bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal distribution of the glycoprotein pherophorin II reveals stochastic geometry of the growing ECM ofVolvox carteri
Authors: von der Heyde Benjamin , Srinivasan Anand , Birwa Sumit Kumar , von der Heyde Eva Laura , Höhn Steph S.M.H. , Goldstein Raymond E. , Hallmann Armin
Published: December 2024

The evolution of multicellularity involved the transformation of a simple cell wall of unicellular ancestors into a complex, multifunctional extracellular matrix (ECM). A suitable model organism to study the formation and expansion of an ECM during ontogenesis is the multicellular green algaVolvox carteri, which, along with the related volvocine algae, produces a complex, self-organized ECM composed of multiple substructures. These self-assembled ECMs primarily consist of hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins, a major component of which is pherophorins. To investigate the geometry of the growing ECM, we fused theyfpgene with the gene for pherophorin II (PhII) inV. carteri. Confocal microscopy reveals PhII:YFP localization at key structures within the ECM, including the boundaries of compartments surrounding each somatic cell and the outer surface of the organism. Image analysis during the life cycle allows the stochastic geometry of those growing compartments to be quantified. We find that their areas and aspect ratios exhibit robust gamma distributions and exhibit a transition from a tight polygonal to a looser acircular packing geometry with stable eccentricity over time, evoking parallels and distinctions with the behavior of hydrated foams. These results provide a quantitative benchmark for addressing a general, open question in biology: How do cells produce structures external to themselves in a robust and accurate manner?
Carrier mobility of strongly anharmonic materials from first principles
Authors: Quan Jingkai , Carbogno Christian , Scheffler Matthias
Published: December 2024

First-principles approaches for phonon-limited electronic transport are typically based on many-body perturbation theory and transport equations. With that, they rely on the validity of the quasiparticle picture for electrons and phonons, which is known to fail in strongly anharmonic systems. In this work, we demonstrate the relevance of effects beyond the quasiparticle picture by combining molecular dynamics and the Kubo-Greenwood (KG) formalism to establish a nonperturbative, stochastic method to calculate carrier mobilities while accounting for all orders of anharmonic and electron-vibrational couplings. In particular, we propose and exploit several numerical strategies that overcome the notoriously slow convergence of the KG formalism for both electronic and nuclear degrees of freedom in crystalline solids. The capability of this method is demonstrated by calculating the temperature-dependent electron mobility of the strongly anharmonic oxide perovskites SrTiO3 and BaTiO3 across a wide range of temperatures. We show that the temperature dependence of the mobility is largely driven by anharmonic, higher-order coupling effects and rationalize these trends in terms of the nonperturbative electronic spectral functions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Multivalued dispersion equation for coupling between plasmons and surface optical phonons in a graphene/polar-substrate system
Authors: Kukhtaruk S. M. , Kochelap V. A.
Published: December 2024

Dispersion equations are a common paradigm of collective excitation physics. However, in some systems, dispersion equations contain multivalued functions and their solutions are ambiguous. As an example, we consider graphene on a polar substrate where Dirac plasmons are coupled with surface optical phonons. The dispersion equation for this system contains square-root singularity. Using the initial value problem resolves this uncertainty and gives a unique solution. Particularly, we found that the lower plasmon-phonon mode, which in terms of dispersion can have a good quality factor, is almost absent in excitation spectra. The physical reason and experimental evidence of the mode collapse are discussed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Measuring kinetic inductance and superfluid stiffness of two-dimensional superconductors using high-quality transmission-line resonators
Authors: Kreidel Mary , Chu Xuanjing , Balgley Jesse , Antony Abhinandan , Verma Nishchhal , Ingham Julian , Ranzani Leonardo , Queiroz Raquel , Westervelt Robert M. , Hone James , Fong Kin Chung
Published: December 2024

The discovery of van der Waals superconductors in recent years has generated a lot of excitement for their potentially novel pairing mechanisms. However, their typical atomic-scale thickness and micrometer-scale lateral dimensions impose severe challenges to investigations of pairing symmetry by conventional methods. We demonstrate an improved technique that employs high-quality-factor superconducting resonators to measure the kinetic inductance—up to one part per million—and loss of a van der Waals superconductor. We analyze the equivalent circuit model to extract the kinetic inductance, superfluid stiffness, penetration depth, and ratio of imaginary and real parts of the complex conductivity. We validate the technique by measuring aluminum and finding excellent agreement in both the zero-temperature superconducting gap as well as the complex conductivity data when compared with BCS theory. We then demonstrate the utility of the technique by measuring the kinetic inductance of multilayered niobium diselenide and discuss the limits to the accuracy of our technique when the transition temperature of the sample, NbSe2 at 7.06 K, approaches our Nb probe resonator at 8.59 K. Our method will be useful for practitioners in the growing fields of superconducting physics, materials science, and quantum sensing, as a means of characterizing superconducting circuit components and studying pairing mechanisms of the novel superconducting states which arise in layered two-dimensional materials and heterostructures.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Monitored fermions with conserved
U(1)
charge
Authors: Fava Michele , Piroli Lorenzo , Bernard Denis , Nahum Adam
Published: December 2024

