Levels Of Fluidity Research Articles

Recognizing Identity Fluidity in Demographic Research

AbstractStandard demographic research has typically constrained the existence of identity fluidity, assuming that demographic categories such as race or ethnicity and sex or gender should be static across the life course and measuring them as such. However, recent research and changes in data collection practices highlight the limitations of this approach by demonstrating fluidity in both racial and gender identities that rivals levels of fluidity in other identity categories, such as sexual orientation, that are more commonly seen as changeable over time. This review examines what is known about current levels of fluidity in gender, sexual orientation, and racial identities as well as known correlates and consequences for research on inequality, based primarily but not exclusively on research conducted in the United States. The implications of fluid identities for data collection and analysis, as well as prospects for future levels of fluidity, are also discussed.

Gender Experiences of Transgender Youth: How Changeable is the Gender Experience of Binary vs. Nonbinary Identifying Transgender Youth and What Factors Are Involved?

Gender Experiences of Transgender Youth: How Changeable is the Gender Experience of Binary vs. Nonbinary Identifying Transgender Youth and What Factors Are Involved? Abstract: Objectives: Nonbinary gender identities are becoming increasingly visible in transgender healthcare and research. However, little is known about the various gender identities of transgender adolescents - whether they are stable or fluid and which factors influence their gender experience. The present study investigates these different aspects of gender in transgender adolescents with various gender identities. Method: The sample comprised a recent cohort of 114 adolescents diagnosed with gender dysphoria (GD) attending the Hamburg Gender Identity Service for Children and Adolescents (Hamburg GIS). We used the Gender Diversity Questionnaire to assess the different aspects of gender. Results: In total, 83 % of the sample reported a binary (BI) and 17 % a nonbinary gender identity or were still questioning their gender identity (NBGQ). 15-18 % of the transgender adolescents reported gender fluidity. The NBGQ group reported significantly higher levels of gender fluidity or more often that their gender identity was still open to change, respectively, than the BI group. Puberty (79 %), physical distress (70 %), and social media (36 %) were the most frequently mentioned factors influencing their gender experience. Conclusions: The present study underscores that gender experience is not binary and fixed for all transgender adolescents, but that, in some cases, it may be nonbinary or fluid. This heterogeneity, the possible fluidity, and the puberty-related physical distress may challenge treatment decisions in transgender adolescents diagnosed with GD. This situation highlights the importance of developing individualized treatment plans.

A conserved megaprotein-based molecular bridge critical for lipid trafficking and cold resilience

Cells adapt to cold by increasing levels of unsaturated phospholipids and membrane fluidity through conserved homeostatic mechanisms. Here we report an exceptionally large and evolutionarily conserved protein LPD-3 in C. elegans that mediates lipid trafficking to confer cold resilience. We identify lpd-3 mutants in a mutagenesis screen for genetic suppressors of the lipid desaturase FAT-7. LPD-3 bridges the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and plasma membranes (PM), forming a structurally predicted hydrophobic tunnel for lipid trafficking. lpd-3 mutants exhibit abnormal phospholipid distribution, diminished FAT-7 abundance, organismic vulnerability to cold, and are rescued by Lecithin comprising unsaturated phospholipids. Deficient lpd-3 homologues in Zebrafish and mammalian cells cause defects similar to those observed in C. elegans. As mutations in BLTP1, the human orthologue of lpd-3, cause Alkuraya-Kucinskas syndrome, LPD-3 family proteins may serve as evolutionarily conserved highway bridges critical for ER-associated non-vesicular lipid trafficking and resilience to cold stress in eukaryotic cells.

