bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical and anesthetic considerations in a unique case of temporary iatrogenic facial nerve paralysis after superficial parotidectomy
Authors: Pedreira Rachel , Fullerton Zoe , Sirjani Davud , Rodbumrung Todsaporn
Published: September 2024

Parotid neoplasms are a common indication for parotidectomy, a procedure that carries a risk of facial paralysis. Modern advances in surgical and anesthesia techniques, including facial nerve monitoring have resulted in low rates of permanent facial nerve paralysis. We present a case of temporary postoperative right facial nerve paralysis after intact facial nerve neuromonitoring at the completion of resection. The proposed mechanism of this phenomenon is related to the effects of local anesthetic infiltration from a fat graft used for oncologic reconstruction. This case emphasizes the importance of judicious and carefully timed local anesthetic use, clear facial nerve monitoring, and coordination between care teams.
R183Q GNAQ Sturge–Weber Syndrome Leptomeningeal and Cerebrovascular Developmental Mouse Model
Authors: Solomon Chase , McCann Meghan , Singh Pratibha , Nemeth Christina , Comi Anne
Published: September 2024

Objective(s):

Sturge–Weber syndrome (SWS), a rare neurovascular malformation disorder, is usually caused by the R183Q GNAQ somatic mosaic mutation enriched in brain endothelial cells. A developmental mouse model of SWS brain involvement is needed to investigate mutation impact upon brain vascular development and to facilitate preclinical drug studies.

Methods:

A new Tet-ON R183Q GNAQ transgenic mouse line was paired with rtTA tet transactivator mice under the Tie2 promoter to generate mice expressing endothelial R183Q GNAQ in the presence of doxycycline. Litters were perfused at P14-17; half received a subseizure dose (1.5 mg/kg; intraperitoneal) of kainate an hour before perfusion. A subset was perfused with Evans blue. Fixed mouse brains were stained with X-gal, DAPI, and antibodies for Gαq, Tie2, phosphorylated-S6, and claudin-5. Images were scored for vessel staining intensity.

Results:

X-gal staining was seen only in mutant mice; leptomeningeal endothelial X-gal staining was more frequent in kainate-treated mice (P < 0.001). When perfused with Evans blue, only mutant brains showed severe staining (P = 0.028). Median phosphorylated-S6 vessel scores were significantly higher in the leptomeninges of mutant mice (P = 0.035). Mutant cortical microvessels demonstrated discontinuous claudin-5 and phosphorylated-S6 staining as well as increased vessel length in kainate-treated mice (P = 0.024).

Conclusions:

The new R183Q GNAQ Tet-ON developmental mouse brain model of SWS demonstrates endothelial expression of mutant Gαq associated with blood–brain barrier breakdown, altered vascular mammalian target of rapamycin activity, and abnormal cortical microvessel structure. This new translational model can be used to develop new drug targets and treatments for SWS.
Metachronous Bilateral Adrenal Neuroblastoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Tropia Serena , Guarina Angela , Restivo Giulia Angela , Di Francesco Fabrizio , Trizzino Angela , D’Angelo Paolo
Published: September 2024

A baby presented with a large right adrenal mass, multiple hepatic lesions and diffuse bone marrow infiltration when she was just over 1 month old. After needle biopsy and a histologic definition of neuroblastoma, she underwent chemotherapy and a subsequent complete resection. Three years after diagnosis, a large left adrenal localized mass was detected. The patient underwent complete surgical excision, and a diagnosis of poorly differentiated neuroblastoma with multiple lymph nodes involvement was defined. Adjuvant chemotherapy was initiated. To our knowledge, it is the first case report of metachronous bilateral adrenal neuroblastomas harboring completely different genetic expression profiles.
Clinical Features, Management, and Recurrence of Acute Ischemic Stroke Occurring in Patients on Oral Anticoagulant Treatment for Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Grifoni Elisa , Pagni Beatrice , Sansone Teresa , Baldini Mariella , Bertini Elisabetta , Giannoni Sara , Di Donato Ilaria , Sivieri Irene , Iandoli Gina , Mannini Marianna , Giglio Elisa , Vescera Vincenzo , Brai Eleonora , Signorini Ira , Cosentino Eleonora , Micheletti Irene , Cioni Elisa , Pelagalli Giulia , Dei Alessandro , Giordano Antonio , Dainelli Francesca , Romagnoli Mario , Mattaliano Chiara , Schipani Elena , Murgida Giuseppe Salvatore , Di Martino Stefania , Francolini Valentina , Masotti Luca
Published: September 2024

Objectives:

The optimal management of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in patients with oral anticoagulation (OA) is challenging. Our study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics and outcome of AIS in patients with OA for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed data on NVAF patients with AIS on direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) or vitamin K antagonists (VKA) admitted to our Stroke Unit from 2017 to 2022. Ninety-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS), 90-day, and 12-month stroke recurrences were recorded.

