bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of protein boosters on antibody responses
Authors: Awakoaiye Bakare , Dangi Tanushree , Penaloza-MacMaster Pablo
Published: February 2025

SARS-CoV-2 has infected a large fraction of the human population. Currently, most individuals have developed immunity either through vaccination or natural infection. Despite this, SARS-CoV-2 booster immunizations are still recommended to reduce the risk of reinfections, but there is still limited understanding on how different booster vaccine platforms influence antibody responses. We conducted immunological studies in mice to evaluate the boosting effects of different vaccine platforms on antibody responses. C57BL/6 mice were first primed with an adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vaccine expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The mice were then boosted with the same Ad5-based vaccine (homologous boosting) or with a protein-based vaccine (heterologous boosting). Interestingly, the heterologous regimen (Ad5 prime + protein boost) elicited superior antibody responses, relative to the homologous regimen (Ad5 prime + Ad5 boost). Similar potentiation of antibody responses was reported when mice were primed with poxvirus or rhabdovirus vectors and then boosted with protein. These findings highlight a potential advantage of protein booster immunizations to potentiate humoral immunity.
Effect of upper limb isometric training (ULIT) on hamstring strength in early postoperative anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Muhamad Hendri Efri Noor , A Hamid Mohamad Shariff , Md Yusoff Badrul Akmal Hisham , Mohamad Norlelawati , Yusof Ashril
Published: February 2025

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries impact approximately 68.6 per 100,000 individuals annually, with ACL reconstruction (ACLR) being a common intervention for restoring knee stability in physically active individuals. Despite advancements in surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols, patients often experience prolonged recovery, hamstring weakness, and neuromuscular deficits, increasing the risk of re-injury and osteoarthritis. Early-phase ACLR rehabilitation primarily focuses on managing pain, swelling, and quadriceps strength, frequently neglecting the critical role of hamstrings in knee stabilization. This leaves a gap in addressing imbalances that hinder functional recovery and return-to-sport timelines.

Upper limb isometric training (ULIT) presents an innovative approach to enhance hamstring activation during the early rehabilitation phase. By leveraging the posterior myofascial kinetic chain (PMKC), ULIT indirectly stimulates hamstrings through bilateral static upper limb exercises, such as wall push up, shoulder extension and scapular retraction, promoting neuromuscular coordination and kinetic chain synergy. These exercises mitigate challenges associated with direct hamstring loading, such as arthrogenic muscle inhibition and graft protection needs.

Preliminary research suggests upper limb resistance exercise at submaximal voluntary contraction facilitates inter-limb strength gains, improves core abdominals and hamstring activation, and reduces knee imbalances, supporting accelerated recovery and reduced re-injury risk. The ULIT demonstrates potential as an alternative warm-up exercise to promote hamstring activation and enhance overall readiness for physical activity. Emerging findings highlight ULIT as a safe and potentially effective supplementary intervention, but further research is essential to establish its role in ACLR rehabilitation and develop evidence-based protocols.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of integrating ULIT into standard care rehabilitation on hamstring strength and physical function in early-phase postoperative ACLR patients with hamstring autograft. The findings could introduce a novel and effective strategy to optimize recovery, enhance functional outcomes, and support a safer return to sport.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12624001445561 and available athttps://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=388441&isReview=true.
Predicting Mutation-Induced Relative Protein-Ligand Binding Affinity Changes via Conformational Sampling and Diversity Integration with Subsampled Alphafold2 in Few-Shot Learning
Authors: Xie Liangxu , Lu Xiaohua , Zhang Dawei , Xu Lei , Yang Mingjun , Jeong Young-Seob , Chang Shan , Xu Xiaojun
Published: February 2025

Predicting the impact of mutations on protein-ligand binding affinity is crucial in drug discovery, particularly in addressing drug resistance and repurposing existing drugs. Current structure-based methods, including deep learning and physics-based computational techniques, are constrained by their dependence on known protein-ligand complex structures. The lack of structural data for mutated proteins, coupled with the potential for mutations to alter protein conformational states, poses challenges for reliable predictions. To address the challenge, we propose a few-shot learning approach that integrates AlphaFold2 subsampling, ensemble docking, and Siamese learning to predict the relative binding affinity changes induced by mutations. We benchmark our approach for predicting binding affinity changes in 31 variants of the mutated Abelson tyrosine kinase (ABL). The conformation ensembles for each ABL variant are generated using AlphaFold2 subsampling. Subsequently, the most likely conformational states are selected through Gaussian fitting to construct the pairwise structural inputs and compute relative binding energies. To leverage the structural information, we utilize the multimodal inputs including contact maps and molecular graphs as the molecular representation in the Siamese learning network. The relative binding affinities are derived by averaging the values predicted by the Siamese learning model across the constructed conformational pairs. Benchmarking on the Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) dataset and the direct binding affinity using the refined set of PDBbind database, our proposed approach achieves increased prediction accuracy in estimating relative binding affinities by using the conformations generated from AlphaFold2 subsampling, which includes structural diversity in the prediction and avoids reliance on crystal structures. We anticipate the approach will be valuable for predicting binding energy changes induced by mutations in proteins or ligands, facilitating drug discovery efforts.
The sensorimotor basis of subjective experience in social synchronization behavior
Authors: Bremer Jan P. , Knorr Marius S. , Göschl Florian , Maye Alexander , Engel Andreas K. , Schneider Till R.
Published: February 2025

1.

