bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Idecopy number variant does not influence lesion size and mortality in two C57BL/6J mouse models of cerebrovascular ischemia nor in human cerebrovascular disease. An exploratory study
Authors: Foddis Marco , Blumenau Sonja , Mueller Susanne , Messerschmidt Clemens , Rocca Clarissa , Pagnamenta Alistair T , Winek Katarzyna , Endres Matthias , Meisel Andreas , Tucci Arianna , Bras Jose , Guerreiro Rita , Beule Dieter , Dirnagl Ulrich , Sassi Celeste
Published: May 2024

Contrary to the common belief, the most commonly used laboratory mouse inbred strains are shaped by a distinctive genetic and phenotypic diversity. In the past 10 years next generation sequencing unveiled a wide spectrum of genetic variants in different mouse inbred strains and the meticulous observation of researchers pointed to a variegate intra-and inter-strain phenotypic diversity. Although a genotype-phenotype correlation has been described for some traits, the relationship between several endophenotypes and causative genetic variability remains still unknown. Recently, we characterized the brain collateral plasticity in two brain ischemia C57BL/6J mouse models (i.e bilateral common carotid artery stenosis [BCCAS] and 60-min transient unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion [MCAO]) and observed a Mendelian-like fashion of inheritance of the posterior communicating artery (PcomA) plasticity. Interestingly, a copy number variant (CNV) spanningIdelocus was reported to segregate in an analogous Mendelian-like pattern in the C57BL/6J colonies of the Jackson Laboratory. Given the critical role ofIdein vascular plasticity,IdeCNV was an excellent candidate to explain PcomA variability in C57BL/6J inbred mice. To investigate this hypothesis, we applied a combination of complementary techniques (i.e T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], time of flight [TOF] angiography [MRA], cerebral blood flow [CBF] imaging and histology) to characterize the collaterome in C57BL/6J BCCAS and MCAO mice and performed on these Taqman genotyping, exome sequencing, and RNA sequencing. We report anIdeCNV in a BCCAS mouse with 2 patent PcomAs. We then investigated the hypothesis thatIDEgain and loss of function mutations may have influenced the vascular phenotype in a cohort of 438,250 cases and controls (UK Biobank) and 15,790 neurological patients (Genomics England), respectively. We identified fourIDECNVs resulting in a loss of function (LoF) in one patient with hereditary ataxia, a patient with hereditary congenital heart disease and two healthy individuals. In addition, we report fourIDELoF point mutations (p.Leu5X, p.Met394ValfsX29, p.Pro14SerfsX26, p.Leu889X) present in controls or inherited from healthy parents.IdeCNV and LoF variants do not crucially influence PcomA variability in C57BL/6J inbred mice and do not cause a vascular phenotype in humans.
Heterotypic competition between cancer cells and hepatocytes generates heterogeneous context-dependent phenotypes
Authors: Spinazzola Andrea , Carvalho Tânia , Pinto Miguel Alexandre Ferreira , Marques-Reis Mariana , Gutiérrez-García Andrés , Accardi Davide , Moreno Eduardo
Published: May 2024

Competitive interactions between tumor cells and surrounding healthy cells are constantly present during the progression of a solid tumor, and their outcome has been proposed to affect the clinical behavior. Previous studies have described various mechanistic and molecular aspects that characterize this process, overall indicating that cancer cells behave as supercompetitors, which eliminate neighboring healthy cells to gain vital space for growth and infiltration of the tissue. Nevertheless, there is a lack of systematic characterization of these competitive interactions, particularly in the context of cancer in mammals. Furthermore, previous studies in the field of cell competition have primarily focused on homotypic cell competition, involving different clones of the same cell or cells deriving from the same tissue. Data are scarce regarding heterotypic cell competition between two unrelated cell types, which is particularly critical for the understanding of metastatic tumors. In this research, we study cell competition in the context of liver metastases, providing a broad characterization of this process in different relevant scenarios, including cells growingin vitroin 2D and 3D, andin vivo. Results show thatin vitro, only a subset of cancer cell lines are coherently strong or moderate competitors against hepatocytes, while the remaining demonstrate poor competitiveness. The competitive proficiency can vary depending on the experimental growth system that is employed, and often predicts the phenotype of liver metastases in terms of aggressiveness and morphology. Finally, our data point towards an involvement of mechanical competition in determining the supercompetitor trait of cancer cells. Altogether, our research provides the first comprehensive characterization of heterotypic cell competition, and indicates that cancer cells possess heterogeneous competitive proficiency towards hepatocytes which can be affected by the growth conditions.
MetaDAG: a web tool to generate and analyse metabolic networks
Authors: Palmer-Rodríguez Pere , Alberich Ricardo , Reyes-Prieto Mariana , Castro José A. , Llabrés Mercè
Published: May 2024

