bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk preferences causally rely on parietal magnitude representations: Evidence from combined TMS-fMRI
Authors: de Hollander Gilles , Moisa Marius , Ruff Christian C.
Published: January 2025

Risk preferences have traditionally been considered as stable traits that reflect subjective-valuation processes in prefrontal areas. More recently, however, it has been suggested that risk preferences may also be shaped by how choice problems are perceived and processed in perceptual brain regions. Specifically, the acuity of the parietal approximate number system (ANS), which encodes payoff magnitudes for different choice options, has been shown to correlate with both risk preferences and choice consistency. However, this correlational relationship leaves open the question whether parietal magnitude representations in fact causally underlie choice. Here, we provide direct evidence for such a key causal role of parietal magnitude representations in economic choice, using continuous theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (cTBS), combined with functional MRI (fMRI) and numerical population receptive field (nPRF) modeling.

Our stimulation protocol targeted numerosity-tuned regions in the right parietal cortex, identified through nPRF modeling of individual fMRI data (n=35; within-subject design). The stimulation successfully perturbed neural processing, as evidenced by decreased amplitude of numerical magnitude-tuned responses and less accurate multivariate decoding of presented magnitudes from unseen data that were not used for model fitting. In line with a perceptual account of risky choice, the reduction in neural information capacity was also reflected in noisier behavioral responses. Moreover, a computational cognitive model fitted to choice behavior revealed that perturbing the ANS specifically increased the noisiness of small-magnitude representations. This perturbation made small magnitudes to be perceived as larger than they actually are, leading to more risk-seeking behavior. Finally, individual estimates of the cTBS effect on cognitive noise correlated with the corresponding decrease in amplitude of numerical magnitude-tuned fMRI responses, further solidifying the role of the parietal ANS in economic choice. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the precision of parietal magnitude representations causally influences economic decision-making, with noisier encoding promoting biased risk-taking as formalized in recent perceptual models of risky choice.
α-Synuclein aggregates inhibit ESCRT-III through sequestration and collateral degradation
Authors: Sitron Cole S , Trinkaus Victoria A , Galesic Ana , Garhammer Maximilian , Yuste Checa Patricia , Dransfeld Ulrich , Feigenbutz Dennis , Zhang Jiuchun , Dudanova Irina , Harper J Wade , Hartl F Ulrich
Published: January 2025

α-Synuclein aggregation is a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease and related synucleinopathies. Extracellular α-synuclein fibrils enter naïve cells via endocytosis, followed by transit into the cytoplasm to seed endogenous α-synuclein aggregation. Intracellular aggregates sequester numerous proteins, including subunits of the ESCRT-III system for endolysosome membrane repair, but the toxic effects of these events remain poorly understood. Using cellular models and in vitro reconstitution, we found that α-synuclein fibrils interact with an α-helix common to ESCRT-III proteins. This interaction results in sequestration of ESCRT-III subunits and triggers their proteasomal destruction in a process of “collateral degradation.” These twin mechanisms deplete the available ESCRT-III pool, initiating a toxic feedback loop. The ensuing loss of ESCRT function compromises endolysosome membranes, thereby facilitating escape of aggregate seeds into the cytoplasm, which in turn increases aggregation and ESCRT-III sequestration. We suggest that collateral degradation and triggering of self-perpetuating systems could be general mechanisms of sequestration-induced proteotoxicity.

HIGHLIGHTS

α-Synuclein fibrils bind and sequester ESCRT-III endolysosome repair proteins

An α-helical segment common to ESCRT-III mediates fibril-selective interaction

Fibril-bound ESCRT-III subunits undergo “collateral degradation” via the proteasome

ESCRT-III depletion damages endolysosomes and worsens α-synuclein aggregation
GPR15LG binds CXCR4 and synergistically modulates CXCL12-induced cell signaling and migration
Authors: Albers Dan , Novikova Sofya , Vieyto-Nuñez Julio , Almeida-Hernández Yasser , Pastorio Chiara , Klassen Florian , Weiss Dana , von Maltitz Pascal , Jaikishan Janeni , Datta Moumita , Jumaa Hassan , Jebaraj Billy , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Kumar Manish , Maity Palash Chandra , Buske Christian , Stifel Ulrich , Zinngrebe Julia , Fischer-Posovszky Pamela , Chevigné Andy , Kirchhoff Frank , Sanchez-Garcia Elsa , Münch Jan , Harms Mirja
Published: January 2025

GPR15LG, a chemokine-like ligand for the G-protein coupled receptor 15 (GPR15), is abundantly expressed in the gastrointestinal mucosa and inflamed skin. Emerging evidence suggests its involvement in inflammatory disorders and cancers. This study investigates the effects of GPR15LG on the signaling and downstream functions of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), which plays a critical role in immune cell trafficking and cancer metastasis. The results demonstrate that GPR15LG binds to the orthosteric site of CXCR4, modulating downstream signaling in a context-dependent manner. Specifically, GPR15LG enhances CXCL12-mediated CXCR4 signaling synergistically, promoting wound healing and cell migration across various cell types, including CD4+ T cells and cancer cells. These findings underscore the role of GPR15LG in inflammation and metastasis, offering potential therapeutic avenues for CXCR4-mediated diseases.

