentions of adopting FPS will decrease. In addition, policymakers and designers may modify beliefs about cash individuals exhibit by identifying and intervening in their determinants (e.g. financial literacy).

Originality/value

Besides technology-related factors, we demonstrate that beliefs about alternative technologies (e.g. cash) influence the intention to adopt financial innovations like FPS.
Exploring the evolution and collaboration in two-sided matching: a comprehensive bibliometric and topic modeling analysis
Authors: He Xiaorong , Xiang Bo , Xu Zeshui , Yu Dejian
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of two-sided matching (TSM) research, an interdisciplinary field that integrates both theoretical and practical perspectives. By examining 756 research articles from the Web of Science database, this paper seeks to identify key trends, collaboration patterns and emerging research topics within the TSM domain.

Design/methodology/approach

The research utilizes bibliometric analysis combined with a structural topic model to analyze TSM-related articles published between January 1, 2000, and September 30, 2022. The study identifies leading subfields, journals, countries/regions and institutions based on publication volume, total citations and average citations per article. Interaction and collaboration patterns among these entities are examined through co-occurrence and coupling networks. Additionally, five major research topics are identified and explored using topic modeling and co-word networks. This hybrid knowledge mining approach better reveals the inherent structural changes in topic clusters. Topic distribution and network analysis are beneficial in capturing the attention allocation of different entities to knowledge.

Findings

The analysis reveals five prominent research topics in TSM: communication resource allocation, stable matching research, computing task assignment, TSM decision-making and market matching mechanism design. These topics represent the main directions of TSM research. The study also uncovers a shift in research focus from theoretical aspects to practical applications. Furthermore, the distribution of knowledge and interaction patterns among key entities align with the identified research trends.

Originality/value

This study offers a novel and detailed overview of TSM research highlighting significant trends and collaboration patterns within the field. By integrating bibliometric methods with structural topic modeling the study provides unique insights into the evolution of TSM research making it a valuable resource for both academic and professional communities.
Understanding competition, cooperation and their interplay in supplier network: implication on manufacturer’s innovation
Authors: Yang Xiaotian
Published: November 2024

Purpose

A manufacturer with complex end-products can play the “hub firm” role in its supplier network and manage the relationship among its suppliers, but it mostly does not know how to manage suppliers’ coopetitive relationship for improving its innovation. This study aims to investigate the influence of horizontal supplier–supplier (S-S) competition and cooperation in the supplier network on the quantity and quality of manufacturer’s innovation, to unravel the manufacturers’ coopetitive strategic sourcing.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducts negative binomial regression using the data from 130 listed Japanese manufacturers and their first-tier supplier networks as the analysis unit.

Findings

The results indicate that both S-S competition and cooperation have inverted U-shaped effects on manufacturers’ innovation. As to the interplay of S-S competition and cooperation in driving manufacturers’ innovation, the one weakens the other’s inverted U-shaped role. It also shows that simultaneously maintaining moderate cooperation and competition among suppliers is a good choice for manufacturer innovation, and when there is high S-S competition, motivating high cooperation among suppliers is also a way to enhance manufacturers’ innovation. All of the effects are more significant and robust on the innovation quality than the innovation quantity.

Originality/value

This study contributes to linking the dyadic analysis of vertical relationships to the network analysis of horizontal S-S relations and exploring the under-researched interplay between competition and cooperation in driving the ego firm’s innovation. It provides insights to manufacturers’ policymakers on how to strategically manage their supplier networks and S-S coopetition to improve their innovation performance.
Impact of COVID-19 trade suspension on price discovery in FPO-traded agri-derivatives
Authors: Baishnab Kripamay , Singh Piyush Kumar
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether agricultural commodities exhibited deviations in the lead-lag relationship between future and spot prices of farmer producer organizations (FPOs) traded commodities in the Indian derivative market after trade suspensions during Covid-19. The study may help buyers and sellers to get a fair price for their commodities after lockdown-trade disruptions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied the Granger causality (GC) test and the vector error correction model (VECM) to analyse short-run and long-run lead-lag relationships. Moreover, the study examined the pre-post-trade suspension effect on the lead-lag relationship of commodity prices.