We introduce MetaDAG, a web-based tool designed for metabolic network reconstruction and analysis. MetaDAG is capable of constructing metabolic networks associated with specific organisms, sets of organisms, sets of reactions, sets of enzymes, and sets of KO (KEGG Orthology) identifiers. To generate these metabolic networks, MetaDAG retrieves from the KEGG database the chemical reaction information that corresponds to the user’s queries. MetaDAG computes a reaction graph as a first metabolic graph model. This reaction graph is a network in which nodes represent reactions, and edges between reactions indicate the presence of a metabolite produced by one reaction and consumed by another. Next, as a second metabolic model, MetaDAG computes a directed acyclic graph called a metabolic DAG (m-DAG for short). The m-DAG is obtained from the reaction graph by collapsing all strongly connected components into single nodes. As a result, the m-DAG representation reduces considerably the number of nodes while keeping and also highlighting the network’s connectivity. Both metabolic models, the reaction graph, and the m-DAGs, are displayed on an interactive web page to assist the users in visualising and analysing the networks. Furthermore, users can retrieve the node’s information linked to the KEGG database. All generated files, including images containing metabolic network information and analysis results, are available for download directly from the web page. In the Eukariotes test presented here, MetaDAG has demonstrated its effectiveness in classifying all eukaryotes from the KEGG database at both the kingdom and phyla taxonomy levels.
Rhythmidia: a modern tool for circadian period analysis of filamentous fungi
Authors: Keeley Alex T. , Lotthammer Jeffrey M. , Pelham Jacqueline F.
Published: May 2024

Circadian rhythms are ubiquitous across the kingdoms of life and serve important roles in regulating physiology and behavior at many levels. These rhythms occur in ∼24-hour cycles and are driven by a core molecular oscillator. Circadian timekeeping enables organisms to anticipate daily changes by timing their growth and internal processes.Neurospora crassais a model organism with a long history in circadian biology, having conserved eukaryotic clock properties and observable circadian phenotypes. A core approach for measuring circadian function in Neurospora is to follow daily oscillations in the direction of growth and spore formation along a thin glass tube (race tube). While leveraging robust phenotypic readouts is useful, interpreting the outputs of large-scale race tube experiments by hand can be time-consuming and prone to human error. To provide the field with an efficient tool for analyzing race tubes, we present Rhythmidia, a graphical user interface (GUI) tool written in Python for calculating circadian periods and growth rates of Neurospora. Rhythmidia is open source, has been benchmarked against the current state-of-the-art, and is easily accessible on GitHub.
TWEAK/Fn14 signalling driven super-enhancer reprogramming promotes pro-metastatic metabolic rewiring in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Sim Nicholas , Carter Jean-Michel , Deka Kamalakshi , Tan Benita Kiat Tee , Sim Yirong , Tan Suet-Mien , Li Yinghui
Published: May 2024

Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype suffering from limited targeted treatment options. Following recent reports correlating Fn14 receptor overexpression in ER-negative breast cancers with metastatic events, we show that Fn14 is specifically overexpressed in TNBC patients and associated with poor survival. We demonstrate that constitutive Fn14 signalling rewires the transcriptomic and epigenomic landscape of TNBC, leading to enhanced tumour growth and metastasis. We further illustrate that such mechanisms activate TNBC-specific super enhancers (SE) to drive the transcriptional activation of cancer dependency genes via chromatin looping. In particular, we uncover the SE-driven upregulation of NAMPT, which promotes NAD+ and ATP metabolic reprogramming critical for filopodia formation and metastasis. Collectively, our study details the complex mechanistic link between TWEAK/Fn14 signalling and TNBC metastasis, which reveals several vulnerabilities which could be pursued for the targeted treatment of TNBC patients.
In Search of the Perfect Model: How Cancer Cell Lines Relate to Native Cancers
Authors: Paloots Rahel , Yang Ziying , Baudis Michael
Published: May 2024

Cancer cell lines are frequently used in biological and translational research to study cellular mechanisms and explore treatment options. However, cancer cell lines may display mutational profiles divergent from native cancers or may be misidentified or contaminated. We explored how similar cancer cell lines are to native cancers to find the most suitable representations for the corresponding diseases by utilising large collections of copy number variation (CNV) profiles and applied machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict cell line classifications.