The sensorimotor contingency (SMC) theory addresses action and perception as constitutive factors to one another – what is being perceived depends on what we do and vice versa. Accordingly, perception is seen as an active process of probing the environment and receiving feedback from it. These action-effect patterns may also be a predominant factor in social interactions. They can manifest in the phenomenon of synchronization, for example, when applause, gait, or posture in conversations synchronize unintentionally and form the basis of the concept of socially deployed sensorimotor contingencies (socSMCs). In this study, we introduce and compare measures used to study complex systems in order to quantify the information-theoretic basis of socSMCs. Two human participants had to synchronize arm movements in a full body virtual reality (VR) environment with each other. We aimed to evaluate the information-theoretic measures transfer entropy and mutual information in this complex motion synchronization task. Furthermore, in our experiment participants shared a mutual sensation of synchronicity and creativity for their interaction solely based on their movements. These subjective ratings of synchronicity and creativity can be predicted using transfer entropy and mutual information, showing that informational coupling between agents is relevant to subjective experience of interaction as described by the concept of socSMCs.
Altered Functional Network Energy Across Multiscale Brain Networks in Preterm vs. Full-Term Subjects: Insights from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study
Authors: Li Qiang , Jensen Dawn , Fu Zening , Jakim Teddy , Seraji Masoud , Süleymanoğlu Selim , Bharadwaj G. Hari Surya , Chen Jiayu , Calhoun Vince D. , Liu Jingyu
Published: February 2025

Infants born prematurely, or preterm, can experience altered brain connectivity, due in part to incomplete brain development at the time of parturition. Research has also shown structural and functional differences in the brain that persist in these individuals as they enter adolescence when compared to peers who were fully mature at birth. In this study, we examined functional network energy across multiscale functional connectivity in approximately 4600 adolescents from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study who were either preterm or full term at birth. We identified three key brain networks that show significant differences in network energy between preterm and full-term subjects. These networks include the visual network (comprising the occipitotemporal and occipital subnetworks), the sensorimotor network, and the high cognitive network (including the temporoparietal and frontal subnetworks). Additionally, it was demonstrated that full-term subjects exhibit greater instability, leading to more dynamic reconfiguration of functional brain information and increased flexibility across the three identified canonical brain networks compared to preterm subjects. In contrast, those born prematurely show more stable networks but less dynamic and flexible organization of functional brain information within these key canonical networks. In summary, measuring multiscale functional network energy offered insights into the stability of canonical brain networks associated with subjects born prematurely. These findings enhance our understanding of how early birth impacts brain development.
SEX-DEPENDENT MODULATION OF BEHAVIORAL ALLOCATION VIA VENTRAL TEGMENTAL AREA-NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS SHELL CIRCUITRY
Authors: McLaurin Kristen A. , Illenberger Jessica M. , Li Hailong , Booze Rosemarie M. , Mactutus Charles F.
Published: February 2025

Diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder, cocaine type (i.e., cocaine use disorder), outlined in the 5thedition of theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual,imply that the disorder arises, at least in part, from the maladaptive allocation of behavior to drug use. To date, however, the neural circuits involved in the allocation of behavior have not been systematically evaluated. Herein, a chemogenetics approach (i.e., designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs)) was utilized in combination with a concurrent choice self-administration experimental paradigm to evaluate the role of the mesolimbic neurocircuit in the allocation of behavior. Pharmacological activation of hM3D(Gq) DREADDs in neurons projecting from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens (AcbSh) induced a sex-dependent shift in the allocation of behavior in rodents transduced with DREADDs. Specifically, male DREADDs animals exhibited a robust increase in responding for a natural (i.e., sucrose) reward following pharmacological activation of the VTA-AcbSh circuit; female DREADDs rodents, in sharp contrast, displayed a prominent decrease in drug-reinforced (i.e., cocaine) responding. The sequential activation of hM3D(Gq) and KORD DREADDs within the same neuronal population validated the role of the VTA-AcbSh circuit in reinforced responding for concurrently available natural and drug rewards. Collectively, the VTA-AcbSh circuit is fundamentally involved in behavioral allocation affording a key target for the development of novel pharmacotherapies.
Proteome-wide Prediction of the Functional Impact of Missense Variants with ProteoCast
Authors: Abakarova Marina , Freiberger Maria Ines , Lierhmann Arnaud , Rera Michael , Laine Elodie
Published: February 2025