Findings

The GC test results show that five out of the 13 agri-commodities have changed their lead-lag relationship from future to spot in the short run. Simultaneously, VECM captured changes in the lead-lag relationship for the same five commodities in the long run due to trade suspensions.

Practical implications

The findings indicate a reverse lead-lag relationship between future and spot prices for aforesaid commodities after trade suspension. The stakeholders may use the lead prices for these commodities to perform a fair trade. The study may be helpful in structuring price discovery strategy to achieve optimal price and efficient derivative trading.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study examining the effects of trade suspension on price discovery in FPO-traded agri-derivatives caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Developing the WECARE cross-national research alliance for investigating early childhood educators’ wellbeing
Authors: Cumming Tamara , McFarland Laura , Saha Mari , Bull Rebecca , Wong Sandie , Ng Ee Lynn , Sun Jin , O’Hara-Gregan Justine , Gould Kiri , Richardson Brooke
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper describes the development of the WECARE cross-national research alliance for investigating early childhood educators’ wellbeing, and details the experiences of some of WECARE’s 17 members.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores and situates the WECARE team’s experiences within extant literature on cross-national and collaborative research groupings alongside a strongly practical focus.

Findings

The study’s findings included effects of member mindsets and motivations, differentiated benefits and challenges of membership, cultural sensitivity, research capacity-building, leadership, communication, data security and planning.

Originality/value

Cross-national research is seen as an important part of academic researchers’ activities. Yet, little has been written about how cross-national research groups form and operate, and what benefits and challenges their members experience.
Risk assessment and ranking methodology for occupational hazards in construction: a case of Indian high-rise projects
Authors: Tripathi Pooja , Mittal Yash Kumar
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The unique nature, complicated design, hazardous activities and complex work environment involved in the high-rise construction projects constitute significant risks worldwide. In the Indian context, construction safety management in high-rise construction projects is crucial due to the presence of significant occupational risks and hazards at the workplace. Occupational hazards lead to accidents that severely affect human health and result in substantial financial losses.

Design/methodology/approach

The study aims to present a hybrid risk assessment method (RAM) and the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method to detect and evaluate occupational risks in different construction activities through a questionnaire survey approach.

Findings

Aroundsix types of construction activities and corresponding ten risks are identified and evaluated during the study. Based on the calculation of risk scores, the findings imply that “roof work activities,” “finishing work,” “mechanical, electrical and plumbing work (MEP)” are hazardous construction activities, while, among the corresponding ten risks, “workers falling from height” is the most prominent risk among the majority of activities. Other risks include “risk due to fire and electric accidents” and “struck by falling objects,” which are the major risks in high-rise construction projects.

Originality/value

Theoriginality of the paper lies in its activity-based risk assessment and ranking of hazards in high-rise construction projects. By integrating theoretical insights with practical applications, the study attempts to enhance occupational safety and reduce accidents on construction sites, thereby significantly contributing to both academia and industry practices.
Train one and get a crew: a multilevel evaluation of team-centric leadership training for airport security screening crew leaders
Authors: Walter Stephanie , Schmutz Jan B. , Grote Gudela
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to introduce a team-centric leadership training program tailored for leaders of critical action teams. It emphasizes the critical role of effective teamwork in high-stakes environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a team-centric leadership training program for crew leaders of airport security teams. The training program comprised in-class teaching on the psychological foundations of teamwork and practical simulations. The training program’s effectiveness was assessed at the individual and team levels using Kirkpatrick’s evaluation model to obtain a complete evaluation of its effectiveness. First, a pre- and posttraining questionnaire recorded changes in self-efficacy, knowledge and skills about teamwork at the individual level from 62 leaders. Second, the authors assessed the transfer effects of the team-centric leadership training on self-reported team processes and team performance during a work shift of 37 crews.

