bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatially selective drop-motion programming using metamaterials
Authors: Charara Mohammad , Kujala Zakari , Lee Sungyon , Gonella Stefano
Published: February 2025

Motion control of droplets has generated much attention for its application to microfluidics, where precisely controlling small fluid volumes is an imperative requirement. Mechanical vibrations can induce controllable depinning and activation of a variety of drop-motion regimes. However, existing vibration-based strategies establish homogeneous rigid-body dynamics on the entire substrate, thus lacking any form of spatial heterogeneity and tuning. Addressing this limitation, elastic metamaterials provide an ideal platform to achieve spectrally and spatially selective drop-motion control. This capability results from the intrinsic ability of metamaterials to attenuate vibrations in selected frequency bands and regions of an elastic domain. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate a variety of droplet motion capabilities on the surface of a vibrating metaplate endowed with locally resonant stubs. The experiments leverage the design reconfigurability of a LEGO
®
component-enabled prototyping platform, which allows us to switch in an agile manner between different configurations of resonators. We use laser vibrometry measurements with high spatial resolution to capture the spatial variability of the metaplate response. Beyond the discipline-specific boundaries, this work begins to illustrate a broader employment of elastic metamaterials in applications where their signature wave control capability is not the end goal, but rather an enabling tool for other more complex multiphysical effects.
Isolation and genetic analysis of mycobacteria from suspect tuberculous lesions in slaughtered cattle from Wolaita, Ethiopia
Authors: Zaba Melese Yilma , Neway Sebsib , Farrell Damien , Denion Eva , Perets Viktor , Tilahun Melaku , Bobosha Kidist , Cassidy Joseph P. , Asmare Asefa , Gordon Stephen V.
Published: February 2025

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis and other members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), is a significant concern for livestock and public health in Ethiopia. This study aimed to isolate and genetically characterise the causative agents of bTB in cattle from four abattoirs in the Wolaita zone of Ethiopia. A total of 2,251 cattle were examined postmortem, and suspect tuberculous lesions were identified in 122 animals. From these animals, 180 tissue samples were collected and processed for bacteriological culture and genetic analysis, including the LoopampTM commercial LAMP kit, PCR targeting RD4 and RD9 loci, and whole genome sequencing (WGS).
Bacteriological culture using MGIT and Lowenstein-Jensen media ultimately identified 18 culture positive samples, with WGS confirming M. bovis in lesions from four animals and M. tuberculosis in lesions from one animal. The M. bovis and M. tuberculosis isolates showed genetic similarity to previously identified MTBC lineages in Ethiopia. The presence of M. tuberculosis in cattle raises concerns about human-to-animal transmission. Additionally, non-tuberculous mycobacteria were isolated from lesions from multiple animals. Our study genetically characterised bacteria from suspect tuberculous lesions and provides the research community with new genome data for Ethiopian isolates of M. bovis and M. tuberculosis.
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of lizards: a first comprehensive characterization of beta-defensins, ovo-defensins and cathelicidins from the Balearic lizardPodarcis lilfordiand closely related Lacertidae species
Authors: Otalora Katherin , Gomez-Garrido Jessica , Baldo Laura
Published: February 2025

Reptiles are remarkably resistant to infections, providing a critical system to understand diversity and evolution of the innate immune defense and its major players, the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Here we present the first comprehensive characterization of AMPs in the family Lacertidae with the objective of understanding their diversity and patterns of evolution.

By means of extensive genome mining, we first obtained a nearly complete catalogue of antimicrobial proteins from the Balearic lizardPodarcis lilfordi: 65 beta-defensins (BDs), eight ovo-defensins (OVODs), encompassing three proline-rich proteins (OVOD-PrAMPs), and four cathelicidins (CATHs). Using this fine-scale annotation we retrieved corresponding orthologues and closed paralogues from published Lacertidae species,P. muralis, P. raffoneiandZootoca vivipara(58 total AMPs). Comparative sequence analysis indicated that all AMPs consistently locate in chromosome 3 (BDs and OVODs) and chromosome 12 (CATHs), supporting a monophyletic origin of the reptilian antimicrobial defense. InP. lilfordi, the AMPs are arranged in clusters of mostly contiguous peptides, flanked by highly conserved marker proteins. All Lacertidae AMPs present a multiple exon structure (two to four) and a characteristic cysteine motif (six-cysteines in BDs, eight in OVODs and four in CATHs), consistently with previous findings in vertebrates. Comparative analyses support an ongoing process of gene expansion via duplication in tandem of both BDs and OVODs, whereas OVOD-PrAMPs and CATHs mostly present a one-to-one ortholog in all species. Despite this remarkable intra-genomic diversity, we also found multiple examples of distant species sharing identical or nearly identical peptides, providing clear evidence of convergent evolution.

