Theoretical Framework Research Articles

Exploring Healing Bonds: The Mediator Role of Relational Needs in the Relationship Between Childhood Traumas and Psychological Distress and Well-Being

ABSTRACT Erskine’s Relational Needs Model, a core component of Relationally focused and Developmentally based Integrative Psychotherapy, emphasizes that relational needs are intrinsic to human nature, highlighting their vital role in shaping our emotional well-being and interpersonal interactions. When these needs are met, individuals may experience feelings of importance and love, but when they remain unfulfilled, negative emotions can adversely impact their well-being. These needs develop at the beginning of life and are influenced by childhood experiences. This study’s primary objective was to investigate the relationship between childhood trauma, relational needs, psychological distress, and well-being. We also tested a model incorporating relational needs as a mediator. Measures related to childhood trauma, relational needs, psychological distress, and well-being were administered to a total of 364 adults. Pearson correlation results demonstrated a negative association between the satisfaction of relational needs, childhood traumas, depression, anxiety, and stress, while also revealing a positive correlation with well-being. Structural equation modeling results confirmed the mediating role of relational needs in the relationship between childhood trauma and psychological state (distress and well-being). Our findings are consistent with the theoretical framework of the Relational Needs Model, suggesting that childhood maltreatment negatively affects current relational needs satisfaction, thereby increasing psychological distress and reducing well-being. This study is the first to empirically demonstrate the connection between Erskine’s model and key variables, highlighting the importance of addressing relational needs in psychotherapy to promote client well-being.

Existential concerns, culture, context, and calibration: the 4C Model of virtue

ABSTRACT Previous conceptualizations of virtue have failed to appreciate how virtuous behaviors can operate in the service of satisfying existential concerns. Integrating existential and positive psychological approaches to virtue, we introduce a new theoretical framework – the 4C Model of Virtue – which posits four interlocking aspects of virtue that are important to consider: (1) existential concerns, (2) culture, (3) context, and (4) calibration. First, people might be motivated to acquire virtues partly by a desire for existential security. Second, virtues are culturally embedded in, and their meaning, function, and manifestation vary by, culture. Third, virtues are affected by a host of contextual features, which moderate their expression and utility. Fourth, virtues must be appropriately calibrated, and their miscalibration can undermine, rather than promote, well-being, relational functioning, and flourishing. Working from positive existential psychology and connecting to existential philosophy, we discuss several testable hypotheses generated from our theorization to catalyze work in this area.

Culinary innovation from the perspective of restaurant and Haute Cuisine studies

ABSTRACT Innovation is vital for the restaurant sector, driven by creativity and influenced by sociocultural factors and chefs’ intuition, especially in Haute Cuisine. This study aims to develop a theoretical framework on Culinary Innovation in restaurants and Haute Cuisine, responding to market changes and ensuring profitability. Using bibliometric analysis with VOSviewer and Hierarchical Descending Classification via Iramuteq, the review analyzed 100 documents (2005–2023), revealing increased interest in the field post-2013. The findings highlight the interdisciplinarity of culinary innovation, emphasizing the balance between tradition, creativity, and organizational influences for sustainable growth and competitiveness.

Contesting the “Standard Prosody Myth” Through a Multilingual Lens

ABSTRACT Reading prosody, the expressive aspect of fluency, is an important contributor to reading comprehension. The lack of attention to prosody inspires us to examine the tools used to assess reading prosody in U.S. public schools, and ultimately, the influence of language ideologies on the language and literacy education of multilingual students. The study involves critical discourse analysis of fluency rubrics and interviews with six bilingual adult speakers of English and Arabic, Mandarin, or Spanish. Our theoretical framework is grounded upon language ideologies; we distinguish between monoglossic language ideologies and translanguaging as ways to conceive of language-in-use. Our analysis reveals that rubrics employ languages that reflect—and legitimize—what we refer to as the standard prosody myth. The standard prosody myth also persists in how several bilingual academics described their understanding of prosody and their prosody practices in their first languages. We conclude with implications for K–12 education and teacher preparation.