Findings

Results indicate an improvement in the application of teamwork skills but not in self-efficacy or knowledge among crew leaders who underwent the training. Additional analysis revealed that leaders with initially high self-efficacy in teamwork experienced a reduction posttraining, whereas those with initially low levels reported an increase. Teams led by trained leaders demonstrated a higher engagement in key team processes than those led by untrained leaders. No effect has been found on team performance.

Originality/value

This study offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional teamwork training methods, specifically designed for high-pressure security contexts. The authors advocate for the adoption of this training model by security professionals, aiming to elevate team processes and operational efficacy in critical action teams.
Storage quality of amylose‐lycopene complexes and the establishment of a shelf life prediction model
Authors: Sun Shidong , Meng Kaili , Zhao Wenhong
Published: November 2024

To study the changes in the storage quality of amylose‐lycopene complexes (ALCs), the color, antioxidant activity, lycopene content, and configuration changes of ALCs during different storage periods were analyzed. A shelf life prediction model was established to reveal the stability changes of the complexes. The results showed that the cis‐isomer percentage of lycopene in ALCs increased significantly from 11.82% to 13.76%. The lycopene isomers were in the order of 5‐Z > All‐E > 9‐Z > 13‐Z. Correlation analysis indicated that the content of lycopene was a key factor affecting the quality of ALCs. ALCs followed zero‐order and first‐order degradation kinetics at 5°C–25°C and 35°C–45°C, respectively. The degradation degree of lycopene was negatively correlated with temperature, with half‐lives and one‐tenth decay periods of 32.37 days and 6.48 days (5°C) significantly higher than 10.78 days and 1.63 days (45°C). The activation energy required for the reaction of ALCs was as high as 106.29 kJ/mol, indicating greater stability. On this basis, an ALCs shelf life prediction model was established, with a relative error of 0.06%–5.03% between the predicted and actual values. The results indicated that ALCs had good color, antioxidant activity, lycopene content, and configuration stability, and that higher temperatures had a greater impact on lycopene. The study provides theoretical reference for the quality safety of ALCs.
Multiomic profiling reveals timing of menopause predicts prefrontal cortex aging and cognitive function
Authors: Gunter‐Rahman Fatima , Adams Charleen D. , Raju Ravikiran M. , Zhang Yu , Lee Eunjung Alice , Messerlian Carmen
Published: November 2024

A new case of dementia is diagnosed every 3 s. Beyond age, risk prediction of dementia is challenging. There is growing evidence of underlying processes that connect aging across organ systems and may provide insight for early detection, and there is a need to identify early biomarkers at an age when action can be taken to mitigate cognitive decline. We hypothesized that timing of menopause, a marker of ovarian aging, predicts brain age decades later. We used 2086 subjects with multiple “omics” measurements from post‐mortem brain samples. Age at menopause (AAM) is positively correlated with cognitive function and negatively correlated with pre‐frontal cortex aging acceleration (calculated as estimated biological age from DNA methylation minus chronological age). Genetic correlations showed that at least part of these associations is derived from shared heritability. To dissect the mechanism linking AAM to cognitive decline, we turned to transcriptomic data which confirmed that later AAM was associated with gene expression in pre‐frontal cortex consistent with better cognition, and among those who reached menopause naturally, decreased gene expression of pathways implicated in aging. Those with surgical menopause displayed different molecular changes, including perturbed nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) activity, validated by metabolomics. Bile acid metabolism was perturbed in both groups, although different bile acid ratios were associated with AAM in each. Together, our data suggest that AAM is predictive of brain aging and cognition, with potential mediation by the gut, although through different mechanisms depending on the type of menopause.
Improving the hemocompatibility of centrifugal mechanical circulatory support devices at low flow rates
Authors: Specklin Mathieu , Marcel Louis , Abbasnezhad Navideh , Bakir Farid , Kouidri Smaine , Danial Pichoy
Published: November 2024

Background

An innovative solution has been recently proposed for the treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), using a centrifugal mechanical circulatory support (MCS) device. We sought firstly to assess the hemocompatibility of the proposed device. HFpEF treatment requires the blood pump to operate at low blood flow rate (0.05–0.5 L/min). Given high blood trauma expected in these conditions, we sought secondly to investigate design improvements in order to reduce this risk.