Overall, these findings substantially increased our understanding of AMP diversity and evolution in reptiles and set the basis to explore adaptive polymorphism maintenance and mechanisms of antimicrobial defense.
AstraPTM: Context-Aware PTM Prediction Model for Large-Scale Proteins
Authors: Goteti Aniruddh , Bozkurt Çağlar
Published: February 2025

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are critical molecular events that pro-foundly influence protein stability, localization, and function. While numerous computational tools exist for PTM site prediction, most struggle with handling large proteins and rely on separate models for each modification. To address these challenges, we introduceAstraPTM, a transformer-based framework that predicts 25 PTMs in a single pass. By leveraging advanced protein embeddings (ESM2) and training on a high-coverage dbPTM dataset, AstraPTM captures both short-range sequence motifs and long-range interactions across proteins without a sequence length limitation.

AstraPTM combines a binary classification module—indicating whether a residue is modified—with a multi-label module that pinpoints specific PTM types. This dual approach achieves high accuracy on well-represented PTMs (e.g., phospho-rylation, glycosylation) while maintaining sensitivity for rarer modifications. In benchmarks against existing methods such as MusiteDeep and MIND-S, AstraPTM demonstrates competitive or superior performance, demonstrating AUC-ROC above 99% for well-represented modifications, underscoring its versatility for proteome-wide annotation. Beyond prediction, the model’s capacity to handle full-length proteins offers a powerful resource for researchers investigating PTM crosstalk and disease pathways, ultimately bridging the gap between large-scale omics data and targeted biomedical applications.
Inhibition of NLRP1 Inflammasome Activation by Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Restores Erythropoiesis in Diamond-Blackfan Anemia Syndrome
Authors: Lozano Gil Juan M. , Rodríguez-Ruiz Lola , Palacios Manuel , Peral Jorge , Navarro Susana , Fuster José L. , Beléndez Cristina , Jérez Andrés , Murillo-Sanjuán Laura , Díaz-de-Heredia Cristina , López-de-Hontanar Guzmán , Zubicaray Josune , Sevilla Julián , Ferrer-Marín Francisca , Sepulcre María P. , Cayuela María L. , García-Moreno Diana , Martínez-López Alicia , Tyrkalska Sylwia D. , Mulero Victoriano
Published: February 2025

Diamond-Blackfan Anemia Syndrome (DBAS) is characterized by impaired erythropoiesis due to dysfunctional ribosome biogenesis and aberrant cellular signaling. Here, we investigate how ribosomal stress-induced activation of the NLRP1 inflammasome modulates erythroid differentiation in DBAS. We demonstrate that FDA/EMA-approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) effectively mitigate defective erythropoiesis in Diamond-Blackfan anemia syndrome (DBAS) by inhibiting NLRP1 inflammasome activation. Specifically, nilotinib enhances erythroid differentiation in K562 cells through suppression of the ZAKα/P38/NLRP1/CASP1 axis, leading to increased GATA1 protein levels and upregulation of key erythroid genes involved in iron acquisition, hemoglobin synthesis, and erythrocyte structure. These effects were validated in human CD34+hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and zebrafish models, where nilotinib, along with other TKIs (imatinib, dasatinib, and bosutinib), promoted erythropoiesis at the expense of myelopoiesis and reduced caspase-1 activity. Importantly, in RPS19-deficient zebrafish and human models and HSPCs from patients with DBAS, nilotinib, imatinib and dasatinib rescued defective erythroid differentiation and restored hemoglobin levels. These findings highlight the potential of TKIs to address the erythroid defects observed in ribosomopathies like DBAS. Given the limited treatment options available for DBAS and other congenital anemias, our study provides compelling evidence for repurposing TKIs as a novel therapeutic strategy to alleviate pathological NLRP1 activation and improve erythropoiesis. This work opens new avenues for managing ribosome-related disorders and advancing personalized medicine approaches for hematopoietic diseases.
Genomic diversity in felids correlates with range and density, not census size
Authors: Meeus Michaël P. , Lescroart Jonas , Svardal Hannes
Published: February 2025

As the world is hit by the sixth mass extinction, it becomes increasingly important to understand the factors relevant to the conservation of species, so that we may protect biodiversity to the best of our abilities. Although genetic diversity is known to reflect population demography and contribute to genetic health and adaptability, it is not explicitly used as a criterion in assessments by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Additionally, studies comparing diversity estimates between species often rely on summarizing results across studies, which use different methodologies and may not be suited for direct comparison. Here we performed a family-wide assessment of genomic diversity in Felidae, covering most extant species. We tested for correlations between autosomal heterozygosity and ecological traits across (sub)species, and whether a subspecies’ genetic diversity was associated with its IUCN threat category. We found evidence for genetic diversity to be strongly positively correlated with both geographic range size and population density, but not with census size. Furthermore, although genetic diversity was not significantly correlated with IUCN status overall, threatened cat species had significantly lower levels of genetic diversity than non-threatened species. Our results confirm the association of population parameters and assessment of extinction risk with genetic diversity in one of the most iconic and threatened families of land carnivores. While mechanisms and causality behind these associations will need to be the subject of further investigation, our study adds further credence to the importance of incorporating genomic information in risk assessment and conservation efforts.
SmART-TBI: A fully remote protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled double-blinded clinical trial for a dietary supplement to improve sleep in Veterans
Authors: Elliott Jonathan E. , Sicard Savanah J. , Olivo Cosette , Cunningham Hannah A. , Ekis Arlynn E. , Powers Katherine L. , Brewer Jessica S. , D’Silva Jennifer , Happ Sarah , Hildebrand Andrea , Cohen Akiva , Lim Miranda M.
Published: February 2025

