bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SLAMF6 enables efficient attachment, synapse formation, and killing of HIV-1-infected CD4+T cells by virus-specific CD8+T cells
Authors: Monel Blandine , Lamothe Pedro A. , Meyo James , McLean Anna P. , Quinones-Alvarado Raymond , Laporte Mélanie , Boucau Julie , Walker Bruce D. , Kavanagh Daniel G. , Garcia-Beltran Wilfredo F. , Pacheco Yovana
Published: January 2025

Efficient recognition and elimination of HIV-1-infected CD4+T cells by cytotoxic CD8+T cells (CTLs) require target cell engagement and the formation of a well-organized immunological synapse. Surface proteins belonging to the SLAM family are known to be crucial for stabilizing the immunological synapse and regulating antiviral responses during lymphotropic viral infections. In the context of HIV-1, there have been reports of SLAMF6 down-regulation in HIV-1-infected CD4+T cells; however, the significance of this modulation for CTL function remains unclear. In this investigation, we used CTL lines from People living with HIV (PLWH) to examine the impact of SLAMF6 blockade on three pivotal processes: (1) the formation of CD8+-CD4+T-cell conjugates, (2) the establishment of the immunological synapse, and (3) the killing and cytokine production capacity of HIV-1-specific CTLs during HIV-1 infection. Our findings reveal that the inability to form CD8+-CD4+T-cell conjugates following incubation with an anti-SLAMF6 blocking antibody is primarily attributable to a defect in actin ring formation at the immunological synapse. Furthermore, SLAMF6 blockade leads to a reduction in the killing efficiency of HIV-1-infected CD4+T cells by HIV-1-specific CTLs, underscoring the critical role of SLAMF6 in cytolytic function. This study highlights the importance of SLAMF6 receptors in modulating cytotoxic antiviral responses, shedding light on potential avenues for manipulation and enhancement of this pathway in the context of HIV and other lymphotropic viral infections.
Lower spatial turnover of rare fungal taxa dominantly shaped by stochastic processes in grassland soils
Authors: Biao Zhang , Shutong Zhou , Kai Xue , Wenjing Liu , Shuo Chen , Li Tang , Linfeng Li , Jianqing Du , Yanbin Hao , Xiaoyong Cui , Yanfen Wang
Published: January 2025

The spatial pattern and community assembly of soil microbial taxa have notable meanings for biodiversity shaping and maintaining mechanisms. Rare fungal taxa may exhibit distinct patterns and assembly mechanisms compared to abundant taxa, but such information is limited, especially at large scales. Here, we investigated distance-decay patterns and underlying assembly mechanisms for abundant and rare fungal taxa in 129 soil samples collected across 4,000 km in Chinese Northern grasslands, based on high-throughput sequencing data. A total of 208 abundant OTUs (relative abundance > 0.1%, 2.73% of entire OTUs) and 5,779 rare OTUs (relative abundance < 0.01%, 75.85% of entire OTUs) were identified. Both abundant and rare fungal taxa showed significant distance-decay relationships (P < 0.001), but the turnover rate for rare taxa (0.0024 per 100 km) was nearly half that of abundant taxa (0.0054 per 100 km) based on the binary Bray-Curtis distance. The lower turnover of rare fungal taxa was likely due to their community assembly mechanism dominated by stochastic processes, which were less influenced by environmental gradients. In contrast, abundant taxa assembly was dominated by deterministic factors like soil variables and plant traits, which varied significantly along the geographic distance. Consistently, rare fungal taxa were also less sensitive to environmental changes, with a lower turnover rate by environmental distance (0.0027 vs. 0.0099) than abundant taxa. In summary, our findings revealed that rare fungal taxa, shaped mainly by stochastic processes, had lower spatial turnover compared to abundant taxa, dominated by deterministic processes, enhancing our understanding of rare microbial biogeography.
Thymic selection of the T cell receptor repertoire is biased toward autoimmunity in females
Authors: Vantomme Hélène , Quiniou Valentin , Adda Leslie , Jouannet Charline , Mhanna Vanessa , Albalaa Céline , Barennes Pierre , Coatnoan Nicolas , Diderot Vimala , Dubois Johanna , Fourcade Gwladys , Le Gouge Kenz , Nguekap Tchoumba Otriv Frédéric , Pezous Martin , Stys Paul , Six Adrien , Mariotti-Ferrandiz Encarnita , Klatzmann David
Published: January 2025

Women represent about 80% of patients with autoimmune diseases. This may partly result from sex-based differences in T cell receptor (TCR) selection during thymocyte development, potentially influenced by hormones and the lower expression of the Autoimmune Regulator (AIRE) transcription factor in females.

To investigate this, we analyzed sex-specific differences in TCR generation and selection. We examined TCR repertoires in double-positive thymocytes and single-positive thymic cells, including CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ effector T cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs), derived from male and female organ donors. Minimal sex-based differences were observed in V and J gene usage, and there were no notable differences in TCR repertoire diversity, complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) length, amino acid composition, or network structure. No TCR sequences were exclusive to either sex.