Background

Dissecting the functional impact of genetic mutations is essential to advancing our understanding of genotype-phenotype relationships and identifying new therapeutic targets. Despite the progress in sequencing and CRISPR technologies, proteome-wide mutation effect prediction remains challenging. Here, we introduce ProteoCast, a scalable and interpretable computational method for proteome-wide classification of genetic variants and functional protein site identification. It relies solely on evolutionary information, leveraging protein sequence data across organisms.

Results

Using ProteoCast, we generated mutational landscapes for 22,169Drosophila melanogasterprotein isoforms, categorising over 293 million amino acid substitutions as functionally neutral, uncertain, or impactful. We validated our predictions with over 380 thousand natural polymorphisms observed in the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) and Drosophila Evolution over Space and Time (DEST) datasets and with FlyBase’s developmentally lethal mutations. About 86% of known lethal mutations were classified as impactful or uncertain, versus only 13% and 18% of DGRP and DEST mutations. Moreover, we performed ProteoCast-guided genome editing experiments, providing a proof-of-concept of the validity of this strategy. Beyond variant effect prediction, ProteoCast detected evolutionary conservation signals in about one-third of 40.5K annotated post-translational modification sites and 83% of ∼90 known short linear motifs. These results support its usefulness for uncovering interaction and regulatory sites in unstructured protein regions.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate ProteoCast applicability for model organisms, contributing to basic genetic research and translational studies. This work provides a publicly available dataset, user-friendly interactive web services, and a locally deployable pipeline tool for further research into gene function and mutation effects in any organism.
Feedback and feedforward control are differentially delayed in cerebellar ataxia
Authors: Cao Di , Wilkinson Michael G.T. , Bastian Amy J. , Cowan Noah J.
Published: February 2025

1

Damage to the cerebellum can cause ataxia, a condition associated with impaired movement coordination. Typically, coordinated movement relies on a combination of anticipatory mechanisms (specifically, feedforward control) and corrective mechanisms (embodied by feedback control). Here, we show that in 3D reaching in VR, ataxia preserves the visuomotor feedforward and feedback control structure compared to the control group. However, the ataxia group exhibits a small increase in feedback delay (~ 20 ms) and a substantial increase in feedforward delay (~ 70 ms) together with a reduced feedback gain (~25 % lower). Our results suggest that the feedforward and feedback pathways remain largely intact in ataxia, but that time delay deficits and temoral discoordination amongst these control pathways may contribute to the disorder. We also find that providing a preview—analogous to driving on a clear night and seeing the road ahead vs. driving in the fog— improves tracking performance in the ataxia group, although the control group was significantly better able to exploit this preview information. Overall, our results indicate that the feedforward control and preview utilization are relatively well-preserved in individuals with cerebellar ataxia, and that preview could potentially be leveraged to enhance the feedforward performance of those with ataxia.
The use of residual blood specimens in seroprevalence studies for vaccine preventable diseases: A scoping review
Authors: Pilewskie Monica , Prosperi Christine , Bernasconi Abigail , Esteban Ignacio , Niehaus Lori , Ross Connor , Carcelén Andrea C , Moss William J , Winter Amy K
Published: February 2025

Background

Residual blood specimens offer a cost- and time-efficient alternative for conducting serological surveys. However, their use is often criticized due to potential issues with representativeness of the target population and/or limited availability of associated metadata. We conducted a scoping review to examine where, when, how, and why residual blood specimens have been used in serological surveys for vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), and how potential selection biases are addressed.

Methods

The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). We identified relevant papers published between 1999 and 2022 through a literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and the WHO IRIS database. Study data were captured using Kobo Toolbox, and findings were summarized using descriptive analytical methods.

Results

A total of 601 articles met the inclusion criteria after title, abstract screening, and full-text review. The most commonly studied VPDs using residual blood specimens were COVID-19 (27%), hepatitis E (16%), hepatitis B (10%), influenza (9%), HPV (7%), and measles (7%). Most studies (81%) aimed to estimate population-level seroprevalence. Residual specimens were primarily sourced from patients (55%) or blood donors (36%). Common strategies to address potential biases included comparing results with published estimates (78%) and performing stratified analyses (71%).

