bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distractor suppression does and does not depend on pre-distractor alpha-band activity
Authors: Redding Zach V. , Fiebelkorn Ian C.
Published: July 2023

Selective attention enhances behaviorally important information and suppresses distracting information. Research on the neural basis of selective attention has largely focused on sensory enhancement, with less focus on sensory suppression. Enhancement and suppression can operate through a push-pull relationship that arises from competitive interactions among neural populations. There has been considerable debate, however, regarding (i) whether suppression can also operate independent of enhancement and (ii) whether neural processes associated with the voluntary deployment of suppression can occur prior to distractor onset. We provide further behavioral and electrophysiological evidence of independent suppression at cued distractor locations while humans performed a visual search task. We specifically utilize two established EEG markers of suppression: alpha power (∼8–15 Hz) and the distractor positivity (PD). Increased alpha power has been linked with attenuated sensory processing, while the PD—a component of event-related potentials—has been linked with successful distractor suppression. The present results demonstrate that cueing the location of an upcoming distractor speeded responding and led to an earlier onset PD, consistent with earlier suppression due to strategic use of a spatial cue. We further demonstrate that higher pre-distractor alpha power contralateral to distractors was generally associated with successful suppression on both cued and non-cued trials. However, there was no consistent change in alpha power associated with the spatial cue, meaning cueing effects on behavioral and neural measures occurred independent of alpha-related gating of sensory processing. These findings reveal the importance of pre-distractor neural processes for subsequent distractor suppression.

Significance Statement

Selective suppression of distracting information is important for survival, contributing to preferential processing of behaviorally important information. Does foreknowledge of an upcoming distractor’s location help with suppression? Here, we recorded EEG while subjects performed a target detection task with cues that indicated the location of upcoming distractors. Behavioral and electrophysiological results revealed that foreknowledge of a distractor’s location speeded suppression, thereby facilitating target detection. The results further revealed a significant relationship between pre-stimulus alpha-band activity and successful suppression; however, pre-stimulus alpha-band activity was not consistently lateralized relative to the spatially informative cues. The present findings therefore demonstrate that target detection can benefit from foreknowledge of distractor location in a process that is independent of alpha-related gating of sensory processing.
The role of serotonin in modulating social competence in a cooperatively breeding fish
Authors: Antunes Diogo F. , Stettler Pia R. , Taborsky Barbara
Published: July 2023

1.

Behavioural interactions between conspecifics rely on the appreciation of social cues, which is achieved through biochemical switching of pre-existing neurophysiological pathways. Serotonin is one of the major neurotransmitters in the central nervous system responsible for the modulation of physiological and behavioural traits, in particular social behaviour. The importance of serotonin for the ability to optimise ones social behaviour depending on available social information, that is, social competence, is yet unknown. Here we investigate how serotonin and the serotonin 1A receptor (5-HT1A) modulate social competence in a competitive context. In the cooperatively breeding cichlidNeolamprologus pulcher, we pharmacologically manipulated the serotonin availability and 5-HT1Aactivity to test their effects on social behaviours during an asymmetric contest between the owner of a defended territory containing shelter and an intruder devoid of a territory. In this contest, the adequate response by the intruders, the focal individuals in our study, is to show submissive behaviour in order to avoid eviction from the vicinity of the shelter. While the serotonin enhancer Fluoxetine did not affect the frequency of submission towards territory owners, reducing serotonin by a low dosage of 4-Chloro-DL-phenylalanine (PCPA) increased submissive behaviour. Furthermore, threat displays towards territory owners were reduced at high dosages of Fluoxetine and also at the lowest dosage of PCPA. 5-HT1Aactivation increased threat displays by intruders, indicating that this receptor may not be involved in regulating social competence. We conclude that serotonin, but not its receptor 5-HT1Aplays an important role in the regulation of social competence.
ACE2 mimetic antibody potently neutralizes all SARS-CoV-2 variants and fully protects in XBB.1.5 challenged monkeys
Authors: Fenwick Craig , Turelli Priscilla , Duhoo Yoan , Lau Kelvin , Herate Cécile , Marlin Romain , Lamrayah Myriam , Campos Jérémy , Esteves-Leuenberger Line , Farina Alex , Raclot Charlène , Genet Vanessa , Fiscalini Flurin , Cesborn Julien , Perez Laurent , Dereuddre-Bosquet Nathalie , Contreras Vanessa , Lheureux Kyllian , Relouzat Francis , Abdelnabi Rana , Foo Caroline S. , Neyts Johan , Leyssen Pieter , Lévy Yves , Pojer Florence , Stahlberg Henning , Le Grand Roger , Trono Didier , Pantaleo Giuseppe
Published: July 2023

The rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 to variants with improved transmission efficiency and reduced sensitivity to vaccine-induced humoral immunity has abolished the protective effect of licensed therapeutic human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). To fill this unmet medical need and protect vulnerable patient populations, we isolated the P4J15 mAb from a previously infected, vaccinated donor, with <20 ng/ml neutralizing activity against all Omicron variants including the latest XBB.2.3 and EG.1 sub-lineages. Structural studies of P4J15 in complex with Omicron XBB.1 Spike show that the P4J15 epitope shares ∼93% of its buried surface area with the ACE2 contact region, consistent with an ACE2 mimetic antibody. Although SARS-CoV-2 mutants escaping neutralization by P4J15 were selectedin vitro, these displayed lower infectivity, poor binding to ACE2, and the corresponding ‘escape’ mutations are accordingly rare in public sequence databases. Using a SARS-CoV-2 XBB.1.5 monkey challenge model, we show that P4J15 confers complete prophylactic protection. We conclude that the P4J15 mAb has potential as a broad-spectrum anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug.
Multi-omics analyses from a single sample: Prior metabolite extraction does not alter the 16S rRNA-based characterization of prokaryotic community in a diversity of sample types
Authors: Duperron Sébastien , Foucault Pierre , Duval Charlotte , Goto Midoli , Gallet Alison , Colas Simon , Marie Benjamin
Published: July 2023

Massive sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene has become a standard first step to describe and compare microbial communities from various samples. Parallel analysis of high numbers of samples makes it relevant to the statistical testing of the influence of natural or experimental factors and variables. However, these descriptions fail to document changes in community or ecosystem functioning. Non-targeted metabolomics are a suitable tool to bridge this gap, yet extractions protocols are different. In this study, prokaryotic community compositions are documented by 16S rRNA sequencing after direct DNA extraction, or after metabolites extraction followed by DNA extraction. Results obtained using the V3-V4 region on non-axenic cultures of cyanobacteria, lake water column, biofilm, gut of wild and lab-reared fish, indicate that prior extraction of metabolites does not influence the obtained image of prokaryotic communities. This validates sequential extraction of metabolites followed by DNA as a way to combine 16S rRNA sequencing with metabolome characterization from a single sample. This approach has the potential to complement community structure characterization with a proxy of their functioning, without the uncertainties associated with the use of separate samples.
Phase-Separated Droplets Swim to Their Dissolution
Authors: Jambon-Puillet Etienne , Testa Andrea , Lorenz Charlotta , Style Robert W. , Rebane Aleksander A. , Dufresne Eric R.
Published: July 2023

Biological macromolecules can condense into liquid domains. In cells, these condensates form membraneless organelles that can organize chemical reactions1,2. However, little is known about the physical consequences of chemical activity in and around condensates. Working with model bovine serum albumin (BSA) condensates3, we show that droplets swim along chemical gradients. Active BSA droplets loaded with urease swim toward each other. Passive BSA droplets show diverse responses to externally applied gradients of the enzyme’s substrate and products. In all these cases, droplets swim toward solvent conditions that favor their dissolution. We call this behaviordialytaxis, and expect it to be generic, as conditions which favor dissolution typically reduce interfacial tension, whose gradients are well-known to drive droplet motion4,5. These results suggest alternative physical mechanisms for active transport in living cells, and may enable the design of fluid micro-robots.
The HCM – Linked Mutation Arg92Leu in TNNT2 Allosterically Alters the cTnC – cTnI Interface and Disrupts the PKA-mediated Regulation of Myofilament Relaxation
Authors: Lynn Melissa L. , Jimenez Jesus , Castillo Romi L. , Klass Matthew M. , Vasquez Catherine , Baldo Anthony , Gibson Cyonna , Murphy Anne M. , Tardiff Jil C.
Published: July 2023

Background

Impaired left ventricular relaxation, high filling pressures, and dysregulation of Ca2+homeostasis are common findings contributing to diastolic dysfunction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Studies have shown that impaired relaxation is an early observation in the sarcomere-gene-positive preclinical HCM cohort which suggests potential involvement of myofilament regulators of relaxation. Yet, a molecular level understanding of mechanism(s) at the level of the myofilament is lacking. We hypothesized that mutation-specific, allosterically mediated, changes to the cardiac troponin C-cardiac troponin I (cTnC-cTnI) interface can account for the development of early-onset diastolic dysfunction via decreased PKA accessibility to cTnI.