Results:

A total of 169 patients (53.2% female, mean age 82.8±6.7 y), 117 (69.2%) on DOAC, and 52 on VKA (30.8%), were enrolled. Mean age, in-hospital mortality, and 90-day mRS ≥4 were significantly higher in VKA patients. 63.4% of VKA patients had subtherapeutic INR, whereas 47.1% of DOAC patients were on low-dose (14.2% off-label). Large vessel occlusion and embolic etiology were more frequent in VKA patients (34.6% vs. 26.4%, P=0.358; 92.3% vs. 74.3%, P=0.007, respectively), whereas lacunar strokes were more frequent in DOAC patients (19.8% vs. 12.2%, P=0.366). Among patients on VKA before AIS 86.4% were switched to DOAC, whereas a DOAC-to-VKA and a DOAC-to-DOAC switch were done in 25.4% and 11.7%, respectively. Stroke recurrence occurred in 6.4% of patients at 90 days and 10.7% at 12 months. Anticoagulant switching was not associated with stroke recurrences.

Conclusions:

In our study, nonembolic etiology was more frequent in DOAC patients and anticoagulant switching did not reduce the risk of stroke recurrence. Prospective multicentric studies are warranted.
The effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on cutaneous radiation injury in a mouse model
Authors: Park Sang Woo , Shin Jaebong , Jeong Bae Kwon , Byun Sangjun , Lee Kyung Suk , Choi Jaehoon
Published: September 2024

Background:

Although radiation-induced skin injuries are a concern in patients receiving radiation therapy, there are few effective treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on irradiated fibroblasts and mouse skin.

Methods:

In the in vitro study of human dermal fibroblasts, the experimental group was subjected to ESWT following irradiation (20 Gy). The control groups were only irradiated or only subjected to ESWT. At 24 or 48 h post-ESWT, cell viability, cell migration, and mRNA and protein expression were measured. In the in vivo study, the experimental group (7 mice) was treated with ESWT following irradiation (45 Gy). The control group (7 mice) was only irradiated. At 8 weeks post-irradiation, dorsal skin was harvested for histopathologic examination and protein isolation.

Results:

In dermal fibroblasts, treatment with ESWT increased viability of irradiated cells compared with irradiated-only and untreated cells (p = 0.005). ESWT increased cell migration 24 h post-irradiation (p = 0.002), and decreased TGF-β1 protein expression 48 h post-irradiation (p = 0.024). In mice, ESWT decreased the level of radiation-related skin injury (p = 0.006). Treatment of irradiated skin with ESWT decreased TGF-β1 (p = 0.009) and phospho-Smad3 (p = 0.009) protein expression, as well as decreasing myofibroblasts (p = 0.047) and increasing vessel density (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrated that ESWT alleviated radiation-induced fibrosis by downregulating TGF-β1 expression. It suggests the potential of ESWT for the treatment of radiation-induced fibrosis.
Psilocybin prevents habituation to familiar stimuli and preserves sensitivity to sound following repeated stimulation in mouse primary auditory cortex
Authors: Lane Conor P. , Tarka Veronica M. , Valentin Olivier , Lehmann Alexandre , Hamel Edith , de Villers-Sidani Etienne
Published: September 2024

Psilocybin, a psychoactive substance derived from fungi, has been utilized historically by diverse cultures for both medicinal and non-medicinal purposes, owing to its ability to elicit profound sensory and cognitive alterations and sustain long-term changes in mood and cognition. Promising results from recent clinical studies have generated a wave of interest in employing psilocybin to treat neuropsychiatric and neuro-degenerative conditions. How psychedelics cause acute perceptual effects, and how these relate to long-lasting alterations is still debated. Whereas it is thought that perceptual disturbances may be caused by disrupted flow of information between sensory and higher order areas,in vivostudies have focused mostly on the latter. In particular, there has been little study of how psilocybin affects sensory representations in primary auditory cortex (A1). We used two-photon microscopy and wide field calcium imaging to examine how psilocybin affects A1 neuron response properties in the mouse. Administration of 1 mg/kg psilocybin prevented habituation of sound-evoked responses to repeated stimuli, maintaining overall responsiveness, bandwidth, and sound-level response thresholds after repeated stimulation. This was in contrast to marked habituation of responses and narrowing of tuning in controls. We observed no effect on overall distribution of best frequencies at the cortical level, suggesting psilocybin in A1 disrupts normal sensory gating, rather than tonotopic organization. This supports models of psychedelic action in which perceptual disturbances are driven by disrupted hierarchical sensory gating. With further research, influences of psychedelics on sensory representations could be harnessed to target maladaptive sensory processing in conditions such as tinnitus.