Teaser

GPR15LG binds CXCR4 thereby modulating CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling and immune and cancer cell trafficking.
Neuron type-specific mRNA translation programs provide a gateway for memory consolidation
Authors: Oliveira Mauricio M. , Mosto Olivia , Carney Robert , Liu Wendy , Makinde Emmanuel , Lu Emily H. , Ruiz Karen S.A. , Carew Thomas , Klann Eric
Published: January 2025

Long-term memory consolidation is a dynamic process that requires a heterogeneous ensemble of neurons, each with a highly specialized molecular environment. Considerable effort has been placed into understanding how the molecular mechanisms in specific neuron types are modified in memory, but these studies are often undertaken hours or days after training, when memory is already consolidated. Studies have shown that protein synthesis is elevated during the early stages of consolidation, but there is limited information as to how it impacts neuronal function. We hypothesize that mRNAs being translated during the early stages of consolidation could provide clues as to how diverse neurons involved in memory formation restructure their molecular architecture to support memory formation. Here, we generate a landscape of the translatome of three neuron types in the dorsal hippocampus during the first hour of contextual memory consolidation. Our results show that these neurons share a common backbone of readily translated mRNAs. However, excitatory neurons undergo deep reconfiguration of proteostatic control, whereas interneurons modify their synaptic transmission. We demonstrate that the translational control in these neurons requires GADD34, which promotes translation initiation. Finally, we show that the differential expression of mRNAs by neurons during early consolidation can be explained by features hard coded in the mRNA, suggesting ubiquitous mechanisms controlling activity-dependent neuronal translation. Altogether, our work uncovers previously unknown checkpoints controlling activity-dependent translation in neurons and provides a large, readily available resource for further investigations of memory formation in health and disease.
Weak and tunable adhesion-clutch drives rapid cell migration and glioblastoma motility
Authors: Baba Kentarou , Fukushi-Kumagaya Ami , Morisaki Megumi , Takeuchi Ryosuke , Xiao Zhize , Nagashima Yoshikazu , Sakai Mizuki , Higashiguchi Yasuna , Katsuno-Kambe Hiroko , Katsuma Asako , Ueda Yoshihiro , Kamioka Yuji , Kawauchi Daisuke , Kinashi Tatsuo , Kanemura Yonehiro , Inagaki Naoyuki
Published: January 2025

To move forward, migrating cells must exert backward forces against the extracellular environment. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of integrin-independent forces for cell migration; but the molecular machinery that exerts forces remains unclear. Here, we show that the clutch-linker molecule shootin1 and the cell adhesion molecule L1 transmit the backward force of treadmilling actin filaments to the adhesive environment for rapid dendritic cell migration. Notably, shootin1 and L1 transmit weak traction forces, ∼100 times weaker than integrin-based forces, by constituting an integrin-independent slippery adhesion-clutch. This adhesion-clutch system is tunable in response to the chemoattractant CCL19 and the adhesive ligand laminin and mediates chemotaxis through its polarized activation within cells. Furthermore, its aberrant activity enhances glioblastoma cell motility. Our results show that the weak adhesion-clutch is well-suited for rapid cell migration, without forming strong adhesions that impede cell motility, and provides a potential target for inhibiting abnormal cell motility.
Secure quantum-enhanced measurements on a network of sensors
Authors: Moore Sean William , Dunningham Jacob A.
Published: January 2025

Two-party secure quantum remote sensing protocols enable quantum-enhanced measurements at remote locations with guaranteed security against eavesdroppers. This idea can be scaled up to networks of nodes where one party can directly measure functions of parameters at the different nodes using entangled states. However, the security on such networks decreases exponentially with the number of nodes. Here we show how this problem can be overcome in a hybrid protocol that utilizes both entangled and separable states to achieve quantum-enhanced measurement precision and security on networks of any size.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Semileptonic decay of the triply heavy
Ωccb
to the observed
Ξcc++
state
Authors: Najjar Z. Rajabi , Azizi K. , Moshfegh H. R.
Published: January 2025

We investigate the weak semileptonic decay of the Ωccb+→Ξcc++ℓν¯ℓ, where a triply heavy baryon with spin 1/2 decays into the observed doubly heavy baryon with spin 1/2, using quantum chromodynamics (QCD) sum rule method in all lepton channels. We compute the six relevant vector and axial vector form factors entering the low energy matrix elements in full theory. The invariant form factors are building blocks, using the fit faction of which in terms of q2 in whole physical region, we calculate the exclusive widths in three lepton channels. Our predictions may help the present and future experiments in the course of their search for doubly and triply heavy baryons.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Residual flavor symmetries at the modular self-dual point and constraints on neutrino masses and mixing
Authors: Kashav Monal , Patel Ketan M.
Published: January 2025