Methods

HCM mutations R92L-cTnT (Arg92Leu) and Δ160E-cTnT (Glu160 deletion) were studiedin vivo,in vitro,andin silicovia 2D echocardiography, western blotting,ex vivohemodynamics, stopped-flow kinetics, time resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET), and molecular dynamics simulations.

Results

The HCM-causative mutations R92L-cTnT and Δ160E-cTnT result in different time-of-onset of diastolic dysfunction. R92L-cTnT demonstrated early-onset diastolic dysfunction accompanied by a localized decrease in phosphorylation of cTnI. Constitutive phosphorylation of cTnI (cTnI-D23D24) was sufficient to recover diastolic function to Non-Tg levels only for R92L-cTnT. Mutation-specific changes in Ca2+dissociation rates associated with R92L-cTnT reconstituted with cTnI-D23D24led us to investigate potential involvement of structural changes in the cTnC-cTnI interface as an explanation for these observations. We probed the interface via TR-FRET revealing a repositioning of the N-terminus of cTnI, closer to cTnC, and concomitant decreases in distance distributions at sites flanking the PKA consensus sequence. Implementing TR-FRET distances as constraints into our atomistic model identified additional electrostatic interactions at the consensus sequence.

Conclusion

These data indicate that the early diastolic dysfunction observed in a subset of HCM is likely attributable to structural changes at the cTnC-cTnI interface that impair accessibility of PKA thereby blunting β-adrenergic responsiveness and identifying a potential molecular target for therapeutic intervention.
Nonlinear manifolds underlie neural population activity during behaviour
Authors: Fortunato Cátia , Bennasar-Vázquez Jorge , Park Junchol , Chang Joanna C. , Miller Lee E. , Dudman Joshua T. , Perich Matthew G. , Gallego Juan A.
Published: July 2023

There is rich variety in the activity of single neurons recorded during behaviour. Yet, these diverse single neuron responses can be well described by relatively few patterns of neural co-modulation. The study of such low-dimensional structure of neural population activity has provided important insights into how the brain generates behaviour. Virtually all of these studies have used linear dimensionality reduction techniques to estimate these population-wide co-modulation patterns, constraining them to a flat “neural manifold”. Here, we hypothesised that since neurons have nonlinear responses and make thousands of distributed and recurrent connections that likely amplify such nonlinearities, neural manifolds should be intrinsically nonlinear. Combining neural population recordings from monkey, mouse, and human motor cortex, and mouse striatum, we show that: 1) neural manifolds are intrinsically nonlinear; 2) their nonlinearity becomes more evident during complex tasks that require more varied activity patterns; and 3) manifold nonlinearity varies across architecturally distinct brain regions. Simulations using recurrent neural network models confirmed the proposed relationship between circuit connectivity and manifold nonlinearity, including the differences across architecturally distinct regions. Thus, neural manifolds underlying the generation of behaviour are inherently nonlinear, and properly accounting for such nonlinearities will be critical as neuroscientists move towards studying numerous brain regions involved in increasingly complex and naturalistic behaviours.
Identification of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition gene signatures in single-cell transcriptomics of human atherosclerotic tissue
Authors: Slenders Lotte , Wesseling Marian , Boltjes Arjan , Kapteijn Daniek M.C. , Depuydt Marie A.C. , Prange Koen , van den Dungen Noortje A.M. , Benavente Ernest Diez , P.V. de Kleijn Dominique , de Borst Gert J. , den Ruijter Hester M. , Owens Gary K. , Mokry Michal , Pasterkamp Gerard
Published: July 2023

Rationale

Endothelial cells can differentiate into mesenchymal-like cells via endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). In murine models, cell transitions of EndoMT have been assessed with lineage tracing techniques. Knowledge on molecular mechanisms of EndoMT in human vascular lesions is scarce as studies in human atherosclerosis are limited by observational study designs such as histo-pathological studies.

Objective

We aim to identify a human EndoMT gene expression signature by combining experimentally inducedin vitroEndoMT with lineage-traced pathways from atherosclerotic mice and extrapolate this to human plaque scRNA-seq data.