However, female effector T cells exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of TCRs specific to self-antigens implicated in autoimmunity compared to males, while female Tregs showed a reduced frequency of such TCRs. These differences were not observed for TCRs targeting self-antigens unrelated to autoimmunity or antigens associated with cancer or viruses.

Our findings highlight a sex-specific imbalance in thymic selection of TCRs with autoimmunity-associated specificities, providing mechanistic insight into the increased susceptibility of women to autoimmune diseases.
Jack of all trades and master of most:Carpobrotustaxa show no trade-off in reproductive strategies
Authors: Canavan Susan , Rodríguez Jonatan , Skálová Hana , Le Roux Johannes J. , Brundu Giuseppe , Castillo María L. , D’Antonio Carla M. , González Luís , Hulme Philip E. , Richardson David M. , McLean Phill , Moodley-Maříková Desika , Moravcová Lenka , Parker Ingrid M , Pyšek Petr , Štajerová Kateřina , van Wyk Ernita , Novoa Ana
Published: January 2025

The ability to reproduce via multiple strategies is crucial for the invasion success of alien plant species. Here, we useCarpobrotustaxa (species and hybrids) to explore how trade-offs between and within these strategies may influence plant invasion dynamics. Native to South Africa,Carpobrotusplants are globally prominent in coastal ecosystems, reproducing by seed and clonally, and frequently hybridizing in both native and introduced regions. Three genetically distinct clusters were previously identified, with evidence of hybridization within and between these clusters in native and non-native ranges.

We collected fruit samples from populations representing the genetic clusters and their hybrids across native and non-native ranges (i.e., Europe, California, and New Zealand). These genetic clusters reflect the complex taxonomy ofCarpobrotus, where species boundaries are unclear due to hybridization and morphological similarity. We then assessed seed set, seed mass, germination rates, and early growth under varying abiotic conditions alongside genetic estimates of clonality.

Germination rates were influenced by temperature, moisture, and nutrient levels. Non-native populations demonstrated higher seed set, seed mass, and germination success compared to native populations, indicating a stronger investment in sexual reproduction. These populations also showed higher levels of clonality, shown by lower genotypic richness, suggesting that both reproductive strategies enhance invasive potential.

High-clonality populations produced more seeds, demonstrating that the two reproductive strategies are not mutually exclusive. These results highlight the importance of multiple reproductive strategies for the establishment and spread ofCarpobrotustaxa and provide insights into the mechanisms driving their global success.
Hyperglycemia worsens smooth muscle foam cell formation through PI3Kgamma-dependent defective autophagy
Authors: Labrana Honora , Wahart Amandine , Cormier Kevin , Solinhac Romain , Swiader Audrey , Mentouri Isra , Smirnova Natalia , Malet Nicole , Gayral Stephanie , Ramel Damien , Auge Nathalie , Laffargue Muriel
Published: January 2025

Diabetic patients are particularly susceptible to cardiovascular complications following atherosclerosis. Uncontrolled glycemia leads to arterial dysfunction, potentially responsible for these increased risks. While the impact of hyperglycemia on endothelial cells and macrophages is well documented, its role in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) remains underexplored. In vivo, using a wire injury-based accelerated atherosclerosis mouse model, we showed that hyperglycemia increased lipid loading of SMCs. In vitro, we further confirmed this important finding in human primary SMCs exposed to elevated glucose concentrations. This effect originated from a defective autophagy, since autophagy activators prevented lipid droplet accumulation in SMCs. Furthermore, blocking phosphoinositide-3-kinase gamma (PI3Kgamma) activity prevented the formation of foam SMCs, by restoring autophagy linked to the nuclear translocation of the transcription factor EB (TFEB), arguing for a major role of this kinase in this process. Understanding the disruption of SMC homeostasis in a hyperglycemic environment holds the promise of a new therapeutic approach, involving PI3Kgamma inhibitors, to prevent major cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and their recurrences in diabetic patients.
Multiple orthoflaviviruses secrete sfRNA in mosquito saliva to promote transmission by inhibiting MDA5-mediated early interferon response
Authors: Serrato-Pomar Idalba , Zoladek Jim , Medkour Hacène , Narpon Quentin , Rey-Cadilhac Felix , Rossi Solena , French Stephanie , Modahl Cassandra , Sornjai Wannapa , Miot Elliott , Hamel Rodolphe , Medianikov Oleg , Missé Dorothée , Nisole Sébastien , Pompon Julien
Published: January 2025