Significance Statement

Despite its role in altering auditory sensory perception, the impact of psilocybin on modulating neuronal activity in the auditory cortex remains understudied. This study is the first to identify an inhibition of normal auditory habituation to repeated stimuli with single-neuron resolution. We identify a role for psilocybin in the targeted, context-dependent modulation of auditory sensory neural tuning properties, which may help to explain how disruption of hierarchical control of sensory representations leads to perceptual disturbances. With further work, this influence on sensory representations could be used to target conditions where maladaptive sensory processing leads to deleterious health outcomes.
Effect of aging andVarroaparasitism on the paracellular and transcellular permeability of the honeybee blood-brain barrier
Authors: Quigley Tyler , Amdam Gro
Published: September 2024

Honeybees (Apis mellifera) provide crucial pollination services to agricultural systems globally, however, their healthspan in these contexts is constantly at risk. Agricultural environments impose a variety of sublethal stressors onto honeybees, including parasites, pathogens, pesticides, and poor nutrition. Synergies between age, age-associated tasks, and these stressors are believed to underlie colony failure trends of the past decade. Identifying the mechanisms by which age and stressors impact honeybee physiology is an important priority in protecting honeybee and other pollinator populations. An underexplored physiological structure in honeybees is the blood-brain barrier, a protective layer of cells that surround the brain. Here, we assess a key dimensions of blood-brain barrier function, paracellular and transcellular permeability to molecules in the hemolymph. We assess these modes of permeability in multiple age groups and after exposure to varying levels of infestation by the parasitic miteVarroa destructorduring development. Our results demonstrate that the paracellular permeability of the honeybee blood-brain barrier is stable across their lifespan and uponVarroaexposure. In contrast, we found that transcellular permeability is increased in honeybees exposed to a highVarroaload. These results demonstrate how age and stress variably impact a primary protective structure of the honeybee central nervous system, which may lead to targeted interventions for protecting honeybee healthspan. The assay developed here may be easily applied to different aging- and stress contexts, further enabling studies focused on understanding maintenance and decline of the honeybee blood-brain barrier.
The Virtual Plant Laboratory: a modern plant modeling framework in Julia
Authors: Morales Alejandro , Kottelenberg David B. , Ernst Ana , Vezy Rémi , Evers Jochem B.
Published: September 2024

The Virtual Plant Laboratory (VPL) is a novel software for building, simulating, and visualizing functional- structural plant (FSP) models. FSP models focus on the interactions between plant structure, internal physiological processes, and the biotic and abiotic environment. VPL is built in the Julia programming language and is designed to be a flexible and extensible platform for FSP modeling. Using Julia brings the advantage that only one programming language is required for the whole modeling cycle as Julia is as fast as compiled languages but also dynamic as interpreted languages. VPL provides a graph rewriting system for building dynamic models of plant growth and development, an interactive 3D visualization system and a Monte Carlo ray tracer for simulating radiation interception by plant canopies. In this paper, we introduce VPL, highlighting the main components, modeling paradigms, and design decisions behind it, as well as a future roadmap for further development. We also present a short case study of a model for intercropping of legumes and cereals that was built fully with VPL, as an example of what can be built with this software. VPL is fully open source and available in all common computing platforms for anyone to use. Full documentation and tutorials are available athttps://virtualplantlab.com.
MPCD Index for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Based on Mitochondrial Function and Cell Death Patterns
Authors: Wang Long-Xing , Zhao Zhi-Ming , Shu Kun-Xian , Ma Ming-Yue
Published: September 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous cancer with a poor prognosis. During the development of cancer cells, mitochondria influence various cell death patterns by regulating metabolic pathways such as oxidative phosphorylation. However, the relationship between mitochondrial function and cell death patterns in HCC remains unclear. In this study, we used a comprehensive machine learning framework to construct a mitochondrial functional activity-associated programmed cell death index (MPCDI) based on scRNA-seq and RNA-seq data from TCGA, GEO, and ICGC datasets. The index signature was used to classify HCC patients, and studied the multi-omics features, immune microenvironment, and drug sensitivity of the subtypes. Finally, we constructed the MPCDI signature consisting of four genes (S100A9,FYN,LGALS3, andHMOX1), which was one of the independent risk factors for the prognosis of HCC patients. The HCC patients were divided into high- and low-MPCDI groups, and the immune status was different between the two groups. Patients with high MPCDI had higher TIDE scores and poorer responses to immunotherapy, suggesting that high-MPCDI patients might not be suitable for immunotherapy. By analyzing the drug sensitivity data of CTRP, GDSC, and PRISM databases, it was found that staurosporine has potential therapeutic significance for patients with high MPCDI. In summary, based on the characteristics of mitochondria function and PCD patterns, we used single-cell and transcriptome data to identify four genes and construct the MPCDI signature, which provided new perspectives and directions for the clinical diagnosis and personalized treatment of HCC patients.
ACOUSTIC PARAMETER COMBINATIONS UNDERLYING MAPPING OF AUDITORY PSEUDOWORD SOUNDS TO MULTIPLE DOMAINS OF MEANING: A MACHINE LEARNING APPROACH
Authors: Kumar G. Vinodh , Lacey Simon , Dorsi Josh , Nygaard Lynne C. , Sathian K.
Published: September 2024