Our results confirm that cancer cell lines indeed accumulate more mutations compared to native cancers but retain similar CNV profiles. We demonstrate that many relevant oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are altered by CNV events in both cancers and their corresponding cell lines. Based on the similarities between the two groups and the predictions of the ML model, we provide some recommendations about cell lines with good potential to represent selected cancer types inin vitrostudies.
Functional benefits of continuous vs. categorical listening strategies on the neural encoding and perception of noise-degraded speech
Authors: Rizzi Rose , Bidelman Gavin M.
Published: May 2024

Acoustic information in speech changes continuously, yet listeners form discrete perceptual categories to ease the demands of perception. Being a more continuous/gradient as opposed to a discrete/categorical listener may be further advantageous for understanding speech in noise by increasing perceptual flexibility and resolving ambiguity. The degree to which a listener’s responses to a continuum of speech sounds are categorical versus continuous can be quantified using visual analog scaling (VAS) during speech labeling tasks. Here, we recorded event-related brain potentials (ERPs) to vowels along an acoustic-phonetic continuum (/u/ to /a/) while listeners categorized phonemes in both clean and noise conditions. Behavior was assessed using standard two alternative forced choice (2AFC) and VAS paradigms to evaluate categorization under task structures that promote discrete (2AFC) vs. continuous (VAS) hearing, respectively. Behaviorally, identification curves were steeper under 2AFC vs. VAS categorization but were relatively immune to noise, suggesting robust access to abstract, phonetic categories even under signal degradation. Behavioral slopes were positively correlated with listeners’ QuickSIN scores, suggesting a behavioral advantage for speech in noise comprehension conferred by gradient listening strategy. At the neural level, electrode level data revealed P2 peak amplitudes of the ERPs were modulated by task and noise; responses were larger under VAS vs. 2AFC categorization and showed larger noise-related delay in latency in the VAS vs. 2AFC condition. More gradient responders also had smaller shifts in ERP latency with noise, suggesting their neural encoding of speech was more resilient to noise degradation. Interestingly, source-resolved ERPs showed that more gradient listening was also correlated with stronger neural responses in left superior temporal gyrus. Our results demonstrate that listening strategy (i.e., being a discrete vs. continuous listener) modulates the categorical organization of speech and behavioral success, with continuous/gradient listening being more advantageous to speech in noise perception.
Long-term stability of dominance hierarchies in a wild parrot with fission-fusion dynamics
Authors: Penndorf Julia , Farine Damien , Martin John , Aplin Lucy
Published: May 2024

Dominance hierarchies allow animals living in stable groups to limit the costs of fighting over access to resources. However, little is known about whether hierarchies are maintained in more open, fission-fusion societies, where individuals interact with large numbers of individuals. We recorded social associations and aggressive interactions in a highly social, communally roosting parrot, the sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita). By following 515 individuals across three neighbouring roosts and recording social interactions during foraging, we show that sulphur-crested cockatoos form clear linear hierarchies. Hierarchies are primarily roost based, but also incorporate birds from outside the roost. We find that an individual’s dominance rank is affected by sex and age, with males ranking higher than females and adults ranking higher than juveniles. Finally, we find despite highly dynamic social associations (fission-fusion dynamics) among individuals, hierarchies are stable, with dominance ranks being highly repeatable across years. This study demonstrates that stable and/or closed group membership are not pre-requisites for dominance hierarchies to emerge.
FlyBox: A Flexible Open-Source Behavior Monitoring System
Authors: Le Jasmine Quynh , Yu Albert D. , Dai Xihuimin , Allum Christopher , Bradley Olivia Jo , McAneney Sophia , Schwarzinger Florian , Sherman Zachary , Alvarez Jose E. , Berglund Gillian , Shin Daniel , Keefer Evelyn , Neeley Lawrence , Rosbash Michael
Published: May 2024

Over the past two decades, the vast majority of circadian behavior inDrosophilahas been recorded in Drosophila Activity Monitor (DAM) boards. Though simple and robust, locomotor behavior recording via DAM boards can be prohibitively expensive, especially when taking incubator costs into consideration. Furthermore, their simplicity limits their experimental options and resolution. Here, we present the FlyBox: a simple, open-source benchtop locomotor activity recording system. FlyBox was designed to monitor activity in animals loaded into a standard laboratory multi-well plate. It features light-tight construction and multiple programmable LEDs for simulating day/night cycles and optogenetic manipulation. In total, a single FlyBox costs approximately $750 to build and around two days of labor. In addition, we also present the FlyBoxScanner software to simplify activity monitoring while maintaining compatibility with DAM analysis software. FlyBox is an attractive and affordable package for behavior monitoring that also offers considerable room for customization. Materials and instructions for the FlyBox are available athttps://github.com/Rosbash-Lab-FlyBox/FlyBox, and FlyBoxScanner is available athttps://github.com/jose-elias-alvarez/flybox-scanner.
Streptolysin O Accelerates the Conversion of Plasminogen to Plasmin
Authors: Tang Di , Khakzad Hamed , Hjortswang Elisabeth , Malmström Lars , Ekström Simon , Happonen Lotta , Malmström Johan
Published: May 2024