Omnichannel Marketing Model Applied at the Shopping Centers in Medellín City

The main objective of this research is to form an omnichannel marketing model applied at the shopping centers in Medellín city. For this, a qualitative methodology was applied. Two (2) focus groups with shopping center customers, two (2) in-depth interviews with experts in Omnichannel, Sandiego Shopping Center case study, and a theoretical review were carried out to obtain the fundamental components of the omnichannel marketing model applied to this category. The model is proposed in a circular structure, made up of orbits that revolve around the Omni-client. The model is made up of the consumer's journey, from 5A; the levels of transparency, coherence, and fluidity based on: (+) Greater consistency = (+) Greater loyalty; and the levels of online and offline interaction, which are transversal in the entire proposal of the model.

Omnichannel Marketing Model Applied at the Shopping Centers in Medellín City

The main objective of this research is to form an omnichannel marketing model applied at the shopping centers in Medellín city. For this, a qualitative methodology was applied. Two (2) focus groups with shopping center customers, two (2) in-depth interviews with experts in Omnichannel, Sandiego Shopping Center case study, and a theoretical review were carried out to obtain the fundamental components of the omnichannel marketing model applied to this category. The model is proposed in a circular structure, made up of orbits that revolve around the Omni-client. The model is made up of the consumer's journey, from 5A; the levels of transparency, coherence, and fluidity based on: (+) Greater consistency = (+) Greater loyalty; and the levels of online and offline interaction, which are transversal in the entire proposal of the model.

Alcohol exacerbated biochemical and biophysical alterations in liver mitochondrial membrane of diabetic male wistar rats – A possible amelioration by green tea

Alcohol exacerbated biochemical and biophysical alterations in liver mitochondrial membrane of diabetic male wistar rats – A possible amelioration by green tea

American Religion in the Era of Increasing Polarization

Americans are increasingly polarized by a variety of metrics. The dimensions, extent, causes, and consequences of that polarization have been the subject of much debate. Yet despite the centrality of religion to early discussions, the analytical focus on America's divides has largely shifted toward partisan identity, political ideology, race, and class interests. I show that religion remains powerfully implicated in all dimensions of American polarization, and sociologists must once again make religion more central to their analyses. After outlining research on American polarization, focusing on the role of religion, I survey findings within the burgeoning literatures on cultural transformation processes, (White) Christian nationalism, complex religion, and Americans’ attitudes toward science in order to underscore the centrality of ethno-religious identities, religious demography, and religious institutions for both shaping and exacerbating various forms of polarization. Lastly, I propose an agenda for elucidating religion's ongoing role in understanding polarization beyond public opinion research at the macro-, meso-, and micro-levels. Though polarization research has been dominated by political scientists, leveraging religion in our analyses—not merely as a sui generis variable, but as a site of complex social behavior—facilitates novel sociological contributions to these literatures via our relative attention to multiple levels of analysis, theoretical eclecticism, and methodological fluidity.

Low membrane fluidity triggers lipid phase separation and protein segregation in living bacteria

All living organisms adapt their membrane lipid composition in response to changes in their environment or diet. These conserved membrane‐adaptive processes have been studied extensively. However, key concepts of membrane biology linked to regulation of lipid composition including homeoviscous adaptation maintaining stable levels of membrane fluidity, and gel‐fluid phase separation resulting in domain formation, heavily rely upon in vitro studies with model membranes or lipid extracts. Using the bacterial model organisms Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, we now show that inadequate in vivo membrane fluidity interferes with essential complex cellular processes including cytokinesis, envelope expansion, chromosome replication/segregation and maintenance of membrane potential. Furthermore, we demonstrate that very low membrane fluidity is indeed capable of triggering large‐scale lipid phase separation and protein segregation in intact, protein‐crowded membranes of living cells; a process that coincides with the minimal level of fluidity capable of supporting growth. Importantly, the in vivo lipid phase separation is not associated with a breakdown of the membrane diffusion barrier function, thus explaining why the phase separation process induced by low fluidity is biologically reversible.

