bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilizing Simulation to Evaluate Robotic Skill Acquisition and Learning Decay
Authors: Liu Shinban , Watkins Kayla , Hall Caroline E. , Liu Yuki , Lee Shih-Hao , Papandria Dominic , Delman Keith A. , Srinivasan Jahnavi , Patel Ankit , Davis S. Scott , Lin Edward , Stetler Jamil
Published: May 2023

Background:

We aim to evaluate how new robotic skills are acquired and retained by having participants train and retest using exercises on the robotic platform. We hypothesized that participants with a 3-month break from the robotic platform will have less learning decay and increased retention compared with those with a 6-month break.

Methods:

This was a prospective randomized trial in which participants voluntarily enrolled and completed an initial training phase to reach proficiency in 9 robot simulator exercises. They were then instructed to refrain from practicing until they retested either 3 or 6 months later. This study was completed at an academic medical center within the general surgery department. Participants were medical students, and junior-level residents with minimal experience in robotic surgery were enrolled. A total of 27 enrolled, and 13 participants completed the study due to attrition.

Results:

Overall, intragroup analysis revealed that participants performed better in their retest phase compared with their initial training in terms of attempts to reach proficiency, time for completion, penalty score, and overall score. Specifically, during the first attempt in the retesting phase, the 3-month group did not deviate far from their final attempt in the training phase, whereas the 6-month group experienced significantly worse time to complete and overall score in interrupted suturing {[−4 (−18 to 20) seconds vs. 109 (55 to 118) seconds, P=0.02] [−1.3 (−8 to 1.9) vs. −18.9 (−19.5 to (−15.0)], P=0.04} and 3-arm relay {[3 (−4 to 23) seconds vs. 43 (30 to 50) seconds, P=0.02] [0.4 (−4.6 to 3.1) vs. −24.8 (−30.6 to (−20.3)], P=0.01] exercises. In addition, the 6-month group had a significant increase in penalty score in retesting compared with the 3-month group, which performed similarly to their training phase [3.3 (2.7 to 3.3) vs. 0 (−0.8 to 1.7), P=0.03].

Conclusions:

This study identified statistically significant differences in learning decay, skills retention, and proficiency between 3-month and 6-month retesting intervals on a robotic simulation platform.
Cognitive Outcome After Islet Transplantation
Authors: Mailliez Aurélie , Ternynck Camille , Jannin Arnaud , Lemaître Madleen , Chevalier Benjamin , Le Mapihan Kristell , Defrance Frédérique , Mackowiak Marie-Anne , Rollin Adeline , Mehdi Maanaoui , Chetboun Mikael , Pattou François , Pasquier Florence , Vantyghem Marie-Christine
Published: May 2023

Background.

Severe or repeated hypoglycemia events may favor memory complaints in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Pancreatic islet transplantation (IT) is an alternative option to exogenous insulin therapy in case of labile T1D, implying a maintenance immunosuppression regimen based on sirolimus or mycophenolate, associated with tacrolimus, that may also have neurological toxicity. The objective of this study was to compare a cognitive rating scale Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) between T1D patients with or without IT and to identify parameters influencing MMSE.

Methods.

This retrospective cross-sectional study compared MMSE and cognitive function tests between islet-transplanted T1D patients and nontransplanted T1D controls who were transplant candidates. Patients were excluded if they refused.

Results.

Forty-three T1D patients were included: 9 T1D patients before IT and 34 islet-transplanted patients (14 treated with mycophenolate and 20 treated with sirolimus). Neither MMSE score (P = 0.70) nor higher cognitive function differed between islet versus non–islet-transplanted patients, whatever the type of immunosuppression. In the whole population (N = 43), MMSE score was negatively correlated to glycated hemoglobin (r = –0.30; P = 0.048) and the time spent in hypoglycemia on the continuous glucose monitoring (r = –0.32; P = 0.041). MMSE score was not correlated to fasting C-peptide level, time spent in hyperglycemia, average blood glucose, time under immunosuppression, duration of diabetes, or beta-score (success score of IT).

Conclusions.

This first study evaluating cognitive disorders in islet-transplanted T1D patients argues for the importance of glucose balance on cognitive function rather than of immunosuppressive treatment, with a favorable effect of glucose balance improvement on MMSE score after IT.
The potential crosstalk genes andmolecular mechanismsbetweenintracranial aneurysm and periodontitis
Authors: Huang Jian-huang , Chen Yao , Kang Yuan-bao , Yao Zheng-jian , Song Jian-hua
Published: May 2023

Background

The risk of intracranial aneurysm (IAs) development and rupture is significantly higher in patients with periodontitis (PD), suggesting an association between the two. However, the specific mechanisms of association between these two diseases have not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate potential crosstalk genes, pathways between IAs and PD.