Streptococcus pyogenesis a human-specific bacterial pathogen that produces several proteins that exploit the plasminogen (PLG)-plasmin (PLM) fibrinolysis system to dismantle blood clots and to facilitate spread and survival within the host. In this study, we explored the interactions between streptolysin O (SLO), a key cytolytic toxin produced byS. pyogenes, and human plasma proteins using affinity-enrichment mass spectrometry. SLO binds specifically to PLG, and this interaction accelerates the conversion of PLG to PLM by tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA). To further investigate the molecular detail of the PLG-SLO interaction, we employed hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry combined with targeted cross-linking mass spectrometry, uncovering that SLO binding induces local conformational shifts in PLG. These changes lead to the formation of a stabilized intermediate PLG-SLO complex that becomes significantly more sensitive to proteolytic processing by tPA. Our findings reveal a conserved moonlighting pathomechanistic role for SLO extending beyond the well characterized cytolytic activity. Additionally, the work underscores the diversity of functional proteomics in identifying and clarifying new host-pathogen interactions.
Executive function deficits in genetic frontotemporal dementia: results from the GENFI study
Authors: Russell Lucy L , Bouzigues Arabella , Convery Rhian S , Foster Phoebe , Ferry-Bolder Eve , Cash David M. , van Swieten John C. , Jiskoot Lize C. , Seelaar Harro , Moreno Fermin , Sanchez-Valle Raquel , Laforce Robert , Graff Caroline , Masellis Mario , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , Rowe James B. , Borroni Barbara , Finger Elizabeth , Synofzik Matthis , Galimberti Daniela , Vandenberghe Rik , de Mendonça Alexandre , Butler Chris , Gerhard Alexander , Ducharme Simon , Le Ber Isabelle , Santana Isabel , Pasquier Florence , Levin Johannes , Sorbi Sandro , Otto Markus , Rohrer Jonathan D.
Published: May 2024

Background

Executive dysfunction is a core feature of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Whilst there has been extensive research into such impairments in sporadic FTD, there has been little research in the familial forms.

Methods

752 individuals were recruited in total: 214C9orf72, 205GRNand 86MAPTmutation carriers, stratified into asymptomatic, prodromal and fully symptomatic, and 247 mutation negative controls. Attention and executive function were measured using the Weschler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) Digit Span Backwards (DSB), the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised Digit Symbol task, the Trail Making Test Parts A and B, the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Color Word Interference Test and verbal fluency tasks (letter and category). Linear regression models with bootstrapping were used to assess differences between groups. Correlation of task score with disease severity was also performed, as well an analysis of the neuroanatomical correlates of each task.

Results

Fully symptomaticC9orf72, GRNandMAPTmutation carriers were significantly impaired on all tasks compared with controls (all p<0.001), except on the WMS-R DSB in theMAPTmutation carriers (p=0.147). Whilst asymptomatic and prodromalC9orf72individuals also demonstrated deficits compared with controls, neither theGRNorMAPTasymptomatic or prodromal mutation carriers showed significant differences. All tasks significantly correlated with disease severity in each of the genetic groups (all p<0.001).

Conclusions

Individuals withC9orf72mutations show difficulties with executive function from very early on in the disease and this continues to deteriorate with disease severity. In contrast, similar difficulties occur only in the later stages of the disease inGRNandMAPTmutation carriers. This differential performance across the genetic groups will be important in neuropsychological task selection in upcoming clinical trials.
DeepVID v2: Self-Supervised Denoising with Decoupled Spatiotemporal Enhancement for Low-Photon Voltage Imaging
Authors: Liu Chang , Lu Jiayu , Wu Yicun , Ye Xin , Ahrens Allison M. , Platisa Jelena , Pieribone Vincent A. , Chen Jerry L. , Tian Lei
Published: May 2024

Significance: Voltage imaging is a powerful tool for studying the dynamics of neuronal activities in the brain. However, voltage imaging data are fundamentally corrupted by severe Poisson noise in the low-photon regime, which hinders the accurate extraction of neuronal activities. Self-supervised deep learning denoising methods have shown great potential in addressing the challenges in low-photon voltage imaging without the need for ground truth, but usually suffer from the tradeoff between spatial and temporal performance. Aim: We present DeepVID v2, a novel self-supervised denoising framework with decoupled spatial and temporal enhancement capability to significantly augment low-photon voltage imaging. Approach: DeepVID v2 is built on our original DeepVID framework, which performs frame-based denoising by utilizing a sequence of frames around the central frame targeted for denoising to leverage temporal information and ensure consistency. The network further integrates multiple blind pixels in the central frame to enrich the learning of local spatial information. Additionally, DeepVID v2 introduces a new edge extraction branch to capture fine structural details in order to learn high spatial resolution information. Results: We demonstrate that DeepVID v2 is able to overcome the tradeoff between spatial and temporal performance, and achieve superior denoising capability in resolving both high-resolution spatial structures and rapid temporal neuronal activities. We further show that DeepVID v2 is able to generalize to different imaging conditions, including time-series measurements with various signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and in extreme low-photon conditions. Conclusions: Our results underscore DeepVID v2 as a promising tool for enhancing voltage imaging. This framework has the potential to generalize to other low-photon imaging modalities and greatly facilitate the study of neuronal activities in the brain.
Left-right-alternating theta sweeps in the entorhinal-hippocampal spatial map
Authors: Vollan Abraham Z. , Gardner Richard J. , Moser May-Britt , Moser Edvard I.
Published: May 2024