Numerous orthoflaviviruses transmitted through the bites of different mosquito species infect more than 500 million people annually. Bite-initiated skin infection represents a critical and conserved step in transmission and a deeper understanding of this process will promote the design of broad-spectrum interventions to address diverse orthoflavivirus health threats. Here, we identify and characterize a transmission-enhancing viral factor in mosquito saliva that is shared across orthoflaviviruses. Saliva of West Nile virus-infectedCulexand Zika virus-infectedAedescontains a viral non-coding RNA, subgenomic orthoflaviviral RNA (sfRNA), within lipid vesicles distinct from virions. Higher concentration of sfRNA in infectious saliva positively correlates with infection intensity in human cells and skin explants. Early sfRNA delivery into transmission-relevant skin cell types and human skin explant demonstrate that sfRNA is responsible for the infection enhancement. Co-inoculation of sfRNA in a mouse model of transmission enhanced skin infection and worsened disease severity, evidencing the role of salivary sfRNA as a transmission-enhancer. Mechanistically, salivary sfRNA attenuates early interferon response in human skin cells and skin explants by altering MDA5-mediated signaling. Our results, derived from two distinct orthoflaviviruses and supported by prior studies, establish salivary sfRNA as a pan-orthoflavivirus transmission-enhancing factor driven by a conserved viral non-coding RNA.
Multiciliated cells adapt the mechanochemical Piezo1-Erk1/2-Yap1 cell proliferation axis to fine-tune centriole number
Authors: Narayanan Vani , Rao Venkatramanan G , Arrigo Angelo , Kulkarni Saurabh S
Published: January 2025

Multiciliated cells (MCCs) are specialized epithelial cells that undergo massive amplification of centrioles, constructing several motile cilia to propel fluid flow. The abundance of cilia is critical for efficient fluid flow, yet how MCCs regulate centriole/cilia numbers remains a major knowledge gap. We have shown that mechanical tension plays a central role in regulating apical area and centriole number in MCCs. Here, we demonstrate that centriole amplification is controlled by a mechanochemical pathway essential for cell proliferation in cycling cells. Specifically, MCCs under tension use Piezo1-mediated calcium signaling to drive Erk½ phosphorylation via PKC and subsequent Yap1 activation. Remarkably, MCCs use this pathway to activate a cilia-specific transcription program, influencing the expression of Foxj1, a master regulator of motile ciliogenesis. Our work is the first to identify a novel function for an important mechanochemical pathway in centriole amplification in MCCs, offering new insights into ciliopathies and cancer, where aberrant centriole numbers are implicated.

Teaser

This study demonstrates that multiciliated cells utilize the mechanochemical Piezo1-Erk1/2-Yap1 cell proliferation axis to activate the cilia-specific transcriptional factor Foxj1 and amplify centrioles in a tension- dependent manner.
Investigation of All Disease-Relevant Lysine Acetylation Sites in α-Synuclein Enabled by Non-canonical Amino Acid Mutagenesis
Authors: Shimogawa Marie , Li Ming-Hao , Park Grace Shin Hye , Ramirez Jennifer , Lee Hudson , Watson Paris R. , Sharma Swati , Lin Zongtao , Peng Chao , Garcia Benjamin A. , Christianson David W. , Rhoades Elizabeth , Eliezer David , Petersson E. James
Published: January 2025

Aggregates of α-synuclein (αS) are hallmarks of synucleinopathies, including Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). We have recently shown that αS lysine acetylation in the soluble monomer pool varies between healthy controls, PD, and MSA patients. To study the effects of lysine acetylation at all disease-relevant sites of αS, we first compared production of acetylated αS through either native chemical ligation or non-canonical amino acid (ncAA) mutagenesis. Since yields were comparable, ncAA mutagenesis was deemed superior for scanning many acetylation sites. We expressed and purified 12 disease-relevant variants and studied their binding to membranes as well as their aggregation propensities, and found that acetylation of lysine 12, 43, and 80 had particularly strong effects. To understand the implications for acetylation of monomeric αS found in healthy cells, we performed NMR experiments to study protein conformation and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy experiments to quantify lipid binding. We also investigated the effects of acetylation at lysine 12, 43, and 80 on fibril seeding in neurons. Collectively, our biochemical and cell biological investigations indicated that acetylation of K80could inhibit aggregation without conferring negative effects on monomer function in healthy cells. Therefore, we studied the structures of fibrils with K80acetylation through cryo-electron microscopy to uncover the structural basis for these effects. Finally, we identified inhibition of HDAC8 as a way of potentially increasing acetylation at K80and other inhibitory sites for therapeutic benefit.
Characterization of cytotrophoblast cell population dynamics throughout pregnancy
Authors: Schäffers Olivier , Verburgt Simone , Harhangi Madhavi , Broekhuizen Michelle , van Hengel Eline , van der Meeren Lotte , Schoenmakers Sam , Dekkers Dick , Doff Wouter , Demmers Jeroen , Reiss Irwin , Gribnau Joost , van Rijn Bas
Published: January 2025

To understand cytotrophoblast (CTB) dynamics during pregnancy, we constructed a single-cell RNA sequencing dataset profiling over 35,000 CTBs isolated from human placental tissues at various gestational stages. Our analysis revealed a robust set of transcripts defining distinct CTB subsets and their spatial relationships within the placenta. We identified a transit-amplifying primitive trophoblast population that may contribute to the CTB pool and found that CTBs located at the smooth chorion form a leak-tight epithelial layer that adapts to low oxygen environments without undergoing syncytialization. Additionally, our study suggests that CTB fate in the villous chorion may be influenced by interactions with the basal lamina, as indicated by a population of BCAM+ CTBs. This subset, isolated from term placental tissue, displayed progenitor capabilities in organoid cultures, supporting the hypothesis that BCAM+ CTBs maintain a progenitor role late in pregnancy.
Sulfonamide resistance genesul4is hosted by common wastewater sludge bacteria and found in various newly described contexts and hosts including clinically relevant species
Authors: Markkanen Melina , Pezzutto Denise , Virta Marko , Karkman Antti
Published: January 2025

