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Topology and Algebra of Bonded Knots and Braids
No full textIn this paper we present a detailed study of bonded knots and their related structures, integrating recent developments into a single framework. Bonded knots are classical knots endowed with embedded bonding arcs modeling physical or chemical bonds. We consider bonded knots in three categories (long, standard, and tight) according to the type of bonds, and in two categories, topological vertex and rigid vertex, according to the allowed isotopy moves, and we define invariants for each category. We then develop the theory of bonded braids, the algebraic counterpart of bonded knots. We define the bonded braid monoid, with its generators and relations, and formulate the analogues of the Alexander and Markov theorems for bonded braids in the form of L-equivalence for bonded braids. Next, we introduce enhanced bonded knots and braids, incorporating two types of bonds (attracting and repelling) corresponding to different interactions. We define the enhanced bonded braid group and show how the bonded braid monoid embeds into this group. These models capture the topology of chains with inter and intra-chain bonds and suggest new invariants for classifying biological macromolecules
Understanding the significance of personal bonding social capital for mental well-being of first-generation labour migrants:a cross-sectional study inthe Netherlands
No full textPurposeThe present study aims to contribute to the existing, yet still limited, research literature on the association between personal bonding social capital (PBSC) and mental well-being in older populations, with a specific focus on understanding this association in a population of first-generation labour migrants with a collectivistic cultural background, living in an individualistic country.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 119 Turkish first-generation labour migrants (64.7% male; age 65-87, M(SD) = 71.13(5.04) and 124 Dutch non-migrants (32.3% male, age 65-94, M(SD) = 71.9(5.32). Both samples filled out either an online or printed questionnaire measuring PBSC (PSCSE, Simons et al., 2020), and psychological, social and emotional well-being (MHF-SF, Lamers et al., 2011) and relevant demographic covariates.FindingsRegression analyses showed positive associations between PBSC and, respectively overall mental well-being and its subdimensions emotional, social and psychological well-being in both samples. Moderation analyses showed that these associations were significantly stronger for the Turkish older migrants. These findings suggest that the migrant sample relies more heavily on close-knit homogeneous social networks for socioemotional support and assistance than the non-migrants.Originality/valueResearch on social capital and mental well-being of older migrants is limited. This study clarifies the importance of PBSC for the mental well-being of first-generation labour migrants, considering the combined challenges they face. The results provide direction for further research and the development of practical interventions to improve mental well-being of the rapidly growing and increasingly diverse older populations
Identification of a PRDM1-regulated T cell network to regulate atherosclerotic plaque inflammation
No full textBackgroundInflammation is a key driver of atherosclerosis, yet the mechanisms sustaining inflammation in human plaques remain poorly understood. This study uses a network-based approach to identify immune gene programs involved in the transition from low- to high-risk (rupture-prone) human atherosclerotic plaques.MethodsExpression data from human carotid artery plaques, both stable (low-risk, n = 16) and unstable (high-risk, n = 27), were analyzed using Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). Bayesian network inference, operated on the eigengene values from the WGCNA, further extended the WGCNA analysis, and similarity to the signature of T cell subsets was validated in single-cell RNA sequencing data of human plaques, and a loss-of-function study in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. In silico drug repurposing was performed to identify potential therapeutic targets.ResultsOur analysis revealed a distinct gene module with a prominent T cell signature, particularly in unstable plaques. Key regulatory factors, RUNX3, IRF7 and in particular PRDM1, were significantly downregulated in plaque T cells from symptomatic versus asymptomatic patients, indicating a protective role. Additionally, as PRDM1 is downstream of IRF7, we opted for PRDM1 as a key target. T cell-specific Prdm1 deficiency in Western-type diet fed Ldlr knockout mice featured accelerated plaque progression. Finally, as PRDM1 targeting drugs are not yet available, we performed in silico drug repurposing, identifying EGFR inhibitors as promising therapeutic candidates.ConclusionsThis study highlights a PRDM1-regulated T cell network that distinguishes high-risk from low-risk plaques and demonstrates the regulatory role of T cell PRDM1 in controlling atherosclerosis, positioning this pathway as a promising therapeutic target
Making Europe from the Outside:The Rise of Japan and European East-West Cooperation in the Long 1970s
No full textSince the 1970s, Japan has occupied a position of political, economic, and technological power. The article argues that Japan's rise during this period resulted in increased European East-West cooperation. Firstly, it demonstrates the threat posed by Japanese competition in sectors such as automobiles and electronics encouraged the expansion of Western European companies into Eastern Europe. Secondly, by examining the case of Poland, it shows how Japan's rise served as a model for opening socialist economies. Viewing the increase in East-West European cooperation through Japan's ascent offers a fresh perspective on this phenomenon. It illustrates how the emergence of new global powers facilitated the fragmentation of Cold War divisions, enabling a more balanced understanding of the political and economic motivations behind this cooperation in capitalist and socialist countries. It also suggests that East-West European cooperation was shaped by a broader global transformation that escapes a purely Cold War logic
Differential susceptibility to prenatal stress exposure in serotonin transporter-deficient female mice-an epigenetic exploration