Network-Cognitive Traffic Control: A Fluidity-Aware On-Chip Communication

A novel network-on-chip (NoC) integrated congestion control and flow control scheme, called Network-Cognitive Traffic Control (NCogn.TC), is proposed. This scheme is cognizant of the fluidity levels in on-chip router buffers and it uses this measurement to prioritize the forwarding of flits in the buffers. This preferential forwarding policy is based on the observation that flits with higher levels of fluidity are likely to arrive at their destinations faster, because they may require fewer routing steps. By giving higher priority to forward flits in high-fluidity buffers, scarce buffer resources may be freed-up sooner in order to relieve on-going traffic congestion. In this work, a buffer cognition monitor is developed to rapidly estimate the buffer fluidity level. An integrated congestion control and flow control algorithm is proposed based on the estimated buffer fluidity level. Tested with both synthetic traffic patterns as well as industry benchmark traffic patterns, significant performance enhancement has been observed when the proposed Network-Cognitive Traffic Control is compared against conventional traffic control algorithms that only monitor the buffer fill level.

Fluidic substrate as a tool to probe breast cancer cell adaptive behavior in response to fluidity level

Although the roles of elastic components in breast cancer progression have been widely studied, the importance of matrix dissipative elements in regulating breast cancer behavior is still poorly understood. In this study, we designed viscosity-tunable fluidic substrates to investigate the effects of matrix viscosity on the alteration of breast cancer cellular fate using a hydrophobic molten polymer of poly(e-caprolactone-co-D,L-lactide) [P(CL-co-DLLA)] with different levels of fluidity. The high- and low-fluidity substrates used in this study were shown to behave as viscoelastic liquids at physiological temperature. A nonmetastatic breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) was cultured at the interface of the fibronectin-coated substrate, and its behavior towards the substrate fluidity level was thoroughly characterized. Despite fibronectin-mediated cell-substrate interactions, MCF-7 cells show sensitivity to substrate fluidity levels by forming types aggregates of different sizes and structures over time. Accordingly, MCF-7 cells were undergoing senescence on fluidic substrates, as shown by high metabolic activity over time, suppressed proliferation ability, and positive expression of senescence markers. Moreover, senescence implies more resistance towards anticancer drug treatment. This indicates that a fluidic substrate, as a two-dimensional synthetic matrix system, could demonstrate the importance of mechanical cues in redefining cellular function and cellular fate by changing the viscosity of the pure substrate. A fluidic substrate behaving as a hydrophobic viscoelastic liquid was designed as a tool to investigate the role of matrix viscosity on the alteration of breast cancer cellular fate. The fluidity level of fluidic substrate was tuned by modulating the molecular weight of poly(e-caprolactone-co-D,L-lactide). MCF-7 cells responded to the change in fluidity level of fluidic substrates by forming weak attachment. On high-fluidity substrate, MCF-7 cells formed 3D aggregates, while coalesced on low-fluidity substrate. More importantly, the fluidic substrate mechanically promoted senescence of MCF-7 cells regardless the fluidity level of substrate.

Epithelial transport in digestive diseases: mice, monolayers, and mechanisms.

The transport of electrolytes and fluid by the intestinal epithelium is critical in health to maintain appropriate levels of fluidity of the intestinal contents. The transport mechanisms that underlie this physiological process are also subject to derangement in various digestive disease states, such as diarrheal illnesses. This article summarizes the 2019 Hans Ussing Lecture of the Epithelial Transport Group of the American Physiological Society and discusses some pathways by which intestinal transport is dysregulated, particularly in the setting of infection with the diarrheal pathogen, Salmonella, and in patients treated with small-molecule inhibitors of the tyrosine kinase activity of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr-TKI). The burdensome diarrhea in patients infected with Salmonella may be attributable to decreased expression of the chloride-bicarbonate exchanger downregulated in adenoma (DRA) that participates in electroneutral NaCl absorption. This outcome is possibly secondary to increased epithelial proliferation and/or decreased epithelial differentiation that occurs following infection. Conversely, the diarrheal side effects of cancer treatment with EGFr-TKI may be related to the known ability of EGFr-associated signaling to reduce calcium-dependent chloride secretion. Overall, the findings described may suggest targets for therapeutic intervention in a variety of diarrheal disease states.