Method

Computational fluid dynamics was used to analyze the blood fluid filled within the centrifugal pump and to estimate the blood trauma due to its operation. This assessment is based on the computation of integrated quantities such as the hemolysis index and the turbulent dissipation energy.

Results

The hemolysis index associated with the present device is comparable to the figures from HVAD. With the proposed pump, for instance, an index of 0.0036 is obtained at 1 L/min and 3000 rpm. Using thinner blades for the impeller allows a 12% reduction of the hemolysis index in average, while reducing its diameter leads to an index 2.8 folds lower at 0.5 L/min.

Conclusion

The present investigation shows the promising hemocompatibility of our centrifugal pump. Concerns about very high hemolysis generated at low flow rates could be overcome by reducing the impeller diameter. Experimental validations are planned to support our findings.
Portal Hypertensive Gastropathy and MELD‐Na Score Predict Recurrent Gastrointestinal Bleeding After TIPSS: An ALTA Group Study
Authors: Hu Kelly , Sedki Mai , Kwong Allison , Kesselman Andrew , Kolli Kanti Pallav , Morelli Giuseppe , Spengler Erin , Said Adnan , Lai Jennifer , Desai Archita , Paul Sonali , Frenette Catherine , Fallon Michael , German Margarita , Verna Elizabeth , Boike Justin , Gregory Dyanna , Thornburg Bartley , VanWagner Lisa , Goel Aparna ,   Advancing Liver Therapeutic Approaches (ALTA) Study Group
Published: November 2024

Background

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) is highly effective for treatment of variceal bleeding; however, factors contributing to rebleeding complications remain unclear.

Aims

In this study, we aim to determine risk factors for recurrent portal hypertensive gastrointestinal bleeding following TIPSS.

Methods

Utilising the Advancing Liver Therapeutic Approaches multicentre database, we retrospectively identified adult patients who underwent TIPSS for secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding and had a gastrointestinal rebleeding event within 1 year. We developed multivariable logistic regression models to identify clinical/procedural characteristics associated with rebleeding.

Results

We identified 476 patients, predominately middle‐aged (mean age 57), male (62%) and White (65%), with mean MELD‐Na 16. 16% (n = 77) had a rebleeding event; these patients were more likely to be male (p = 0.016), with higher serum creatinine (p = 0.005), MELD‐Na (p = 0.0002), portal hypertensive gastropathy on pre‐TIPSS upper endoscopy (p = 0.000) and with higher incidence of TIPSS revision (p = 0.000). There were no significant differences in type of TIPSS endoprosthesis, concurrent embolotherapy, and post‐TIPSS pressure gradients between those who experienced rebleeding and those who did not. After adjusting for TIPSS revision, multivariable analysis revealed MELD‐Na and presence of portal hypertensive gastropathy on pre‐TIPSS endoscopy were independently associated with rebleeding.