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with chronic sleep disturbances and cognitive impairment, with limited effective therapeutic strategies. Our previous work showed dietary supplementation with branched chain amino acids (BCAAs; isoleucine, leucine, valine), the primary substrate forde novoglutamate/GABA synthesis in the CNS, restored normal sleep-wake patterns and improved cognitive function in rodents. Our recent pilot work in humans showed preliminary feasibility/acceptability and limited efficacy for BCAAs to improve sleep in Veterans with TBI. However, these pilot data were limited in sample size, treatment dosages/duration, and therefore unable to establish efficacy or provide insight into dosing/duration parameters. The present study, SmART-TBI (supplementation with amino acid rehabilitative therapy in TBI:NCT04603443), represents a fully powered, placebo-controlled, double-masked randomized clinical trial (target n=120). Covariate adaptive randomization controlling for age, sex, TBI recency, pain, depression, and PTSD, allocated participants 1:1:1:1 to four groups comprising 3 BCAA doses (‘high’ 30g b.i.d.; ‘medium’ 20g b.i.d.; and ‘low’ 10g b.i.d.) and one placebo-control (rice protein, 10g b.i.d.). Outcome measures were assessed following a 2-week baseline period; after 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks of intervention; and after 4 weeks and 12 weeks post-intervention. Primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability of the protocol. Exploratory outcomes included preliminary efficacy in improving sleep, assessed via a combination of actigraphy, mattress-sensors, sleep diaries (all analyzed daily), as well as pre– and post-BCAA overnight polysomnography for sleep staging, cognition, and quality of life measures. Results indicated high feasibility and acceptability of this fully remote protocol among Veterans with TBI.
Automating ACMG Variant Classifications With BIAS-2015 v2.0.0: Algorithm Analysis and Benchmark Against the FDA-Approved eRepo Dataset
Authors: Eisenhart Christopher Edward , Brickey Rachel , Nadon Brian , Mewton Joel , Bayat Vafa
Published: February 2025

Background: In 2015, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), in collaboration with the Association of Molecular Pathologists (AMP), published guidelines for interpreting and classifying germline genomic variants. These guidelines defined five categories: benign, likely benign, uncertain significance, likely pathogenic, and pathogenic, with 28 criteria but no specific implementation algorithms. Results: Here we present Bitscopic Interpreting ACMG Standards 2015 (BIAS-2015 v2.0.0), an open-source software that automates the classification of variants based on 19 ACMG criteria while enabling user-defined weighting and manual adjustments for clinical contexts. BIAS-2015 supports high-throughput classification via command line, along with a web-based GUI, enabling variant review, modification, and interactive curation. Using genomic data from the FDA-recognized ClinGen Evidence Repository (eRepo v2.2.0), we evaluated BIAS-2015s sensitivity, specificity, and F1 values with expert curation. BIAS-2015 demonstrated superior performance to InterVar, achieving a pathogenic sensitivity of 73.99% (vs. 64.31%), benign sensitivity of 80.23% (vs. 53.91%), and an 11x speed improvement, classifying 1,327 variants per second. Conclusion: BIAS-2015 provides an accurate, scalable, and transparent ACMG classification framework. All code and the interactive variant curation platform are available on GitHub.
Pan T cells, Helper T cells, and Regulatory T cells are Associated with Negative Symptoms in Persons with Anti-Gliadin Antibody Positive Schizophrenia and Related Disorders
Authors: Salem Deepak , Clark Sarah M. , Roche Daniel J.O. , Singh Nevil J. , Talor Monica V. , Buchanan Robert W. , Harrington Valerie , Ye Zhenyao , Chen Shuo , Kelly Deanna L.
Published: February 2025

Background

About one in three persons with a schizophrenia related disorder (SRD) have elevated anti-gliadin IgG antibodies (AGA). This AGA positive (AGA+) subgroup of SRD clinically has a higher burden of negative symptoms and are symptoms associated with high functional impairments with a lack of effective therapeutics. Alterations in T cells have been demonstrated in SRD, and we have previously shown regulatory T cells (Tregs) are increased and correlate with fewer negative symptoms in persons with SRD compared with healthy controls.

Methods

To further elucidate the role of the immune system in AGA+ SRD pathology, we investigated the relationship of T cells and negative symptoms in 26 medicated and clinically stable persons with SRD. Participants had blood drawn; AGA-IgG measured by ELISA (AGA positive defined as ≥20 U); had flow cytometry performed to quantify proportions of pan T cells (CD3+), helper T cells (CD3+CD4+), Tregs (CD3+CD4+CD25+Foxp3+), and activated Tregs (aTregs) (CD3+CD4+CD25+Foxp3+RA-); had serum cytokines measured; and completed the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) to measure negative symptoms.