Sound symbolism, referring to the resemblance between the sound structure of words and their meaning, is commonly studied using auditory pseudowords. Companion studies across seven meaning domains demonstrated systematic relationships, varying by domain, between the perceptual ratings, phonetic features, and acoustic parameters of a set of 537 pseudowords (Lacey et al. 2024a, 2024b). Here we employed a k-nearest-neighbor (KNN) machine-learning algorithm to compare 4094 combinations of twelve acoustic parameters (3 spectro-temporal and 9 characterizing vocal quality) and identify the parameter combination that best predicted perceptual ratings in each domain. Using multiple regression, we then examined the relative contributions of the parameters comprising the best performing acoustic model for each domain. Finally, we used the KNN approach to generate sound-symbolic ratings, in the shape domain, for 160 real words and compared these predicted ratings with corresponding perceptual ratings. We found that sound-symbolic mappings rely on domain-specific combinations and weights of acoustic parameters. One spectro-temporal parameter, the fast Fourier transform, and one vocal parameter, the fraction of unvoiced frames, were both present in the best performing model for each meaning domain studied, indicating the general importance of these two parameters for sound-symbolic judgments. The predicted and perceptual ratings of the real words were strongly correlated, indicating the value of this approach to measure the degree of sound-symbolic mapping in natural languages, unconfounded by semantic bias. Our findings support the proposed relevance of sound symbolism to language.
No evidence of immunosurveillance in mutation-hotspot driven clonal haematopoiesis
Authors: Walkowiak Barbara , MacGregor Hamish AJ , Blundell Jamie R
Published: September 2024

The theory of immunosurveillance posits that T-cells can selectively eliminate clones harbouring non-self antigens generated by somatic mutations. There is considerable evidence supporting the role of immune surveillance in cancer. Whether immunosurveillance imposes a negative selective pressure on pre-cancerous clones, however, is not well established. Here, we studied the association between MHC-variant binding and risk of clonal haematopoiesis (CH), a pre-cancer state in the blood driven by expansions of mutant haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). We predicted MHC binding affinity towards 40 known CH hotspot variants in 380,000 UK Biobank participants, and examined the relationship between predicted binding to each variant and risk of its expansion in the blood. Despite being well powered to detect subtle differences in selective pressure, we did not find associations between predicted MHC binding and CH prevalence for any of the hotspot variants. In individuals in whom we identified CH, there was no relationship between predicted binding affinity to the variant and size of the clone. Overall, we do not find evidence for the MHC genotype to be a factor that affects which somatic variants expand in CH, suggesting a limited role for immunosurveillance in shaping the genetic diversity of the blood.
LC8 enhances 53BP1 foci through heterogeneous bridging of 53BP1 oligomers
Authors: Howe Jesse , Walker Douglas , Tengler Kyle , Sonpatki Maya , Reardon Patrick , Leung Justin W.C. , Barbar Elisar J.
Published: September 2024

53BP1 is a key player in DNA repair and together with BRCA1 regulate selection of DNA double strand break repair mechanisms. Localization of DNA repair factors to sites of DNA damage by 53BP1 is controlled by its oligomerization domain (OD) and binding to LC8, a hub protein that functions to dimerize >100 clients. Here we show that 53BP1 OD is a trimer, an unusual finding for LC8 clients which are all dimers or tetramers. As a trimer, 53BP1 forms a heterogeneous mixture of complexes when bound to dimeric LC8 with the largest mass corresponding to a dimer-of-trimers bridged by 3 LC8 dimers. Analytical ultracentrifugation and isothermal titration calorimetry demonstrate that only the second of the three LC8 recognition motifs is necessary for a stable bridged complex. The stability of the bridged complex is tuned by multivalency, binding specificity of the second LC8 site, and the length of the linker separating the LC8 binding domain and OD. 53BP1 mutants deficient in bridged species fail to impact 53BP1 focus formation in human cell culture studies, suggesting that the primary role of LC8 is to bridge 53BP1 trimers which in turn promotes recruitment of 53BP1 at sites of DNA damage. We propose that the formation of higher-order oligomers of 53BP1 explains how LC8 elicits an improvement in 53BP1 foci and affects the structure and functions of 53BP1.
The causal connections between gut microbiota and chronic pain and pain phenotypes through the gut-brain axis: A Mendelian randomization study and mediation analysis
Authors: Chen Jia , Luo Xuemei , Wang Luyao , Luo Yiping , Deng Xia , Tian Yuan , Lu Qiao , Sun Genwen , Maes Michael , Zhang Xu
Published: September 2024

Recent studies have increasingly highlighted a potential link between gut microbiota (GM) and chronic pain. However, existing research has yielded mixed results, leaving many questions unanswered. We employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization design to investigate whether GM directly influences multisite chronic pain (MCP) and eight phenotypes. We then used a combination of meta-analysis, genetic colocalization analysis, and Bayesian weighted mendelian randomization to further strengthen the evidence for causal relationship. Additionally, we examined how GM might be associated with human brain structures. Finally, we used mediation analysis to explore whether the structure and function of specific brain regions play a role in the relationship between GM and MCP and the pain phenotypes. We observed a significant causal association between 13 GM and chronic pain. Eight GM protected against pain phenotypes, whereas seven increased risk. The results indicate that GM could potentially affect the area, thickness, and volume of brain region cortices involved in sensory, emotional, and cognitive aspects of pain. Importantly, our findings indicated that the causal effect between the Genus Odoribacter and neck/shoulder pain could be mediated by the mean optical density in the left Fornix cres+Stria terminalis. In conclusion, different pain phenotypes were causally associated with different GM among European ancestry. Core GM may influence chronic pain by affecting complex brain networks. Notably, we constructed a basic gut-brain axis model for neck/shoulder pain, involving the Genus Odoribacter, left Fornix cres+Stria terminalis, and neck/shoulder pain.
The Interplay of Perceived Mental Health and Suicidal Ideation among Aboriginal Peoples in Canada: A Secondary Analysis of Aboriginal Peoples Survey
Authors: Adebayo Olasehinde Ben
Published: September 2024