We explore the implications of symmetries that remain unbroken at the self-dual point τ=i in modular invariant theories. Assuming that (a) the three generations of lepton doublets transform as an irreducible representation of a finite modular group ΓN, and (b) the light neutrino masses arise from the Weinberg operator and are in modular form, we demonstrate that this setup yields a unique residual flavor symmetry or antisymmetry for the neutrinos, depending on the modular weight. In the antisymmetric case, one neutrino is always massless, and the other two can be degenerate if the mass matrix is real. These findings are independent of the level N. If the charged leptons are arranged to exhibit an appropriate residual symmetry from the same ΓN, they determine a column of the leptonic mixing matrix, leading to specific correlations between the mixing angles and the Dirac CP phase. The presence of residual (anti)symmetries enables the application of standard flavor symmetry techniques to derive these predictions, and we scan all possible ΓN satisfying condition (a). Most solutions yield

O

(

1

)

entries in the fixed column, favoring relatively large lepton mixing.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Probing the soft rescattering parameters in
B
decays involving a scalar meson with QCD factorization
Authors: Qi Jing-Juan , Wang Zhen-Yang , Zhang Zhen-Hua , Wei Ke-Wei , Guo Xin-Heng
Published: January 2025

In this work, the soft rescattering parameters in the B±→π±π+π− and B±→K±π+π− decays with the light scalar meson f0(500) as the intermediate resonance are studied within the quantum chromodynamics (QCD) factorization. Considering the interference effect between ρ(770)0 and f0(500), we utilize the experimentally more direct event yields for fitting and get the soft rescattering parameters |ρkSP|=3.29±1.01 and |ρkPS|=2.33±0.73 in B→PS and B→SP decays (P and S denote pseudoscalar and scalar mesons, respectively), respectively. We also study the branching ratios and CP asymmetries in the decay modes involving other scalar mesons, including f0(980), a0(980), a0(1450) and K0*(1430), to test the rationality of the values of |ρkSP| and |ρkPS|. Meanwhile, the wealth of experimental data facilitate the examination of the forward-backward asymmetry induced CP asymmetries (FB-CPAs), and the localized CP asymmetries (LACPs). We investigate these asymmetries resulting from the interference between ρ(770)0 and f0(500) for B±→π±π+π− and B±→K±π+π− decays when the invariant mass of π+π− locates in the low-energy region 0.445  GeV<mππ<0.795  GeV. Our theoretical results of FB-CPAs and LACPs align with the experimental findings. We propose that the interference between ρ(770)0 and f0(500) can be extended to other beauty and charmed mesons decays.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Charge density on fracture surfaces and contact electrification of identical materials
Authors: Kadono Toshihiko , Ogawa Kazunori , Shirai Kei , Kobayashi Hideyuki
Published: January 2025

Contact electrification of identical materials happens during collisions, rubbing, and mixing of granular materials. Fractures often accompany these processes, and the resulting fracture surfaces are typically charged. Based on visible-light and X-ray observations of fracture, we demonstrate that the charge density on fracture surfaces of organic and inorganic materials is consistent with those observed in collisions, rubbing, and mixing. This indicates that fractures involve contact electrification of identical materials.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
High Ground State Overlap via Quantum Embedding Methods
Authors: Erakovic Mihael , Witteveen Freek , Harley Dylan , Günther Jakob , Bensberg Moritz , Meitei Oinam Romesh , Cho Minsik , Van Voorhis Troy , Reiher Markus , Christandl Matthias
Published: January 2025

Quantum computers can accurately compute ground state energies using phase estimation, but this requires a guiding state that has significant overlap with the true ground state. For large molecules and extended materials, it becomes difficult to find guiding states with good ground state overlap for growing molecule sizes. Additionally, the required number of qubits and quantum gates may become prohibitively large. One approach for dealing with these challenges is to use a quantum embedding method, which allows a reduction to one or multiple smaller quantum cores embedded in a larger quantum region. In such situations, it is unclear how the embedding method affects the hardness of constructing good guiding states. In this work, we therefore investigate the preparation of guiding states in the context of quantum embedding methods. We extend previous work on quantum impurity problems, a framework in which we can rigorously analyze the embedding of a subset of orbitals. While there exist results for optimal active orbital space selection in terms of energy minimization, we rigorously demonstrate how the same principles can be used to define selected orbital spaces for state preparation in terms of the overlap with the ground state. Moreover, we perform numerical studies of molecular systems relevant to biochemistry, one field in which quantum embedding methods are required due to the large size of biomacromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. We investigate two different embedding strategies which can exhibit qualitatively different orbital entanglement. In all cases, we demonstrate that the easy-to-obtain mean-field state will have a sufficiently high overlap with the target state to perform quantum phase estimation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Emergence of a Second Law of Thermodynamics in Isolated Quantum Systems
Authors: Meier Florian , Rivlin Tom , Debarba Tiago , Xuereb Jake , Huber Marcus , Lock Maximilian P.E.
Published: January 2025