We study measurement-induced phases of free fermion systems with U(1) symmetry. Following a recent approach developed for Majorana chains, we derive a field theory description for the purity and bipartite entanglement at large space and timescales. We focus on a multiflavor one-dimensional chain with random complex hoppings and continuous monitoring of the local fermion density. By means of the replica trick, and using the number of flavors as a large parameter controlling our approximations, we derive an effective field theory made up of a SU(N) nonlinear sigma model (NLσM) coupled to fluctuating hydrodynamics. Contrary to the case of noninteracting Majorana fermions, displaying no U(1) symmetry, we find that the bipartite entanglement entropy satisfies an area law for all monitoring rates but with a nontrivial scaling of entanglement when the correlation length is large. We provide numerical evidence supporting our claims. We briefly show how imposing a reality condition on the hoppings can change the NLσM and also discuss higher-dimensional generalizations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Climate change sentiment, ESG practices and firm value: international insights
Authors: Bagh Tanveer , Bouri Elie , Khan Muhammad Asif
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the effect of climate change sentiments (CCS) on firm value (FV) and how environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices moderate this effect.

Design/methodology/approach

High-dimensional fixed effects and a two-stage generalized method of moments are applied to data on 6,059 publicly traded firms from 2006 to 2022.

Findings

There is a significant negative effect of CCS on FV, specifically on growth option value (GOV) and Tobin’s Q (TQR), which intensifies during crisis periods. ESG practices, however, moderate this relationship positively, especially for firms with higher GOV and TQR, enhancing their resilience to climate risks. External shocks accelerate sustainability-driven strategies in firms with higher CCS exposure. In developed countries, firms show a stronger sensitivity to CCS due to stronger institutional environments and investor pressure, while firms in developing countries exhibit a weaker sensitivity.

Practical implications

The results underline the necessity for corporate managers to proactively manage climate-related risks and integrate robust ESG strategies to sustain and enhance FV. Analysts, risk managers and investors should consider a company’s exposure to CCS and its ESG performance when assessing risk profiles. Policymakers are encouraged to implement stronger regulatory frameworks and incentives promoting corporate transparency and accountability in managing climate-related risks.

Originality/value

This study unfolds novel evidence, linking psychological research and the traditional basic modified model through an examination of the effect of CCS on FV using an international sample. It highlights the critical role of ESG practices in mitigating the adverse effects of CCS on FV, providing valuable insights for businesses, investors and policymakers.
A numerical approach to a two-phase free boundary problem with MPC material in a finite domain
Authors: Jain Lipi , Joshi Jaya , Rajeev
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is given below: To present a mathematical model of a two-phase Stefan problem including a moving phase change material and variable thermophysical properties. To find a numerical solution of the problem to discuss the dependence of considered phase change problem on variable thermal conductivity, variable specific heat and Peclet number.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a numerical solution of the problem is obtained using the front-fixing method in tandem with the explicit finite difference scheme. The authors have also discussed the consistency and stability of proposed numerical scheme.

Findings

In this study, it is observed that the considered scheme is an efficient tool that provides sufficiently accurate results for exploring the behaviors of moving interface (free boundary) and temperature profile for a nonclassical two-phase free boundary problem. In this study, the authors have observed that the parameters α1 and α2 influence the temperature profiles of the liquid region and the solid region. It is also found that the free boundary propagates faster when the authors increase the parameter α1 or decrease the parameter α2.

Originality/value

From the literature, it is seen that most of the two-phase problems with free boundary in an infinite domain are considered by the authors with constant thermophysical properties. Because it is possible to establish an analytical solution of two-phase problems with free boundary in case of an infinite domain. Moreover, a two-phase problem in a finite domain involving moving phase change material with the unidirectional speed is not considered. Therefore, the authors have considered a two-phase free boundary problem with variable thermal coefficients.
Decoding business analytics: discovering the hidden core through a novel taxonomy
Authors: Dinulescu Catalin C. , Alshare Khaled , Prybutok Victor
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study develops a comprehensive taxonomy of the business analytics (BA) discipline, uncovering its intellectual core and revealing its evolution over the past 12 years.

Design/methodology/approach

Using stakeholder-driven identity formation theory, this study explores how organizational identity emerges through stakeholder negotiations. It investigates how top scholarly journals shape the BA discipline’s image and influence perceptions. High-quality articles from top journals listed by the Australian Business Deans Council are analyzed using latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA), a natural language processing and topic modeling method.

Findings

The study outlines key research areas identified as analytics methods, marketing, finance, operations and decision support analytics, along with 12 subareas. An analysis of the top 100 topics reveals prevalent research themes, showcasing the breadth of BA. A 12-year time-series review shows initial growth followed by maturation across most areas, except for decision support analytics, which maintained steady growth. These findings provide empirical evidence of BA’s development as a distinct discipline, highlighting its interdisciplinary nature and evolving research focus.