Conclusions

In this retrospective analysis of a multicentre, nationally representative database, we found that apart from TIPSS‐related factors, high MELD‐Na and portal hypertensive gastropathy on pre‐TIPSS endoscopy were independent predictors of rebleeding within 1 year following TIPSS. These variables may be used to identify high‐risk patients who may require additional monitoring following TIPSS.
Emotion understanding among institutionalized preschool children in India: A visual‐based approach
Authors: Mishra Manaswini , Khuntia Rooplekha
Published: November 2024

The present study aimed to develop two visual tasks to assess the emotion understanding of institutionalized preschool children in India. To enhance the psychometric qualities of both tasks, content validity and inter‐rater reliability assessments, translation‐back translation and a rigorous peer review process were undertaken. In addition, the tool's components were mapped with institutionalized children's everyday experiences to help them better relate to the task. The tool development phase was followed by the assessment phase. Eighteen participants (nine males, nine females) aged 3–6 years were purposefully selected from three childcare institutions. The emotion identification task required children to identify the correct emotions from the cartoon characters' facial expressions and gestures, whereas, in the emotion situation task, children were asked to infer others' emotions from a vignette depicted by a picture card. Children's responses were videotaped, analysed and coded for both tasks. The study's key findings revealed that institutionalized children responded more accurately to emotion situation tasks yet struggled to identify sadness, anger and fear emotions compared to happiness. Furthermore, qualitative insights provided a comprehensive understanding and interpretation of the findings.
Light Distribution Models for Tree Growth Simulation
Authors: Nauber Tristan , Mäder Patrick
Published: November 2024

The simulation and modelling of tree growth is a complex subject with a long history and an important area of research in both computer graphics and botany. For more than 50 years, new approaches to this topic have been presented frequently, including several aspects to increase realism. To further improve these achievements, we present a compact and robust functional‐structural plant model (FSPM) that is consistent with botanical rules. While we show several extensions to typical approaches, we focus mainly on the distribution of light as a resource in three‐dimensional space. We therefore present four different light distribution models based on ray tracing, space colonization, voxel‐based approaches and bounding volumes. By simulating individual light sources, we were able to create a more specified scene setup for plant simulation than it has been presented in the past. By taking into account such a more accurate distribution of light in the environment, this technique is capable of modelling realistic and diverse tree models.
Utilizing Artificial Intelligence Models to Support Environmental Sustainability Implementation in the Design Process
Authors: Delaney Emelia , Liu Wei
Published: November 2024

Eco‐design describes a concept or way of thinking that integrates multifaceted aspects of design and environmentally sustainable considerations.

Environmental sustainability is being employed in many industries. How might AI be used during the design process as a tool to aid designers in the implementation of key aspects of environmental sustainability?
On the design of an optimal immigration policy
Authors: Lopez‐Velasco Armando R.
Published: November 2024

This paper constructs a model for the study of optimal immigration from the perspective of natives. They have preferences over redistributive transfers, a public good subject to congestion, and over the level of family‐based migration. Border enforcement is costly. The model derives conditions for an optimal immigration policy, which balances skill‐based against family‐based migration, equalizes the fiscal opportunity cost of unauthorized immigration with the marginal cost of enforcement, and balances the effects on transfers against the implied congestion effects. A parameterized version of the model studies the 1994–2008 period and finds legislation projects on immigration consistent with the model's predictions.
Flying by night: Comparing nocturnal pollinator networks over time in the Colorado Rocky Mountains
Authors: Syskine Daria V. , Boggs Carol L.
Published: November 2024

Where climate is seasonal, such as in high‐altitude ecosystems, the occurrence and activity patterns of insect pollinators may vary with the varying occurrence of floral resources. This high turnover of species occurrence and interactions may lead to changes in the structure and properties of plant–pollinator networks.

Here, we systematically compared the properties of moth pollen‐transport networks in Colorado, USA, over the course of a season, and tested for a link between moth species specialisation and morphology. We predicted that network properties would change through the season as the abundance and diversity of available floral resources increased. We also predicted that there would be a link between moth specialisation and morphology, as moth proboscis length can restrict their ability to utilise different floral resources.

We sampled moths for pollen over 9 weeks in June through August 2021. We then constructed pollen‐transport networks, and used mixed models to test for differences in network indices between different parts of the 2021 season; we also tested for a relationship between moth proboscis length, the duration of moth species' presence across the season and the number of flower species pollinated.