No full textIntroduction Early-life stress exposure has been linked to an increased risk for the onset of mental disorders. As another factor, an individual's genetic make-up may also tip the scale towards health or disease, with certain genetic variants mediating differential susceptibility towards the effects of early-life stress or other experiences. The current study investigated the molecular foundation of individual variation in the response to prenatal stress (PS) exposure in wildtype mice as well as in mice deficient for the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) transporter (5-HTT).Methods To meet this end, wildtype C57BL6/J dams were mated with 5-Htt+/- C57BL6/J males, after which they were exposed to restraint stress during the last part of gestation. In adulthood, female 5-HTT-deficient PS offspring and their wildtype littermates as well as age-matched control groups completed a behavioural test-battery, after which gene expression and histone 3 lysine 4 tri-methylation (H3K4me3) enrichment, as a marker of epigenetic programming, were measured in hippocampal tissue.Results Dependent on the 5-Htt genotype, PS offspring showed decreased social behaviour in the 3-chamber sociability test. Notably, we observed a considerable degree of behavioural variation in the observed effect of PS in this social test, which allowed segregation into socially affected (SA) and socially unaffected (SU) mice. Genome-wide mRNA expression profiling of hippocampal tissue revealed a core set of 23 genes to be associated with genotype-specific variation in social behaviour following PS exposure. Whereas H3K4me3 levels did not show profound global changes in relation to the variable effects of PS exposure on social behaviour, the kinesin family member 14 (Kif14) gene, which displayed increased expression in socially unaffected wildtype mice, did show lower levels of H3K4me3 in those same mice, but not in any of the other groups.Discussion All in all, differential susceptibility linked to PS exposure displayed 5-Htt genotype-dependent behavioural and transcriptomic profiles, supporting the notion of 5-HT-dependent developmental programming
The Effects of Environmental Legislation via Green Procurement Strategies:A Systematic Literature Review
No full textBackground: EU environmental legislations affecting global supply chains have come into force since 2022. As procurement plays a direct role effectuating this, the result of these legislations via procurement becomes relevant. Methods: A systematic literature review is used to synthesize 152 articles from managerial, business administrative, and supply chain journals. The Context-Intervention-Mechanism-Output framework (CIMO) is used as the lens by which the articles are analyzed. The articles present findings from diverse methodologies and combine green business-to-business procurement with at least one element from the CIMO framework. Results: Five conceptual frameworks of different green procurement strategies are developed, each explaining the strategy and its expected result. The strategies increasingly collaborate and by this increasingly reduce environmental impact. A comparison of the strategies identified variables which strengthen the working of environmental legislation as they contribute to collaboration. Conclusions: Customer demand is crucial for collaborative green procurement. Without this, environmental legislation will only achieve limited environmental objectives. Propositions are formulated on variables which, next to the business case, strengthen the working of environmental legislation. This article adds to the science by synthesizing the existing knowledge base into propositions and future research directions. The findings may also support policymakers in understanding the effectiveness of legislation
Deep Brain Stimulation for Dystonia in the Netherlands:A Delphi Study to Develop National Consensus
No full textBackground: Predicting outcome for individuals with dystonia undergoing treatment with deep brain stimulation (DBS) remains challenging. This is further complicated by a lack of uniform screening, follow-up, and heterogeneous outcome measures. This study aims to achieve consensus on a national level among experts in the field to develop an agreed set of outcome measures and introduce more uniformity in the process of preoperative screening and follow-up. Methods: A modified Delphi process was conducted among experts in the field of DBS for dystonia. The process consisted of an inventory round, followed by two rounds of Delphi questionnaires, closing with a digital consensus meeting. Experts rated the importance of items within several categories: ((non-)motor symptoms, selection criteria, follow-up, DBS-related aspects, involved care providers). A threshold of 70% was maintained as consensus criterium. Results: After the first two rounds, consensus was reached on 40/59 items (adult DBS), and 47/61 items (pediatric DBS). The remaining items were rephrased into 28 statements (13 adult DBS, 13 pediatric DBS, and 2 concerning both) and voted on during a final consensus meeting. There, 23/28 statements (11 adult, 11 pediatric, 1 both) reached consensus. Overall, after three rounds, on most items consensus was reached. Discussion: In this Delphi study, a high level of consensus among national experts was achieved on outcome measures and the process of screening and follow-up in DBS for dystonia for adults and children. The results present national consensus and offer an excellent start for collaborative international studies on best practice for DBS in dystonia
The 'sour grapes' of conspiracy theories:How does the emotion of <i>ressentiment</i> predict conspiracy beliefs?
No full textThis research examines how negative emotions affect the degree to which people endorse conspiracy theories. Conspiracy beliefs typically flourish in contemporary politics that evoke negative emotions. In the present article, we hypothesized that citizens in ressentiment, a particular emotional state salient in contemporary grievance politics, is a key underpinning of why people believe in conspiracy theories. Ressentiment is a multi-layered emotion, within which perceptions of unfairness, bitterness, and feelings of (suppressed) anger are central. Across three studies, we examined the role of ressentiment in predicting belief in conspiracy theories. Study 1 (United Kingdom, N = 300) and Study 2 (United States, N = 300) revealed a positive relationship between ressentiment, measured through a validated scale, and belief in conspiracy theories. This relationship was mediated by rejection of the status quo. In Study 3 (United States, N = 300, pre-registered), we used a vignette describing a fictitious country to experimentally show that evoking ressentiment (vs. control condition) significantly increased belief in conspiracy theories. Taken together, these findings reveal that ressentiment is central for understanding the emotional roots of believing in conspiracy theories