Results

46% of persons with SRD in this study were AGA+ and, in this group specifically, pan-T cells were correlated with worse SANS total, anhedonia, alogia, and avolition (p<0.05), while helper T cells and Tregs were correlated with less negative symptoms (respectively, SANS total and alogia; SANS total, anhedonia, alogia; P<0.05). AGA+ persons with SRD also had several elevated serum cytokines, corresponding with a broadly pro-inflammatory phenotype.

Conclusions

These hypothesis-generating findings highlight T cell dysfunction in AGA+ positive SRD, suggesting Tregs protecting against negative symptom severity but also an unidentified other T cell population to possibly be driving negative symptom severity.
Localization of KANK2 to Focal or Fibrillar Adhesions Influences Migration in Melanoma Cell Lines
Authors: Stojanović Nikolina , Rac-Justament Anja , Lončarić Marija , Tadijan Ana , Paradžik Mladen , Acman Marta , Humphries Jonathan D. , Humphries Martin J. , Ambriović-Ristov Andreja
Published: February 2025

Integrins form focal adhesions (FAs) at the cell edge and fibrillar adhesions (FBs) located centrally, with both serving as a link to the actin cytoskeleton. Talins 1 and 2, key mechanosensitive proteins, are not functionally redundant. Talin1 is essential to FAs, while talin2 is found in large FAs and FBs. KANK (kidney ankyrin repeat-containing) family proteins regulate adhesion dynamics, with KANK2 binding both talins in FAs and localizing to FBs where only talin2 is present. Previously, we showed in melanoma cell line MDA-MB-435S that talin2 within integrin αVβ5 FAs interacts with KANK2 to regulate actin-microtubule (MT) dynamics, and knocking down either protein reduces cell migration. Here, we demonstrate that RPMI-7951 melanoma cells also use integrin αVβ5 FAs for adhesion but additionally form integrin α5β1 FBs, and that KANK2 and talin2 are present in both structures. KANK2 functionally interacts with talin1 to maintain FAs, and with talin2 to regulate their dynamics. KANK2 within FBs regulates cell migration. This was demonstrated upon KANK2 knockdown that mirrors integrin α5 knockdown, increasing migrationviaMTs. Overall, our study highlights the distinct roles of KANK2 and talin2 in different adhesion structures, influencing melanoma cell migration.
Endogenously generated Dutch-type Aβ nonfibrillar aggregates dysregulate presynaptic neurotransmission in the absence of detectable inflammation
Authors: Castranio Emilie L. , Varghese Merina , Argyrousi Elentina K. , Tripathi Kuldeep , Söderberg Linda , Bresnahan Erin , Lerner David , Garretti Francesca , Zhang Hong , van de Loo Jonathan , Stimpson Cheryl D. , Talty Ronan , Glabe Charles , Levy Efrat , Wang Minghui , Ilkov Marjan , Zhang Bin , Lannfelt Lars , Guérin Brigitte , Lubell William D. , Rahimipour Shai , Dickstein Dara L. , Gandy Sam , Arancio Ottavio , Ehrlich Michelle E.
Published: February 2025

APPE693Qtransgenic mice develop aging-related learning deficits and accumulate endogenously generated nonfibrillar aggregates of Aβ (NFA-Aβ) and APP α-carboxy terminal fragments. TheAPPE693Qmutation disrupts amyloid fibril formation, and no plaques develop in these mice. In the current study, the aging-related accumulation of NFA-Aβ inAPPE693Qmice was revealed by A11 immunohistochemistry and NFA-Ab-detecting cyclic D,L-α-peptide-FITC microscopy. The presynaptic termini ofAPPE693Qmice developed aging-related physiological abnormalities in post-tetanic potentiation, synaptic fatigue, and synaptic vesicle replenishment. Single-cell RNA sequencing showed that excitatory neurons exhibited the most altered transcriptomic profile, especially involving “protein translation” and “oxidative phosphorylation”. Direct measurements of electron transport chain catalysis revealed reduction in mitochondrial complex I activity in Dutch mice. Microglial transcript analysis revealed no evidence of inflammation. The incomplete clinical response to fibrillar Aβ immunodepletion in human patients may be attributable to residual NFA-Aβ that are undetectable by currently available biofluid or neuroimaging biomarkers. The depletion or neutralization of both fibrillar and NFA-Aβ may be needed for complete elimination of Aβ toxicity.