Strategic agility and international joint ventures: The willingness-ability paradox of family firms

Abstract Despite the considerable increase in studies on international joint ventures (IJVs) and family business, the two research streams have yet to be systemically integrated. Family firms have unique characteristics that affect their involvement in IJVs differently from their non-family counterparts. Indeed, family firms face a paradox entailing a lower willingness to form IJVs, but a higher ability to govern them. Drawing on three distinct components of strategic agility (i.e., strategic sensitivity, leadership unity, and resource fluidity), we develop a theoretical framework that unravels this paradox. Specifically, we argue that strong emotional attachment reduces family firms' strategic sensitivity, creating a motivational gap with respect to forming IJVs. On the other hand, when family firms overcome this gap by making full use of their board of directors, they have higher levels of leadership unity and resource fluidity. These dimensions lead to a greater ability to govern the complexities of the relationship, hence reducing opportunistic hazards, and significantly increasing the odds of the long-term success of IJVs. We develop propositions for empirical studies, and offer implications and directions for future research.

Repeated-batch production of omega-3 enriched biomass of Chlorella sorokiniana via calcium-induced homeoviscous adaptation

This study aimed to improve valuable omega-3 fatty acids production in freshwater microalgae at normal temperature by inducing homeoviscous adaptation using CaCl2, which could have a role in decreasing the cellular membrane fluidity followed by increasing the rigidity of cell wall and membranes. At 10 mM CaCl2, simultaneous biomass and lipid production was obtained by Ca2+-based single strategy without considerable sacrifice of cellular logarithmic growth in Chlorella sorokiniana. The cells cultured at 10 mM CaCl2 (1-stage) showed relatively high levels of cellular membrane fluidity, caused by increased content in unsaturated fatty acids, compared to the conventional culture strategy (2-stage). Moreover, when this process was recycled by repeated-batch fermentation, the EPA productivity of 1-stage was 4.338 mg L−1 d−1, conspicuously increased by over 1300% compared to 2-stage. This strategy enhances the valuable omega-3 production, which can be commercially used for mass cultivation of omega-3-enriched biomass in the microalgae industry.

Examining Changes in HRV and Emotion Following Artmaking with Three Different Art Materials.

This protocol enables the examination of psychological and physiological responses to different types of behavioral engagements. Specifically, in this study example, the emotional response and changes in heart rate variability are examined in response to artmaking with three different art materials that vary in their levels of fluidity. This protocol can be adapted to examine other types of behavior or engagement in artmaking with other materials. There are several benefits to using this protocol. Firstly, the order randomization of the materials improves the probability that the response measured is associated with its qualities and not the order of presentation. Secondly, the continuous measuring of electrocardiogram enables the examination of changes in heart rate variability after engagement with each art material and changes that might occur during the artmaking itself. The advantages of this protocol should be considered with their limitations. The music listening is before each art making session; thus, the return to baseline can only be measured in the first two conditions. The return to baseline provides information on how fast individuals recover after response to working with each of the materials. Furthermore, a more liquid material instead of gouache paint with a brush, such as finger paints, provides more difference between materials. Finally, this protocol can be adapted to specific research needs.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Nigella sativa Oil Produced in Central Italy: A Comparison of the Nutrigenomic Effects of Two Mediterranean Oils in a Low-Grade Inflammation Model.