Originality/value

This study presents the first comprehensive, data-driven taxonomy of BA research, distilling the intellectual core into five key areas and 12 subareas, while identifying 100 supporting themes. It extends the stakeholders’ approach to identity development theory in the context of BA, providing empirical support for discussions on the field’s identity and diversity. The findings offer valuable insights for scholars, industries, managers and professionals, guiding curriculum development, research directions and practical applications of BA.
RegTech advancements-a comprehensive review of its evolution, challenges, and implications for financial regulation and compliance
Authors: El Khoury Rim , Alshater Muneer M. , Joshipura Mayank
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to assess the current state and impact of the RegTech industry on financial regulation and compliance by providing a comprehensive overview of its evolution and identifying key challenges and opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

A hybrid review approach was employed, involving a detailed bibliometric analysis of 89 scholarly articles and a content analysis of 47 key studies, covering the period from 2010 to 2023.

Findings

The research identifies critical trends and challenges within the RegTech industry, focusing on the roles of regulatory bodies and technological innovations. It explores four major themes: (1) RegTech applications in FinTech, financial services and banking regulations; (2) RegTech’s role in compliance management and fraud prevention; (3) the impact of digital transformation, governance and regulations; and (4) the integration of Big Data, AI, ML and blockchain in regulatory systems.

Practical implications

This study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the complicated applications of RegTech, highlighting its potential to enhance compliance efficiency, mitigate risks and foster innovation within the financial sector. The insights provided are valuable for policymakers and financial institutions aiming to develop more robust regulatory frameworks and practices.

Originality/value

This study uniquely integrates bibliometric and content analysis to provide an up-to-date and nuanced overview of RegTech, focusing on recent advancements in AI, ML and blockchain technologies. It not only maps current trends but also identifies research gaps and offers new directions for future research.
It’s not just kids that don’t speak English: leaning toward teacher preparation for multilingual learners
Authors: Ankeny Raisa
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this current research study is to provide a comprehensive description of an ongoing effort to provide quality experiential professional development through field experiences for educators at the pre-service level, referred to hereafter as teacher candidates (TCs). This practitioner inquiry aimed to determine what the teacher candidates’ reflections revealed about their learning experiences completing the 10-h checklist.

Design/methodology/approach

About30 individual reports from four consecutive terms were collected. I employed qualitative coding, first using open codes, then grouping similar sentiments into axial codes and through an iterative process categorizing them into themes, grouping and re-generating terms as needed and keeping records in a codebook (Creswell, 2014). The research questions guiding the inquiry included, (1) What do teacher candidates’ reflections reveal about their experience completing the field experience for English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) endorsement? And (2) What conclusions do TCs demonstrate about their role as future teachers of multilingual learners (MLLs)?

Findings

Findings are summarized under three main recurring themes: emotionality of field experience, perceived misunderstandings and emerging responsiveness to MLLs. Candidates conveyed strong emotional responses to the instructional context. Some were forward in acknowledging stereotypes and trepidation to participate in the experience. Others reflected on their understanding of the experience, their interpretations of teacher relationships and noted attitude shifts toward MLLs. Findings reported emergent responsiveness to MLLs imply that candidates in this beginning experience progressed at various rates, suggesting that assessing competence of skills at the onset may be beneficial for further understanding best approaches to teacher education.

Originality/value

There is certainly a gap in current knowledge when it comes to understanding the rates at which teacher candidates develop abilities, skills and orientations toward working with MLLs. These preliminary findings support established notions such as the importance of exposing students to authentic environments that foster appreciation for the complexities of the process of second language acquisition and acculturation. Findings reported around emergent responsiveness to MLLs imply that candidates in this beginning experience progressed at various rates, suggesting that assessing competence of skills at the onset may be beneficial for further understanding best approaches to teacher education.
Out-of-school children and the role of social reconstructionism in education in the context of Cambodia: an implication for reform policy
Authors: Bunthorn Yem
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the factors contributing to the out-of-school children (OOSC) issue at the primary level in Cambodia and related initiatives in addressing the challenges, drawing upon the application of social reconstructionism in addressing the issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews and analyzes relevant, existing literature, including scholarly articles, reports, policy documents and books.

Findings

Despite efforts by the government, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and non-government organizations, the issue of OOSC remains a challenge. Integration of social reconstructionist principles offers a transformative approach to address the OOSC issue, as well as systemic educational disparities.

Research limitations/implications

This review paper lacks empirical findings of its own and relies solely on the availability and quality of the relevant sources, setting direction for future research to explore empirical findings.

Practical implications

The findings underscore the importance of adopting a holistic and socially conscious approach to education, incorporating social reconstructionist principles in reform policy.