Teaser

APPE693Q“NFA-Aβ only” mice reveal clinically relevant mechanisms despite the absence of detectable inflammation
Lysine-specific demethylase 1a is obligatory for gene regulation during kidney development
Authors: Kota Savithri Balasubramanian , Kota Satya K.
Published: February 2025

Histone methyltransferases and demethylases play crucial roles in gene regulation and are vital for proper functioning of multiple tissues. Lysine-specific histone demethylase 1A (Kdm1a), is responsible for the demethylation of specific lysines, namely K4 and K9, on histone H3. In this study, we investigated the functions of Kdm1a during mouse kidney development upon targeted deletion in renal progenitor cells. Loss ofKdm1a in Six2-positive nephron progenitors resulted in significant reduction in renal mass, tissue structural changes and impaired function. To further understand the molecular function of Kdm1a during kidney development, we conducted multi-omics analyses that included transcriptome profiling, Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing, and methylome assessments. These omic analyses identified Kdm1a as a critical gene regulator required for sustained expression of several nephron segment marker genes, as well as vast number of solute carrier (Slc) genes and a few imprinted genes. Absence of Kdm1a in kidneys led to an increase in global H3K9 methylation peaks, which correlated with the transcriptional downregulation of numerous genes. Among these were markers of nephron progenitors and presumptive tubular precursors. We also observed that specific gene bodies exhibited altered DNA methylation patterns at intragenic differentially methylated regions (DMRs) upon Kdm1a deletion, while the overall global levels of DNA methylation remained unchanged. Our data point to a key regulatory role for Kdm1a in the renal progenitor epigenome, influencing kidney specific gene expression in the developing nephrons. Together the study highlights an indispensable role for Kdm1a for proper development of mouse kidneys, and its absence leading to significant developmental and functional impairment.
Targeting anterior cingulate cortex with tDCS: an overview and analysis of electric field magnitude
Authors: Konstantinović U. , Stanković M.
Published: February 2025

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a brain region with a key role in various cognitive, emotional, and sensory processes. Given its extensive functional repertoire, modulating ACC activity to enhance cognitive functioning and alleviate symptoms of certain clinical conditions holds great potential. Over the past decades, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has gained popularity due to its ability to non-invasively affect the cortical excitability. Nevertheless, using tDCS to target regions located beneath superficial cortical areas, such as the ACC, could pose a challenge due to the unpredictable distribution of the electric field (E-field). To systematize the current state of evidence regarding the use of tDCS to modulate ACC activity, we conducted a systematic review focusing on analyzing the E-field distribution across the brain and its magnitude within the ACC as the region of interest. Our goal was to review the stimulation parameters used thus far and examine whether the E-field characteristics are linked to the observed effects. After the literature search and study selection, 14 studies were included in the review. Most of the studies were sham-controlled single-session experiments aiming to modulate specific cognitive processes in healthy adults. The most prominent process of interest was cognitive control, and most of the included studies observed behavioural effects. Our results show that cathodal stimulation led to significant results more frequently, regardless of E-field magnitude in ACC or specificity of E-field distribution throughout the brain. When it comes to anodal tDCS, more focal stimulation of the ACC was associated with a higher frequency of significant effects. We discuss these findings considering diverse methodological designs, the (un)specificity of ACC targeting, and other factors that could contribute to the variability of tDCS effects across studies.
Membrane-permeable 5-fluorodeoxyuridine triphosphate derivatives inhibit the proliferation ofPlasmodium falciparum
Authors: Nikolova Vella , Linnemannstöns Karen , Bendel Marie-Elise , Machado Marta , Ganter Benedikt , Budimir Patricia , Vogts Michelle , Ganter Markus , Meier Chris , Dobbelstein Matthias
Published: February 2025

Malaria tropica remains one of the most impactful infectious diseases worldwide, necessitating the development of novel therapies targetingPlasmodium falciparum(P. falciparum), its causative agent. Nucleoside analogues are widely used to treat viral infections and cancer due to their ability to interfere with nucleotide biosynthesis, or to integrate into nascent nucleic acids, after cellular uptake and phosphorylation. However, the absence of nucleoside kinases inP. falciparumseverely limits the therapeutic potential of modified nucleosides. Conversely, phosphorylated nucleoside drug candidates mostly lack cell permeability, diminishing their efficacy. To overcome this challenge, we evaluated cell-permeable derivatives of 5-fluorodeoxyuridine triphosphate (FdUTP) for their ability to inhibit the proliferation ofP. falciparumin cultured human red blood cells (RBCs). Remarkably, cell-permeable FdUTP (cpFdUTP) demonstrated rapid and potent anti-parasitic effects, permanently arresting parasite development predominantly at the trophozoite-to-schizont stage transition. Treatment of aP. falciparumnuclear cycle sensor line showed that the presence of cpFdUTP led to stalled DNA replication. While cpFdUTP also inhibited human cell proliferation, the addition of thymidine or cell-permeable deoxythymidine triphosphate (cpdTTP) fully rescued human cells from growth inhibition by cpFdUTP, without restoringP. falciparumproliferation. This establishes a therapeutic window and highlights the potential application of cpFdUTP in combination with thymidine as a novel approach to treat malaria.