Methods

We downloaded IAs and PD data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and functional enrichment analysis was performed on these overlapping DEGs. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and the cytoHubba plugin was used to identify PPI key genes. Next, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed. Subsequently, we validated the key crosstalk genes in 2 independent external datasets. In addition, the immune cell landscape was assessed and the correlation of key crosstalk genes with each immune cell was calculated. Finally, transcription factors (TFs) regulating key crosstalk genes were explored and their expression levels were further validated in the full dataset.

Results

127 overlapping DEGs were identified and functional enrichment analysis highlighted the important role of immune reflection in the pathogenesis. We identified ITGAX and COL4A2 as key crosstalk genes and the expression levels of them were significantly elevated in the test dataset and external validation dataset. In addition, the expression of multiple immune cells was significantly elevated in PDs and IAs compared to controls, and both key crosstalk genes were significantly negatively associated with Macrophages M2. Finally, GATA2 was identified as a potential key transcription factor (TF), which regulates two key crosstalk genes and was upregulated in expression in the full dataset.

Conclusion

The present study identifies key crosstalk genes and TF in IAs and PD, providing new insights for further study of the co-pathogenesis of IAs and PD from an immune and inflammatory perspective.
Evolutionary rescue effect disappears under more realistic assumptions
Authors: Hinsch Martin , Robertson David L. , Silverman Eric
Published: May 2023

In a recent paper Zhang et al. [1] elegantly incorporate the evolution of inter-host virus fitness into an epidemiological model. They show that this leads to substantial changes in the system dynamics and in particular that evolution can “rescue” the pathogen population if the mutation rate is high enough. However, their model rests on the assumption that mutations that affect inter-host fitness are neutral on average. Here we show that under more realistic assumptions concerning the fitness distribution of mutations, the effect can easily disappear and higher mutation rates in fact reduce the likelihood of a pandemic.
Derivation of a prognostic model for critically ill children in locations with limited resources
Authors: Chandna Arjun , Keang Suy , Vorlark Meas , Sambou Bran , Chhingsrean Chhay , Sina Heav , Vichet Pav , Patel Kaajal , Habsreng Eang , Riedel Arthur , Mwandigha Lazaro , Koshiaris Constantinos , Perera-Salazar Rafael , Turner Paul , Chanpheaktra Ngoun , Turner Claudia
Published: May 2023

Background

Capacity and demand for paediatric critical care are growing in many resource-constrained contexts. However, tools to support resource stewardship and promote sustainability of critical care services are lacking.

Methods

This study assessed the ability of nine severity scores to risk stratify children admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in Siem Reap, northern Cambodia. It then developed a bespoke clinical prediction model to enable risk stratification in resource-constrained PICU contexts. The primary outcome was death during PICU admission.

Results

1,550 consecutive PICU admissions were included, of which 97 (6.3%) died. Most existing severity scores achieved comparable discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curves [AUCs] 0.71-0.76) but only three scores demonstrated moderate diagnostic utility for triaging admissions into high- and low-risk groups (positive likelihood ratios 2.65-2.97 and negative likelihood ratios 0.40-0.46). The newly derived model outperformed all existing severity scores (AUC 0.84, 95% CI 0.80-0.88; p < 0.001). Using one particular threshold, the model classified 13.0% of admissions as high-risk, amongst which probability of mortality was almost ten-fold greater than admissions triaged as low-risk (PLR 5.75; 95% CI 4.57-7.23 and NLR 0.47; 95% CI 0.37-0.59). Decision curve analyses indicated that the model would be superior to all existing severity scores and could provide utility across the range of clinically plausible decision thresholds.

Conclusions

Existing paediatric severity scores have limited potential as risk stratification tools in resource-constrained PICUs. If validated, the prediction model developed herein would provide a readily implementable mechanism to support triage of critically ill children on admission to PICU and could be tailored to suit a variety of contexts where resource prioritisation is important.
Susceptibility of Simuliidae larvae (Diptera) to a new solid formulation based onBacillus thuringiensisvar.israelensis(Bti), and bioecological aspects of the breeding sites in Cascavel - Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Costa Lis Paula , Alves Luis Francisco Angeli , Zequi João Antônio Cyrino , Cardoso Priscilla de Freitas , Vilas Boas Gislayne Trindade , Marques Francisco A. , Schorr Renan R. , Andreazza Itamar Francisco , Molina Óscar Sánchez
Published: May 2023