The disproportionately high suicide rates among Aboriginal populations in Canada, linked to historical trauma and systemic inequities, necessitate targeted mental health interventions. This study investigated the relationship between perceived mental health and suicidal ideation among the Aboriginal population in Canada, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, using data from the 2012 Aboriginal Peoples Survey (APS) (n=4,725). The analysis employed chi-square tests and bivariate logistic regression to examine the association between self-perceived mental health, suicidal ideation, and socio-demographic factors. Results revealed significant associations between suicidal ideation, age group (p<.001), and sex (p<.001), with younger individuals (18-24 years) and females reporting a higher prevalence of suicidal thoughts. Also, bivariate logistic regression showed that being between the ages of 25 and 34 was a strong predictor of suicidal thoughts (OR = 1.954, p =.000), while being female (OR =.648, p =.000) and having a higher socioeconomic status (OR =.678, p =.000) were weaker predictors. Although Aboriginal identity was not significantly associated with suicidal ideation, self-perceived mental health was. These results made it clear that focused and targeted mental health interventions and culturally appropriate suicide prevention strategies are needed right away in Aboriginal communities in Canada. These strategies need to meet the needs of vulnerable groups, like younger people and women.
Single-cell proteomics of pre-implantation mouse embryos uncovers distinct asymmetry of certain proteins among early blastomeres
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Hu Mo , Zheng Yinghui , Zhang Yutong , Pang Yuxuan , Xie Xiaoliang Sunney
Published: September 2024

During pre-implantation mouse embryonic development, blastomeres undergo division and differentiation, reaching a distinctive level of heterogeneity, hence the completion of the first cell fate determination. However, when the initial asymmetry emerges and how this heterogeneity amplifies, particularly at the protein level, remain elusive. Here, by mass spectrometry-based single-blastomere proteomics, we identified proteins exhibiting significant heterogeneity in abundance among mouse blastomeres as early as the 2-cell stage. Differential gene expression among blastomeres, as indicated by intra-embryo variation in RNA abundance detected through single-cell RNA sequencing, was insufficient to fully explain the corresponding disparities in protein abundance. Instead, the asymmetric distribution of protein molecules during cell division was observed, serving as another mechanism contributing to protein heterogeneity, independent of RNA expression.
Genetic dissection of MutL complexes in Arabidopsis meiosis
Authors: Kbiri Nadia , Fernández-Jiménez Nadia , Dziegielewski Wojciech , Sáez-Zárate Esperanza , Pelé Alexandre , Mata-Villanueva Ana , Santos Juan L. , Pradillo Mónica , Ziolkowski Piotr A.
Published: September 2024

During meiosis, homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material through crossing-over. The main crossover pathway relies on ZMM proteins, including ZIP4 and HEI10, and is typically resolved by the MLH1/MLH3 heterodimer, MutLγ. Our analysis of plant fertility and bivalent formation revealed that the MUS81 endonuclease can partially compensate for the MutLγ loss. Comparing genome-wide crossover maps of themlh1mutant with ZMM-deficient mutants and lines with varying HEI10 levels reveals that while crossover interference persists inmlh1, it is weakened. Additionally,mlh1show reduced crossover assurance, leading to a higher incidence of aneuploidy in offspring. This is likely due to MUS81 resolving intermediates without the crossover bias seen in MutLγ. Comparingmlh1 mlh3 mus81andzip4 mus81mutants suggests that additional crossover pathways emerge in the absence of both MutLγ and MUS81. The loss of MutLγ can also be suppressed by eliminating the FANCM helicase. Elevated expression ofMLH1orMLH3increases crossover frequency, while their overexpression significantly reduces crossover numbers and plant fertility, highlighting the importance for tight control of MLH1/MLH3 levels. By contrast, PMS1, a component of the MutLα endonuclease, appears not to be involved in crossing-over. Together, these findings demonstrate the unique role of MutLγ in ZMM-dependent crossover regulation.
Heterogeneous plasticity of amygdala interneurons in associative learning and extinction
Authors: Favila Natalia , Capece Marsico Jessica , Escribano Benjamin , Pacheco Catarina M. , Bitterman Yael , Gründemann Jan , Lüthi Andreas , Krabbe Sabine
Published: September 2024