Social implications

Addressing the OOSC in Cambodia is crucial for promoting social equity and breaking the cycle of poverty, highlighting the need for inclusive education policies.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature and builds upon it to offer a novel perspective of applying social reconstructionist principles in reform policy to address the OOSC issue, as well as the potential of a transformative approach to dealing with systematic educational disparities.
A survey of academic library public service policies, training and assessment practices
Authors: Knoff Meredith , Press Meggan
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study seeks to better understand if academic libraries are generating service policies broadly and if they differentiate between a customer service focus and research assistance perspective. It also examines the level of training and assessment conducted to maintain and update service policies.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers developed an online survey collecting data on demographic, policy development, training and assessment practices.

Findings

Only a very small number of respondents reported having any kind of policy, regardless if it was a customer service or reference/research policy. Within the small number of libraries that reported having any sort of policy, an even smaller number perform any type of assessment on these policies. Furthermore, between the 2021 and 2023 deployments of the surveys, there was an obvious decrease in many areas surveyed.

Originality/value

The implications of this study can inform the development, implementation and assessment of library service policies at academic libraries.
Commentary on “An interdisciplinary approach to improve oral motor fluency and speech production: a case study”
Authors: Mapp Tracy
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the process applied by Schepp et al. (2024; this issue) to enhance the acquisition of speech production. It discusses its relevance to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), with a particular focus on motor movements and leisure skills. The intention is to encourage practitioners to consider the scope of application possibilities and to connect further with the literature surrounding fluency of motor movements and precision teaching.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative approach is applied throughout. Context of skill proficiency, performance and practices for completing component-composite analyses are described, with a practical example given. Variable and critical features of precision teaching relative to discussed aspects are emphasised.

Findings

Fluency in fundamental movements is foundational for developing more complex skills. A component-composite analysis is a helpful, structured approach for identifying precursor skills. These approaches are particularly beneficial for individuals with IDD, who often experience motor movement challenges and barriers in accessing leisure activities.

Originality/value

This paper adds to existing descriptions and discussions regarding the purpose and practical process of identifying precursor skills, then fluency building to performance criterion. Less commonly discussed is the relationship between these and critical and variable features of precision teaching, which are highlighted here. Attention is also drawn to the lesser reported scope of applying these practices to leisure-orientated goals for individuals with IDD.
Creating a food environment scoring index for online food delivery outlets: Delphi study with Australian nutrition and public health professionals
Authors: Bennett Rebecca , Zorbas Christina , Alston Laura , Needham Cindy
Published: December 2024

Aims

This study aimed to develop a scoring index for the healthfulness of food outlet menu offerings available through Australian delivery platforms.

Methods

The Delphi method was employed to achieve consensus among a panel of Australian nutrition and public health experts regarding the food environment scores assigned to online food outlets, classified by type. From previous studies and scoping of delivery platforms, 36 food outlet types were identified. Australian nutrition and public health experts were recruited to complete an online Delphi survey to score the healthfulness of these outlets using a scale from −10 (least healthful) to +10 (most healthful), based on typical menu offerings. The first round of the survey was opened for approximately 5 weeks in July to August 2023, and the second round was opened for 2 weeks in September 2023. The mean food environment score, minimum and maximum awarded food environment score, and SD for each outlet type, and coefficient of variation was calculated after each survey round to provide a measure of the spread of the data around the mean and the degree of consistency in the distribution of responses. Following the second survey round, results were assessed for consensus among the participants.

Results

Fifty‐four participants completed the round one survey, and n=14 completed round two. The majority of online food delivery outlet types received a food environment score of less than +5, and were considered ‘less healthful.’ Participants scored greengrocers as the most healthful outlet type (mean food environment score of 8.83 ± 0.37) and liquor selling stores as the least healthful (score of −8.10 ± 1.14). The group reached consensus after two survey rounds due to decreases in the standard deviations of mean food environment scores.

Conclusions

This study provides an expert‐informed tool, the DIGIASSESS tool, that can be easily applied by researchers, policy makers, health workers and public health professionals to understand the rapidly evolving online food delivery environment, including changes over time and areas for potential intervention.
‘Keeps me young at heart’: Exploring the influence of volunteering on social connection, health and well‐being in rural Australia
Authors: Williams Tara , Lakhani Ali , Spelten Evelien
Published: December 2024

Objective

The negative consequences of social disconnection, including loneliness and social isolation, is receiving considerable attention from researchers and policymakers, and growing as a global public health priority. Volunteering has emerged as a promising strategy to promote social connection and combat loneliness, calling for a closer examination of its potential benefits to individual social health and community cohesion. This study explores the experiences and impact of volunteering on individuals' social health, providing insights into both the positive impacts and possible limitations of volunteering in rural communities.

Design/Setting/Participants

Twenty‐two volunteers (6 males; 16 females) in one rural Northern Victoria community participated in semi‐structured interviews via telephone, online or face‐to‐face. Thematic analysis was used to develop descriptive themes from the qualitative data.