As expected, we found high rates of species turnover and high rates of plant–pollinator interactions over the summer. However, linkage density and robustness were the only overall network metrics that changed. We also found that longer proboscis lengths and more persistent species occurrence over the season were predictive of higher generalisation among moth species.

We suggest that even with high rates of species turnover, nocturnal moth pollen‐transport networks may maintain their overall structure over a season, with variations in the availability of floral resources driving limited variation in some network metrics. Our study highlights the necessity of continuing to research moth pollen‐transport networks over different temporal scales, to better understand how ecological factors can lead to changes in network structure over time.
Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Patients With Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Danish Nationwide Register‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Godtfredsen Sissel J. , Yonis Harman , Baech Joachim , Al‐Hussainy Nour R. , Riddersholm Signe , Kober Lars , Schou Morten , Christensen Jacob Haaber , Hutchings Martin , Dahl‐Sørensen Rasmus Bo , Kamper Peter , Dietrich Caroline E. , Andersen Mikkel Porsborg , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Sogaard Peter , El‐Galaly Tarec Christoffer , Kragholm Kristian H.
Published: November 2024

Risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) undergoing contemporary treatment is unclear. cHL patients ≥ 18 years at diagnosis treated with doxorubicin‐containing chemotherapy between 2000 and 2022 were matched 1:5 with comparators on birth year, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Index at time of matching (score of 0 or ≥ 1). Cause‐specific cumulative incidence of a composite of CVDs with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed with death and lymphoma relapse as competing events (i.e., by censoring individuals at such occurrences) using the Aalen‐Johansen estimator. A total of 1905 patients and 9525 comparators with a median follow‐up of 10 years (interquartile range, [IQR]: 5.9–17.4). Median age was 39 years (IQR: 27–56), median cumulative doxorubicin dose was 250 mg/m2 (IQR: 200–300). The CVD cumulative incidences were 4.7% (95% CI: 3.6–5.7) for patients versus 2.6% (95% CI: 2.3–2.9) for comparators at 5 years, 8.9% (95% CI: 7.2–10.5) versus 5.5% (95% CI: 4.9–6.0) at 10 years, and 17.0% (95% CI: 14.1–19.9) versus 8.2% (95% CI: 7.4–9.0) at 15 years. CVD remains a substantial effect after contemporary treatment for cHL, suggesting that awareness of symptoms and a low threshold for referral to diagnostic examination are still important measures during survivorship.
Measures of Population Immunity Can Predict the Dominant Clade of Influenza A (H3N2) in the 2017–2018 Season and Reveal Age‐Associated Differences in Susceptibility and Antibody‐Binding Specificity
Authors: Kim Kangchon , Vieira Marcos C. , Gouma Sigrid , Weirick Madison E. , Hensley Scott E. , Cobey Sarah
Published: November 2024

Background

For antigenically variable pathogens such as influenza, strain fitness is partly determined by the relative availability of hosts susceptible to infection with that strain compared with others. Antibodies to the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) confer substantial protection against influenza infection. We asked if a cross‐sectional antibody‐derived estimate of population susceptibility to different clades of influenza A (H3N2) could predict the success of clades in the following season.

Methods

We collected sera from 483 healthy individuals aged 1 to 90 years in the summer of 2017 and analyzed neutralizing responses to the HA and NA of representative strains using focus reduction neutralization tests (FNRT) and enzyme‐linked lectin assays (ELLA). We estimated relative population‐average and age‐specific susceptibilities to circulating viral clades and compared those estimates to changes in clade frequencies in the following 2017–2018 season.

Results

The clade to which neutralizing antibody titers were lowest, indicating greater population susceptibility, dominated the next season. Titer correlations between viral strains varied by age, suggesting age‐associated differences in epitope targeting driven by shared past exposures. Yet substantial unexplained variation remains within age groups.

Conclusions

This study indicates how representative measures of population immunity might improve evolutionary forecasts and inform selective pressures on influenza.