Graphical abstract
Untangling dopamine and glutamate in the ventral tegmental area
Authors: Prévost Emily D. , Ward Lucy A. , Alas Daniel , Aimale Giulia , Ikenberry Sara , Fox Katie , Pelletier Julianne , Ly Annie , Ball Jayson , Kilpatrick Zachary P. , Price Kailyn , Polter Abigail M. , Root David H.
Published: February 2025

Ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons are of great interest for their central roles in motivation, learning, and psychiatric disorders. While hypotheses of VTA dopamine neuron function posit a homogenous role in behavior (e.g., prediction error), they do not account for molecular heterogeneity. We find that glutamate-dopamine, nonglutamate-dopamine, and glutamate-only neurons are dissociable in their signaling of reward and aversion-related stimuli, prediction error, and electrical properties. In addition, glutamate-dopamine and nonglutamate-dopamine neurons differ in dopamine release dynamics. Aversion-related recordings of all dopamine neurons (not considering glutamate co-transmission) showed a mixed response that obscured dopamine subpopulation function. Within glutamate-dopamine neurons, glutamate and dopamine release had dissociable contributions toward reward and aversion-based learning and performance. Based on our results, we propose a new hypothesis on VTA dopamine neuron function: that dopamine neuron signaling patterns and their roles in motivated behavior depend on whether or not they co-transmit dopamine with glutamate.
Effects of Inflammatory Factors on the Migration and Repair of Intestinal Mucosal Cells at Pancreaticojejunostomy Anastomosis: An Experimental Study in Beagle Dogs
Authors: Wu Shixing , Tigu A , Zhang Bolin , Wang Cheng , Li Jiangang , Zhang Junxiang , Zhang Shouchao , Geng Cheng , Xu Xinjian
Published: February 2025

Objective

To investigate the effects of inflammatory factors on the migration and repair of intestinal mucosal cells at the site of pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) anastomosis and to observe the safety and feasibility of PJ with mucosal-priority healing (PM-PJ).

Materials and methods

Thirty-six Beagle dogs were randomly divided into two groups: the PM-PJ group (n=18) and the control group (n=18), which included classic end-to-side invagination pancreaticojejunostomy (IPJ). Six Beagles were sacrificed on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days after surgery to obtain pancreaticojejunostomy anastomosis tissues. The primary outcomes were postoperative mortality, morbidity, and pathological changes in the anastomosis. The secondary outcomes were the expression levels of the cytokines TGF-β1, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-6, collagen, and α-SMA.

Results

All surgeries were successfully performed. In the study group, the incidences of anastomotic leakage and pancreatitis were 0% and 11.1% (2/18), respectively, whereas in the control group, the incidences were 5.6% (1/18) and 16.7% (3/18), respectively. The levels of serum TGF-β1, IL-10, TNF-α, and IL-6 were increased at all time points after surgery in both groups, and these increases were more significant at certain time points in the study group. Pathological observation revealed that the degree of anastomotic healing in the study group was greater than that in the control group at all time points. The protein expression levels of collagen I/III and α-SMA in the anastomoses of both groups changed over time, and the changes were more significant at certain time points in the study group.

Conclusion

Inflammatory factors play a positive role in the early stage of PJ anastomosis healing by stimulating collagen secretion and synthesis. PM-PJ is a safe and simple surgery with good anastomotic healing and a low incidence of complications.
Anomalous current fluctuations from Euler hydrodynamics
Authors: Yoshimura Takato , Krajnik Žiga
Published: February 2025

We consider the hydrodynamic origin of anomalous current fluctuations in a family of stochastic charged cellular automata. Using ballistic macroscopic fluctuation theory, we study both large and typical fluctuations of the charge current and reproduce microscopic results available for the deterministic single-file limit of the models. Our results indicate that, in general, initial fluctuations propagated by Euler equations fully characterize anomalous fluctuations on both scales. In the stochastic case, we find an additional contribution to typical fluctuations and conjecture the functional form of the typical probability distribution, which agrees with numerical simulations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Moving toward belonging in a physics department: What changes are possible with and without a paradigm shift?
Authors: Stiles-Clarke Laura , MacLeod Katarin
Published: February 2025

Belonging in a discipline or department is an important aspect of people’s persistence in that discipline or department, especially for undergraduate students. Previous research has shown that increasing student feelings of belonging in a department benefits all students and is even more valuable for women, racialized people, and other underrepresented groups. However, helping students to develop feelings of belonging can be difficult and complex. This article presents data from a larger, primarily qualitative case study that was conducted at a research-based university in Canada. It examines how a group of faculty, staff, and students worked toward building community and cultivating belonging in their physics department. The aspects of this process that the professor and student participants experienced, and the challenges and rewards encountered, are described and explained here. Some of the strategies that professor participants undertook were relatively easily accomplished using what we describe here as a “classical” paradigm; the analogy is to the traditional physics culture. One example of a strategy employed under the classical paradigm is hosting a mentoring program for physics majors. Other strategies were quite challenging for many professor participants and required a paradigm shift toward more progressive views, which, following the analogy, we call a “quantum” paradigm. An example is believing and behaving as though students with B grades belong and can succeed in physics. We suggest that the paradigm shift from classical (traditional thinking) to quantum (progressive) is an important barrier that members of the physics community must recognize and overcome to fully address student participation and experiences in physics, although some changes were still possible without making the paradigm shift. The study found a new difference between feeling welcome and feeling a sense of belonging among students, as well as a similar difference among faculty members. We present possible steps that physics faculty and staff may consider along the road to recruitment and retention in physics, which are notable for departments and instructors interested in improving student outcomes, departmental sustainability, and equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Hamiltonian formalism of state-dependent diffusion and application to laser-cooling atoms
Authors: Bao Wen , Li Ming-Gen , Xing Rui , Bao Jing-Dong
Published: February 2025