The introduction of the first broad-spectrum antibiotics, sulfonamide drugs fundamentally revolutionized medicine in the 1930s. Shortly after and ever since sulfonamide resistance genes (sulgenes) have been widely detected. Still, the most recent variant of these genessul4, was first described only in 2017 and its host range and transmission mechanisms are still largely unknown. Here we applied PacBio long-read metagenomic sequencing and bacterial methylation signals to investigate the genetic contexts and bacterial carriage of thesul4gene in wastewater. Furthermore, we extended our description ofsul4carriers to previously published data sets. Our results indicate thatsul4is prominently found in sludge and hosted by various bacteria such as the species from the phyla Myxococcota and Chloroflexota and generaTrichlorobacter, andDesulfobacillus, which are commonly found in activated sludge. Additionally, according to our results,sul4has already spread into multiple strains of opportunistic human pathogens, such asAeromonasandMoraxellain addition to the previously describedSalmonella. The sequence region flankingsul4included a truncatedfolK gene, and an ISCR28-element, and exhibited a high degree of conservation across the investigated sequences. Furthermore, the module was associated with various integron integrase genes. Also, other mobility-related elements that could further increase the likelihood ofsul4mobilization were detected. Altogether, our results describing thesul4hosts of bacteria from distant lineages indicate the efficient mobility ofsul4by genetic elements that traverse both clinical and environmental bacteria. Finally, we suggest that wastewater may provide favorable conditions for such horizontal gene transfer events.

Importance

Antibiotic resistance is an ancient phenomenon and a common trait for many environmental bacteria. However, human activities in the post-antibiotic era, coupled with the bacteria’s ability to exchange genetic material across different lineages, have drastically increased the spread of resistance traits among bacteria from various niches. The primary concern is the resistance genes encoded by infections causing pathogens, already causing over one million deaths annually and indirectly contributing to nearly four million more. Therefore, understanding the bacteria that harbor ARGs and the genetic mechanisms driving their mobilization is crucial for understanding the dynamics and emerging trends of resistance. Here, we focus on revealing these crucial aspects of the newly discovered sulfonamide resistance genesul4. Given the limitations of the metagenomic approach in linking the functional genes to their host genomes, the significance of our research lies in our workflow that allows this linkage by identification of shared methylation profiles.
How subunit rotation controls tRNA dynamics in the ribosome
Authors: Byju Sandra , Whitford Paul Charles
Published: January 2025

In order to translate messenger RNA into proteins, the ribosome must coordinate a wide range of conformational rearrangements. Some steps involve individual molecules, whereas others require synchronization of multiple collective motions. For example, the ribosomal "small" subunit (~ 1 MDa) is known to undergo rotational motion (~10 degrees) that is correlated with large-scale displacements of tRNA molecules (~50 Å). While decades of biochemical, single-molecule and structural analysis have provided many insights into the timing of these motions, little is known about how these dynamical processes influence each other. To address this, we use molecular simulations to isolate specific interactions that allow tRNA kinetics to be controlled by subunit rotation. Specifically, we applied an all-atom structure-based model to perform molecular simulations of P/E hybrid formation, a process by which the tRNA molecules are displaced between ribosomal binding sites. By varying the extent of subunit rotation in each simulation, these calculations reveal a pronounced non-monotonic dependence of tRNA kinetics on subunit rotation. That is, tRNA kinetics increase and then decrease as the subunit is rotated. We further show that this behavior is due to the steric contributions of a single ribosomal protein. Together, these calculations provide insights into the physicochemical properties of the ribosome, while establishing a strategy for isolating causal relationships in biomolecular assemblies.
Bayesian data driven modelling of kinetochore dynamics: space-time organisation of the human metaphase plate
Authors: Koki Constandina , Inchingolo Alessio V , Daniyan Abdullahi , Li Enyu , McAinsh Andrew D. , Burroughs Nigel J
Published: January 2025

Mitosis is a complex self-organising process that achieves high fidelity separation of duplicated chromosomes into two daughter cells through capture and alignment of chromosomes to the spindle mid-plane. Chromosome movements are driven by kinetochores, multi-protein machines that attach chromosomes to microtubules (MTs), both controlling and generating directional forces. Using lattice light sheet microscopy imaging and automated near-complete tracking of kinetochores at fine spatio-temporal resolution, we produce a detailed atlas of kinetochore metaphase-anaphase dynamics in untransformed human cells (RPE1). We fitted 18 biophysical models of kinetochore metaphase-anaphase dynamics to experimental data using Bayesian inference, and determined support for the models with model selection methods, demonstrating substantial sister force asymmetry and time dependence of the mechanical parameters. Our analysis shows that K-fiber pulling and pushing strengths are inversely correlated and that there is substantial spatial organisation of KT dynamic properties both within, and transverse to the metaphase plate. Further, K-fiber forces are tuned over the last 5 mins of metaphase towards a set point, which we refer to as the anaphase ready state.
Optimisation of skeletal muscle sampling for cultured fat production
Authors: Dohmen Richard G. J. , Hueber Rui , Martins Beatriz , Gouveia Maria Ana , Zschieschang Simon , de Vries Marjolein , Caubergh John , Eussen Ralph , Post Mark J. , Flack Joshua E.
Published: January 2025