Thai Older Saleswomen’s Digital Empowerment: CapCut Impact on Outcomes

ABSTRACT Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation, posing challenges for older salespeople used to traditional in-person selling. In emerging markets like Thailand, where e-commerce is rapidly expanding, older saleswomen face unique difficulties adapting to online technology. Therefore, more research is needed in this area. This study investigates the impact of CapCut, a video editing software, on the psychological and work outcomes of older saleswomen in Thailand. The Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) model is used as the theoretical framework. Method The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining individual interviews and a questionnaire. Participants underwent a one-month CapCut training program, with pre-and post-assessments evaluating psychological empowerment, wellbeing, work attitudes, engagement, satisfaction, commitment, and learning motivation. Results Quantitative findings revealed significant improvements in psychological empowerment (p < .05) and work engagement, satisfaction, and commitment (p < .01) after training. Qualitative data identified three key mechanisms: technology adaptation processes, psychological transformation, and enhanced market performance. While cognitive load challenges were noted, participants developed effective coping strategies. Discussion The findings demonstrate how targeted digital training can enhance both psychological and professional outcomes for older saleswomen. This study extends understanding of technology adoption among older workers in emerging economies, highlighting the importance of age-sensitive approaches to digital upskilling.

Facilitators and barriers to neurologist referral of patients for epilepsy surgery evaluation.

Epilepsy surgery offers a potential cure for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), yet surgery is underutilized. An estimated 5% of patients with DRE undergo long-term EEG monitoring (LTM) annually, the requisite first step of evaluation for surgical candidacy. Much of the variation in LTM referral may be attributable to individual neurologist practice rather than patient characteristics. We explored neurologist behaviors and practices in epilepsy surgery referral to guide future interventions to expand patient access to surgery. This qualitative interview study recruited neurologists who treated adults with epilepsy. Interviews were grounded in the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) of behavior change to identify facilitators and barriers to neurologist referral for epilepsy surgery evaluation. Transcripts of semi-structured interviews were analyzed with deductive coding guided by the TDF domains as well as emergent coding of subcodes/themes. Of 40 invited neurologists, 13 (33%) participated. Median time since medical school graduation was 14 years (range 5-45); four had no subspecialty training, and nine completed epilepsy/neurophysiology fellowships; nine practiced in community settings. Referral rates for presurgical evaluation ranged from less than 1 annually to 1 monthly. The most important TDF domains identified as facilitators of neurologist referral were knowledge, skills, optimism, and beliefs about capabilities. Domains identified as barriers of neurologist referral included reinforcement and environmental context and resources, both at the intersection of referring provider and epilepsy center and with regard to perceived patient burden. Social influences and social/professional role and identity operated as facilitators or barriers. Looking toward future interventions to improve rates of presurgical evaluation, attention should be focused on the most pertinent and most modifiable domains. Neurologists' skills and their perception of their capabilities operate as facilitators; thus, disseminating effective communication approaches to patient discussions may support increased neurologist referral. To address environmental context & resource barriers specifically, inter-institutional communication, presurgical evaluation pathway coordination, and resources/support for patients could be targeted to improve neurologist referral. Epilepsy surgery, while effective, is underutilized. There is variability in how individual neurologists refer patients with drug-resistant epilepsy for epilepsy surgery. This interview study identified methods to facilitate referral for epilepsy surgery evaluation, such as improving patient/provider discussions about surgery. Several approaches could also alleviate barriers to presurgical evaluation, such as better inter-institutional communication, expanded care coordination, and greater resources for patients.

Measuring the Core Competency of Community Nurses for Public Health Emergencies: Instrument Development and Validation.