Conclusions

Residual blood specimens are widely used in seroprevalence studies, particularly during emerging disease outbreaks when rapid estimates are critical. However, the review highlighted inconsistencies in how researchers analyze and report the use of residual specimens. To address these gaps, we propose a set of recommendations to improve the analysis, reporting, and ethical considerations of serological surveys using residual specimens.
SNARE Protein Ykt6 Drives AMPAR Insertion at Synaptic Terminals During LTP
Authors: Takahashi Momoko , Caraveo Gabriela
Published: February 2025

Ykt6 is a SNARE protein essential for vesicular fusion along the secretory pathway. It has been implicated in α-synuclein (αSyn) pathology and is critically involved in α-synuclein-dependent dementias. αSyn disrupts AMPA receptor (AMPAR) expression at synaptic terminals, which is key for long-term potentiation (LTP)—the cellular basis of memory and learning. AMPAR expression at synaptic terminals relies on the secretory pathway; however, the role of Ykt6 in LTP and its perturbation under αSyn pathological conditions remain unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that Ykt6 is highly expressed in the hippocampus of the mammalian brain, relocalizes to synaptic terminals during LTP, and regulates GluA1 surface expression. Moreover, we found that Ykt6 modulates the synaptic vesicular pools and dendritic arborization. Taken together, our findings establish Ykt6 as an essential SNARE for hippocampal neural function during LTP, with significant implications for α-synuclein-dependent dementias.
Collective Transitions from Orbiting to Matrix Invasion in 3D Multicellular Spheroids
Authors: Kim Jiwon , Jeong Hyuntae , Falcó Carles , Hruska Alex M. , Martinson W. Duncan , Marzoratti Alejandro , Araiza Mauricio , Yang Haiqian , Franck Christian , Carrillo José A. , Guo Ming , Wong Ian Y.
Published: February 2025

Coordinated cell rotation along a curved matrix interface can sculpt epithelial tissues into spherical morphologies. Subsequently, radially-oriented invasion of multicellular strands or branches can occur by local remodeling of the confining matrix. These symmetry-breaking transitions emerge from the dynamic reciprocity between cells and matrix, but remain poorly understood. Here, we show that epithelial cell spheroids collectively transition from circumferential orbiting to radial invasion via bi-directional interactions with the surrounding matrix curvature. Initially, spheroids exhibit an ellipsoidal shape but become rounded as orbiting occurs. However, cells gradually reorient from coordinated rotation towards outward strand invasion due to the accumulation of contractile tractions at discrete sites. Remarkably, the initial ellipsoid morphology predicts subsequent invasion of 2-4 strands roughly aligned with the major axis. We then perturb collective migration using osmotic pressure, showing that orbiting can be arrested and invasion can be reversed. We also investigate coordinated orbiting in “mosaic” spheroids, showing a small fraction of “leader” cells with weakened cell-cell adhesions can impede collective orbiting but still invade into the matrix. Finally, we establish a minimal self-propelled particle model to elucidate how collective orbiting is mediated by the crosstalk of cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion along a curved boundary. Altogether, this work elucidates how tissue morphogenesis is governed by the interplay of collective behaviors and the local curvature of the cell-matrix, with relevance for embryonic development and tumor progression.
Decoding semantics from natural speech using human intracranial EEG
Authors: Pescatore Camille R. C. , Zhang Haoyu , Hadjinicolaou Alex E. , Paulk Angelique C. , Rolston John D. , Richardson R. Mark , Williams Ziv M. , Cai Jing , Cash Sydney S.
Published: February 2025

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) hold promise for restoring natural language production capabilities in patients with speech impairments, potentially enabling smooth conversation that conveys meaningful information via synthesized words. While considerable progress has been made in decoding phonetic features of speech, our ability to extract lexical semantic information (i.e. the meaning of individual words) from neural activity remains largely unexplored. Moreover, most existing BCI research has relied on controlled experimental paradigms rather than natural conversation, limiting our understanding of semantic decoding in ecological contexts. Here, we investigated the feasibility of decoding lexical semantic information from stereo-electroencephalography (sEEG) recordings in 14 participants during spontaneous conversation. Using multivariate pattern analysis, we were able to decode word level semantic features during language production with an average accuracy of 21% across all participants compared to a chance level of 10%. This semantic decoding remained robust across different semantic representations while maintaining specificity to semantic features. Further, we identified a distributed left-lateralized network spanning precentral gyrus, pars triangularis, and middle temporal cortex, with low-frequency oscillations showing stronger contributions. Together, our results establish the feasibility of extracting word meanings from neural activity during natural speech production and demonstrate the potential for decoding semantic content from unconstrained speech.
Toward passive acoustic occupancy surveys of rare red uakari monkeys (Cacajao ucayalii): using automatic signal recognition and cluster analysis to organize signals?
Authors: Bowler M. , Casinhas I. , Moreno D.Y. , Mori G. , Briceño F. , León J. , Gacheva B
Published: February 2025