To produce cultured meat at a commercially-relevant scale, bioprocesses must be robust, standardised and cost-efficient. In this respect, the limitedin vitrolifespan of primary cells poses a major challenge, which requires regular cell sourcing by means of biopsy. We have previously shown that muscle-derived fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells (FAPs) represent a promising starting cell type for cultured fat production. These cells proliferate for a high number of population doublings (PDs) in serum-free growth medium. However, with accumulating PDs, FAPs lose their adipogenic differentiation capacity, thereby limiting the amount of cultured fat that can be produced from a given starting sample. Donor animal characteristics, including age, may affect this loss of differentiation. Here, we performed a longitudinal biopsy study to ask whether physiological differences between donor animals are reflected in FAP cell biology, and if this has an effect on loss of FAP differentiation capacity. We sampled twelve Limousin cattle over the first two years of their lives, successfully performing 144 muscle biopsies. Animals younger than six months demonstrated higher FAP yields per gram of muscle tissue, making them ideal donors for cultured fat production, but we observed little difference in the proliferation or differentiation of derived cell cultures. This work also provides valuable insights into the tissue harvesting process, highlighting the need for new, robust and standardised biopsy systems to mitigate contamination risk.
Exotic and Zoological Birds Resident and Imported into Nigeria harbour Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus: Threat to Poultry Production, Food security and Public Health
Authors: Yakubu Atuman , Inuwa Bitrus , Bakam Judith , Orioko Edmond , Emmanuel Hambolu Sunday , Meseko Clement
Published: January 2025

Influenza is a major infectious disease challenge affecting animal and human health globally, and wild birds are historically the primary reservoirs of all the known Influenza A virus subtypes. Here, we detected the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus in exotic and aquatic birds in three different locations in Nigeria. On the 8thof February 2021, exotic birds: Yellow Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus), Sultan chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), Lakenvelder chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), and Common pheasant (Phasianus calchicus), imported from Libya and transported across the Niger Republic border to Nigeria, were presented to the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, for screening. Also, a family in Lagos State bought some exotic aquatic birds from a live bird market in Sokoto State, Nigeria, where sudden death was recorded with the birds showing few clinical signs. Similarly, the sudden death of some aquatic birds was reported in Mandela Parks and Gardens in Asaba, Delta State, few weeks after some captured wild birds were introduced to the Park and Gardens. Oropharyngeal, cloacal, and tissue samples were all collected from the reported cases. Total viral nucleic acid was extracted and screened for Influenza A viruses using real-time RT-PCR. The HPAI viruses H5N1 and H5N8 were detected in the imported aquatic (geese and ducks) and exotic (yellow golden pheasant) birds. The samples tested negative for low-pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (H9N2) as well as other avian viruses, viz.,Avian avulavirus-1 (Newcastle disease Virus) and infectious bronchitis virus. This highlights the role of these resident and imported exotic birds in the local transmission and spread of the HPAI virus to domestic poultry. The findings call for proper biosecurity and quarantine measures for exotic and wild birds to reduce the potential risk to animal and public health in Nigeria.
A phenomenological interpretation of multiple bursting patterns in Lateral Habenula neurons
Authors: Fedorov Dmitry , Campillo Fabien , Desroches Mathieu , Soria-Gómez Edgar , Piriz Joaquin , Rodrigues Serafim
Published: January 2025

We present lateral habenula (LHb) neural data that display a variety of bursting patterns, with two dominant types and a third one that appears as a mix of the other two. We analyse these patterns using elementary statistical tools and characterise them from the perspective of average frequency during the burst and burst duration, which yields two main categories. We then propose an idealised multiple-timescale dynamical model that captures the two main types of bursting patterns observed in the data, namelysquare-waveandparabolicbursting, as well as the intermediatemixed-type(also termedtriangular) bursting. We identify a special point in parameter space, termedsaddle-node homoclinic, which acts as an organising center to distinguish between the two main bursting patterns. Finally, we relate the bursting categories inherent to the model and those identified through statistical analysis, discussing their possible convergence and limitations.
Development of a floxedGabbr2gene allows for widespread conditional disruption of GABBR2 and recapitulates the phenotype of germline Gabbr2 knockout mice
Authors: Hens Julie R. , Brown Stacey , Licznerski Pawel , Suarez Jacqueline , Jonas Elizabeth , Wysolmerski John J.
Published: January 2025