Results

Four themes were identified: (1) creating social and community bonds, (2) giving back to the community, (3) building identity through volunteering and (4) social identity and belonging. Findings suggest that volunteering helps individuals to meet new people, increase opportunities for social interactions with others and within social groups, positively influencing their social identity and the identity of the community. Volunteers, who felt connected through their volunteering, experienced a sense of belonging. However, when feeling overburdened or undervalued, volunteers disengaged and sought new volunteering opportunities.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the influence of rural volunteering on volunteer's social connections, identity and social health. Creating flexible, accessible and inclusive volunteering opportunities acts as a valuable community resource for building and maintaining social health and connection and reduces social disconnection in rural populations.
Outcomes of pancreatectomy for histologically proven intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm with reference to Fukuoka guidelines
Authors: Lee Kit Fai , Lo Eugene Y. J. , Lok Hon Ting , Fung Andrew K. Y. , Kung Janet K. C. , Chong Charing C. N. , Wong John , Lai Paul B. S.
Published: December 2024

Background

Intraductal papillary mucinous tumour (IPMN) of pancreas is increasingly recognized to have malignant potential. Fukuoka guidelines are commonly used to select patients with IPMN for resection due to high chance of malignancy, which includes high‐grade dysplasia (HGD) or invasive carcinoma (IC).

Methods

A retrospective study on consecutive patients who have undergone pancreatectomy with IPMN as the final pathology was performed. Operative and survival outcomes were analysed. The positive predictive values (PPV) of high‐risk stigmata (HRS) and worrisome features (WF) of Fukuoka guidelines for HGD/IC were determined.

Results

Between August 2011 and September 2020, various types of pancreatectomy were performed for 36 patients with histologically proven IPMN. They included 26 pancreaticoduodenectomy, 7 distal pancreatectomy, 2 central pancreatectomy, and 1 total pancreatectomy. There were 30 branch duct type IPMN, 5 main duct type, and 1 mixed type. There was no 30‐day mortality. Overall complications and pancreatic fistula occurred in 44.4% and 5.6% of patients, respectively. Patients without HGD/IC had 100% survival at 5 years with no recurrent disease. There were 13 patients with HGD/IC, their 1‐, 3‐, 5‐year overall and disease‐free survival were 84.6%, 76.9%, 67.3% and 84.6%, 68.4%, 58.6%, respectively, both significantly shorter than non‐HGD/IC group (P = 0.002 and 0.001, respectively). The PPV of HRS and WF for HGD/IC were 33.3% and 23.5%, respectively. The combined PPV of HRS and WF for HGD/IC was 38.0%.

Conclusion

Survival after pancreatectomy for IPMN was favourable, but was significantly worse in the presence of HGD/IC. Fukuoka guidelines were useful in predicting malignant IPMN.
Mass‐forming intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: treatment outcomes after curative‐intent resection in an Australian tertiary referral hospital
Authors: Martens Sander R. W. J. , Bhimani Nazim , Gofton Cameron , Brown Kai M. , de Reuver Philip R. , Hugh Thomas J.
Published: December 2024

Background

Mass‐forming intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (MF‐ICC) is the second most common primary liver cancer and liver resection offers the best chance of possible cure. This study aimed to assess treatment outcomes and prognostic factors for long‐term survival in patients who underwent curative‐intent liver resection.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on prospectively collected data from patients with MF‐ICC managed at the Royal North Shore/North Shore Private Hospital from January 1998 to October 2023. Baseline, peri‐operative and long‐term outcomes have been analysed, including an overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) analysis.

Results

During the 25‐year study period, 47 patients underwent curative‐intent liver resection for primary MF‐ICC at a median age of 70 years. The median OS was 36 months, with a 5‐year OS of 33%. Multiple liver tumours (HR = 2.84; 95% CI = 1.24–6.48; P = 0.013) and a positive resection margin (HR = 2.46; 95% CI = 1.10–5.52; P = 0.029) were identified as independent predictors of poor long‐term OS. Recurrence occurred in 62% of patients after a median DFS of 16 months, with poor tumour differentiation (HR = 3.93; 95% CI = 1.62–9.54; P = 0.002) and elevated tumour markers (HR = 3.47; 95% CI = 1.53–7.87; P = 0.003) as independent predictors of poor DFS.