Due to the hematophagous habits of females, some species of black fly (Diptera, Simuliidae) are known to be responsible for economic losses and can cause significant damage to the health of human and livestock populations. To control populations of these insects, several bioinsecticides based on the bacteriumBacillus thuringiensisvar.israelensis(Bti) are widely used. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the susceptibility of black fly larvae to a new Bti solid effervescent formulation, comparing it with a commercial standard formulation, Vectobac® liquid formulation, under laboratory conditions. The study was carried out in the municipality of Cascavel, Paraná, Brazil. Eighteen hours after application of the formulations, larval mortality was evaluated. The control group did not exceed 20% mortality, for concentrations of 50 and 60 mg/L, the mean mortality rates were 50.6% and 64.2%, respectively, and neither differed significantly from the Vectobac®. The stream sampled showed external fecal contamination during the eight weeks of monitoring and water quality parameters that could interfere with the efficiency of the control with Bti at the site. The following species of black flies were collected and identified in the two watersheds sampled:Simulium pertinax, S. subpallidum, S. nigrimanum, S. rubrithorax, S. perflavum, andS. inaequale. Bioecological aspects of the breeding site were addressed and presented here, this being the first report of black fly species for the municipality of Cascavel. The potential of the solid effervescent formulation was proven under laboratory conditions and the bioecological evaluations demonstrated the relevance of environmental diagnosis and monitoring in the optimization of control protocols for Simuliidae.
Aging drives cerebrovascular network remodeling and functional changes in the mouse brain
Authors: Bennett Hannah C. , Zhang Qingguang , Wu Yuan-ting , Chon Uree , Pi Hyun-Jae , Drew Patrick J. , Kim Yongsoo
Published: May 2023

Aging is the largest risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders, and commonly associated with compromised cerebrovasculature and pericytes. However, we do not know how normal aging differentially impacts the vascular structure and function in different brain areas. Here we utilize mesoscale microscopy methods (serial two-photon tomography and light sheet microscopy) andin vivoimaging (wide field optical spectroscopy and two-photon imaging) to determine detailed changes in aged cerebrovascular networks. Whole-brain vascular tracing showed an overall ~10% decrease in vascular length and branching density, and light sheet imaging with 3D immunolabeling revealed increased arteriole tortuosity in aged brains. Vasculature and pericyte densities showed significant reductions in the deep cortical layers, hippocampal network, and basal forebrain areas. Moreover,in vivoimaging in awake mice identified delays in neurovascular coupling and disrupted blood oxygenation. Collectively, we uncover regional vulnerabilities of cerebrovascular network and physiological changes that can mediate cognitive decline in normal aging.

Highlight

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Brain-wide mapping of vasculature and pericyte changes with normal aging

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Simplified vascular network with tortuous vessels in aged brains

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Vascular rarefication in the deep cortical layers, hippocampus, and the basal forebrain

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Slowed hemodynamic response in aged animals
Longitudinal host transcriptional responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults with extremely high viral load
Authors: Avadhanula Vasanthi , Creighton Chad J. , Ferlic-Stark Laura , Sucgang Richard , Zhang Yiqun , Nagaraj Divya , Nicholson Erin G. , Rajan Anubama , Menon Vipin Kumar , Doddapaneni Harshavardhan , Muzny Donna Marie , Metcalf Ginger , Cregeen Sara Joan Javornik , Hoffman Kristi Louise , Gibbs Richard A , Petrosino Joseph , Piedra Pedro A
Published: May 2023

Current understanding of viral dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 and host responses driving the pathogenic mechanisms in COVID-19 is rapidly evolving. Here, we conducted a longitudinal study to investigate gene expression patterns during acute SARS-CoV-2 illness. Cases included SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals with extremely high viral loads early in their illness, individuals having low SARS-CoV-2 viral loads early in their infection, and individuals testing negative for SARS-CoV-2. We could identify widespread transcriptional host responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection that were initially most strongly manifested in patients with extremely high initial viral loads, then attenuating within the patient over time as viral loads decreased. Genes correlated with SARS-CoV-2 viral load over time were similarly differentially expressed across independent datasets of SARS-CoV-2 infected lung and upper airway cells, from both in vitro systems and patient samples. We also generated expression data on the human nose organoid model during SARS-CoV-2 infection. The human nose organoid-generated host transcriptional response captured many aspects of responses observed in the above patient samples, while suggesting the existence of distinct host responses to SARS-CoV-2 depending on the cellular context, involving both epithelial and cellular immune responses. Our findings provide a catalog of SARS-CoV-2 host response genes changing over time.
Differentiation of related events in hippocampus supports memory reinstatement in development
Authors: Varga Nicole L. , Roome Hannah E. , Molitor Robert J. , Martinez Lucia , Hipskind Elizabeth M. , Mack Michael L. , Preston Alison R. , Schlichting Margaret L.
Published: May 2023