Neural circuits undergo experience-dependent plasticity to form long-lasting memories. Excitatory projection neurons are considered to be the primary neuronal substrate for memory acquisition and storage. However, inhibitory interneurons control the activity of projection neurons in a in a spatially and temporally precise manner, yet their contribution to memory acquisition, storage and expression remains poorly understood. Here, we employ a miniature microscope imaging approach to monitor the activity of large amygdala interneuron populations in freely moving mice during fear learning and extinction at the single cell level. We find that amygdala interneurons display mixed-selectivity and show complex plastic responses at both the ensemble and single neuron level across the acquisition, expression and extinction of aversive memories. In contrast to bidirectional single cell plasticity across distinct fear states, learning-induced changes at the population level occur transiently during conditioning and do not consolidate across days. Examining molecular interneuron subpopulations revealed that disinhibitory vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) expressing cells are predominantly activated by high fear states. In contrast, somatostatin (SST) interneurons display a preference for safety cues and thereby suppress excitatory neuron responsiveness. However, responses of individual neurons within the SST and VIP populations are non-uniform, indicating the presence of functional subtypes within classical molecularly-defined interneuron populations. Taken together, we identify complex neuronal plasticity within amygdala interneuron ensembles that goes beyond a passive processing function, suggesting a critical role of inhibitory microcircuit elements for memory selectivity and stability.
In vitro study of chemical compositions and antibacterial activity of Lorestan endemic plant,Pistacia atlanticaleaf hydroalcoholic extract against cariogenic bacteria
Authors: Rahimi Mahnaz , Vand Sara Mohammadi Sepah , Sepahvand Azadeh Mohammadi
Published: September 2024

Background and objectives

The use of medicinal plants has been considered as an adjunctive treatment to prevent and control dental caries, alongside the mechanical removal of microbial agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical compositions and antibacterial activity ofPistacia atlanticaleaf hydroalcoholic extract against standard strains ofStreptococcus mutans (SM)andLactobacillus rhamnosus (LR).

Materials and Methods

The hydroalcoholic extract ofPistacia atlanticaleaves was prepared using the maceration method, and the chemical compositions were identified by a GC-MS apparatus. The antibacterial activity was assessed on the standard strains ofSMandLRby measuring the mean diameter of the inhibition zone at different concentrations using the agar well diffusion method, and determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) using the broth microdilution method. Chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash at a concentration of 0.2% was used as the positive control group. The tests were repeated three times, and the results were analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test, and T-test with SPSS. A significance level of P< 0.05 was considered.

Results

The MIC of thePistacia atlanticaleaf hydroalcoholic extract forSM, LR, and CHX was 12.5, 25, and 6.25 mg/ml, respectively, and the MBC forSM, LR, and CHX was 25, 25, and 6.25 mg/ml, respectively. In the agar well diffusion method, the mean diameter of the inhibition zone at the concentration of 200 mg/ml forSM, LR, and CHX was 23.33±6.50, 19.0±1.0, and 17.33±0.57 mm, respectively. The major chemical compositions wereα-pinene,α-bisabolene, 3-hexenol, pulegone, andβ-pinene, respectively.

Conclusion

The leaf hydroalcoholic extract ofPistacia atlanticademonstrated antibacterial activity againstSMandLR.
Spin-polarized thermoelectrical currents induced in Aharonov-Bohm rings
Authors: Hwang Sun-Yong , Sothmann Björn , López Rosa
Published: September 2024

We propose an interferometric device that generates spin-polarized electric currents based on an Aharonov-Bohm ring geometry. The device is driven by a temperature gradient and a magnetic flux without any voltage bias. Remarkably, no ferromagnetic contact is necessary once the two-path interference effects are present combined with a spin-orbit interaction. A large amplitude of spin current signal occurs where the charge current is small or even vanishing, thus easily creating pure spin currents by applying a magnetic field. Our proposal provides an ingredient of information processing devices in a generic caloritronic setup.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dirac leptogenesis from asymmetry wash-in via scatterings
Authors: Blažek Tomáš , Heeck Julian , Heisig Jan , Maták Peter , Zaujec Viktor
Published: September 2024

Leptogenesis typically requires the introduction of heavy particles whose out-of-equilibrium decays are essential for generating a matter-antimatter asymmetry, according to one of Sakharov’s conditions. We demonstrate that in Dirac leptogenesis, scatterings between the light degrees of freedom—Standard Model particles plus Dirac neutrinos—are sufficient to generate the asymmetry. The generation requires at least two effective charges conserved by the fast Standard Model interactions. Due to its vanishing source term in the Boltzmann equations, the asymmetry of right-handed neutrinos solely arises through wash-in processes. Sakharov’s conditions are satisfied because the right-handed neutrino partners are out of equilibrium. Consequently, heavy degrees of freedom never needed to be produced in the early universe, allowing for a reheating temperature well below their mass scale. Considering a minimal leptoquark model, we discuss the viable parameter space along with the potential observational signature of an increased number of effective neutrinos in the early universe.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Analytic structure of diffusive correlation functions
Authors: Grozdanov Sašo , Lemut Timotej , Pelaič Jaka , Soloviev Alexander
Published: September 2024