The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of an isolated system can only increase over time. This appears to conflict with the reversible evolution of isolated quantum systems under the Schrödinger equation, which preserves the von Neumann entropy. Nonetheless, one finds that with respect to many observables, expectation values approach a fixed value—their equilibrium value. This ultimately raises the question: ? For classical systems, one introduces the assumption of a low-entropy initial state along with the concept of ignorance about the microscopic details of the physical system, leading to a statistical interpretation of the second law. By considering the observables through which we examine quantum systems, both these assumptions can be incorporated, building upon recent studies of the of observables. While the statistical behavior of observable expectation values is well established, a quantitative connection to entropy increase has been lacking so far. In deriving novel bounds for the equilibration of observables, and considering the entropy of the system relative to observables, we recover a variant of the second law: the entropy with respect to a given observable tends toward its equilibrium value in the course of the system’s unitary evolution. These results also support recent findings that question the necessity of nonintegrability for equilibration in quantum systems. We further illustrate our bounds using numerical results from the paradigmatic example of a quantum Ising model on a chain of spins. There, we observe entropy increasing up to equilibrium values, as well as fluctuations, which expose the underlying reversible evolution in accordance with the derived bounds.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Syntheses, crystal structures, Hirshfeld surface analyses and crystal voids of 1-(4-bromophenyl)-2,2-dichloroethan-1-one and 2,2-dibromo-1-(p-tolyl)ethan-1-one
Authors: Gurbanov Atash V. , Guseinov Firudin I. , Samigullina Aida I. , Hökelek Tuncer , Hasanov Khudayar I. , Javadzade Tahir A. , Belay Alebel N.
Published: January 2025

The asymmetric units of the compounds, C8H5BrCl2O (I), and C9H8Br2O (II), contain two and one crystallographically independent molecules, respectively. In compound (I), the planar rings are oriented at a dihedral angle of 13.23 (8)°. In crystals of both compounds, intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into infinite chains along the b-axis direction. In crystal of (I), there are π–π interactions between the centroids of the parallel rings with centroid-to-centroid distances of 3.5974 (14), 3.6178 (16) and 3.9387 (16) Å while neither π–π nor C—H... π(ring) interactions are present in (II). The Hirshfeld surface analyses of the crystal structures indicate that the most important contributions for the crystal packings are from H...Cl/Cl...H (27.5%), H...O/O...H (15.0%), H...Br/Br...H (10.2%) and H...H (9.0%) for (I) and H...Br/Br...H (36.1%), H...H (22.2%), H...O/O...H (14.1%) and H...C/C...H (13.9%) for (II). Hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions are the dominant interactions in the crystal packings. The volumes of the crystal voids and the percentages of free spaces in the unit cells were calculated to 111.55 Å3 and 12.27% for (I) and 63.37 Å and 6.69% for (II), showing that no large cavities are present in either structure.
Dynamic nature of leadership – the case of university management
Authors: Jaiswal Mayank
Published: January 2025

Research methodology

The case was motivated after listening to Dr Heather Westphal’s leadership journey as a President of State University of North State (SUNS), Somerville. Several subsequent interviews were conducted with Heather, and she also became the chief protagonist of the case. Heather provided multiple quotes and anecdotes. The protagonist Heather and the focal organization (SUNS, Somerville) are disguised. However, the material facts of the case are authentic. Data were collected from public sources and SUNS, Somerville administration. Some of the data have been jittered to maintain anonymity yet keep the authenticity of the lesson.

Case overview/synopsis

The case exposes students to a female leader of a higher education institution in the USA. Various aspects a high-level executive must consider when deciding on career moves have been explored. Furthermore, the case draws attention to some extra particulars women leaders must consider during career transitions. The case study then dives into how a leader sets goals, executes them and repeats the process to set new goals. Two types of situations are covered – the first is where planning is followed by execution and the other is a crisis where not much planning can be done. Students will also get a glimpse into how leaders remain fit physically and mentally, as they conduct their duties in high-stress situations. Exposure to mental fitness is especially pertinent in today’s day and age where mental fatigue and issues because of work-related strain are a significant concern. Finally, the case presents students with a decision the leader is facing regarding the direction of the institution – Should she keep it traditional, go nontraditional (online) or become a hybrid?

Complexity academic level

This case is designed to target undergraduate juniors or seniors in strategy and leadership courses. The course could also be suitable for strategy students of nonprofit and not-for-profit management. It could be taught in the latter half of the course after the basic concepts have been covered. Students will be able to apply the knowledge of the core courses of management and strategy in this case. Hence, this case can act as an integrative case that brings together multiple disciplines and focuses on the leadership of a large institution.
Plague in Small Mammals From an Endemic Focus of the Malagasy Central Highlands: A Longitudinal Survey With a Special Reference on Black Rats (Rattus rattus)
Authors: Parany Mamionah Noro Jully , Stenseth Nils Christian , Rasoamalala Fanohinjanaharinirina , Rahelinirina Soanandrasana , Rahajandraibe Soloandry , Andrianaivoarimanana Voahangy , Dobigny Gauthier , Gorgé Olivier , Valade Eric , Fell Henry , Ramasindrazana Beza , Rajerison Minoarisoa
Published: January 2025