To develop a comprehensive and psychometrically validated scale for evaluating the core competencies of community nurses for public health emergencies. A study of instrument development and validation was conducted. A total of 1057 community nurses provided valid responses for this study conducted in Shanghai, China. Building upon previous study findings of the adapted core competency model and integrating the World Health Organisation's Framework for Action, this study was conducted in two phases. First, scale items were developed through systematic review, qualitative research, stakeholder meeting, and Delphi survey, refined with cognitive interviews to establish version 1.0 of the scale. Second, item analysis was performed with item-total correlations, Cronbach's alpha, and exploratory factor analysis, resulting in version 2.0. The final scale was produced after assessing the validity (content validity, confirmatory factor analysis, known-groups validity) and reliability (internal consistency, test-retest reliability). The final scale consisted of 47 items categorised into four competency factors: prevention, preparation, response, and recovery competency. Factor analysis results indicated adequate factor loadings, excellent model fit, and well-established construct validity. The overall scale and its sub-factors exhibited high internal consistency and good test-retest reliability. The study presents a theoretically grounded and scientifically validated scale measuring the competencies that community nurses need for public health emergency response. This study enhances the theoretical framework of community nurses' core competencies in public health emergencies, provides a validated assessment tool, and clarifies their role in enhancing preparedness and effectiveness. The study addressed the need for a standardised tool for assessing community nurse core competency for public health emergencies and will impact policy initiatives to enhance early prevention, emergency response, and integrated recovery practices in crisis management. Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology checklist. No Patient or Public Contribution.

A governance perspective on agri-environmental schemes: Actors, roles, and barriers.

Agri-environmental schemes (AES)carry significant environmental expectations. However, their environmental performance has often been questioned. Existing research has tackled the issue from ecological and economic perspectives. This study aims to provide a complementary governance perspective. It first develops a theoretical framework to analyze AES governance through a multilevel lens, identifying three distinct levels based on different actors' roles: macro (setting policy boundaries), meso (implementation of the policy framework), and micro (farmer actions). Second, this study develops an analytical framework to investigate barriers hindering AES environmental performance and their linkage to AES governance. The combined frameworks have been tested in a regional case study in the Hauts-de-France region. A list of 40 barriers is identified, spanning organizational, power dynamics, and financial issues. Barriers are not confined to farm or policy scale, distributing unevenly across governance levels, with different agencies across roles and actors in unlocking the AES performance.

Blooming Out of Concrete: Burmese Refugee College Students’ Resettlement Approach and the Role of Social Support

ABSTRACT Purpose The United States is the world’s top resettlement country for refugees and the third largest community of Burmese refugees lives in the state of Indiana. Many refugee families strive to enhance the well-being of their college-age children. Utilizing the Conservation of Resources (COR) theoretical framework, this study examined the lived experiences of Burmese refugee college students’ resettlement approach and the role of social support. Materials and Methods A total of 32 Burmese refugee college students aged 19–26 were interviewed using a qualitative exploratory approach with thematic analysis. Results Thematic analysis identified two key themes – the resources of social support and resettlement experiences – to provide a comprehensive understanding of participants’ resettlement narratives. The social support from the co-ethnic community and people in the host country both affected the participants’ successful resettlement. Co-ethnic community also plays an important role in the pursuit of higher education. Discussion Understanding the lived experiences of refugee communities can enhance the effectiveness of resettlement policies and services. This study highlights the importance of social support resources and serves as a foundation for improving refugee resettlement experiences. Conclusion Refugee students actively cultivated their life and showed aspirations of being successful members of this new environment. Despite a variety of barriers and prejudices, Burmese refugee students bloom and flourish in their new environment in the United States. They are beneficiaries but also currently benefactors for newly arrived refugees. The perspectives on refugees need to change and move from victims to the citizens of the world.