We tested a workflow using a cluster analysis to develop a classifier to detect red uakari monkey calls using clustering and Hidden Markov Models, and Kaleidoscope viewer to review and discount false positives. We used recordings collected in a series of behavioral studies on a habituated group of red uakari monkeys on the Yavari-Miri River in the Peruvian Amazon as training data to develop the classifier and tested it on a passive acoustic survey at the same site where uakari distributions were known to us. We estimated detection probabilities for red uakaris and used an occupancy model to estimate habitat use to compare with use determined by behavioral research. We assessed a workflow for processing passive acoustic primate surveys that would eliminate false positives and demand minimal time and coding expertise from those implementing the analyses and reviewing audio recordings. These are key considerations in the design of landscape-scale PAM surveys for rare species.
Post-Synaptic Density Proteins in Oligodendrocytes are Required for Activity-Dependent Myelin Sheath Growth
Authors: Masson MA , Graciarena M , Porte M , Nait Oumesmar B
Published: February 2025

Compelling evidence demonstrates a functional link between neuronal activity and myelination, highlighting the vital importance of axon-oligodendrocyte crosstalk in myelin physiology and function. However, how neuronal activity is relayed to oligodendroglia to regulate myelin formation remains not fully understood. Here, we aimed to characterize how that myelination is regulated by glutamate vesicular release in zebrafish spinal cord. We compared oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and myelinating oligodendrocytes (mOLs) for their close apposition with pre-synaptic boutons and found that these are increased in number on mOLs during myelin internode elongation. Consistently, mOLs show more pre-synaptic boutons during myelin internode elongation compared to OPCs. In addition, we also found that oligodendroglial cells express the post-synaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) along punctated domains, regardless of their differentiation stage. Genetically targeted PSD-95-GFP expression in oligodendroglia revealed post-synaptic-like domains along their processes and sheaths, which are contacted by axonal pre-synaptic varicosities. These contacts are increased in mOLs. Importantly, CRISPR-Cas9 mediated deletion ofdlg4in oligodendroglia impairs myelin sheath growth, in vivo. Overall, our data indicate that PSD-95 is a key component of axons to oligodendrocytes neurotransmission that regulates myelin sheath growth.

HIGHLIGHTS

Glutamate vesicular release is required for myelination

Axon-oligodendroglia connectivity increases with oligodendrocyte maturation

Oligodendrocytes express the post-synaptic density protein 95

Dlg4loss-of-function in oligodendroglia impedes myelin sheath growth

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Astrocyte gap junctions and Kir channels contribute to K+buffering and regulate neuronal excitability
Authors: Bojovic Danica , Dagostin Andre , Sullivan Steve J. , von Gersdorff Henrique , Mishra Anusha
Published: February 2025

ABSRACT

Astrocytes are connected in a functional syncytium via gap junctions, which is thought to contribute to maintenance of extracellular K+homeostasis. The prevailing hypothesis is that K+released during neuronal firing is taken up by astrocytes via Kirchannels and then distributed among neighboring astrocytes via gap junctions. Previous reports examining the role of Kirchannels and gap junctions have shown both hyperexcitability and depression when each mechanism is blocked. Here, we tested the effect of blocking Kirchannels and gap junctions, both independently and simultaneously, on field activity of cortical slices in response to a 3 s, 20 Hz stimulation train. Independently blocking either Kirchannels or gap junctions increased the amplitude of the first fEPSC (field excitatory post-synaptic current) in response to a stimulation train, followed by suppression of fEPSCs during sustained stimulation. Surprisingly, blocking both gap junctions and Kirchannels enhanced the suppression of neuronal activity, resulting in a ∼75% decrease in fiber volley (pre-synaptic action potentials) amplitude in the first response, followed by a fast and strong suppression of sustained fEPSCs. Our results demonstrate that blocking Kirchannels and gap junctions can increase the excitability of neurons when firing is sparse, but suppression results when the firing frequency is increased to cortical physiological ranges. This suggest that K+buffering via Kirand gap junctions, likely mediated by astrocytes, together play a critical role in maintaining neuronal excitability, particularly during sustained activity.
Divergent stem cell mechanisms governing the primary body axis and appendage regeneration in the axolotl
Authors: Wang Liqun , Song Li , Yi Chao , Zhou Jing , Yong Zhouying , Hu Yan , Pan Xiangyu , Qiao Na , Cai Hao , Zhao Wandong , Zhang Rui , Yang Lieke , Liu Lei , Peng Guangdun , Tanaka Elly M , Li Hanbo , Liu Yanmei , Fei Ji-Feng
Published: February 2025