Plague, a zoonotic disease caused by Yersinia pestis, remains a major public health threat in several parts of the world, including Madagascar. Factors underlying long‐term persistence and emergence of the pathogen remain poorly understood. We implemented a longitudinal survey to provide insights into plague reservoir ecology within an endemic focus. Six trapping sessions (TS) were conducted in six different localities of the Ankazobe district from 2018 to 2020 in order to monitor small mammal communities. A total of 2762 individuals composed of six species (Rattus rattus, Rattus norvegicus, Mus musculus, Setifer setosus, Suncus murinus and Tenrec ecaudatus) were caught over the six successive TS. R. rattus represented 88% of all captures, with the highest relative abundances observed during the dry season (June to August 2019). None of the micromammals tested positive for the presence of Y. pestis, neither with qPCR nor bacterial culture. However, 11 seropositive individuals (6 R. rattus, 2 M. musculus and 3 S. murinus) were retrieved following ELISA, thus leading to a global seroprevalence of 0.4%. Our study highlighted the significant influence of climatic data on the seasonal variations of R. rattus abundance and suggest that black rat control should be conducted before the dry season, that is, during high reproduction period of rats, in order to reduce the number of reproducing animals and prevent subsequent increase in abundance. As three S. murinus and two M. musculus plague seropositive were identified in the present study, their potential role in plague eco‐epidemiology in Madagascar should be explored further.
Assessing the Role of Data in Operational Decisions and Risk Planning for Water Permit Holders
Authors: Whateley Sarah , Josset Laureline , Gibson Catherine , Lowrie Stuart , Schuler George
Published: January 2025

Water data are evolving rapidly, driven by the expansion of diverse data platforms and the implementation of new policy frameworks. Despite advancements, the utilization of water data by water users remains uncertain. We surveyed 173 water permit holders across New York State to understand what water data are collected and for what purpose across geography, sector, and withdrawal volume. This study reveals that water data primarily serve regulatory purposes and play little role in permittees' operational, sustainability, or risk management decisions. To unlock the full potential of water data for users, we recommend educational initiatives such as training programs for data‐driven assessments, alongside technological advancements like developing web data portals that support risk and impact assessments. These recommendations aim to foster collaboration for navigating the complexities of stressors and achieving a more informed and adaptable approach to water usage.
Hypomethylating agents for patients with VEXAS without myelodysplastic syndrome: Clinical outcome and longitudinal follow‐up of vacuolization and UBA1 clonal dynamics
Authors: Álamo Jose R. , Torres Lucía Mont‐de , Castaño‐Díez Sandra , Mensa‐Vilaró Anna , Mónica López‐Guerra M. , Zugasti Ines , Díaz Johana , Jiménez‐Vicente Carlos , Plaza Susana , Fabregat Virginia , de Landazuri Iñaki Ortiz , Yagüe Jordi , Espinosa Gerard , Sanmartí Raimon , Rozman Maria , Guijarro Francesca , Cortes Albert , Triguero Ana , Cardús Aina , Cuartas Adriana , Cornejo Marina , Esteve Jordi , Aróstegui Juan I. , Díaz‐Beyá Marina
Published: January 2025

VEXAS syndrome is a haemato‐inflammatory disease caused by somatic UBA1 mutations and characterized by cytoplasmic vacuoles in myeloid and erythroid precursor cells. Although there is currently no standard treatment algorithm for VEXAS, patients are generally treated with anti‐inflammatory therapies focused on symptom management, with only partial effectiveness. Hypomethylating agents (HMA) have shown promise in VEXAS patients with concomitant myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), while the efficacy of HMA in VEXAS patients without MDS is largely unknown. Furthermore, the usefulness of monitoring the variant allele frequency (VAF) of UBA1 or vacuolization in precursor cells over the course of treatment has not been extensively investigated. We have evaluated the efficacy of HMA in four VEXAS patients without MDS and performed longitudinal analyses of the VAF of UBA1 and vacuolization during treatment. HMA treatment led to overall clinical improvement, a dramatic reduction in the VAF of UBA1, normalization of haematological and inflammatory markers and a quantifiable decrease in vacuolization, leading us to speculate that unlike anti‐inflammatory therapies, HMA may well act as a disease‐modifying treatment. If these findings are confirmed in further studies, it could lead to the early use of HMA in the treatment of all VEXAS patients—with or without MDS.
The Performance of Ankle‐ and Waist‐Based Accelerometry in Quantifying Physical Activity Intensity Among 6‐ to 24‐Month‐Year‐Olds: A Semistructured Laboratory Study
Authors: Dorris Hannah J. , Carlson Delaina D. , Ballarino Grace A. , Lopez Nanette V. , Emond Jennifer A.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

We aim to quantify the performance of accelerometry in objectively measuring physical activity (PA) intensity among infants and toddlers.

Methods

Thirty‐eight 6‐ to 24‐month‐olds participated in a 30‐min, semistructured lab visit. Twenty‐three (61%) children could walk independently. Children engaged in a variety of activities while wearing accelerometers on each ankle and at the waist. Visits were video recorded, and study team members independently coded the first three 5‐s epochs of each minute for PA intensity using a 5‐level scale ranging from 1 = completely sedentary to 5 = moderate‐to‐high intensity. Interrater agreement for PA classifications was excellent (median kappa per child = 0.85). A series of logistic regression models were fit to find the vector magnitude threshold per 5‐s epoch that differentiated activity intensity above each PA level with ≥ 80% sensitivity.