Association between parents’ value of children and adolescent depression in China: a multi-informant study

BackgroundParents’ value of children (VOC) is a related implicit belief toward their children that may predict adolescents’ mental health. However, empirical studies are scarce about this relationship. This study investigates the relationship between parents’ VOC and adolescent depression, as well as the underlying mechanisms.MethodsWe conducted a multi-informant survey and developed a latent moderated mediation structural equation model of adolescent depression outcome of parents’ VOC. A total of 963 Chinese adolescents and their parents were recruited and examined. The parents completed the parents’ VOC scale and the adolescents responded to the scales of emotional warmth and rejection, external locus of control (LOC), and depression.ResultsParents’ social and psychological VOC exerted a positive and negative direct effect respectively, on adolescent depression. Parents’ social VOC positively predicts adolescent depression through parental emotional warmth, rejection, and external LOC. Parents’ psychological VOC negatively predicts adolescent depression through emotional warmth and rejection. The indirect effects of parents’ social VOC on adolescent depression through emotional warmth and rejection were moderated by sex.ConclusionsThe two aspects of parents’ VOC exerted indirect effects on adolescent depression through emotional warmth and rejection or external LOC. The indirect effects of parents’ social VOC on adolescent depression were more evident among women than men. Our study extends the theoretical research framework of parents’ VOC to adolescent mental health.

Modeling the dynamic effects of tariffs on economic variables and trade policies

Tariffs, a key instrument of trade policy, are often viewed as tools to correct trade imbalances or protect domestic industries. However, their effects on an economy extend beyond immediate price changes, triggering complex feedback loops that unfold over time. This study explores tariffs as a feedback control mechanism within an economic system, emphasizing their role in influencing key variables such as inflation, trade balances, consumption, and monetary policy. By modeling these interactions using delayed differential equations (DDEs), the research demonstrates how time lags in economic adjustments — such as the delayed effects of tariffs on inflation and trade volume can amplify or attenuate the initial impact of policy changes. The feedback loop suggests that tariffs, while raising prices and reducing trade volume in the short term, also lead to inflationary pressures, which may prompt central bank responses, such as interest rate adjustments. These adjustments, in turn, affect investment and consumption, further influencing the economy. The research provides both a theoretical and practical framework for understanding the dynamic and delayed nature of tariffinduced economic changes, with insights into how policymakers can better anticipate and manage the consequences of trade policies. This model offers a comprehensive understanding of the broader economic adjustments and the role of time lags in shaping the long-term impact of tariffs on global trade and national economies.

Investigating the Impact of Landfill Age and Season on the Occurrence and Dissemination of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Leachate and the Underlying Mechanisms Using Metagenomics.

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) pose a critical public health concern, with landfill leachate serving as a significant environmental reservoir. While ARG dynamics in leachate have been investigated in various contexts, their occurrence and influence factors in semi-arid regions remain poorly understood. This study investigated the occurrence and influence factors of ARG profiles, their potential hosts, and underlying mechanisms driving their proliferation. Comprehensive metagenomic analysis of leachate samples collected from landfills of varying landfill ages (5, 10, and 20 years) in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia-a representative semi-arid region of northern China-across three seasons (autumn, spring, and summer). Metagenomic analysis revealed distinct patterns in core ARG abundances modulated by both landfill age and seasonal variations. Notably, landfill age predominantly influenced tetracycline- and glycopeptide- ARGs, while seasonal fluctuations primarily affected glycopeptide- and multidrug- ARGs. Taxonomic analysis identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas fluorescens as the predominant resistant pathogens, with elevated prevalence during spring and winter compared to summer. Network analysis and metabolic pathway reconstruction demonstrated that landfill age maybe impacted ARG dissemination through modulation of carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolic pathways. This novel finding suggests a previously unrecognized mechanism linking waste decomposition stages to ARG proliferation. Our study provides the first systematic characterization of ARG dynamics in semi-arid landfill leachate, offering crucial insights for developing targeted strategies to mitigate ARG dissemination in these distinct ecological contexts. These findings establish a theoretical framework for understanding ARG transmission in semi-arid environments while providing empirical evidence to inform environmental management practices.

Thermoplasmonic Polymersome Membranes by In Situ Synthesis.