Diffusion is a dissipative transport phenomenon ubiquitously present in nature. Its details can now be analyzed with modern effective field theory (EFT) techniques that use the closed-time-path (or Schwinger-Keldysh) formalism. We discuss the structure of the diffusive effective action appropriate for the analysis of stochastic or thermal loop effects, responsible for the so-called long-time tails, to all orders. We also elucidate and prove a number of properties of the EFT and use the theory to establish the analytic structure of the n-loop contributions to diffusive retarded two-point functions. Our analysis confirms a previously proposed result by Delacrétaz that used microscopic conformal field theory arguments. Then, we analyze a number of implications of these loop corrections to the dispersion relations of the diffusive mode and new, gapped modes that appear when the EFT is treated as exact. Finally, we discuss certain features of an all-loop model of diffusion that only retains a special subset of n-loop “banana” diagrams.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nucleon Electric Polarizabilities and Nucleon-Pion Scattering at the Physical Pion Mass
Authors: Wang Xuan-He , Zhang Zhao-Long , Cao Xiong-Hui , Fan Cong-Ling , Feng Xu , Gao Yu-Sheng , Jin Lu-Chang , Liu Chuan
Published: September 2024

We present a lattice QCD calculation of the nucleon electric polarizabilities at the physical pion mass. Our findings reveal the substantial contributions of the Nπ states to these polarizabilities. Without considering these contributions, the lattice results fall significantly below the experimental values, consistent with previous lattice studies. This observation has motivated us to compute both the parity-negative Nπ scattering up to a nucleon momentum of ∼0.5  GeV in the center-of-mass frame and corresponding Nγ*→Nπ matrix elements using lattice QCD. Our results confirm that incorporating dynamic Nπ contributions is crucial for a reliable determination of the polarizabilities from lattice QCD. This methodology lays the groundwork for future lattice QCD investigations into various other polarizabilities.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of {2-[bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]ethane-1-thiolato}chloridocadmium(II)
Authors: Reynolds Todd M. , Berry Steven M. , Bebout Deborah C.
Published: September 2024

The title compound, [Cd(C14H16N3S)Cl] or [CdLCl] (1), where LH = 2-[bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]ethane-1-thiol, was prepared and structurally characterized. The Cd2+ complex crystallizes in P21/c with a distorted trigonal–bipyramidal metal coordination geometry. Supramolecular interactions in 1 include parallel offset face-to-face interactions between inversion-related pyridyl rings and potential hydrogen bonds with chlorine or sulfur as the acceptor. Additional cooperative pyridyl–pyridyl interactions with roughly 45° tilt angles and centroid–centroid distances of less than 5.5 Å likely also contribute to the overall solid-state stability. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that H...H (51.2%), Cl...H/H...Cl (13.9%), C...H/H...C (12.3%) and S...H/H...S (11.8%) interactions are dominant in the solid state.
Noise-robust modal parameter identification and damage assessment for aero-structures
Authors: Dessena Gabriele , Civera Marco , Pontillo Alessandro , Ignatyev Dmitry I. , Whidborne James F. , Zanotti Fragonara Luca
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Ground vibration testing is critical for aircraft design and certification. Fast relaxed vector fitting (FRVF) and Loewner framework (LF), recently extended to modal parameter extraction in mechanical systems to address the computational challenges of time and frequency domain techniques, are applied for damage detection on aeronautically relevant structures.

Design/methodology/approach

FRVF and LF are applied to numerical datasets to assess noise robustness and performance for damage detection. Computational efficiency is also evaluated. In addition, they are applied to a novel damage detection benchmark of a high aspect ratio wing, comparing their performance with the state-of-the-art method N4SID.

Findings

FRVF and LF detect structural changes effectively; LF exhibits better noise robustness, while FRVF is more computationally efficient.

Practical implications

LF is recommended for noisy measurements.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in which the LF and FRVF are applied for the extraction of the modal parameters in aeronautically relevant structures. In addition, a novel damage detection benchmark of a high-aspect-ratio wing is introduced.
Public attention and “Environmental Disclosure Greenwashing”: pressure from oversight or incentive from legitimacy
Authors: Zhou Yiqiang , Chen Lianghua
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether public attention influences corporate decisions on environmental disclosure, thereby revealing how society perceives and understands environmental issues and how corporations respond to these expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

We selected publicly listed Chinese firms as our sample. An “Environmental Disclosure Greenwashing” (EDG) Index was developed through textual analysis of their annual reports using natural language processing. Financial data were obtained from the CSMAR database, and multivariate regression was used for analysis.

Findings

The impact of public attention on EDG primarily manifests as an oversight pressure effect rather than a legitimacy incentive effect. As public attention intensifies, firms tend to adopt more substantial environmental actions instead of merely symbolic environmental disclosures. Formal regulatory frameworks might inadvertently trigger corporate EDG, but public attention can correct the adverse effects possibly introduced by formal regulations. Notably, in firms facing lower institutional pressure, the influence of public attention is more pronounced.

Practical implications

The evidence suggests that public attention reduces corporate EDG. These findings have significant implications for the regulation of environmental disclosures among firms in emerging economies.