Adults are capable of either differentiating or integrating similar events in memory based on which representations are optimal for a given situation. Yet how children represent related memories remains unknown. Here, children (7-10 years) and adults formed memories for separate yet overlapping events. We then measured how successfully remembered events were represented and reinstated using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We found that children formed differentiated representations in hippocampus—such that related events were stored as less similar to one another compared to unrelated events. Conversely, adults formed integrated representations, wherein related events were stored as more similar, including in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Furthermore, hippocampal differentiation among children and mPFC integration among adults tracked neocortical reinstatement of the specific features associated with the individual events. Together, these findings reveal that the same memory behaviors are supported by different underlying representations across development. Specifically, whereas differentiation underlies memory organization and retrieval in childhood, integration exhibits a protracted developmental trajectory.
Intact reinforcement learning in healthy ageing
Authors: Lin Wei-Hsiang , Clarke Aaron M. , Pilz Karin S. , Herzog Michael H. , Kunchulia Marina
Published: May 2023

What does age in ageing? Results in reinforcement learning (RL) are mixed. Some studies found deteriorated performance in older participants compared to younger controls whereas other studies did not. Daniel et al. (2020) suggested that task demand can explain these differences, with less demanding tasks showing no effect of age. Here, we increased the task demand of previous studies turning them into a classic navigation task. We extracted 4 behavioral parameters and 2 parameters (learning and exploration rates) of a classic Q-learning model. Except for one specific parameter, all other parameters showed no group differences, i.e., RL turned out to be intact in older individuals also with higher task demands. It is important to publish such null results to avoid the stigmatizing impression of an overall performance deficit among older people.
Characterization of extracellular vesicles isolated fromSorghum bicolorreveals a conservation between monocot and eudicot extracellular vesicle proteomes
Authors: Chaya Timothy , Banerjee Aparajita , Rutter Brian D. , Adekanye Deji , Ross Jean , Hu Guobin , Innes Roger W. , Caplan Jeffrey L.
Published: May 2023

Plant extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane bound organelles involved mainly in intercellular communications and defense responses against pathogens. Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of proteins, nucleic acids including small RNAs, and lipids along with other metabolites in plant EVs. In this paper, we described the isolation and characterization of extracellular vesicles fromSorghum bicolor. Nanoparticle tracking analysis, dynamic light scattering, and cryo-electron tomography showed the presence of a heterogeneous population of EVs isolated from the apoplastic wash of sorghum leaves. Cryo-electron microscopy revealed that EVs had a median size of 110 nm and distinct populations of vesicles with single or multiple lipid bilayers and low or high amounts of contents. The heterogeneity was further supported by data showing that only a subset of EVs that were stained with a membrane dye, Potomac Gold, were also stained with the membrane-permeant esterase-dependent dye, Calcein-acetoxymethyl ester. Proteomic analysis identified 437 proteins that were enriched in multiple EV isolations, with the majority of these also being found in the EV proteome of Arabidopsis. These data suggest a partial conservation of EV contents and function between the monocot, sorghum, and a distantly related eudicot, Arabidopsis.
FUS Facilitates Gene Body Export from Nuclear Condensates
Authors: Lee Seungha Alisa , Uh Emily Gini , Kim Sammantha Sae-Young , Zelko Michael , Kwak Hojoong
Published: May 2023

Membraneless nuclear condensates are an emerging model of transcriptional regulation that involves spatially clustered enhancers and genes forming transcription condensates (TCs). We used a physical isolation approach and DNA/nascent RNA analysis to investigate the global organization of the genome in TCs. Comparative analysis of the two revealed the dynamic nature of the genome, with stable localization of promoters, dynamic recruitment of enhancers, and dynamic export of gene bodies out of TCs upon gene activation. Our findings also suggest that the RNA binding protein FUS undergoes decondensation upon nascent RNA binding, facilitating gene body export out of TCs.
Nutlin-3a inducesKRASmutant lung cancer specific methuosis-like cell death that is dependent on GFPT2
Authors: Kim Dasom , Min Dongwha , Kim Joohee , Kim Min Jung , Seo Yerim , Jung Byung Hwa , Kwon Seung-Hae , Lee Ji-Yun
Published: May 2023

OncogenicKRASmutation, the most frequent mutation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is an aggressiveness risk factor and leads to the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells by promoting glucose, glutamine, and fatty acid absorption and glycolysis. Lately, sotorasib was approved by the FDA as a first-in-classKRAS-G12C inhibitor. However, sotorasib still has a derivative barrier, which is not effective for otherKRASmutation types, except for G12C. Additionally, resistance to sotorasib is likely to develop, demanding the need for alternative therapeutic strategies. In this study, we found that nutlin-3a, an MDM2 antagonist, inhibited the KRAS-PI3K/Akt-mTOR pathway and disrupted the fusion of both autophagosomes and macropinosomes with lysosomes. This further elucidated non-apoptotic and catastrophic macropinocytosis associated methuosis-like cell death, which was found to be dependent on GFPT2 of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, specifically inKRASmutant NSCLC cells. These results indicate the potential of nutlin-3a as an alternative agent for treatingKRASmutant NSCLC cells.
ZIPPI: proteome-scale sequence-based evaluation of protein-protein interaction models
Authors: Zhao Haiqing , Petrey Donald , Murray Diana , Honig Barry
Published: May 2023