Thermoplasmonic nanoparticles, known for releasing heat upon illumination, find diverse applications in catalysis, optics, and biomedicine. Incorporating plasmonic metals within organic vesicle membranes can lead to the formation of nanoreactors capable of regulating temperature-sensitive microscopic processes. Yet, the controlled formation of stable hybrid vesicles displaying significant thermoplasmonic properties remains challenging. This work presents the in situ synthesis of highly efficient thermoplasmonic polymer vesicles, or hybrid polymersomes, by nucleating ∼2 nm gold nanoparticles within preformed polymersome membranes. This process preserves the vesicles' morphology, stability, and overall functionality. Despite the small size of the embedded plasmonic nanoparticles, these hybrid polymersomes can efficiently convert laser light into a notable temperature increase on a larger scale through collective heating. We develop a theoretical framework that rationalizes the structure-property relations of hybrid polymersomes and accurately predicts their collective thermoplasmonic response. Finally, we demonstrate the biomedical potential of our polymersomes by employing their photothermal properties to induce the hyperthermal death of cancer cells in vitro, an effect amplified by their superior cellular uptake. We envision that these hybrid polymersomes will evolve into a versatile platform for precise control over nanoscale chemical and biological processes through plasmonic heating, unlocking numerous opportunities across various scientific and medical contexts.

Exploring the effect of dapagliflozin on coronary inflammation in type 2 diabetes patients based on the coronary artery perivascular fat attenuation index

BackgroundThe pericoronary fat attenuation index (FAI) is a novel biomarker that serves as an indicator of coronary artery inflammation. Dapagliflozin has become an important component of standard treatment for type 2 diabetes because of its cardioprotective and renoprotective effects. The objective of this research was to explore how dapagliflozin impacts coronary artery inflammation in T2DM patients and to establish a novel theoretical framework for the protective role of dapagliflozin in the cardiovascular system.MethodsThis research retrospectively included 271 T2DM patients treated with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) at Hebei Provincial People’s Hospital from January 2021 to November 2024, with 103 patients receiving dapagliflozin therapy (dapagliflozin+) and 168 patients not receiving dapagliflozin (dapagliflozin-) (oral dapagliflozin 10 mg/day for no less than 6 months). Baseline clinical information, laboratory markers, and CCTA-related metrics were collected and analysed across both groups. The relationship between dapagliflozin treatment and the pericoronary FAI was analysed using multiple linear regression to control for confounding variables, and the correlation between the two variables was further examined across various subgroups.ResultsCompared with those in the dapagliflozin- group, the patients in the dapagliflozin+ group were younger (P<0.001), and the proportion of men was higher (P<0.05). There were no between-group differences in the baseline data, such as diabetes course, BMI, and blood lipid status (P>0.05). The FAI of the LAD and RCA in the dapagliflozin+ group was lower than that in the other groups, and the average FAI of the three coronary arteries was also significantly lower, while there was no significant difference in the LCX (LAD: dapagliflozin- group: -85.50 (-90.43, -78.27)，dapagliflozin+ group：-86.94 (-92.81, -81.57)，P= 0.044；RCA：dapagliflozin- group：-86.31 (-92.12, -80.09), dapagliflozin+ group：-88.79 (-94.59, -83.31), P= 0.019; Mean: dapagliflozin- group: -84.05 (-87.73, -77.45), dapagliflozin+ group: -84.88 (-89.82, -79.67), P= 0.022; LCX: dapagliflozin- group：-77.81 (-82.57, -71.75), dapagliflozin+ group: -78.25 (-84.56, -72.15), P = 0.260). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed an independent association between dapagliflozin treatment and a decreased in FAI in the LAD and RCA (LAD: β=-2.449; RCA: β=-3.897; P values are all less than 0.05). This association was different across various subsets of T2DM patients.ConclusionDapagliflozin treatment is associated with a significant reduction in coronary artery inflammation in T2DM patients, which may partly explain its beneficial effects on reducing cardiovascular risk.Graphical abstract

Force spectroscopy reveals membrane fluctuations and surface adhesion of extracellular nanovesicles impact their elastic behavior