Results

Analyses included 3191 epochs; a median of 88 epochs per child. The classification performance applying all thresholds concurrently for the five PA intensity levels was poor for each wear location (agreement < 50%, kappa < 0.25). Classification improved when concatenating intensity levels, with the best performance comparing sedentary (levels 1–2) to nonsedentary (levels 3–5) and using data from the left ankle device: agreement ≥ 77.6%, kappa ≥ 0.44. Applying those novel thresholds to predict the total time spent in level 3–5 activities over all coded epochs using linear regression performed as well as using the sum of vector magnitude across epochs when using data from the left ankle device. Overall, the performance of the left ankle wear location was similar to the right ankle wear location and superior to the waist location.

Conclusions

Ankle‐worn accelerometry had adequate validity to classify in‐the‐moment nonsedentary behaviours and total time spent nonsedentary over a time interval among this sample of infants and toddlers. While caution is warranted when generalizing these lab‐based findings to naturalistic settings, findings provide insight into objective measures of PA for this age range.
Functional Characterization and In Silico Prediction Tools Improve the Pathogenicity Prediction of Novel Bile Acid Transporter Variants
Authors: Peng Ziyue , Wang Xin , Li Ying , Ren Yaqiong , Meng Yuhuan , Sun Liwei , Zhang Zitong , Song Yue , Xia Yang , Shi Lei , Yu Shihui , Cheng Liang , Zhang Xue
Published: January 2025

The pathogenicity of cholestatic liver diseases (CLDs) remains insufficiently characterized, hindering definitive diagnosis and timely treatment. The aim of this study was to improve the pathogenicity prediction of novel bile acid (BA) transporter variants in patients with CLDs. We analyzed the clinical characteristics and genetic profiles of a CLD cohort (n = 57) using multiple in silico tools and in vitro functional assays. We identified 78 unique variants in four BA transporter genes. The predominant defects were associated with ABCC2 (57/78, 73.1%), with the most frequent being missense variants (39/78, 50.0%). Using in silico tools, we identified 47 novel variants: 12 mis‐splicing, 21 deleterious missense, and 23 with altered protein stability. Of the 34 novel variants in ABCC2 identified through in vitro functional assays, seven incurred aberrant splicing, 11 missense variants resulted in MRP2 reduction, 9 missense variants resulted in abnormal N‐glycosylation, 18 variants altered MRP2 localization, and 26 variants reduced organic anion transport activity. These findings indicate that a multidisciplinary approach, integrating bioinformatics and experimental data, significantly enhances the accuracy of genetic‐based CLD diagnosis. It serves as a foundational study for BA transport variants pathogenicity reclassification and expands the mutation spectrum of CLDs in China.
Real‐Time Nail‐Biting Detection on a Smartwatch Using Three CNN Models Pipeline
Authors: Alesmaeil Abdullah , Şehirli Eftal
Published: January 2025

Nail‐biting (NB) or onychophagia is a compulsive disorder that affects millions of people in both children and adults. It has several health complications and negative social effects. Treatments include surgical interventions, pharmacological medications, or additionally, it can be treated using behavioral modification therapies that utilize positive reinforcement and periodical reminders. Although it is the least invasive, such therapies still depend on manual monitoring and tracking which limits their success. In this work, we propose a novel approach for automatic real‐time NB detection and alert on a smartwatch that does not require surgical intervention, medications, or manual habit monitoring. It addresses two key challenges: First, NB actions generate subtle motion patterns at the wrist that lead to a high false‐positives (FP) rate even when the hand is not on the face. Second, is the challenge to run power‐intensive applications on a power‐constrained edge device like a smartwatch. To overcome these challenges, our proposed approach implements a pipeline of three convolutional neural networks (CNN) models instead of a single model. The first two models are small and efficient, designed to detect face‐touch (FT) actions and hand movement away (MA) from the face. The third model is a larger and deeper CNN model dedicated to classifying hand actions on the face and detecting NB actions. This separation of tasks addresses the key challenges: decreasing FPs by ensuring NB model is activated only when the hand on the face, and optimizing power usage by ensuring the larger NB model runs only for short periods while the efficient FT model runs most of the time. In addition, this separation of tasks gives more freedom to design, configure, and optimize the three models based on each model task. Lastly, for training the main NB model, this work presents further optimizations including developing NB dataset from start through a dedicated data collection application, applying data augmentation, and utilizing several CNN optimization techniques during training. Results show that the model pipeline approach minimizes FPs significantly compared with the single model for NB detection while improving the overall efficiency.
HN1 Functions in Protein Synthesis Regulation via mTOR‐RPS6 Axis and Maintains Nucleolar Integrity
Authors: Özduman Gülseren , Javed Aadil , Akçaöz Alasar Azime , Akgül Bünyamin , Korkmaz Kemal Sami
Published: January 2025