Predicting protein-protein interactions (PPI) is a challenging problem of central importance in fundamental biology. With the increasing number of available PPI prediction methods and databases, an effective evaluation model would be extremely valuable. Here we introduce ZIPPI (Z-score for Information about Protein-Protein Interfaces), which evaluates structural models of a complex based on sequence co-evolution and conservation involving residues that are in contact in the interface. The interface Z-score (ZIPPI score) is calculated by comparing metrics for interface contacts to metrics obtained from randomly chosen surface residues. Since contacting residues are defined by the structural model, this obviates the need of accounting for indirect interactions with methods such as Direct Coupling Analysis. Although ZIPPI relies on species-paired multiple sequence alignments, its focus on contacting interfacial residues and the avoidance of direct coupling methods makes it computationally efficient. The performance of ZIPPI is evaluated through applications to experimentally determined complexes from the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and to decoys from the Critical Assessment of PRedicted Interactions (CAPRI) experiment. We demonstrate how ZIPPI can be implemented on a genome-wide scale by calculating scores for millions of structural models of protein-protein interactions in theE. coliinteractome as predicted by PrePPI. Many PrePPI predictions filtered by ZIPPI score are novel. In all, this proteome-scale method shows promising feasibility for applications to the full human protein interactome, which is not yet accessible to deep learning methods.
Identification of post-transcriptional modifications in nucleic acid sequences using purpose-designed molecular beacons
Authors: Sahu Parul , Pereira Getulio , Wang Jian , Szeliski Kamil , Dokholyan Nikolay , Tran Vivian , Korneck Miroslaw , Tigges John , Jones Jennifer , Ghiran Ionita
Published: May 2023

Post-transcriptional RNA modifications (PTxMs) present in small RNA species, specifically circulating extracellular RNAs, were recently identified as clinically relevant readouts, often more indicative of disease severity than the classical “up and down” changes in their copy number alone. While identification of PTxMs requires multiple and complex sample preparation steps, microgram-range amounts of RNA, followed by expensive and protracted bioinformatics analyses, the clinically relevant information is usually a yes/no for a particular genetic variant(s), and an up/down answer for relevant biomarkers. We have previously shown that molecular beacons (MBs) can identify specific nucleic acid sequences with picomolar sensitivity and single nucleotide specificity by exploiting the target-dependent change in their electrophoretic mobility profile. We now present a method for direct identification of miRNAs and isomiRs in cells and extracellular vesicles using gel electrophoresis, without the need for RNA isolation and purification. The detection is based on discreet changes in the hydrodynamic surface profile, the overall size, charge and charge distribution of the MB-target hybrid. Furthermore, using an RNA tertiary structure prediction algorithm (iFoldRNA) and a custom molecular dynamics simulation (DMD), we designed modified MBs specific for m6A-modified nucleotides in target RNA sequences. The sample preparation method coupled to the software package affords the design of specific MBs and sensitive, multiplex-type detection of targets in a wide variety of biofluids and cells, in a simple mix and read approach.
Learning Random Numbers to Realize Appendable Memory System for Artificial Intelligence to Acquire New Knowledge after Deployment
Authors: Yamada Kazunori D
Published: May 2023

In this study, we developed a learning method for constructing a neural network system capable of memorizing data and recalling it without parameter updates. The system we built using this method is called the Appendable Memory system. The Appendable Memory system enables an artificial intelligence (AI) to acquire new knowledge even after deployment. It consists of two artificial intelligences: the Memorizer and the Recaller. This system is a key–value store built using neural networks. The Memorizer receives data and stores it in the Appendable Memory vector, which is dynamically updated when the AI acquires new knowledge. Meanwhile, the Recaller retrieves information from the Appendable Memory vector. What we want to make AI learn in this study is the operations of memorizing and recalling information. However, traditional machine learning methods make AI learn features inherent in the learning dataset. We demonstrate that the systems we intend to create cannot be realized by current machine learning methods, that is, by merely repeating the input and output learning sequences with AI. Instead, we propose a method to teach AI to learn operations, by completely removing the features contained in the learning dataset. Specifically, we probabilized all the data involved in learning. This measure prevented AI from learning the features of the data. The learning method proposed in the study differs from traditional machine learning methods and provides fundamental approaches for building an AI system that can store information in a finite memory and recall it at a later date.
Multimodal imaging for identifying brain markers of human prosocial behavior
Authors: Ishihara Toru , Tanaka Hiroki , Kiyonari Toko , Matsuda Tetsuya , Takagishi Haruto
Published: May 2023