Place cells in the hippocampus and grid cells in the entorhinal cortex are elements of a neural map of self-position1–5. To benefit navigation, this representation must be dynamically related to surrounding locations2. A candidate mechanism for linking places along an animal’s path has been described in place cells, where the sequence of spikes within each cycle of the hippocampal theta oscillation encodes a trajectory from the animal’s current location towards upcoming locations6–8. In mazes that bifurcate, such trajectories alternately traverse the two upcoming arms as the animal approaches the choice point9,10, raising the possibility that the trajectories express available forward paths encoded on previous trials10. However, to bridge the animal’s path with the wider environment, beyond places previously or subsequently visited, an experience-independent spatial sampling mechanism might be required. Here we show in freely moving rats, that within individual theta cycles, ensembles of grid cells and place cells encode a position signal that sweeps linearly outwards from the animal’s location into the ambient environment, with sweep direction alternating stereotypically between left and right across successive theta cycles. These sweeps were accompanied by, and aligned with, a similarly alternating directional signal in a discrete population of parasubiculum cells with putative connections to grid cells via conjunctive grid×direction cells. Sweeps extended into never-visited locations that were inaccessible to the animal and persisted during REM sleep. Sweep directions could be explained by an algorithm that maximizes cumulative coverage of surrounding space. The sustained and unconditional expression of theta-patterned left-right-alternating sweeps in the entorhinal-hippocampal positioning system provides an efficient ‘look-around’ mechanism for sampling locations beyond the travelled path.
Tspan15 depletion in mice affects social investigation and aggressive behavior
Authors: Stajano Daniele , Freitag Sandra , Saftig Paul , Gromova Kira V , Kneussel Matthias
Published: May 2024

Tetraspanins are transmembrane proteins that form tetraspanin-enriched microdomains at biological membranes and contribute to the formation of functional protein complexes involved in various cellular processes. Tspan7 and Tspan15 are highly expressed in the hippocampus, a brain region that contributes to the regulation of social aggression. While Tspan7 has been observed to modulate cognition and behavior in rodents, the function of Tspan15 in this context is still unknown. In this study, we tested preference for social novelty, territorial and aggressive behavior in mice lacking Tspan15 gene expression. We report that male Tspan15-KO mice exhibit an increased motivation for social investigation and show increased aggression compared to WT littermates, regardless of familiarity with the partner mouse. Our data suggest a possible role of Tspan15 as a molecular modulator of certain neuronal circuits that control aggressive behavior.
Differential modulation of sensory response dynamics by cilia structure and intraflagellar transport within and across chemosensory neurons
Authors: Philbrook Alison , O’Donnell Michael P. , Grunenkovaite Laura , Sengupta Piali
Published: May 2024

Sensory neurons contain morphologically diverse primary cilia that are built by intraflagellar transport (IFT) and house sensory signaling molecules. Since both ciliary structural and signaling proteins are trafficked via IFT, it has been challenging to decouple the contributions of IFT and cilia structure to neuronal responses. By acutely inhibiting IFT without altering cilia structure andvice versa, here we describe the differential roles of ciliary trafficking and sensory ending morphology in shaping chemosensory responses inC. elegans.We show that a minimum cilium length but not continuous IFT is necessary for a subset of responses in the ASH nociceptive neurons. In contrast, neither cilia nor continuous IFT are necessary for odorant responses in the AWA olfactory neurons. Instead, continuous IFT differentially modulates response dynamics in AWA. Upon acute inhibition of IFT, cilia-destined odorant receptors are shunted to ectopic branches emanating from the cilia base. Spatial segregation of receptors in these branches from a cilia-restricted regulatory kinase results in odorant desensitization defects, highlighting the importance of precise organization of signaling molecules at sensory endings in regulating response dynamics. We also find that adaptation of AWA responses upon repeated exposure to an odorant is mediated by IFT-driven removal of its cognate receptor, whereas adaptation to a second odorant is regulated via IFT-independent mechanisms. Our results reveal unexpected complexity in the contribution of IFT and cilia organization to the regulation of responses even within a single chemosensory neuron type, and establish a critical role for these processes in the precise modulation of olfactory behaviors.
Split minireporters facilitate monitoring of gene expression and peptide production in linear cell-free transcription-translation systems
Authors: Levrier Antoine , Capin Julien , Mayonove Pauline , Karpathakis Ioannis-Ilie , Voyvodic Peter , Devisch Angelique , Zuniga Ana , Cohen-Gonsaud Martin , Cabantous Stephanie , Noireaux Vincent , Bonnet Jerome
Published: May 2024