Methods and results

First, we stimulated human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) with TNFα and TFGβ to trigger EndoMT. We executed transcriptomic analyses and defined multiple temporal patterns of gene expression changes during EndoMT. We used Cdh5-CreERT2Rosa-eYFP apoE-/-lineage traced mouse scRNA-seq data to demonstrate that the temporalin vitrogene expression changes are reflected in EndoMT trajectories in mice plaque tissue. Finally, we constructed three candidate EndoMT lineages across multiple subpopulations of ECs and SMCs in human carotid scRNA-seq data (n=46). We examined gene expression over the course of these lineages and identified 73 markers for the presence of EndoMT such asNRG1andDEPP1.

Conclusion

This study reveals the gene expression profile of EndoMT trajectories in human atherosclerotic plaques by combining RNA-seq data fromin vitromodels with single-cell transcriptomic datasets. Our gene expression atlas of EndoMT in atherosclerosis could serve as a reference for future studies, providing novel inroads to study atherosclerotic mechanisms for the development of novel therapies.
Diffusion time-related structure-function coupling reveals differential association with inter-individual variations in body mass index
Authors: Namgung Jong Young , Park Yeong Jun , Park Yunseo , Kim Chae Yeon , Park Bo-yong
Published: July 2023

Body mass index (BMI) is an indicator of obesity, and recent neuroimaging studies have demonstrated inter-individual variations in BMI to be associated with altered brain structure and function. However, how the structure-function correspondence is altered according to BMI is under-investigated. In this study, we combined structural and functional connectivity using Riemannian optimization with varying diffusion time parameters and assessed their association with BMI. First, we simulated functional connectivity from structural connectivity and generated low-dimensional principal gradients of the simulated functional connectivity across diffusion times, where low and high diffusion times indirectly reflected mono- and polysynaptic communication. We found the most apparent cortical hierarchical organization differentiating between low-level sensory and higher-order transmodal regions in the middle of the diffusion time, indicating that the hierarchical organization of the brain may reflect the intermediate mechanisms of mono- and polysynaptic communications. Associations between the simulated gradients and BMI revealed the strongest relationship when the hierarchical structure was most evident. Moreover, the functional gradient-BMI association map showed significant correlations with the cytoarchitectonic measures of the microstructural gradient and moment features, indicating that BMI-related functional connectome alterations were remarkable in higher-order cognitive control-related brain regions. Finally, transcriptomic association analysis provided potential biological underpinnings, specifying gene enrichment in the striatum, hypothalamus, and cortical cells. Our findings provide evidence that structure-function correspondence is strongly coupled with BMI when hierarchical organization is most apparent, and the associations are related to the multiscale properties of the brain, leading to an advanced understanding of the neural mechanisms related to BMI.
TULIP — a Transformer based Unsupervised Language model for Interacting Peptides and T-cell receptors that generalizes to unseen epitopes
Authors: Meynard-Piganeau Barthelemy , Feinauer Christoph , Weigt Martin , Walczak Aleksandra M. , Mora Thierry
Published: July 2023

The accurate prediction of binding between T-cell receptors (TCR) and their cognate epitopes is key to understanding the adaptive immune response and developing immunotherapies. Current methods face two significant limitations: the shortage of comprehensive high-quality data and the bias introduced by the selection of the negative training data commonly used in the supervised learning approaches. We propose a novel method, TULIP, that addresses both limitations by leveraging incomplete data and unsupervised learning and using the transformer architecture of language models. Our model is flexible and integrates all possible data sources, regardless of their quality or completeness. We demonstrate the existence of a bias introduced by the sampling procedure used in previous supervised approaches, emphasizing the need for an unsupervised approach. TULIP recognizes the specific TCRs binding an epitope, performing well on unseen epitopes. Our model outperforms state-of-the-art models and offers a promising direction for the development of more accurate TCR epitope recognition models.
Poisson representation: a bridge between discrete and continuous models of stochastic gene regulatory networks
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Li Youming , Jia Chen
Published: July 2023

Stochastic gene expression dynamics can be modeled either discretely or continuously. Previous studies have shown that the mRNA or protein number distributions of some simple discrete and continuous gene expression models are related by Gardiner’s Poisson representation. Here we systematically investigate the Poisson representation in complex stochastic gene regulatory networks. We show that when the gene of interest is unregulated, the discrete and continuous descriptions of stochastic gene expression are always related by the Poisson representation, no matter how complex the model is. In addition, using a simple counterexample, we find that the Poisson representation in general fails to link the two descriptions when the gene is regulated. However, for a general stochastic gene regulatory network, we demonstrate that the discrete and continuous models are approximately related by the Poisson representation in the limit of large protein numbers. These theoretical results are further applied to analytically solve many complex gene expression models whose exact distributions are previously unknown.
IL-33 controls IL-22-dependent antibacterial defense by modulating the microbiota
Authors: Röwekamp Ivo , Maschirow Laura , Rabes Anne , Vernengo Facundo Fiocca , Heinz Gitta Anne , Mashreghi Mir-Farzin , Caesar Sandra , Milek Miha , Fagundes Fonseca Anna Carolina , Wienhold Sandra-Maria , Nouailles Geraldine , Yao Ling , Bruder Dunja , Boehme Julia D. , Puzianowska-Kuznicka Monika , Beule Dieter , Witzenrath Martin ,   CAPNETZ Study Group, Löhning Max , Heimesaat Markus M. , Klose Christoph S.N. , Diefenbach Andreas , Opitz Bastian
Published: July 2023