How is the high degree of prosocial behavior that characterizes humans achieved? Here, we examined the structural and functional basis of the human brain with prosocial behavior using multimodal brain imaging data and 15 economic games. We identified that stronger interhemispheric connectivity, greater corpus callosum volume, higher functional segregation and integration, and fewer myelin maps combined with a thicker cortex were strongly associated with prosocial behavior. These associations were found especially in the social brain regions. This suggests that the strength of functional/structural connectivity between the left and right hemispheres, the strength of modular and efficient networks, and the high number of non-myelinated cells (i.e., dendrites, spines, synapses, and glia) are strongly associated with higher prosocial behavior in humans, particularly in the social brain regions.
Genuine beta bursts in human working memory: controlling for the influence of lower-frequency rhythms
Authors: Rodriguez-Larios Julio , Haegens Saskia
Published: May 2023

Human working memory is associated with significant modulations in oscillatory brain activity. However, the functional role of brain rhythms at different frequencies is still debated. Modulations in the beta frequency range (15–40 Hz) are especially difficult to interpret because they could be artifactually produced by (more prominent) oscillations in lower frequencies that show non-sinusoidal properties. In this study, we investigate beta oscillations during working memory while controlling for the possible influence of lower frequency rhythms. We collected electroencephalography (EEG) data in 31 participants who performed a spatial working-memory task with two levels of cognitive load. In order to rule out the possibility that observed beta activity was affected by non-sinusoidalities of lower frequency rhythms, we developed an algorithm that detects transient beta oscillations that do not coincide with more prominent lower frequency rhythms in time and space. Using this algorithm, we show that the amplitude and duration of beta bursts decrease with memory load and during memory manipulation, while their peak frequency and rate increase. In addition, interindividual differences in performance were significantly associated with beta burst rates. Together, our results show that beta rhythms are functionally modulated during working memory and that these changes cannot be attributed to lower frequency rhythms with non-sinusoidal properties.
Audiovisual stimuli enhance narrowband gamma activity along the mouse thalamocortical visual circuit
Authors: Lemercier Clément E. , Krieger Patrik , Manahan-Vaughan Denise
Published: May 2023

To what extent thalamic activity can contribute to multisensory integration at cortical level is unclear. To explore this aspect, we used the mouse narrowband gamma oscillations (NBG), which arise from the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and from upstream retinal inputs, as a tool to investigate potential thalamic audiovisual information transfer to the primary visual cortex (V1). We found that simultaneous bimodal audiovisual stimulation increased the power of V1 NBG. Pharmacological and optogenetic manipulations demonstrated that V1 NBG audiovisual responses occurred independently of primary auditory cortex activation. LGN recordings revealed that the majority of its neurons exhibited audiovisual properties. These properties comprised an increase of both the visual-evoked response and gamma-rhythmicity, indicating that the modulation of V1 NBG by audiovisual stimuli likely has a thalamic origin. Our results reveal a previously unreported subcortical source of audiovisual information transfer in V1 and suggest a new role for the LGN as a multisensory integration and relay center.
Role of the proline-rich disordered domain of DROSHA in intronic microRNA processing
Authors: Son Soomin , Kim Baekgyu , Yang Jihye , Kim V. Narry
Published: May 2023

DROSHA serves as a gatekeeper of the microRNA (miRNA) pathway by processing primary transcripts (pri-miRNAs). While the functions of structured domains of DROSHA have been well documented, the contribution of N-terminal proline-rich disordered domain (PRD) remains elusive. Here we show that the PRD promotes the processing of miRNA hairpins located within introns. We identified a DROSHA isoform (p140) lacking the PRD, which is produced by proteolytic cleavage. Small RNA sequencing revealed that p140 is significantly impaired in the maturation of intronic miRNAs. Consistently, our minigene constructs demonstrated that PRD enhances the processing of intronic hairpins, but not those in exons. Splice site mutations did not affect the PRD's enhancing effect on intronic constructs, suggesting that the PRD acts independently of splicing reaction by interacting with sequences residing within introns. The N-terminal regions from zebrafish andXenopusDROSHA can replace the human counterpart, indicating functional conservation despite poor sequence alignment. Moreover, we found that rapidly evolving intronic miRNAs are generally more dependent on PRD than conserved ones, suggesting a role of PRD in miRNA evolution. Our study reveals a new layer of miRNA regulation mediated by a low-complexity disordered domain that senses the genomic contexts of miRNA loci.
Determinants of students’ satisfaction with digital classroom services: moderating effect of students’ level of study
Authors: Momen Md Abdul , Sultana Seyama , Hoque Md. Anamul , Shahriar Shamsul Huq Bin , Ashif Abu Sadat Muhammad
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Like every other sector, educational institutions have also been suffering immensely due to COVID-19 pandemic. Many educational institutions are now adopting digital classroom services. However, an online platform with the need for appropriate technology and infrastructure from the students’ perspective poses a severe challenge to developing countries like Bangladesh. The paper aims to figure out the relevant factors that affect the extent of student satisfaction with digital classroom services at the school and tertiary levels.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a quantitative study of 450 students from Bangladesh who encountered online classes during the pandemic of COVID-19. An equal number of students from all levels, including schools, colleges and tertiary stages, participated in the survey. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses are used to interpret the data. Structural equation modeling using AMOS graphic software is incorporated to test the study’s hypothesis.