Originality/value

The study integrates research in environmental disclosure with the concept of “greenwashing”, unveiling the limitations of the “disclosure as governance” viewpoint. It elucidates the impact of an informal external oversight mechanism (i.e. public attention) on complex corporate environmental disclosure decisions.
The AI president: a country governed by artificial intelligence
Authors: Al Lily Miriam
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the possible forms and characteristics of an artificial intelligence (AI) leader and discuss the potential applications of AI in political leadership and governance.

Design/methodology/approach

A categorization system consisting of three categories – the level of responsibility, the voting system and the bindingness of the AI’s decisions – was developed to better understand the various types of AI leaders. Additionally, to identify the main characteristics of an AI leader, a comprehensive literature review was conducted. The themes from the literature were then categorized and supplemented with additional discussions.

Findings

This paper identifies several potential AI leaders, including the AI President, the AI Dictator, the AI Minister and the AI Consultant. The key characteristics of an AI leader were also discussed. The primary strengths of AI lie in their intelligence and rationality, which could potentially lead our societies toward a peaceful and prosperous future. However, a significant drawback of AI is that it will always be limited by the capabilities and intentions of its programmer, whether human or AI.

Practical implications

Understanding the forms and characteristics of AI leaders may help policymakers and decision-makers explore the possibilities of integrating AI into political leadership and governance.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the emerging field of AI in governance by exploring the forms and characteristics of AI leaders and discussing their potential applications in political leadership.
Synergizing workplace spirituality: fostering happiness, hardiness and psychological well-being in organizations
Authors: Chenji Kalaa , Sode Raghavendra
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of workplace spirituality on psychological well-being (PWB). In addition, this study investigates the mediating role of workplace happiness and explores how psychological hardiness moderates the relationship between spirituality and PWB.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a two-wave, self-reported quantitative approach focusing on millennials. Data were gathered from 416 participants through structured questionnaires. Regression analysis and bootstrapping techniques were used to investigate the moderated mediation models.

Findings

The bootstrapped 95% confidence interval for the indirect effects did not include zero, indicating that workplace happiness mediates the relationship between workplace spirituality and PWB. Furthermore, the moderated mediation model revealed that happiness also mediates the relationship between spirituality and PWB, particularly when millennials exhibit low levels of psychological hardiness.

Research limitations/implications

As millennials make up a significant portion of today's workforce, tapping into the inner resource of spirituality can enhance PWB. Individuals with happy, resilient, clear and receptive minds are more inclined toward achieving well-being.

Originality/value

This study explores the emerging concepts of workplace spirituality, PWB, workplace happiness and psychological hardiness, focusing specifically on their impact on the well-being of millennials in the workplace, an area that has been relatively under-researched.
A comparative study of the impact of LSSI4.0 implementation on the financial performance of Chinese manufacturing firms: an empirical analysis
Authors: Li Na , Hines Peter , Xin Chunlin
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how implementing lean six sigma and Industry 4.0 (LSSI4.0) can influence a company’s financial performance and discusses the current trend involving LSSI4.0 in China.

Design/methodology/approach

For statistical analysis, financial data was sourced from the China Stock Market and Accounting Research database. Keywords used to assess the implementation status of LSSI4.0 were extracted from the 2007 to 2020 annual reports of A-share manufacturing companies. Regression analysis was applied to the quantitative analyses of 5,041 observational data points from 945A-share manufacturing companies in China.

Findings

LSSI4.0 implementation in the manufacturing industry boosts the firms’ financial performance. However, the former outperforms the latter in terms of long-term advantages. Meanwhile, incorporating lean six sigma (LSS) into Industry 4.0 (I4.0) can lead to long-term improved financial performance compared to solely implementing the I4.0.

Research limitations/implications

The findings possess limited international representativeness because all empirical data were derived from Chinese large manufacturing companies. In addition to return on assets and return on equity, financial performance can also be measured using other financial metrics, such as return on investment. In this study, only listed manufacturing companies were considered as research samples.

Practical implications

Top management must acknowledge the positive impact of LSSI4.0 on financial performance and prioritize implementing I4.0 based on LSS implementation.

Originality/value

Empirical results concerning the effectiveness of LSS implementation in enhancing financial performance are inconclusive, particularly in China. In addition, most studies collected data through surveys and interviews, so the representativeness of their outcomes is limited. Overall, this study evaluated the impact of LSSI4.0 implementation with large sample size.
The impact of bank liquidity, monetary policy and global crises on bank risk-taking: evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Phan Dinh
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of bank liquidity, monetary policy and global crises on bank risk-taking behavior of Vietnamese banks. It provides evidence for a risk-taking channel of monetary policy through bank liquidity and global crises.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the data set of 572 observations from 35 banks operating in Vietnam between 2005 and 2022, using the GMM regression technique.

Findings

The findings indicate that banks with higher liquidity tend to take more risks in the long run. Additionally, expansionary monetary policies encourage banks to take on more risk. Bank liquidity and global crises, such as the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, not only directly affect bank risk-taking but also indirectly through monetary policy.

Originality/value

This paper expands the existing literature by examining the effect of bank liquidity, monetary policy and global crises on bank risk-taking by using the GMM and two models of which the authors regress the impact with and without bank liquidity and global crises. New factors affecting risk-taking, including operating cost, financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic are added into the model.