GABBR1 and GABBR2 are widely expressed in the brain and genetic inhibition of their function leads to widespread neurologic dysfunction and premature death in mice. Given that GABBR1 and GABBR2 heterodimerize to form a functional receptor, global knockout of GABBR1 or GABBR2 results in a similar phenotype, characterized by spontaneous epileptiform activity, hyperlocomotor activity, hyperalgesia, impaired memory and premature death. It is now known that both GABBR1 and GABBR2 are expressed in a variety of tissues outside the nervous system and that GABA-B receptors can heterodimerize with other class C GPCRs, including the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). Studies in vitro have demonstrated that interactions with GABBR1 and GABBR2 can alter CaSR signaling in human embryonic kidney cells and breast cancer cells. The neurologic consequences of global loss of function of GABBR1 or GABBR2 has made it difficult to study the effects of loss of GABBR function in other organs. While a conditional knockout for GABBR1 is available, the GABBR2 gene had not been “floxed”. We have used CRISPR to insert loxP sites into the GABBR2 locus in mice. These mice are normal at baseline but when bred with mice expressing Cre-recombinase under the control of the ubiquitously expressed Actin gene promoter, they recapitulate the phenotype of global GABBR2 knockout mice. Phenotypic changes through the brain, including the cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum. Evidence of abnormal neuronal function, increase cell death, and changes in neuronal architecture are seen throughout the brain of CRISPR knockout mice. These mice should be useful tools to study cell type-specific loss of GABBR2 function in the brain and other organs.
Co-Conservation of Synaptic Gene Expression and Circuitry in Collicular Neurons
Authors: Liu Yuanming , McDaniel John A. , Chen Chen , Yang Lu , Kipcak Arda , Savier Elise L. , Erisir Alev , Cang Jianhua , Campbell John N.
Published: January 2025

The superior colliculus (SC), a midbrain sensorimotor hub, is anatomically and functionally similar across vertebrates, but how its cell types have evolved is unclear. Using single-nucleus transcriptomics, we compared the SC’s molecular and cellular organization in mice, tree shrews, and humans. Despite over 96 million years of evolutionary divergence, we identified ∼30 consensus neuronal subtypes, includingCbln2+ neurons that form the SC-pulvinar circuit in mice and tree shrews. Synapse-related genes were among the most conserved, unlike neocortex, suggesting co-conservation of synaptic genes and circuitry. In contrast, cilia-related genes diverged significantly across species, highlighting the potential importance of the neuronal primary cilium in SC evolution. Additionally, we identified a novel inhibitory SC neuron in tree shrews and humans but not mice. Our findings reveal that the SC has evolved by conserving neuron subtypes, synaptic genes, and circuitry, while diversifying ciliary gene expression and an inhibitory neuron subtype.
Cavity-enhanced charge-driven feedback loop in single quantum dot photocurrent spectroscopy
Authors: Hohn M. , Schmidt M. , Höfling S. , Reitzenstein S.
Published: January 2025

This study investigates a charge-driven feedback loop on single quantum dots (QDs) embedded in micropillar cavities under electrical readout. The coupled quantum–dot–microcavity system demonstrates a significant reduction in hysteresis under temperature sweep when the QD is in resonance with the cavity mode. To describe the experimental results, we develop a feedback model for the photocurrent response which incorporates a quadratic Stark shift to accurately fit the observed asymmetries and hysteresis in the spectra. Supported by this model, we attribute the observed reduction in hysteresis to an interplay between cavity-enhanced effective excitation power and the competition between radiative and nonradiative recombination by cavity quantum electrodynamics effects in the Purcell regime. This work provides important insights that can guide future optimization of QD-based devices for applications in quantum technologies.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Symbolic regression for beyond the standard model physics
Authors: AbdusSalam Shehu , Abel Steven , Romão Miguel Crispim
Published: January 2025

We propose symbolic regression as a powerful tool for the numerical studies of proposed models of physics beyond the Standard Model. In this paper we demonstrate the efficacy of the method on a benchmark model, namely the constrained minimal supersymmetric Standard Model, which has a four-dimensional parameter space. We provide a set of analytical expressions that reproduce three low-energy observables of interest in terms of the parameters of the theory: the Higgs mass, the contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, and the cold dark matter relic density. To demonstrate the power of the approach, we employ the symbolic expressions in a global fits analysis to derive the posterior probability densities of the parameters, which are obtained two orders of magnitude more rapidly than is possible using conventional methods.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Revisiting the Helium Isotope-Shift Puzzle with Improved Uncertainties from Nuclear Structure Corrections
Authors: Li Muli Simone Salvatore , Richardson Thomas R. , Bacca Sonia
Published: January 2025