Haematological and Neurological Expressed 1 (HN1) is an oncogene for various cancers and previously has been linked with centrosome clustering and cell cycle pathways. Moreover, HN1 has recently been reported to activate mTOR signalling, which is the regulator of ribosome biogenesis and maintenance. We explored the role of HN1 in mTOR signalling through various gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments using biochemical approaches in different cell lines. We demonstrated for the first time that HN1 is required for nucleolar organiser region (NOR) integrity and function. Immunoprecipitation‐based association and colocalization studies demonstrated that HN1 is an important component of the mTOR‐RPS6 axis, and its depletion results with reduced mRNA translation in mammalian cancer cell lines. This study also demonstrated that the depletion of HN1 leads to the irregular distribution of nucleolar structures, potentially leading to cell cycle deregulation as reported previously. Accordingly, components of the translation machinery aggregate with a distinct speckled pattern, lose their essential interactions and ultimately impair mRNA translation efficiency when the HN1 is depleted. These results suggest that HN1 is an essential component of the nucleolus, required for ribosome biogenesis as well as global mRNA translation.
Anthropogenic Pressures Lead to Different Patterns of Niche Contraction and Protected Area Cover in Three Species Procapra Gazelles on Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau and Mongolia
Authors: Zhu Y. , Britnell J. A. , Shi J. , Buuveibaatar B. , Shultz S.
Published: January 2025

Aim

Anthropogenic threats often lead to range contraction towards the margins of a species historic niche, resulting in increased extinction risk. Here, we investigate niche characteristics of current and historic populations to evaluate changes in ‘Area of Niche’ (AON) following range loss from different levels of anthropogenic threats three congeneric Asian gazelle species are facing: Przewalski's (Procapra przewalskii), Tibetan (P. picticaudata) and Mongolian gazelles (P. gutturosa).

Location

Tibet, Qinghai and Mongolia.

Methods

We collated range maps for historic and contemporary distributions of Przewalski's, Tibetan and Mongolian gazelles and created 3‐dimensional hypervolume and convex hull niche models using environmental variables from the Worldclim dataset (v2) together with topographic information from SRTM elevation data from historic and contemporary Area of Habitat maps and evaluated changes over time. We calculated Area of Niche (AON) maps by projecting a scaled Mahalanobis distance from the historic niche centroid of each grid cell onto each species' historic range. Finally, we evaluated how the protected area network overlaps with historic niche characteristics.

Results

The endangered Przewalski's gazelle has lost almost all its range and niche, with remaining populations at niche peripheries. In contrast, the near‐threatened Tibetan and least‐concern Mongolian gazelles have lost less range and niche and contracted towards their historic niche centre. Protected areas for each species were biased towards the ecological margins of their historic ranges, which can result in sub‐optimal conservation strategies.

Main Conclusions

This study uses niche modelling to evaluate changes in Area of Niche (AON) occupied by a species that has undergone range contraction. We highlight that species most affected by anthropogenic threats are most vulnerable to niche shift and contraction. These species are also vulnerable to a mismatch between the protected area network and species historic niche space. We advocate that conservation strategies should include niche dynamics as an indicator of the species risk.
Lagged climate‐driven range shifts at species' leading, but not trailing, range edges revealed by multispecies seed addition experiment
Authors: Goodwin Katie J. A. , Chardon Nathalie I. , Pradhan Kavya , Hille Ris Lambers Janneke , Angert Amy L.
Published: January 2025

Climate change is causing many species' ranges to shift upslope to higher elevations as species track their climatic requirements. However, many species have not shifted in pace with recent warming (i.e. ‘range stasis'), possibly due to demographic lags or microclimatic buffering. The ‘lagged‐response hypothesis' posits that range stasis disguises an underlying climatic sensitivity if range shifts lag the velocity of climate change due to slow colonization (i.e. colonization credits) or mortality (i.e. extinction debt). Alternatively, the ‘microclimatic buffering hypothesis' proposes that small‐scale variation within the landscape, such as canopy cover, creates patches of suitable habitat within otherwise unsuitable macroclimates that create climate refugia and buffer range contractions. We simultaneously test both hypotheses by combining a large seed addition experiment of 25 plant species across macro‐ and micro‐scale climate gradients with adult occurrence records to compare patterns of seedling recruitment relative to adult ranges and microclimate in the North Cascades, USA. Despite high species‐to‐species variability in recruitment, community‐level patterns monitored for five years supported the lagged response hypothesis, with a mismatch between where seedlings recruit versus adults occur. On average, the seedling recruitment optimum shifted from the adult climatic range centre to historically cooler, wetter regions and many species recruited beyond their cold (e.g. leading) range edge. Meanwhile, successful recruitment occurred at warm and dry edges, despite recent climate change, suggesting that macroclimatic effects on recruitment do not drive trailing range dynamics. We did not detect evidence of microclimatic buffering due to canopy cover in recruitment patterns. Combined, our results suggest apparent range stasis in our system is a lagged response to climate change at the cool ends of species ranges, with range expansions likely to occur slowly or in a punctuated fashion.
IRT Observed‐Score Equating for Rater‐Mediated Assessments Using a Hierarchical Rater Model
Authors: Wu Tong , Kim Stella Y. , Westine Carl , Boyer Michelle
Published: January 2025