Cell-free transcription-translation (TXTL) systems expressing genes from linear dsDNA enable rapid prototyping of genetic devices while avoiding cloning steps. However, repetitive inclusion of a reporter gene is an incompressible cost and sometimes accounts for most of the synthesized DNA length. Here we present minireporters based on split-GFP systems that reassemble into functional fluorescent proteins and can be used to monitor gene expression in E. coli TXTL. The 135 bp GFP10-11 fragment produces a fluorescent signal comparable to its full-length GFP counterpart when reassembling with its complementary protein synthesized from the 535 bp fragment expressed in TXTL. We show that minireporters can be used to characterize promoter libraries, with data qualitatively comparable to full-length GFP, and matching with in vivo expression measurements. We also use minireporters as small fusion tags to measure TXTL protein and peptide production yield. Finally, we generalize our concept by providing a luminescent minireporter based on split-nanoluciferase. The ~80% gene sequence length reduction afforded by minireporters lowers synthesis costs and liberates space for testing larger devices while producing a reliable output. In the peptide production context, the small size of minireporters compared to full-length GFP is less likely to bias peptide solubility assays. We anticipate that minireporters will facilitate rapid and cost-efficient genetic device prototyping, protein production, and interaction assays.
Vascular development of fetal and postnatal neocortex of the pig, the European wild boarSus scrofa
Authors: Sobierajski Eric , Czubay Katrin , Beemelmans Christa , Beemelmans Christoph , Meschkat Martin , Uhlenkamp Dennis , Meyer Gundela , Wahle Petra
Published: May 2024

The development of the brain’s vascular system is a predominantly prenatal process in mammalian species and required for neurogenesis and further brain development. Our recent work on fetal pig has revealed that many neurodevelopmental processes start well before birth and proceed rapidly reaching near-mature status already around birth. Here, we analyzed the development of neocortical vasculature from embryonic day (E) 45 onwards (gestation in pig lasts 114 days) using qualitative and quantitative image analyses and protein blots. In all cortical layers, vessel volume from total brain volume at E100 resembled that of a postnatal day (P) 30 piglet. Endothelial cells expressed the tight junction protein claudin-5 from E45 onwards. GFAP+ and AQP4+ astrocytes, PDGFRβ+ pericytes and α-SMA+ smooth muscle cells are detectable near vessels at E60 suggesting an early assembly of blood-brain barrier components. The vascular system in the visual cortex is advanced before birth with an almost mature pattern at E100. Findings were confirmed by blots which showed a steady increase of expression of tight junction and angiogenesis-related proteins (claudin-5, occludin, VE-cadherin, PECAM-1/CD31) from E65 onwards until P90. The expression profile was similar in visual and somatosensory cortex. Together, we report a rapid maturation of the vascular system in pig cortex. Regarding activity-dependent aspects, the data suggest that angiogenesis might be influenced by spontaneous rather than sensory-evoked activity.

Author contribution

Conceptualization and methodology: ES and PW; investigation and analysis: ES, KC; provided resources: CB, CB, MM, DU; visualization: ES, MM, DU; writing—original draft: ES, PW; writing—review and editing: ES, GM, PW; supervision and project administration: PW. All authors approved the manuscript.

Summary statement

Vascular impairment is associated with neurodegenerative disorders. As a groundwork for future studies, we quantitatively analyzed development of cortical vasculature in the emerging translational model, the pig.

ETHICAL APPROVAL

All applicable international, national, and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed. All procedures were in accordance with the ethical standards or practice of the institution at which the studies were conducted.
Variational denoising for variational quantum eigensolver
Authors: Tran Quoc Hoan , Kikuchi Shinji , Oshima Hirotaka
Published: May 2024

The variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) is a hybrid algorithm that has the potential to provide a quantum advantage in practical chemistry problems that are currently intractable on classical computers. VQE trains parameterized quantum circuits using a classical optimizer to approximate the eigenvalues and eigenstates of a given Hamiltonian. However, VQE faces challenges in task-specific design and machine-specific architecture, particularly when running on noisy quantum devices. This can have a negative impact on its trainability, accuracy, and efficiency, resulting in noisy quantum data. We propose variational denoising, an unsupervised learning method that employs a parameterized quantum neural network to improve the solution of VQE by learning from noisy VQE outputs. Our approach can significantly decrease energy estimation errors and increase fidelities with ground states compared to noisy input data for the H2, LiH, and BeH2 molecular Hamiltonians and the transverse field Ising model. Surprisingly, it only requires noisy data for training. Variational denoising can be integrated into quantum hardware, increasing its versatility as an end-to-end quantum processing for quantum data.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Scaling relations in laser-induced vaporization of thin free-flying liquid metal sheets
Authors: Schubert H. K. , Engels D. J. , Meijer R. A. , Liu B. , Versolato O. O.
Published: May 2024