Measurements of the difference between the squared charge radii of the helion (He3 nucleus) and the α particle (He4 nucleus) have been characterized by longstanding tensions recently spotlighted in the 3.6σ discrepancy of the extractions from ordinary atoms versus those from muonic atoms [Karsten Schuhmann , ]. Here, we present a novel analysis of uncertainties in nuclear structure corrections that must be supplied by theory to enable the extraction of the difference in radii from spectroscopic experiments. We use modern Bayesian inference techniques to quantify uncertainties stemming from the truncation of the chiral effective field theory expansion of the nuclear force for both muonic and ordinary atoms. With the new nuclear structure input, the helium isotope-shift puzzle cannot be explained, rather, it is reinforced to a 4σ discrepancy.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Cluster-projected matrix product state: Framework for engineering exact quantum many-body ground states in one and two dimensions
Authors: Saito Hidehiro , Hotta Chisa
Published: January 2025

We propose a framework to design concurrently a frustration-free quantum many-body Hamiltonian and its numerically exact ground states on a sufficiently large finite-size cluster in one and two dimensions using an elementary matrix product state (MPS) representation. Our approach strategically chooses a local cluster Hamiltonian, which is arranged to overlap with neighboring clusters on a designed lattice. The frustration-free Hamiltonian is given as the sum of the cluster Hamiltonians by ensuring that there exists a state that has its local submanifolds as the lowest-energy eigenstate of every cluster. The key to find such a solution is a systematic protocol, which projects out excited states on every cluster using MPS and effectively entangles the cluster states. This algorithm not only offers an exact solution to general frustration-free Hamiltonian, but even provide the excited eigenstates by setting a proper target. It has several advantages, including the ability to achieve the calculation of states at nearly equal cost in one and two dimensions including those belonging to gapless or long-range entangled classes, flexibility in designing Hamiltonians unbiasedly across various forms of models, and numerically feasible validation of exactness through energy calculations. It enables the exploration of exact phase boundaries and the analysis of even a spatially nonuniform random system, providing platforms for quantum simulations and benchmarks.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Disorder-free Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev models: Integrability and a precursor of chaos
Authors: Ozaki Soshun , Katsura Hosho
Published: January 2025

We introduce two disorder-free variants of the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) model, demonstrate their integrability, and study their static and dynamical properties. Unlike diagrammatic techniques, the integrability of these models allows us to obtain dynamical correlation functions even when the number of Majorana fermions is finite. From the solutions, we find that out-of-time-order correlators (OTOCs) in these models exhibit exponential growth at early times, resembling that of many-body quantum chaotic systems, such as those with disorder or external kick terms, despite their large N behavior differing from that of typical chaotic systems. Conversely, our analysis shows no evidence of random-matrix behavior in level spacing statistics or the spectral form factor. Our findings illustrate that the clean versions of the SYK models represent simple but nontrivial examples of disorder-free quantum many-body systems displaying chaoslike behavior of OTOCs.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Modulation of the modulated magnetic structure of an Ho i-MAX phase described by a magnetic (3+2)-dimensional superspace group
Authors: Colin Claire V. , Tao Quanzheng , Opagiste Christine , Balou Rafik , Rosen Johanna , Ouisse Thierry , Petříček Václav
Published: January 2025

The magnetic structures of the Ho-based i-MAX phase (Mo2/3Ho1/3)2GaC were studied with neutron powder diffraction at low temperature. (Mo2/3Ho1/3)2GaC crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm. The material undergoes two successive antiferromagnetic transitions at T
N1 = 10 K and T
N2 = 7.2 K. The magnetic structure below T
N1 is incommensurate with the propagation vector k
1 = (0, ky
, 0) with ky
= 0.696 (1) at 9 K. For the analysis of the magnetic structure, a group-theoretical approach based on the space group of the nuclear structure and its subgroups was employed. A model in the (3+1)D superspace group Cmcm.1′(0β0)s0ss yielded the most accurate results in neutron powder diffraction refinements. The determined structure was found to be an incommensurate longitudinal amplitude-modulated magnetic structure. Below T
N2, additional magnetic satellites develop. They could be indexed by a propagation vector k
2 = (τ
x
, 0, 0) with the τ
x
value increasing below T
N2 until it stabilizes at approximately 3 K at 0.075. A magnetic structure determination considering two propagation vectors k
1 and k
2 was carried out using the superspace formalism by building the corresponding (3+2)D model. The determination was based on the observation that the additional magnetic peaks emerge exclusively in the vicinity of the incommensurate magnetic peaks with propagation vector k
1, and not in the vicinity of nuclear peaks. This indicates that only mixed-index reflections were observed, and not reflections purely related to k
2. The magnetic superspace group (MSSG) that was determined is Amma.1′ (0,β,0)00s0 (0,0,γ)ss0s. The structure can be described as a longitudinal amplitude-modulated structure, which itself is amplitude-modulated in a perpendicular direction. This represents a very unusual case of a 2-k magnetic structure with no symmetry relation between the propagation vectors.
Consumers’ green attitudes and their green purchase intentions: the mediating role of consumer-green product congruence and a comparison between genders
Authors: Olfat Mohammad
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This research sought to show that consumers with strong green attitudes modify their consumption criteria, getting them to consider green products as more aligned with their preferences. Utilizing the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and self-regulation theory, this study investigated how consumers’ green attitudes influence their intentions to buy eco-friendly products, both directly and through the mediating role of consumer-green product congruence. Furthermore, to find more specific insights for businesses, drawing on attitude-behavior-context (ABC) theory, this study compared the results between males and females.