Exploring the fundamental mechanisms of organ regeneration is crucial for advancing regenerative medicine. The axolotl tail represents a unique opportunity to study regeneration of the primary axis including segmented muscle, vertebrae and skin. During tail development, muscle stem cells (MuSCs) displayed expected specificity to the muscle lineage. Tail amputation, however, induced expansion of MuSC potential yielding clonal contribution to muscle, connective tissue including cartilage, pericytes, and fibroblasts. This expanded potential was not observed during limb regeneration, and cross-transplantation showed these differences in potential are intrinsic. ScRNA-Seq profiling revealed that tail MuSCs revert to an embryonic mesoderm-like state. Through genetic manipulation involving the over-expression of constitutively active TGF-β receptors or Smad7 (antagonist of TGF-β signaling) in MuSCs, we demonstrated that the levels of TGF-β signal determine the fate outcome of MuSCs to connective tissue lineage or muscle respectively. Our findings illustrate a fundamental difference between regeneration of primary axis versus limb and offers a novel stem cell source for regeneration of axial skeletal tissues.
Axion-induced pair production: A new strategy for axion detection
Authors: Arias-Aragón Fernando , Giannotti Maurizio , Grilli di Cortona Giovanni , Mescia Federico
Published: February 2025

We revisit and update the axion-induced pair production process in a nuclear electric field mediated by the axion-electron coupling, a+XZA→XZA+e++e−. This process emerges as one of the most efficient channels for detecting axions with energies above a few MeV in large underground detectors. It is particularly relevant for detecting axions produced in nuclear reactions, such as the p+d→He3+a(5.5  MeV) reaction in the solar pp-chain, and for axions originating in supernovae. Despite recent interest in detecting high-energy axions, the pair production process has received limited attention, even in scenarios where it is the dominant detection channel. This study fills this gap by demonstrating that pair production is a highly effective detection mechanism for high-energy axions. We apply our results to axions from supernovae and the solar 5.5 MeV line, recasting the current bounds of Borexino and comparing the detection capabilities of the JUNO and Hyper-Kamiokande detectors.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Insights into distorted lamellar phases with small-angle scattering and machine learning
Authors: Tung Chi-Huan , Ding Lijie , Huang Guan-Rong , Porcar Lionel , Shinohara Yuya , Sumpter Bobby G. , Do Changwoo , Chen Wei-Ren
Published: February 2025

Lamellar phases are essential in various soft matter systems, with topological defects significantly influencing their mechanical properties. In this report, we present a machine-learning approach for quantitatively analyzing the structure and dynamics of distorted lamellar phases using scattering techniques. By leveraging the mathematical framework of Kolmogorov–Arnold networks, we demonstrate that the conformations of these distorted phases – expressed as superpositions of complex waves – can be reconstructed from small-angle scattering intensities. Through the contour analysis of wave field phase singularities, we obtain the statistics of the spatial distribution of topological defects. Furthermore, we establish that the temporal evolution of these defects can be derived from the time-dependent traveling wave field, informed by the dispersion relation of spectral components. This method opens new avenues for investigating the dynamics of distorted lamellar phases using various dynamic scattering techniques such as neutron spin echo and X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy. These findings enhance our microscopic understanding of how defects influence the physical properties of lamellar materials, with implications for both equilibrium and non-equilibrium states in general lamellar systems.
Surface analysis of cannabigerol cocrystals: linking crystal structure to enhanced properties
Authors: Zmeškalová Eliška , Stara František , Havlůjová Tereza , Šoóš Miroslav
Published: February 2025

Cannabigerol is a bioactive compound derived from Cannabis sativa. It displays many promising pharmaceutical and nutraceutical properties. Its use and research are complicated by its thermally unstable solid form with low solubility and needle habit, preventing easy formulation into tablets or capsules. To overcome these problems, we conducted a crystallization screening with the aim to discover new crystal forms with enhanced properties. Though polymorph and solvate screenings did not yield new forms, the cocrystal screening was successful. Two cocrystals were discovered, one with piperazine and another with tetramethylpirazine, both in a 1:1 ratio. The latter can exist in three polymorphic forms. Both offer improvements in the melting point and crystal habit, and the cocrystal with tetramethylpirazine also shows a significant enhancement in dissolution rate. The new solid forms were analysed by a combination of methods, including X-ray powder diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and intrinsic dissolution rate. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction data were used to solve the crystal structures, which were then compared with that of pure CBG. The crystal morphologies and surfaces were comprehensively analysed using the CSD-Particle suite, with various properties correlated against dissolution rates. While surface attachment energy and roughness (rugosity) did not show significant effects, the concentration of unsatisfied hydrogen-bond donors displayed a positive correlation. There were two parameters with a very strong correlation to dissolution rate: the propensity for interactions with water molecules, determined by the maximum range in the full interaction maps on the surface calculated for the water probe, and also the difference in the positive and negative electrostatic charges. These parameters proved highly predictive of aqueous dissolution, offering immense utility in pharmaceutical development.
Exploring the drivers of concession period in transport public–private partnerships
Authors: Mangano Giulio , Castelblanco Gabriel , De Marco Alberto , Ottaviani Filippo Maria
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The influence of internal and external factors impacting the duration of the concession period in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) is essential for project outcomes considering its implications on operational expenses, payback periods in project finance and long-term uncertainties. In this context, this research analyzes a set of key factors that may influence the duration of the concession period of PPP transport projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A triangulation approach combining both quantitative and qualitative methods was employed. This mixed-method approach incorporates an in-depth literature review to identify the factors that potentially affect the public sector decision on concession periods within transportation PPP programs. The information from all the transportation PPP projects (roads, ports, rails and airports) procured in 58 countries in Europe, Africa and Asia was retrieved from public databases, official records in each of the countries and academic papers. The information retrieved from each of the identified parameters was further examined through analysis of variance and linear regression to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Results demonstrate that user-pay PPPs should restrict minimum concession periods to prevent excessive user tariffs, which could result in societal resistance and potential long-term traffic underperformance. Additionally, PPP market’s willingness to accept longer concession periods depends on country’s risk profile and regulatory framework transparency. Conversely, high-risk countries may seek longer concession periods by utilizing payment mechanisms that allocate demand risk to the public sector.