We experimentally study the vaporization of free-flying liquid tin sheets when exposed to a 100-ns laser pulse with an intensity between 0.2×107 and 4×107 W/cm2, a case inspired by current developments around “advanced target shaping” in industrial laser-produced plasma sources for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) nanolithography machines. Our findings reveal a gradual vaporization and a linear relationship between the average vaporization rate and laser pulse intensity (with a prefactor of 1.0(3)×10−7ms−1/Wcm−2), for various targets ranging from 20nmto200nm in thickness. We introduce a numerical one-dimensional heating and vaporization model based on Hertz-Knudsen evaporation and find excellent agreement between simulations and experimental data. We furthermore demonstrate that the amount of vaporization of liquid tin targets in the investigated laser intensity range is governed solely by the deposited fluence, and collapse all data onto a single nondimensional curve, enabling the accurate prediction of vaporization dynamics in applications in future development of EUV sources.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Mixed occupancy: the crystal structure of scheelite-type LiLu[MoO4]2
Authors: Hartenbach Ingo , Hertweck Robin F.
Published: May 2024

Coarse colorless single crystals of lithium lutetium bis[orthomolybdate(VI)], LiLu[MoO4]2, were obtained as a by-product from a reaction aimed at lithium derivatives of lutetium molybdate. The title compound crystallizes in the scheelite structure type (tetragonal, space group I41/a) with two formula units per unit cell. The Wyckoff position 4b (site symmetry \overline{4}) comprises a mixed occupancy of Li+ and Lu3+ cations in a 1:1 ratio. In comparison with a previous powder X-ray study [Cheng et al. (2015). Dalton Trans.
44, 18078–18089.] all atoms were refined with anisotropic displacement parameters.
Making aid work: institutional thresholds and FDI
Authors: Wang Dongni , Fillat-Castejón Carmen
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the institutional threshold effects of foreign aid on foreign direct investment (FDI).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a theoretical model from an extended Solow model that introduces the conductive effect of institutions in an aid recipient country towards the capacity of attracting FDI. This study evidences threshold effects with the most recent panel threshold models that consider endogeneity issues. The data on economic institutions and foreign aid are decomposed into disaggregated level to reveal the detailed threshold pattern. Several sample subsets are used for a heterogeneity analysis.

Findings

Conducting empirical research on a sample of 62 countries during the period 2003–2016, this study finds robust evidence of the existence of an institutional threshold in the aid–FDI nexus which a country must attain to reap the full attraction of FDI by foreign aid providing financial resources. Furthermore, foreign aid tends to promote FDI in institutions characterized by a right-sized government, a strengthened legal system and an appropriate regulatory environment. On the other hand, aid may crowd out FDI. The results are robust to regional combinations and a subset of low and lower-middle-income countries. In addition, this study finds that aid targeted at social infrastructure and services has a positive effect regardless of institutional threshold.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by introducing a non-linear and discontinuous effect of aid on FDI, i.e. a threshold effect, highlighting the relevance of legal systems and regulations and the possibility of a crowding-out effect on FDI for specific institutional regimes. The thresholds provide a guide for donor countries to ensure aid effectiveness at the risk of being counterproductive and for recipient countries to better assess the institutional dimensions that need to be improved.
How many friends at work are too many? The nonlinear association between the number of friends, social support and mental well-being
Authors: Telecan Maria Ioana , Curseu Petru Lucian , Rus Claudia Lenuta
Published: May 2024

Purpose

We grounded this study in the Too-Much-of-a-Good-Thing (TMGT) meta-theoretical framework to disentangle the costs and benefits associated with workplace friendship in a military setting.

Design/methodology/approach

We collected data cross-sectionally through self-reports from 287 employees from the Romanian Air Force.

Findings

The number of friends had an inverted U-shaped association with perceived social support. Our results show that as the number of friends increases from 9 to 10, so does the social support. However, as the number of friends further increases above 10, social support tends to decrease rather than increase. Furthermore, we found that social support and all dimensions of mental well-being (emotional, social and psychological well-being) were positively associated. Moreover, social support mediated the relationship between the number of friends and the three dimensions of mental well-being.

Research limitations/implications

Our findings can help human resources policies in military organizations foster an organizational climate that cultivates friendship ties between employees, which is crucial for their social support and overall mental well-being.

Originality/value

This work provides additional information about the specific mechanisms through which the effects of workplace friendships on mental well-being occur.
Reduced interest option pricing for green bonds
Authors: Zheng Chengli , Jin Jiayu , Han Liyan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper originally proposed the fuzzy option pricing method for green bonds. Based on the requirements of arbitrage equilibrium, this paper draws on Merton's corporate bond option pricing model.

Design/methodology/approach

Describing the asset value behavior of green bond issuing enterprises through diffusion-jump processes to reflect the uncertainty brought by carbon emission reduction policies and technologies, using approximation methods to get the analytical pricing formula and then, using a fuzzification technique of Choquet expectation under  λ-additive fuzzy measures after considering fuzzy factors, the paper provides fuzzy intervals for the parity coupon rates of green bonds with different subjective levels for investors.