Findings

Among all the four determinants of student satisfaction during this critical era, all levels look satisfied with the three underlying influences: technological, convenience and resource-related factors. However, school-level students found the digital classroom services abrasive with Internet connectivity and technical structures during online classes and exams.

Research limitations/implications

A comprehensive study can assess the difference between private and public university students in this regard. In addition, the impact of gender and/or location (rural/urban area) can be assessed by using the same model of the study.

Practical implications

Having the experience of the students’ satisfaction level during this pandemic, the government, educational institutions and other stakeholders can take away the findings of the results to have a better plan for Internet-based education at every level.

Originality/value

The study is unique to see the readiness of developing nations such as Bangladesh to focus on the sudden uncertainty like a pandemic in introducing the digital education platform. The study can add value to achieving the country’s sustainable development goal of becoming a digitally enabled regional education hub.
Scenario analysis and climate change: a literature review via text analytics
Authors: Aversa Dario
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Climate change has a direct impact on companies. Therefore, the scenario analysis is used to provide companies and stakeholders in this specific sector with forward-looking measures and narratives of the world's future state. This work aims to provide an independent, wide and rigorous literature review on the topics of scenario analysis and climate change, analyzing a large set of referred papers included in economic journals on the Web of Science Clarivate Analytics data source. This review, by means of a mixed approach, can help address new policy strategies and business models.

Design/methodology/approach

The work employs 416 abstracts and relative titles in the field of economics, employing data mining for qualitative variables and performing descriptive statistics and lexicometric measures, similarity analysis and clustering with Reinert's hierarchical method in order to extract knowledge. Furthermore, qualitative content analysis allows for the return of a comprehensive and complete universe of meaning, as well as the analysis of co-occurences.

Findings

Content analysis reveals three main classification clusters and four unknown patterns: model area, risks, emissions and energy and carbon pricing, indicating research directions and limitations through an overview with an extensive reference bibliography. In the research, the prevalent use of quantitative instruments and their limitations emerge, while qualitative instruments are residual for climate change assessment; they also highlight the centrality of transition risk over adaptation measures and the combination of different types of instruments with reference to carbon pricing.

Originality/value

Scenario analysis is a relatively new topic in economics and finance research, and it is under-investigated by the academy. The analysis combines quantitative and qualitative research using text analytics.
Putting school-based mentors' experience into context: a mixed-methods cross-country comparison
Authors: Bufali Maria Vittoria , Morton Alec , Connelly Graham
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Cross-national research on cultural differences can help understand what drives, in differing contexts, mentors' commitment to school-based mentoring programs. This comparative study aims to explore whether adult volunteers, from Scotland and Italy, experience being mentors of vulnerable youth differently.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from interviews (n = 20) and questionnaires (n = 114) were used to test hypotheses concerning volunteer mentors' perceptions of their role and abilities, as well as motives for participation. According to cross-cultural theories, Scottish mentors should be more likely to identify mentoring with establishing friendly relationships with mentees and promoting youth self-empowerment. They should also be more self-confident and value-driven as volunteers.

Findings

Despite the mixed support for the assumptions concerning how the mentor role is conceived, Scottish mentors were less likely than Italians to doubt their abilities and more driven by other-focused and generative concerns.

Originality/value

The study reveals significant variations in how volunteers from countries featuring different welfare regimes and cultural orientations experience mentoring. The research advances the understanding of how culturally sensitive approaches can foster mentors' engagement.
Legitimizing the game: how gamers' personal experiences shape the emergence of grassroots collective action in esports
Authors: Cestino Joaquin , Macey Joseph , McCauley Brian
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper studies early stages of actor mobilization for institutional change within Swedish esports.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Findings

The authors’ findings explain how actors become motivated to act in critical reflections linked to conflicting legitimacy judgments and emotionally charged personal struggles. Moreover, the findings show how, as actors get activated in collective action, they identify efficacy lines around valid domains and experience emotionally charged collective endeavors. Furthermore, the findings explain how particularities in early experiences project legitimacy aspirations that orient collective action toward validity ends and particular values and ideals shaping actors' grassroots movements.