The elastic properties of nanoscale extracellular vesicles (EVs) are believed to influence their cellular interactions, thus having a profound implication in intercellular communication. However, accurate quantification of their elastic modulus is challenging due to their nanoscale dimensions and their fluid-like lipid bilayer. We show that the previous attempts to develop atomic force microscopy-based protocol are flawed as they lack theoretical underpinning as well as ignore important contributions arising from the surface adhesion forces and membrane fluctuations. We develop a protocol comprising a theoretical framework, experimental technique, and statistical approach to accurately quantify the bending and elastic modulus of EVs. The method reveals that membrane fluctuations play a dominant role even for a single EV. The method is then applied to EVs derived from human embryonic kidney cells and their genetically engineered classes altering the tetraspanin expression. The data show a large spread; the area modulus is in the range of 4 to 19 mN/m and the bending modulus is in the range of 15 to 33 [Formula: see text], respectively. Surprisingly, data for a single EV, revealed by repeated measurements, also show a spread that is attributed to their compositionally heterogeneous fluid membrane and thermal effects. Our protocol uncovers the influence of membrane protein alterations on the elastic modulus of EVs.

Higgs pair production in the 2HDM: impact of loop corrections to the trilinear Higgs couplings and interference effects on experimental limits

The results obtained at the LHC for constraining the trilinear Higgs self-coupling of the detected Higgs boson at about 125 GeV, λhhh, via the Higgs pair production process have significantly improved during the last years. We investigate the impact of potentially large higher-order corrections and interference effects on the comparison between the experimental results and the theoretical predictions for the pair production of the 125 GeV Higgs boson at the LHC. We use the theoretical framework of the Two Higgs Doublet Model (2HDM), containing besides the SM-like CP-even Higgs boson h a second CP-even Higgs boson H, which we assume to be heavier, mH>mh mh$$\\end{document}]]>. We analyze in particular the invariant mass distribution of the two produced Higgs bosons and show that the loop corrections to the trilinear Higgs couplings λhhh and λhhH as well as interference contributions give rise to important effects both for the differential and the total cross section. We point out the implications for the experimental limits that can be obtained in the 2HDM for the case of the resonant production of the heavy Higgs boson H. We emphasize the importance of the inclusion of interference effects between resonant and non-resonant contributions in the experimental analysis for a reliable determination of exclusion bounds for a heavy resonance of an extended Higgs sector.

From court to catwalk: exploring consumer value expectancies in the evolution of sportswear to fashion wear

PurposeThis research aims to investigate how consumer value expectancies influence the transition of sportswear into fashion wear through the lens of the jobs-to-be-done theory.Design/methodology/approachTaking the adoption of Tenniscore as an example, we gathered data from 3,681 Chinese respondents who have either purchased or are familiar with this fashion item. Using Pearson’s correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analyses, we uncovered some intriguing interactions among these factors.FindingsSocial-emotional jobs exert a significant yet negative influence on purchase intentions through subjective norms. This suggests that early adopters of fashion items may actively resist conforming to prevailing social expectations. Additionally, we discovered that functional jobs also have a significant but negative impact on purchase intentions via subjective norms. This indicates that the widespread popularity of a particular fashion style does not necessarily boost purchase intentions. Instead, consumers are likely to evaluate clothing based on how well it meets their individual functional needs and daily requirements.Originality/valueFirst, this paper developed a comprehensive theoretical framework that integrates the extended theory of planned behavior and the jobs-to-be-done theory. Secondly, this study empirically investigated the weights from various expected value or “jobs” dimensions (personal emotional jobs, social emotional jobs and functional jobs) in shaping consumer fashion consumption. Thirdly, this paper explores the consumer’s adoption behavior for emerging trends in collectivistic culture, which can contribute to the refinement of existing theoretical frameworks developed in individualistic contexts.