Extra virgin olive (EVO) oil and Nigella sativa (NG) oil are two well-known Mediterranean foods whose consumption has been associated with beneficial effects on human health. This study investigates the nutrigenomic properties of two high quality EVO and NG oils in an in vitro model of low-grade inflammation of human macrophages (THP-1 cells). The aim was to assess whether these healthy foods could modulate inflammation through antioxidant and epigenetic mechanisms. When THP-1 cells were co-exposed to both lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced inflammation and oils, both EVO and NG oils displayed anti-inflammatory activity. Both oils were able to restore normal expression levels of DNMT3A and HDAC1 (but not DNMT3B), which were altered under inflammatory conditions. Moreover, EVO oil was able to prevent the increase in TET2 expression and reduce global DNA methylation that were measured in inflamed cells. Due to its antioxidant properties, EVO oil was particularly efficient in restoring normal levels of membrane fluidity, which, on the contrary, were reduced in the presence of inflammation. In conclusion, these data support the hypothesis that these Mediterranean oils could play a major role in the modulation of low-grade inflammation and metabolic syndrome prevention. However, NS oil seems to be more efficient in the control of proinflammatory cytokines, whereas EVO oil better helps to counteract redox imbalance. Further studies that elucidate the nutrigenomic properties of local produce might help to promote regional the production and consumption of high-quality food, which could also help the population to maintain and promote health.

24-Epibrassinolide delays senescence in harvested kiwifruit through effects on mitochondrial membrane and antioxidant activity

To explore the effects of 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) on senescence, kiwifruit were treated with 5 μmol L−1 EBR and then stored at 20 °C for 20 days. Results showed that EBR delayed changes in quality characteristics including respiration rate, pulp color and ascorbic acid content and inhibited accumulation of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide in kiwifruit. EBR-treated kiwifruit had higher levels of mitochondrial membrane fluidity and cytochrome c/a and lower levels of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, succinic dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidase, which were responsible for better mitochondrial membrane integrity and function. EBR also promoted the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase leading to an enhancement of antioxidant activity in kiwifruit to counteract oxidative stress. We suggest that EBR treatment is an applicable strategy for kiwifruit to delay senescence and maintain storage quality.

New insights into the chilling injury of postharvest white mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) related to mitochondria and electron transport pathway under high O2/CO2 controlled atmospheres

Mitochondria and their electron transport pathway (ETP) might have a potential role in response to chilling stress. Notwithstanding, it is a novel area and the relative research is still in the early stages. In this study, we attempt to explore the explicit mechanisms of the 80% O2 + 20% CO2 treatment on alleviating chilling injury (CI) to white mushrooms based on the ETP and mitochondria, with natural air as the control.CI incidence, proportions of cytochrome pathway (CCP) and alternative pathway (AP), activities of key enzymes of CCP and AP, the relative gene expressions, mitochondrial structure and functions were investigated at 1 °C. The results reported that 80% O2 + 20% CO2 treatment prevented the occurrence of CI and retained the ATP yield. With regard to the ETP, the 80% O2 + 20% CO2 treatment restrained the decline in the proportion of CCP and boosted the proportion of AP through impacting the key enzymes and relative genes expressions. It also retarded mitochondria swelling and maintained higher levels of membrane fluidity and cytochrome c (Cyt c). Our results illustrated that 80% O2 + 20% CO2 dramatically alleviated the development of CI in white mushrooms, which could possibly be ascribed to the adjustment of ETP while retaining the structure and functions of the mitochondrion and the switching of its two conformations.

Superdiversity, population health and health care: opportunities and challenges in a changing world

ObjectivesEthno-national approaches to research public health and migrant outcomes have dominated for decades but lack efficacy in a globalised world and in view of the intractable nature of health outcome inequalities for migrant and minority groups. This article highlights some of the challenges and opportunities associated with a superdiversity perspective in public health research. Superdiversity and ethno-national approachesMigration patterns have changed with more people arriving from more places and the diversification of diversity meaning that the ethno-national categories utilised in public health research have reduced explanatory potential. The example of maternal and perinatal mortality in the United KingdomAdjusting UK perinatal mortality rates by five ethnic groups based on assumptions of relationships between high levels of risk and ethnic groups masks the scale of inequality faced by groups wherein mortality rates are increasing and highlights some of the difficulties associated with using ethno-national classifications. A superdiversity perspectiveA superdiversity approach moves beyond ethno-nationalism to socially locate groups focussing on commonalities and differences across spaces and characteristics and employing intracategorical or anticategorical approaches. ConclusionsSuperdiversity brings new levels of demographic complexity and fluidity. Greater reflexivity is needed in diversity research with justification of classifications used for analysis necessary when research questions are developed.