Findings

The paper proposes and argues the classical and fuzzy option pricing methods in turn for both corporate ordinary bonds and green bonds, considering carbon risk or climate risk. It implements the scenario analysis varying with industry emission standards and discusses the sensitiveness of the related key parameters of the option.

Practical implications

The fuzzy option pricing for the green bonds provides the scope of the variable equilibrium values, operational theoretical supports and some policy implications of carbon reduction and promoting green funding.

Originality/value

The logic of introducing the fuzziness of the option pricing for the green bonds lies with considering the existence of fuzzy information about the project supported by the green bond and the subjectivity of investors and it also responds to changes in technological uncertainty and policy uncertainty in the process of “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.”
Impact of construction workers informal safety communication (CWISC) on safety performance on construction sites
Authors: Acheampong Alex , Adjei Elvis Konadu , Adade-Boateng Anita , Acheamfour Victor Karikari , Afful Aba Essanowa , Boateng Evans
Published: May 2024

Purpose

An understanding of the impact of construction workers informal safety communication (CWISC), a form of parallel safety communication between workers, on safety performance among construction workers is crucial in order to develop effective strategies for improving safety performance in the construction industry. However, research remains scant on the impact of CWISC on safety performance. This study empirically aims to test the relationship between these important constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

Statistical analysis was used to examine the relationship in a hypothetical model with two latent variables; the exogenous variables represented by two groups of informal safety communication: friends and crew members and the endogenous variables represented by two groups of Safety performance metrics: safety compliance and safety participation, was tested.

Findings

The emergent findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between informal safety communication among crew members and safety compliance, and also between informal safety communication among friends on construction sites and safety participation. These findings emphasize the importance of fostering effective safety communication and collaboration within construction crews, as well as recognizing the influence friendships on safety performance. Stakeholders can leverage on these findings to implement policies to improve safety performance.

Originality/value

The study presents insightful practical knowledge on how CWISC impacts safety performance on construction sites. Practical recommendations for organizations are also proposed, e.g., development of team-building activities, platforms for sharing safety-related information and experiences, mentorship programs and initiatives that encourage social interaction among workers.
Cloud service models, business continuity and disaster recovery plans, and responsibilities
Authors: Stamenkov Gjoko
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to identify the role of cloud computing services in business continuity and disaster recovery plans and delineate responsibilities for their execution. In recent times, there has been a huge upsurge in the usage of cloud service models such as infrastructure-as-a-service, platform-as-a-service, software-as-a-service and disaster recovery-as-a-service. However, in case of an emergency event or during contract negotiations, a question might arise as to who should be accountable and responsible for the content and execution of recovery plans. The main stakeholders in this scenario are cloud service providers and cloud consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

After a review of academic articles, standards, guidelines and vendor documentation, a proposal for assigning accountability and responsibility for business continuity and disaster recovery plans is presented, based on the RACI (responsible, accountable, consulted and informed) matrix. In this regard, a critical information infrastructure protection plan, a disaster recovery plan, an information systems contingency plan and a business continuity plan have been elaborated on in the article.

Findings

RACI matrices are presented for three general cloud service models and for three DRaaS models (managed, assisted and self-service). Accountability and responsibilities depend on the deployed cloud service model and the roles of cloud service providers and cloud consumers.

Originality/value

The proposed model for accountability and responsibility assignment provides a guideline for the allocation of responsibilities to roles not only during recovery but also during contract negotiations between cloud service providers and cloud consumers. By delving into business continuity and disaster recovery processes and activities, similar yet nuanced RACI matrices should be developed, as presented in this paper. They need to be customised for the specific context.
What makes restorative justice equitable? “It’s a practice, not a program.”
Authors: Lustick Hilary , Hakouz Abeer , Ward-Seidel Allison , Gaias Larissa
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study facilitated restorative coordinators in co-constructing and proposing solutions to common problems in RJ implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used grounded theory to examine barriers to equitable restorative justice (RJ) implementation in the US. Drawing on interviews and focus groups with restorative coordinators, we used a combination of inductive and deductive coding consistent with the grounded theory approach.

Findings

Coordinators distinguished between RJ as a top-down, isolated “program” versus RJ as a collaborative “practice” among all stakeholders. Only the latter was equitable, in their view, and required a consistent principal commitment to building and maintaining an inclusive school culture. Participants recommended that teacher and principal preparation provide opportunities to cultivate critical consciousness and participate in RJ practices.

Originality/value

Existing research on discipline reform tends to focus on outcomes, such as suspension rates. Instead, participants focused on the reform process, viewing equitable RJ as an ongoing “practice” to improve school culture. Our findings also open new discussions about leadership preparation content and pedagogy: participants called for preparation programs to cultivate critical consciousness and facility with RJ. Lastly, the study’s recruitment and focus group design raise important considerations for future RJ research.