Equity and Access in Digital Transformation: Enhancing Curriculum Delivery at Rural Universities

This study explored the role of digital education in rural universities, focusing on equity and access in the digital transformation of curriculum delivery. With the Fourth Industrial Revolution significantly impacting higher education through the integration of learning technologies, the digital divide remains a substantial barrier, particularly in developing countries. The research aimed to address this challenge by investigating how digital education can bridge the gap in rural universities. A scoping review of literature published between 2022 and 2024 in South Africa was conducted, utilising the Technology Acceptance Model as the theoretical framework. The study followed a systematic approach using the PRISMA procedure to access, screen, and analyse relevant literature. Thematic analysis revealed key insights into the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in rural universities. The study provides practical recommendations aimed at promoting equity and access, contributing to ongoing discussions on how to improve digital curriculum delivery in under-resourced areas. This study contributes to scholarship by providing a comprehensive analysis of digital transformation in rural universities, highlighting strategies to enhance equity and access in curriculum delivery, and addressing the digital divide through practical recommendations. Keywords: Digital Transformation, Curriculum Delivery, Digital Divide, Learning Technologies, Rural Universities

LLMs and AI Life Models for Traditional Chinese Medicine-derived Geroprotector Formulation.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) represents a vast repository of therapeutic knowledge, but its integration with modern drug discovery remains challenging due to fundamental differences in theoretical frameworks. We developed an AI agent-driven framework combining Precious3GPT (P3GPT), a multi-omics transformer model, with the BATMAN-TCM2 database of TCM compound-target interactions to bridge this gap. As a proof-of-concept, we used P3GPT-generated cross-species and cross-tissue signatures to screen TCM compounds, herbs, and formulas to identify novel natural geroprotectors. The cross-species analysis identified 13 conserved aging-associated genes, leading to the identification of 34 TCM compounds with significant target overlap and enabling identification of HUA SHAN WU ZI DAN and other TCM formulations as a promising historical formula. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of using AI to systematically bridge TCM and modern pharmacology, enabling rational design of multi-component formulations targeting age-related processes across multiple tissues and species. This approach provides a framework for modernizing traditional medicine while maintaining its holistic therapeutic principles. To help other teams integrate AI experimentation in their research process, we publicly release all materials and codebase used in this work, including the multi-agent system, cross-species and cross-tissue signatures of aging, as well as TCM databases formatted for AI interactions.

Relativistic Effects in Ligand Field Theory (II): Optical and Magnetic Properties of d1 Atoms in Cubic and Tetragonal Symmetries.

The relativistic motion of an electron in the nd atomic subshell subjected to an electrostatic ligand field and a magnetic field is studied. The ligand and magnetic fields are treated as perturbations on equal footing, employing the atomic Dirac spinors nd3/2 and nd5/2 as basic vectors according to relativistic ligand field theory. The parametrized ligand field allows for the description of , , , and symmetries as particular cases. The wave functions of the ground state manifold Γi(2D3/2) are employed to calculate the Zeeman coefficients and consequently the Curie constant according to Van Vleck's theory of paramagnetism. The theoretical framework is illustrated in Rb2TaCl6, ReF6, Ba2NaOsO6, VO(R-acac)2, and Cs[MoOCl4] d1-systems. It is indicated how correlating the optical transition energies with the magnetic susceptibility enables experimental determination of the theory's parameters: the relativistic ratio p/q, the spin-orbit coupling constant ξnd, and the ligand field strengths Dq, Ds, and Dt. Then, from the deduced parameters, the X-band signals of the electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum are predicted. A strong dependency of the magnetic properties upon the relativistic ratio p/q is observed. Energies of the well-separated (ca. 330 cm-1) optical transitions Γ6(2D3/2) ← Γ7(2D3/2) and Γ7(2D5/2) ← Γ7(2D3/2) for Cs[MoOCl4] are predicted. Our results suggest that the reported spin-orbit coupling constant ξ5d for ReF6 might have been overestimated by more than 1000 cm-1, offering valuable insights into the accuracy of previous experimental and theoretical studies.