The guiding logics and principles for designing emergent transdisciplinary research processes: learning experiences and reflections from a transdisciplinary urban case study in Enkanini informal settlement, South Africa

Transdisciplinarity is not a new science per se, but a new methodology for doing science with society. A particular challenge in doing science with society is the engagement with non-academic actors to enable joint problem formulation, analysis and transformation. How this is achieved differs between contexts. The premise of this paper is that transdisciplinary research (TDR) methodologies designed for developed world contexts cannot merely be replicated and transferred to developing world contexts. Thus a new approach is needed for conducting TDR in contexts characterised by high levels of complexity, conflict and social fluidity. To that end, this paper introduces a new approach to TDR titled emergent transdisciplinary design research (ETDR). A core element of this approach is that the research process is designed as it unfolds, that is, it transforms as it emerges from and within the fluid context. The ETDR outlined in this paper emerged through a case study in the informal settlement (slum) of Enkanini in Stellenbosch, South Africa. This case study demonstrates the context from and within which the ETDR approach and identifies a set of guiding logics that can be used to guide ETDR approaches in other contexts. The study demonstrates that the new logics and guiding principles were not simply derived from the TDR literature, but rather emerged from constant interacting dynamics between theory and practice. Learning how to co-design the research process through co-producing transformative knowledge and then implementing strategic interventions to bring about incremental social change is key to theory development in ways that are informed by local contextual dynamics. There are, however, risks when undertaking such TDR processes such as under-valuing disciplinary knowledge, transferring risks onto a society, and suppressing ‘truth-to-power’.

Households, fluidity, and HIV service delivery in Zambia and South Africa - an exploratory analysis of longitudinal qualitative data from the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial.

IntroductionPopulation distributions, family and household compositions, and people's sense of belonging and social stability in southern Africa have been shaped by tumultuous, continuing large‐scale historical disruptions. As a result, many people experience high levels of geographic and social fluidity, which intersect with individual and population‐level migration patterns. We describe the complexities of household fluidity and HIV service access in South Africa and Zambia to explore implications for health systems and service delivery in contexts of high household fluidity.MethodsHPTN 071 (PopART) is a three‐arm cluster randomized controlled trial implemented in 21 peri‐urban study communities in Zambia and South Africa between 2013 and 2018. A qualitative cohort nested in the trial included 148 purposively sampled households. Data collection was informed by ethnographic and participatory research principles. The analysis process was reflexive and findings are descriptive narrative summaries of emergent ideas.ResultsHouseholds in southern Africa are extremely fluid, with people having a tenuous sense of security in their social networks. This fluidity intersects with high individual and population mobility. To characterize fluidity, we describe thematic patterns of household membership and residence. We also identify reasons people give for moving around and shifting social ties, including economic survival, fostering interpersonal relationships, participating in cultural, traditional, religious, or familial gatherings, being institutionalized, and maintaining patterns of substance use. High fluidity disrupted HIV service access for some participants. Despite these challenges, many participants were able to regularly access HIV testing services and participants living with HIV were especially resourceful in maintaining continuity of antiretroviral therapy (ART). We identify three key features of health service interactions that facilitated care continuity: disclosure to family members, understanding attitudes among health services staff including flexibility to accommodate clients’ transient pressures, and participants’ agency in ART‐related decisions.ConclusionsChoices made to manage one's experiential sense of household fluidity are intentional responses to livelihood and social support constraints. To enhance retention in care for people living with HIV, policy makers and service providers should focus on creating responsive, flexible health service delivery systems designed to accommodate many shifts in client circumstances.