Conclusion

Liver resection can offer a significant chance for prolonged survival in a highly selected population of patients with MF‐ICC. However, the surgical challenges inherent in treating this rare disease are evident, emphasizing the need for a multimodal approach and continued exploration of additional therapies to enhance personalized treatment strategies.
Biallelic Variants in LRRC45 Impair Ciliogenesis and Cause a Severe Neurological Disorder
Authors: Radhakrishnan Periyasamy , Quadri Neha , Erger Florian , Fuhrmann Nico , Geist Otilia‐Maria , Netzer Christian , Khyriem Ibakordor , Muranjan Mamta , Udani Vrajesh , Yeole Mayuri , Mascarenhas Selinda , Limaye Sanket , Siddiqui Shahyan , Upadhyai Priyanka , Shukla Anju
Published: December 2024

Leucine ‐ rich repeat containing 45 protein (LRRC45) protein localizes at the proximal end of centrioles and forms a component of the proteinaceous linker between them, with an important role in centrosome cohesion. In addition, a pool of it localizes at the distal appendages of the modified parent centriole that forms the primary cilium and it has essential functions in the establishment of the transition zone and axonemal extension during early ciliogenesis. Here, we describe three individuals from two unrelated families with severe central nervous system anomalies. Exome sequencing identified biallelic variants in LRRC45 in the affected individuals: P1: c.1402‐2A>G; P2 and P3: c.1262G>C (p.Arg421Thr). Investigation of the variant c.1402‐2A>G in patient‐derived skin fibroblasts revealed that it triggers aberrant splicing, leading to an abnormal LRRC45 transcript that lacks exon 14. Consistent with this the mRNA and protein levels of LRRC45 were drastically reduced in P1‐derived fibroblast cells compared to the controls. P1 fibroblasts showed a significant reduction of primary cilia frequency and length. In silico modeling of the missense variant in P2/P3 suggested a destabilizing effect on LRRC45. Given these findings, we propose that the pathogenic loss‐of‐function variants in LRRC45 are associated with a novel spectrum of neurological ciliopathy phenotypes.
Impaired Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Neuron GDNF Signaling Contributes to Perioperative Sleep Deprivation–Induced Chronicity of Postsurgical Pain in Mice Through Regulating Cholinergic Neuronal Activity, Apoptosis, and Autophagy
Authors: Wang Dong , Wei Shi‐Nan , Zhang Lu , Lang Zhi‐Chen , Wang Si‐Nian , Cheng Bo , Lu Yan , Wang Xiu , Wang Wei , Li Feng‐Sheng , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2024

Aims

This study investigated the roles of lateral basal forebrain glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) signaling and cholinergic neuron activity, apoptosis, and autophagy dysfunction in sleep deprivation–induced increased risk of chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) in mice.

Methods

Sleep deprivation (6 h per day from −1 to 3 days postoperatively) was administered to mice receiving skin/muscle incision and retraction (SMIR) to determine whether perioperative sleep deprivation induces mechanical and thermal pain hypersensitivity, increases the risk of chronic pain, and causes changes of basal forebrain neurons activity (c‐Fos immunostaining), apoptosis (cleaved Caspase‐3 expression), autophagy (LC3 and p62 expression) and GDNF expression. Adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐GDNF was microinjected into the basal forebrain to see whether increased GDNF expression could reverse sleep deprivation–induced changes in pain duration and cholinergic neuron apoptosis and autophagy. Cholinergic neurons were further depleted by mu p75‐SAP to examine whether the pain‐prolonging effects of sleep deprivation still exist.

Results

Perioperative sleep deprivation enhanced pain sensation and prolonged pain duration in SMIR mice, which was accompanied by decreased cholinergic neuron activity and GDNF expression, increased apoptosis, and autophagy dysfunction in the substantia innominata (SI), magnocellular preoptic nucleus (MCPO), and horizontal diagonal band Broca (HDB) (hereafter lateral basal forebrain). Normalizing cholinergic neuron GDNF expression by AAV‐GDNF in the lateral basal forebrain inhibited apoptosis and autophagy dysfunction and mitigated sleep deprivation–induced pain maintenance. Mice with selective lesion of lateral basal forebrain cholinergic neurons were resistant to the pain‐enhancing and prolonging effects of sleep deprivation and the pain‐alleviating effects of AAV‐GDNF therapy.

Conclusions

Perioperative sleep deprivation promotes chronicity of postsurgical pain possibly through decreasing basal forebrain GDNF signaling and causing cholinergic neuronal apoptosis and autophagy dysfunction.
Ginsenoside Rg1: A Neuroprotective Natural Dammarane‐Type Triterpenoid Saponin With Anti‐Depressive Properties
Authors: Han Dong , Zhao Zheng , Mao Tinghui , Gao Man , Yang Xue , Gao Yan
Published: December 2024

Background

Depression, a widespread mental disorder, presents significant risks to both physical and mental health due to its high rates of recurrence and suicide. Currently, single‐target antidepressants typically alleviate depressive symptoms or delay the progression of depression rather than cure it. Ginsenoside Rg1 is one of the main ginsenosides found in Panax ginseng roots. It improves depressive symptoms through various mechanisms, suggesting its potential as a treatment for depression.

Materials and Methods

We evaluated preclinical studies to comprehensively discuss the antidepressant mechanism of ginsenoside Rg1 and review its toxicity and medicinal value. Additionally, pharmacological network and molecular docking analyses were performed to further validate the antidepressant effects of ginsenoside Rg1.