Originality/value

This study provides relevant insights for better negotiating the concession duration to increase the value for money associated with the PPP project.
Strategic renewal influenced by the perception of gender issues and stakeholder pressure: a managerial cognition perspective
Authors: Torp Sofie , Lien Raina , Gil Miguel , Ramírez-Solís Edgar Rogelio
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Research in managerial cognition has proved the influence of managerial perceptions in strategic renewal. Moreover, contingency theory argues that strategic renewal is an organisational reaction to perceived contingencies. Nevertheless, previous literature has rarely examined the interaction of these two theoretical approaches in the context of perceived gender issues. This paper explores how managers' perceptions of gender issues and stakeholder pressure, independently and in combination, influence organisations’ strategic renewal.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected quantitative data through an online survey sent to managers in Sweden. The final sample consisted of 101 valid responses examined using linear regression analysis. This analysis consisted of three models. Two models examined the direct impact of perceptions of gender issues and stakeholder pressure on strategic renewal, while a third model investigated their interactive effect.

Findings

The regression analysis showed a positive relationship between managers’ perceptions of gender issues and strategic renewal. Moreover, stakeholder pressure experienced by managers was positively associated with strategic renewal, and the interaction between the perception of gender issues and strategic renewal did not significantly influence strategic renewal.

Originality/value

The results provide at least three theoretical contributions, demonstrating the importance of managerial cognition in strategic renewal through the lens of perceived gender issues. Also, the results show that the interaction of perception of gender issues and stakeholder pressure does not automatically translate into strategic renewal, highlighting more complexity than generally assumed. Finally, our findings underscore the significance of perceived gender issues, even within a context widely regarded as advanced in gender equality, such as Sweden, thereby adding value and relevance to the research.
Positioning accuracy improvement of a large parallel pose alignment mechanism based on comprehensive error analysis
Authors: Li Hongbin , Sun Nina , Wang Zhihao
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to improve the positioning accuracy of a large-scale parallel pose alignment mechanism by calibration and error compensation.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamic modelling of the parallel pose alignment mechanism is achieved using the Newton Euler method. Combined with a deformation compatibility analysis, the support force at the spherical hinge and the friction of the follow-up prismatic pair are calculated. The deformation of the moving platform in multi-pose space is analysed by the integral method, and a corresponding deformation model is established. Based on the calculated support force, friction and deformation, the deformation error is analysed. Combined with the calculated deformation error, kinematics calibration and positioning error compensation are carried out.

Findings

The simulation results show that the deviation of structural error identification is decreased from 3.03 × 10–1 mm to 6.8 × 10–2 mm. The experimental results show that the maximum pose errors after compensation are reduced from 2.77 mm to 6.5 × 10–1° to 3.9 × 10–1 mm and 3.7 × 10–1°, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Originality/value

This method can be used in the field of aircraft assembly for the calibration and error compensation of a large-scale parallel pose alignment mechanism based on positioners.
Magnetohydrodynamic ternary hybrid nanofluid slip flow past a permeable shrinking sheet: boundary layer flow control and optimization using response surface methodology
Authors: Wahid Nur Syahirah , Abu Bakar Shahirah , Mustafa Mohd Shafie , Md Arifin Norihan , Pop Ioan
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) in nanofluids is crucial in boundary layer flow as it enables the manipulation of fluid motion through magnetic fields, which leads to improved stability and efficiency. This study aims to introduce a model and solutions for the boundary layer flow of a ternary hybrid nanofluid past a permeable shrinking sheet, integrating both magnetohydrodynamic and slip effects.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is firstly expressed as partial differential equations and subsequently converted into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) through a similarity transformation technique. A finite difference scheme with the Lobatto IIIa formula in MATLAB is applied to numerically solve the ODEs, where the respective outcomes provide insights into the skin friction coefficient, Nusselt number, velocity profiles and temperature profiles.