A consistent treatment of inhomogeneous diffusion requires a fully Hamiltonian formalism to account for the underlying couplings between various degrees of freedom. We do so by adopting a well-established approach, whereby the cold atom can be modeled as an open system nonlinearly coupled to a heat bath which mimics the light fields. By analyzing the explicit equation of motion for the system obtained, we demonstrate that there is not a microscopic correspondence to non-Gaussian thermal noise, as well as the spatial and momentum-dependent frictions giving play to the novel effects on anomalous diffusion. For application to cold atoms diffusing in dissipative optical lattices, we provide that the Hamiltonian-Langevin dynamics needed to be used to study this issue, because the drift coefficient and the partial diffusion coefficient are the momentum dependence and satisfy the fluctuation-dissipation theorem, however, the current phenomenological models lack a few momentum and coordinate coupling terms. Our results reveal that the mechanism of the spatial Lévy-like distribution of cold atoms originates from an intrinsic stochastic metastable potential.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Can Atomic Layer Deposition of Surface Coatings Suppress Structural Fatigue in
Ni
-Rich Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes?
Authors: Pandey Gaurav C. , Ans Muhammad , Capener Matthew J. , Gillions Harry , Bolloju Satish , Melgari Paolo , Copley Mark , Menon Ashok S. , Piper Louis F.J.
Published: February 2025

The high-voltage (more than 4.2 V versus graphite) electrochemical degradation of layered nickel-rich lithium 3 transition metal oxide (LiNixMnyCo1−x−yO2, where  ≥ 0.6) cathodes currently limits their practical energy densities. The degradation primarily stems from surface oxygen loss and its consequent effects, which leads to rapid capacity fade and voltage hysteresis. Addressing this necessitates not only novel material engineering approaches but also a deeper comprehension of how it leads to performance enhancement. Here, using in-house x-ray diffraction studies of ∼3.4 mA h/cm2 polycrystalline LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811)-graphite pilot-line-built pouch cells cycled between 3 and 4.4 V, we show that particle atomic layer deposition (ALD) of an aluminum phosphate surface layer on the NMC811 cathode particles suppresses the formation of electrochemically fatigued phases within the cathode bulk, leading to notable performance enhancements. This study contributes to our growing understanding of how scalable ALD processing is essential for stabilizing the high-voltage performance of Ni-rich layered oxide cathodes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Quantum Property Preservation
Authors: Saurav Kumar , Lidar Daniel A.
Published: February 2025

Quantum property preservation (QPP) is the problem of maintaining a target property of a quantum system for as long as possible. This problem arises naturally in the context of open quantum systems subject to decoherence. Here, we develop a general theory to formalize and analyze QPP. We characterize properties encoded as scalar functions of the system state that can be preserved time-locally via continuous control using smoothly varying, time-dependent control Hamiltonians. The theory offers an intuitive geometric interpretation involving the level sets of the target property and the stable and unstable points related to the noise channel. We present solutions for various noise channels and target properties, which are classified as trivially controllable, uncontrollable, or controllable. In the controllable scenario, we demonstrate the existence of control Hamiltonian singularities and breakdown times, beyond which property preservation fails. QPP via Hamiltonian control is complementary to quantum error correction, as it does not require ancilla qubits or rely on measurement and feedback. It is also complementary to dynamical decoupling, since it uses only smooth Hamiltonians without pulsing and works in the regime of Markovian open-system dynamics. From the perspective of control theory, this work addresses the challenge of tracking control for open quantum systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Under pressure: bouncing back to creativity into the future in a moderated mediation model
Authors: Li Miaomiao , Wang Peihao
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine the complex relationship between pressure, resilience and creativity, which are essential for individual performance and organizational innovation in fast-paced work environments. Based on resource conservation theory, this study identifies psychological resilience as a mediator and future orientation as a moderator, exploring the mechanisms and boundary conditions that influence the impact of performance pressure on creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 345 participants using structured questionnaires. A moderated mediation model was developed and tested empirically.

Findings

The empirical findings show that performance pressure negatively affects psychological resilience, while psychological resilience positively impacts creativity. Additionally, psychological resilience mediates the relationship between performance pressure and creativity. Future orientation moderates the effect of performance pressure on psychological resilience and also shapes the mediated relationship between performance pressure and creativity through psychological resilience. This indirect effect is stronger among participants with a high level of future orientation.

Originality/value

This study integrates resource conservation theory to examine how performance pressure affects creativity through psychological resilience, highlighting future orientation as a key moderator. It advances theoretical understanding and provides practical strategies for enhancing resilience and creativity in high-pressure environments, offering valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners.
Regional innovation policy mix complexity and enterprise technology innovation: evidence from China
Authors: Ma Zhaoyuan , Wang Xiaohong , Zhang Yuan
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Technology innovation in enterprises is a powerful driver of national competitiveness and sustainable corporate development. At the same time, the regional innovation policy mix serves as a core factor at the macro level, guiding and influencing enterprise technology innovation. Therefore, this paper addresses a critical question in innovation studies: the impact of the regional innovation policy mix complexity on enterprise technology innovation. Additionally, we also investigated the internal mechanisms and boundary conditions within this framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A dual-mode network model of local government-regional innovation policy is developed to capture the complexity of the regional innovation policy mix. The complexity index is calculated iteratively using the R language. The paper employs quantitative and empirical analysis, drawing on a sample of 622 regional innovation-related policy documents from 31 Chinese provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions).