Results

The antidepressant mechanism of ginsenoside Rg1 may involve various pharmacological mechanisms and pathways, such as inhibiting neuroinflammation and over‐activation of microglia, preserving nerve synapse structure, promoting neurogenesis, regulating monoamine neurotransmitter levels, inhibiting hyperfunction of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis, and combatting antioxidative stress. Moreover, ginsenoside Rg1 preserves astrocyte gap junction function by regulating connexin43 protein biosynthesis and degradation, contributing to its antidepressant effect. Pharmacological network and molecular docking studies identified five targets (AKT1, STAT3, EGFR, PPARG, and HSP90AA1) as potential molecular regulatory sites of ginsenoside Rg1.

Conclusions

Ginsenoside Rg1 may exert its antidepressant effects via various pharmacological mechanisms. In addition, multicenter clinical case‐control and molecular targeted studies are required to confirm both the clinical efficacy of ginsenoside Rg1 and its potential direct targets.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gastrojejunostomy: Novel double catheter technique with video
Authors: Gupta Pankaj , Singla Vikas , Singh Pankaj
Published: December 2024

Watch a video of this article.
The Prevalence of Diffuse Large B‐Cell Lymphoma Varies Substantially by Methods Applied: Results From a Population‐Based Study
Authors: Simonsen Mikkel Runason , Jensen Jonas Faartoft , Larsen Thomas Stauffer , Gade Inger‐Lise , de Nully Brown Peter , El‐Galaly Tarec Christoffer
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Accurate prevalence estimates of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are important for numerous purposes including orphan drug designation. A key criterion for orphan drug designation is a disease prevalence of less than 5/10,000 persons. The objective is to apply and compare different methods of prevalence assessment.

Methods

In the present nationwide Danish cohort study, the prevalence of DLBCL was assessed using different methodologies, including register‐based and formula‐based approaches.

Results

The prevalence calculations were based on 9,492 patients diagnosed with DLBCL since year 2000. Incidence increased and survival improved in the period, resulting in higher prevalence of DLBCL. In year 2023, the 2‐,3‐,5‐,10‐, and 20‐year prevalences were 1.53, 2.19, 3.45, 6.08, and 8.80 per 10,000 adults using the register‐based approach. The formula‐based approach was generally accurate when using restricted mean survival. However, when using median survival, the total prevalence was estimated at 8.1 per 10,000 adults. Furthermore, when extrapolating the median survival from the 5‐year survival under constant hazard assumption as done in some orphan drug designation reports, the prevalence was estimated at 6.6 per 10,000 adults.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the estimated DLBCL prevalences are sensitive to the applied method. DLBCL would disqualify from orphan drug designation in some of the mentioned scenarios.
Moral restraints on wealth accumulation on papal estates in the long sixth century: revisiting Pope Gregory’s policies on alienating and ceding church property
Authors: Flechner Roy
Published: December 2024

Alienation of church property was in most cases forbidden under both imperial and ecclesiastical legislation. Nevertheless, between 592 and 599 Pope Gregory the Great dealt with ten cases in which property was either relinquished by churches or in which he deliberated whether to compel churches to relinquish property. His justification for disposing of it was always moral and it allows us an important insight into the limits of holding church property. It allows us also to define more sharply what alienation meant in practice, beyond the contemporary legal definitions. In a period in which the church was growing ever richer, Gregory’s policies show how the accumulation of wealth could be subject to moral curbs.
Vigabatrin‐associated brain magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities and clinical symptoms in infants with tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Stevering Carmen , Lequin Maarten , Szczepaniak Kinga , Sadowski Krzysztof , Ishrat Saba , De Luca Alberto , Leemans Alexander , Otte Willem , Kwiatkowski David J. , Curatolo Paolo , Weschke Bernhard , Riney Kate , Feucht Martha , Krsek Pavel , Nabbout Rima , Jansen Anna , Wojdan Konrad , Sijko Kamil , Glowacka‐Walas Jagoda , Borkowska Julita , Domanska‐Pakiela Dorota , Moavero Romina , Hertzberg Christoph , Hulshof Hanna , Scholl Theresa , Petrák Bořivoj , Maminak Miroslav , Aronica Eleonora , De Ridder Jessie , Lagae Lieven , Jozwiak Sergiusz , Kotulska Katarzyna , Braun Kees , Jansen Floor
Published: December 2024

Objective

Previous retrospective studies have reported vigabatrin‐associated brain abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging (VABAM), although clinical impact is unknown. We evaluated the association between vigabatrin and predefined brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes in a large homogenous tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) cohort and assessed to what extent VABAM‐related symptoms were reported in TSC infants.

Methods

The Dutch TSC Registry and the EPISTOP cohort provided retrospective and prospective data from 80 TSC patients treated with vigabatrin (VGB) before the age of 2 years and 23 TSC patients without VGB. Twenty‐nine age‐matched non‐TSC epilepsy patients not receiving VGB were included as controls. VABAM, specified as T2/fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery hyperintensity or diffusion restriction in predefined brain areas, were examined on brain MRI before, during, and after VGB, and once in the controls (at approximately age 2 years). Additionally, the presence of VABAM accompanying symptoms was evaluated.