Findings

The results highlight the significance of enhancing magnetohydrodynamic effects and first-order velocity slip to reduce skin friction, improve heat transfer, delay boundary layer separation, increase flow velocity and lower fluid temperature. In addition, the stable numerical solution is scrutinized using response surface methodology (RSM) to validate and optimize flow control. The RSM optimization confirms that higher suction, magnetohydrodynamic effects and first-order slip levels are essential for minimizing skin friction and maximizing heat transfer simultaneously.

Originality/value

The presented model together with the numerical and statistical results can be used as a guidance to control the flow and heat transfer that occur within a related practical application, especially in engineering and industrial activities such as cooling technologies, energy harvesting or fluid transport in nanotechnology, where precise control of heat transfer and fluid dynamics is essential for optimizing performance and reducing energy consumption.
Modern slavery in supply chains: toward a theoretically based research agenda
Authors: Montgomery Nicolle A.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Although the literature on modern slavery (MS) is continually increasing, there remains a paucity of theory-driven research. Hence, this study aims to develop a multitheoretical framework and research agenda for MS.

Design/methodology/approach

This study comprised two steps. First, it reviews the literature on supply chain (SC) social sustainability to identify the typically used theories. Six of them were selected for this study: institutional, stakeholder, resource-based, resource dependence, principal agent and transaction cost economics theories. Second, it conducts a systematic literature review using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines to analyze relevant literature on social issues in SCs, and thematically synthesizes the findings. The six theoretical perspectives and key themes that emerged from the literature were used to develop future research directions (RDs) for MS.

Findings

This study develops a multitheoretical framework and research agenda comprising 20 theory-driven RDs for MS, focusing on the environmental, firm and transaction levels.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides a reference for future MS research. Although the study used only six theories, future studies can develop further research agendas for MS based on diverse theories.

Practical implications

Practitioners can use this framework to understand MS from varied perspectives and identify and mitigate MS risks in SCs.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study presents the first comprehensive and theoretically grounded research agenda that positions MS research onto a stronger theoretical foundation.
Impact pathways: navigating risks in the pharmaceutical supply chain – a multi-actor perspective
Authors: Ciceri Claudia , Borsani Camilla , Guida Michela , Farinelli Marco , Caniato Federico
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to comprehensively map and prioritize risks in the pharmaceutical supply chain, focusing on European and North American countries through a multi-actor perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a structured literature review on supply chain risk management in the pharmaceutical supply chain, we identified 84 risks. After shortlisting the 15 most critical ones, we applied the analytic hierarchy process to prioritize risks affecting the pharmaceutical supply chain, considering both the perspective of individual actors and the entire supply chain.

Findings

This study first analyzed the pharmaceutical supply chain risk management literature to identify the most critical risks. It then offered a novel perspective on risk prioritization through a multi-actor analytic hierarchy process, revealing how different actors assign varying levels of priority to these risks based on their unique roles and business contexts.

Originality/value

Recent disruptions, such as COVID-19 and the Ukraine conflict, reshaped pharmaceutical supply chain risk priorities, revealing a ranking that diverges significantly from the literature. Each supply chain actor prioritized risks differently based on their role, highlighting a fragmented approach and emphasizing the need for more collaborative, systemic risk management. This study introduces new research directions to address unmet, real-world needs within pharmaceutical supply chain risk management.
Exploring impact of production volume and product quality on manufacturers' profitability: analytical modeling and empirical validation
Authors: Goswami Mohit , Ramkumar M. , Anthony Jiju , Jayaraman Raja , Cudney Beth , Chan Felix T.S.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to develop analytical models that consider product quality and production volume as essential drivers for profitability in the marketplace. It also considers product demand and price dynamics to understand related nuances backed by empirical validation.

Design/methodology/approach

The pricing mechanism is influenced by production quality, while product demand is influenced by both price and quality. The study considers cost elements, including production cost and quality loss cost which in turn are influenced by production volume and product quality. It establishes analytical conditions for optimal product quality and applies them to numerical analyses considering four distinct industry settings.

Findings

The study reveals that unique solutions exist for optimal product quality at each production level in four industry scenarios. The optimal production volume depends on product quality, and empirical research validates these findings from analytical models and numerical analysis.

Originality/value

This study represents a pioneering effort to investigate operational strategies in both analytical and empirical contexts, thus contributing to the existing body of knowledge in this area.