Findings

The results reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship between policy mix complexity and enterprise technological innovation. The analysis further shows that university-industry cooperation intensity mediates this relationship, while regional knowledge absorptive capability moderates the impact of regional innovation policy mix complexity on enterprise technological innovation.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the influence of regional innovation policy mix complexity on enterprise technological innovation and underscores the role of university-industry cooperation intensity and regional knowledge absorptive capability. The findings offer valuable insights into the dynamics of enterprise innovation and inform effective government policy governance for fostering innovation.
A study on the factors that influence consumers’ continuance intention to use artificial intelligence chatbots in a pharmaceutical e-commerce context
Authors: Jia Jing , Chen Lu , Zhang Luwen , Xiao Manling , Wu Chengzhen
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to explore the antecedent factors affecting consumers’ intention to continue using artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots in pharmaceutical e-commerce. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how technical characteristics and user satisfaction influence continuance intention, offering insights for enhancing AI chatbot systems and customer service strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts both online and offline data collection methods and uses structural equation modelling with AMOS 26.0 to investigate the factors influencing consumers’ continuance intention to use AI chatbots in the pharmaceutical e-commerce context. The research model integrates technical characteristics of AI chatbots, service expectation confirmation, emotional satisfaction, cognitive satisfaction and e-health literacy.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that perceived flexibility, accuracy, reliability and convenience of AI chatbots positively influence service expectation confirmation, while anthropomorphism does not have a significant impact. Both emotional and cognitive satisfaction positively influence consumers’ continuance intention. This study highlights the importance of optimizing AI chatbot systems to improve service efficiency and consumer satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study uniquely integrates the pharmaceutical e-commerce context into AI chatbots research, addressing an existing gap in context-specific studies. This study introduces a dual-dimensional satisfaction framework encompassing cognitive and emotional satisfaction, offering theoretical support for more holistic satisfaction enhancement strategies. The findings of this study also provide practical implications for companies seeking to establish and sustain long-term, stable customer relationships through advanced AI chatbot systems.
The design and use of an integrated performance management system: a descriptive case study
Authors: Ahmed Mirghani N. , Abdel-Halim Amr Mohamed Said
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the applicability of Ferreira and Otley’s (2009) framework in describing and explaining the structure and components of performance management systems (PMSs).

Design/methodology/approach

Data are gathered through semi-structured interviews and by analyzing the company’s annual reports, electronic records and printed documents. To enhance the understanding of the observed performance management (PM) practices, the study utilizes Burns and Scapens’ (2000) institutional framework.

Findings

The findings reveal that the selected case company operates a relatively advanced PMS with objectives, techniques and procedures that transcend the conventional boundaries of performance measurement. While the analysis of the case materials shows certain alignments with the chosen theoretical framework, the PM practices observed within the company and its strategic business units also highlight certain gaps in the conceptualization of the framework.

Research limitations/implications

The results and interpretations in this study are derived from a single case company, which restricts the ability to generalize the findings across a broader range of organizations. However, the study’s findings are expected to contribute to the theory-building of PM frameworks.

Practical implications

The study’s findings may help bridge the gap between PM theories and real-world business practices, providing feedback on how PMSs are applied in practice and their usefulness and relevance to practitioners.

Originality/value

This study’s insights may inspire researchers in the field of management accounting (MA) to continue developing more integrated theoretical frameworks and to delve further into the study of PM and management control (MC) practices.
Extending expatriate support theory: a multi-level perspective on organisational, social and family support in remote work transitions
Authors: Végh Judit , Jenkins Joyce , Claes Marie Therese
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study explores expatriates’ perceptions of the support they receive during crises as they transition to remote work, examining the factors that help them adapt and succeed in these conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an inductive approach, we conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with expatriates in eleven countries and applied reflexive thematic analysis to explore expatriates’ perceptions of organisational and social support during the transition to remote work.

Findings

When expatriates transition to remote work as a consequence of a crisis, four factors are crucial for their successful transition and should be actively reinforced by organisations: (1) Awareness of tension between belonging and isolation and uncertainty, (2) Feeling supported, (3) Maintaining a positive approach and (4) JAVA/coffee connections.

Research limitations/implications

Comparative research should follow up on these findings in the post-pandemic world to examine the sustainability of the four factors. Future research should also focus on more homogeneous expatriate groups.

Practical implications

Raising awareness of these factors and providing structured family-level support is crucial for effective assistance.

Originality/value

Our contribution expands the literature on perceived organisational support, traditionally focused on employees, by emphasising the importance of considering support at the family level.