Originality/value

This study adds to legitimacy and institutional change theory through individual actors' perspectives, providing key insights into how they are motivated, activated, and oriented. This study is the first to investigate grassroots activists' personal stories in esports.
The quality assessment of stakeholder engagement disclosure in the EU mandatory non-financial reporting framework
Authors: Petruzzelli Saverio , Badia Francesco
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This article investigates the quality of stakeholder engagement (SE) process disclosure in the context of non-financial reporting (NFR) introduced by Directive 2014/95/EU (NFRD). SE implies the involvement of the subjects interested in the organization's activity, according to the principle of inclusiveness and the key concepts of the stakeholder theory (ST).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a content analysis on 75 non-financial statements (NFSs) published by companies listed on the Italian Stock Exchange in 2018 and 2021 to evaluate the evolutionary profiles of SE quality through the years.

Findings

The average level of SE is not significantly high. The research showed an overall poor quality of disclosure concerning stakeholders' key expectations and issues to be addressed and answered. Furthermore, a certain variability emerged in the quality of the disclosure between the various reports, and no significant improvements in SE quality were noted from 2018 to 2021.

Research limitations/implications

The conclusions provide a replicable method for the analysis of SE quality in NFSs and the development of new standpoints in the ongoing debate on the implications of mandatory legislative frameworks for NFR. Content analyses intrinsically present margins of subjectivity. The sample was limited to a subset of NFS from Italy; hence, the results could be country specific.

Practical implications

This work suggests some possible ways of improvement of SE practices by companies.

Originality/value

Original assessment model based on eight variables identified from the academic literature and the most common international sustainability reporting standards. These variables were stakeholder identification, stakeholder selection process, degree of involvement, SE approach, dialogue channels, SE results, different points of view and integration of the SE process.
Why are blood centers not celebrating their success in meeting the blood needs of the United States?
Authors: Sutter Dan
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper reviews the evidence presented in the HHS report and challenges its characterization of the state of the market. The recent US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) report on the blood industry, Adequacy of the National Blood Supply, provides evidence of and acknowledges that the industry has successfully met demand for blood. And yet the tone and takeaway message of the report of the industry is on the verge of collapse.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of this paper is a critical review of the evidence presented in the HHS report as well as other recent analyses of the blood industry.

Findings

While acknowledging the successful performance of the industry to date, the HHS report offers hypothetical disaster scenarios and a lack of centralized data as the main causes for concern. These criticisms ignore the satisfactory response of the industry to prior disasters and fail to recognize that centralized information is not necessary for the efficient operation of a decentralized industry.

Originality/value

This paper offers a fresh assessment of a report repeating prior forecasts of doom for an industry which to date has very successfully met the United States' demand for blood.
The influence of Italian board characteristics on environmental, social and governance dimensions
Authors: Menicucci Elisa , Paolucci Guido
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study explored how board diversity affects environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance in the Italian banking sector. Specifically, this study examined whether the presence of specific corporate governance (CG) characteristics (board diversity) in Italian Cooperative Credit banks is related to ESG dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examined a sample of 247 Italian Cooperative Credit banks for the period 2017–2021 and developed an econometric model by applying unbalanced panel data with firm fixed effects and controls per year. To verify the research hypotheses, the authors analyzed board diversity in terms of board attributes variables (size, gender diversity, age, activity, independence and corporate social responsibility/sustainability committee (CSR) and measured ESG dimensions using the ESG score provided by Refinitiv.

Findings

The findings suggest that board size, independence and the existence of a CSR/sustainability committee positively affect banks' ESG performance, while no significant relationship between board average age and ESG performance was found. The study also explored how the critical mass of women on a board affects ESG performance by testing the positive impact of gender diversity on ESG dimensions only up to a certain threshold of female directors.

Research limitations/implications

This study is highly relevant to managers and investors who consider ESG issues in their decision-making processes. The findings support regulators by offering insights into ways to improve ESG performance through the specific design and application of governance mechanisms.

Practical implications

From a practical perspective, this investigation has implications for both practitioners and regulators, suggesting that chief executive officers (CEOs) and managers should pay more attention to CG aspects to improve ESG performance and that policy-makers should give greater consideration to these aspects of CG in their efforts to enhance ESG performance.

Originality/value

This study offers an in-depth analysis of banks' ESG practices and attempts to bridge the gap in the literature on ESG in the Italian banking industry. This study is the first to investigate the relationship between CG variables and ESG dimensions in this context.