Results

Prevalence of VABAM in VGB‐treated TSC patients was 35.5%. VABAM‐like abnormalities were observed in 13.5% of all patients without VGB. VGB was significantly associated with VABAM (risk ratio [RR] = 3.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.43–6.39), whereas TSC and refractory epilepsy were not. In all 13 VGB‐treated patients with VABAM for whom posttreatment MRIs were available, VABAM entirely resolved after VGB discontinuation. The prevalence of symptoms was 11.7% in patients with VABAM or VABAM‐like MRI abnormalities and 4.3% in those without, implicating no significant association (RR = 2.76, 95% CI = .68–8.77).

Significance

VABAM are common in VGB‐treated TSC infants; however, VABAM‐like abnormalities also occurred in children without either VGB or TSC. The cause of these MRI changes is unknown. Possible contributing factors are abnormal myelination, underlying etiology, recurrent seizures, and other antiseizure medication. Furthermore, the presence of VABAM (or VABAM‐like abnormalities) did not appear to be associated with clinical symptoms. This study confirms that the well‐known antiseizure effects of VGB outweigh the risk of VABAM and related symptoms.
Discrimination Against Non‐Nestmates Functions to Exclude Socially Parasitic Conspecifics in an Ant
Authors: Nakamura Takuma P. , Dobata Shigeto
Published: December 2024

Social animals utilise various communication methods to organise their societies. In social insects, nestmate discrimination plays a crucial role in regulating colony membership. Counter to this system, socially parasitic species employ diverse behavioural and chemical strategies to bypass their host's detection. In this study, we tested whether such parasitic adaptations could be detected in the incipient stage of social parasitism that is observed as intraspecific phenomena in some social insects. The Japanese parthenogenetic ant Pristomyrmex punctatus harbours a genetically distinct cheater lineage which infiltrates and exploits host colonies. We found that intrusion of this intraspecific social parasite was defended by nestmate discrimination of host colonies without any behavioural strategies specialised in social parasitism. Most of the cheaters were eliminated through aggression by host workers that are typically observed against non‐nestmates, resulting in a low intrusion success rate for the cheaters (6.7%). Our result contrasts with the expectation from interspecific social parasitism but rather resembles the intraspecific counterpart reported in Cape honeybees (Apis mellifera capensis), illustrating the role of nestmate discrimination in defence against the intrusion of intraspecific social parasites.
In conversation with Alexander Wlodawer
Authors: Wlodawer Alexander , Hmeljak Julija
Published: December 2024

Alexander Wlodawer is a structural biologist who has made seminal contributions to our understanding of protein structure–function relationships. He obtained his PhD from the University of California, Los Angeles, and has spent the majority of his career at the National Cancer Institute in Frederick, Maryland, where he currently holds a Senior Investigator position at the NCI's Center for Structural Biology. He has been a member of the Editorial Board of The FEBS Journal since 2007. In this interview, Alex talks about carving his own scientific path, the era of ‘big things’ in structural biology, and the most challenging editorial task.
Deciphering the tight metabolite‐level regulation of glucose‐1‐phosphate adenylyltransferase (GlgC) for glycogen synthesis in cyanobacteria
Authors: Lee Kenric , Doello Sofia , Hagemann Martin , Forchhammer Karl
Published: December 2024

The enzyme glucose‐1‐phosphate adenylyltransferase (GlgC, EC:2.7.7.27) catalyses the first step in glycogen synthesis by converting glucose‐1‐phosphate into ADP‐glucose, which is added in turn to a growing glycogen chain by glycogen synthases. Thus far, in vitro studies of GlgC were mainly performed using colorimetric or radiolabel‐based phosphate release assays, limiting the option for analysing this reaction. With this work, we present a novel in vitro continuous assay coupling the subsequent glycogen synthase reaction to the GlgC reaction, thus simulating the process of glycogen synthesis in vivo. Using this assay, we revisited GlgC catalytic parameters and screened for metabolites that affect GlgC activity in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. We also describe in further detail the antagonistic interplay between the GlgC activator, 3‐PGA and the inhibitor, inorganic phosphate, revealing the intricate mechanism by which glycogen formation responds to fluctuations in carbon and energy supply in cyanobacteria.
Political connections cause resource misallocation: Evidence from the fall of fascism in Italy
Authors: Faccio Mara , McConnell John J.
Published: December 2024

The fall of fascism in Italy in 1943–1944 was followed by the issuance of laws and decrees that made former fascist politicians ineligible for political office. This setting provides a unique quasi‐natural experiment that exogenously and permanently disrupted then prevalent corporate political connections. We find that following the exogenous disruption of their political connections, previously politically connected firms significantly underperform their peers both economically and statistically. These results imply that political connections lead to misallocation of economic resources.