Design/methodology/approach

To evaluate the proposed conceptual model, this study surveyed 272 consumers and analyzed the data using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with the help of Smart-PLS 4.0 software.

Findings

The results indicated that consumers with green attitudes have higher intentions to buy green products, both directly and through the mediating role of consumer-green product congruence. While, in contrast to women, no significant direct relationship between men’s green attitude and their green purchase intentions was observed, we found a stronger mediating role for green-product congruence among males than females.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that fostering consumers’ green attitudes not only enhances consumers’ perceived alignment with green products but also significantly increases their intentions to purchase eco-friendly products. Furthermore, a comparison between males and females shows that men only decide to purchase green products when they see an alignment between their preferences and those products. Green attitudes are not sufficient for men to purchase green products. This is among a few studies addressing the above issues from the perspective of TRA, self-regulation theory and ABC theory.
Method for positioning a group of UAVs for organizing stable wireless communication with seismic modules
Authors: Saveliev Anton , Anikin Dmitry , Ronzhin Andrey , Agafonov Vadim , Erokhin Gennady
Published: January 2025

Purpose

A new method for positioning a group of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that collect data from seismic modules via wireless communication is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The developed method of positioning a group of UAVs includes five main stages: constructing a heat map of Wi-Fi signal propagation, identifying points of maximum signal strength on the heat map, optimal target distribution between UAVs in the group, constructing optimal trajectories considering the complexity of the terrain and resolving conflict situations. The proposed algorithms were implemented programmatically in the ROS2 system in C++, then their operation was simulated in the Gazebo simulation environment.

Findings

Simulation of flights of a group of 4, 7 and 10 UAVs in areas of 5 × 5 and 10 × 10 sq km with the presence of 60 and 180 peaks respectively with a height from −50 to −63 dBm, using the developed method made it possible to solve the problem of collecting data from seismic sensors via a wireless communication channel in 34, 18 and 11 min for each group in 5 × 5 area and 83, 37, 32 min for 10 × 10 area. The comparison with other methods showed scalability and performance improvements by an average of 6–18%, depending on the number of UAVs in the group.

Originality/value

The main advantage of this method is the formation of global reciprocating trajectories of a group of UAVs, covering the coordinates of all seismic sensors in the minimum possible time and the iterative construction of local reciprocating trajectories in the process of flying around each sensor.
Conceptual model generation of the relationship between digital marketing capability and business performance: evidence from Turkey
Authors: Acayip Esma , Kirselioglu Dilsad , Akel Gokhan
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The study develops a model that associates digital marketing capabilities with customer relations orientation, technology orientation and social customer relationship management (CRM) competence with business performance, considering market environment factors. It also aims to contribute to the literature with dynamic capability theory by testing this model.

Design/methodology/approach

The model suggested is tested by data obtained online from a sample of 178 Turkish companies that use digital marketing tools. The data obtained were analyzed using the structural equation model (SEM).

Findings

In this study, it has been determined that digital marketing capabilities affect business performance. Also, a positive moderating effect of dynamism is seen in the relationship of digital marketing capabilities with business performance. Also, technology orientation, social CRM competence and customer relations orientation affect and explain digital marketing capabilities as antecedents.

Research limitations/implications

The study only focuses on Turkish companies, and no distinction has been made in terms of business type/size. Also, since this research was carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic, the data may have been affected by this period.

Originality/value

Contextual and methodological research gaps still exist in digital marketing capabilities literature. This study is evaluating Turkish companies’ digital marketing capabilities with business performance, and in the context of Turkey, it is important for other developing countries with a similar market environment. Also, it contributes to the dynamic capabilities theory literature by constructing a novel conceptual model examining the relationship among dynamic digital marketing capabilities, their antecedents and business performance.
Antecedents and consequences of satisfaction regarding apparel bought online during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Audrain-Pontevia Anne-Françoise , Gantoli Reine Fortunée Alohomin , François Julien
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Although well documented for physical stores, consumer motives for buying apparel online have been poorly investigated. Drawing on the social exchange theory (SET), the authors tested a framework that relates time savings, effort savings and money savings to satisfaction, e-loyalty and e-word-of-mouth (e-WOM).

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted in Canada during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Data were collected from 247 participants who made online clothing purchases and analysed using partial least-squares structural equation modelling. The reliability and validity of the measurement model were assessed, and the path coefficients of the structural model were estimated.

Findings

Money savings have a strong effect on e-satisfaction, which in turn determines e-loyalty and e-WOM. Time savings have also been found to influence e-satisfaction, whereas effort savings have no influence. Finally, the results indicate that e-satisfaction competitively mediates the relationship between money savings and both e-loyalty and e-WOM.

Originality/value

Utilising the SET, this study contributes to deepening the knowledge of online clothing purchase in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors provide a comprehensive view of the mechanisms through which time savings and money savings are the strongest drivers of customer satisfaction, which in turn influence customer loyalty and e-WOM when buying clothes online.