While significant attention has been given to test equating to ensure score comparability, limited research has explored equating methods for rater‐mediated assessments, where human raters inherently introduce error. If not properly addressed, these errors can undermine score interchangeability and test validity. This study proposes an equating method that accounts for rater errors by utilizing item response theory (IRT) observed‐score equating with a hierarchical rater model (HRM). Its effectiveness is compared to an IRT observed‐score equating method using the generalized partial credit model across 16 rater combinations with varying levels of rater bias and variability. The results indicate that equating performance depends on the interaction between rater bias and variability across forms. Both the proposed and traditional methods demonstrated robustness in terms of bias and RMSE when rater bias and variability were similar between forms, with a few exceptions. However, when rater errors varied significantly across forms, the proposed method consistently produced more stable equating results. Differences in standard error between the methods were minimal under most conditions.
Systematic numerical analysis of the hydraulic parameters responsible for critical flows in anthropogenically modified mountain channels for flood analysis and mitigation
Authors: Hauer C. , Schmalfuss L. , Pulg U.
Published: January 2025

The damage potential in river systems due to flood flows has increased as a result of the increased infrastructure and population growth along river corridors, frequently accompanied by an incomplete understanding of flood safety and the impact of climate change. In particular, so‐called catastrophic flood events in alpine areas are generally accompanied by massive channel beds and floodplain erosion with a higher damage potential than inundation only. It has been recently shown that critical flow conditions might be an important driver of uncontrolled erosion and channel avulsion in terms of extraordinary flood events. A systematic analysis, however, of the parameters driving critical flow conditions is lacking. Thus, the aim of this study was to conduct a systematic numerical evaluation of the hydraulic parameters responsible for critical flows in steep mountain channels as a baseline study for future improved flood impact assessment and mitigation measure design. The systematic analysis of standardized river bathymetries revealed that channel slope, roughness and river widening impose decreasing influences on alpine rivers to produce critical flow conditions. However, there is a risk that due to human interventions, altering the natural slope–roughness relationship to increase the discharge capacity for flood safety might promote critical conditions. These findings should be considered in future hydraulic engineering practice.
Pricing Poseidon: Extreme Weather Uncertainty and Firm Return Dynamics
Authors: KRUTTLI MATHIAS S. , TRAN BRIGITTE ROTH , WATUGALA SUMUDU W.
Published: January 2025

We empirically analyze firm‐level uncertainty generated from extreme weather events, guided by a theoretical framework. Stock options of firms with establishments in a hurricane's (forecast) landfall region exhibit large implied volatility increases, reflecting significant uncertainty (before) after impact. Volatility risk premium dynamics reveal that investors underestimate such uncertainty. This underreaction diminishes for hurricanes after Sandy, a salient event that struck the U.S. financial center. Despite constituting idiosyncratic shocks, hurricanes affect hit firms' expected stock returns. Textual analysis of calls between firm management, analysts, and investors reveals that discussions about hurricane impacts remain elevated throughout the long‐lasting high‐uncertainty period after landfall.
Clarifying Misconceptions About School‐Based Health Care
Authors: Mary Kay Irwin , Bode Sara , Skinner Daniel
Published: January 2025

Background

To health professionals working in American school‐based health centers, the benefits of school‐based health programs are obvious. The philosophical warrant for this work has been reasserted for over 70 years. And yet, the divisiveness of health and health care in the U.S. has led to questions and even concerns about the appropriateness of co‐locating healthcare services in schools.

Contributions to Practice

We address three common misconceptions to provide an accurate depiction of the work school‐based health centers do. The misconceptions we address are: 1. that education and health care should be separate; 2. that parents and guardians alone are responsible for their children's health; and 3. that school‐based health centers cut out parents and guardians from involvement in their children's health.

Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity

Misconceptions about school‐based health centers undermine the important work being done in these centers, including the pursuit of improved child health outcomes. Clarifying these misconceptions is of the utmost importance.

Conclusions

It is important to understand and actively address common misconceptions about school‐based health centers. Doing so can help leverage the opportunities these centers and programs present.
Evaluating Paediatric Injury Hospitalisations From Indoor Trampoline Parks Across Australia: A Multi‐Centre Study
Authors: Tsoi Kei Yan , Sharwood Lisa N. , Eslick Guy D. , Nunez Carlos , Morris Anne , Williams Nicole , Erskine Christine , Adams Susan
Published: January 2025

Aim

The introduction and increasing popularity of indoor trampoline facilities has seen increases in the incidence of trampoline park injuries (TPIs), particularly amongst the paediatric population. A challenge to the development of effective injury prevention interventions is the limited study pool of detailed activity and outcome data to provide better understanding of the characteristics of injurious events.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of individuals under 16 years of age hospitalised after TPI from November 2018 to December 2021 was conducted. Patient demographics and TPI characteristics were collected through prospective case notifications from clinicians across Australia, via the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit. Additional data were collected using retrospective medical record review at two major paediatric centres in Australia.

Results

In total, 48 cases of TPIs were reported: median age was 9.5 years with 28 (58.3%) being males. The most common injury mechanism was a fall on the trampoline (n = 34, 72.3%). The most commonly injured body region was upper limb (n = 27, 56.3%), followed by lower limb (n = 11, 22.9%): all limb injuries involved a fracture. Most patients required operative intervention (n = 37, 90.2%).

Conclusions

The results from this study suggest that serious injuries continue to occur at trampoline parks, and thus remain an injury concern that requires attention. This issue needs to be addressed with consistent application of the Australian Standard, along with other injury prevention initiatives.