IL-22 plays a critical role in defending against mucosal infections, but how IL-22 production is regulated is incompletely understood. Here, we show that mice lacking IL-33 or its receptor ST2 (IL-1RL1) were more resistant toStreptococcus pneumoniaelung infection than wild-type animals, and that single nucleotide polymorphisms inIL33andIL1RL1were associated with pneumococcal pneumonia in humans. The effect of IL-33 onS. pneumoniaeinfection was mediated by negative regulation of IL-22 production in innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), but independent of ILC2s as well as IL-4 and IL-13 signaling. Moreover, IL-33’s influence on antibacterial defense was dependent on housing conditions of the mice, and mediated by the modulatory effect of IL-33 on the microbiota. Collectively, we provide insight into the bidirectional crosstalk between the innate immune system and the microbiota. We identify a mechanism, dependent on both genetic and environmental factors, that impacts the efficacy of antibacterial immune defense and thus susceptibility to pneumonia.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Lower respiratory tract infections are the fifth leading cause of death. Here, we describe a mechanism influenced by genetic and environmental factors that affects the efficacy of pulmonary antibacterial immune responses. We show that IL-33 controls antibacterial defense by regulating the production of IL-22, a cytokine with known functions in antimicrobial immunity in lungs. The effect of IL-33 on IL-22-dependent defense was influenced by the hygienic status of the mice and mediated by IL-33’s modulatory effect on the animal microbiota. In addition, genetic variation in genes involved in IL-33 signaling was associated with bacterial pneumonia in humans. Our findings may be important for our understanding of the factors influencing predisposition to lower respiratory tract infections.
Geographic isolation enables recurrent pollinator shifts despite hybridisation in the Cape’s hyperdiverse heathers
Authors: Musker Seth D. , Pirie Michael D. , Nürk Nicolai M.
Published: July 2023

Deciphering the ecological and geographic factors that influence the dynamics of population divergence can aid in understanding why some groups of organisms diversify more prolifically than others. One such diverse group is the heathers (Erica, Ericaceae), whose exceptional species richness in the Cape Floristic Region is enigmatic. Here, we studyErica abietina, a small but highly variable species complex with four described subspecies differing in geographic range, habitat, and floral characters associated with pollination. To understand the factors and forces that shaped its evolution, we evaluate the status of the subspecies and test for hybridisation, introgression, pollinator-driven divergence, and geographic population structure using genotyping-by-sequencing on samples across the entire distribution. We find that the four subspecies form variably distinct genetic groups, however, the most widespread subspecies exhibits cryptic diversity comprising two independent lineages that are geographically isolated and occur on different soil types. Phylogenetic results suggest that shifts between bird- and insect-pollination syndromes have occurred twice independently, with accompanying genetic divergence. However, for one pair of genetically distinct populations (FST≈0.06) with different pollinators we uncover several individuals of hybrid origin at a site where they occur sympatrically. Together, these results suggest that floral differentiation driven by divergent selection acts in concert with geographic isolation to maintain reproductive isolation. Finally, we show that a reticulate history involving “ghost” introgression best explains the group’s evolution. Our results reveal a highly dynamic system whose diversity has been shaped by a variety of interacting forces, and we suggest that such systems are likely to have contributed substantially to the diversity ofEricaand the Cape flora in general.
The neural and computational architecture of feedback dynamics in mouse cortex during stimulus report
Authors: Ciceri Simone , Lohuis Matthijs Noude , Rottschäfer Vivi , Pennartz Cyriel MA , Avitabile Daniele , van Gaal Simon , Olcese Umberto
Published: July 2023

Conscious reportability of visual input is associated with a bimodal neural response in primary visual cortex (V1): an early-latency response coupled to stimulus features and a late-latency response coupled to stimulus report or detection. This late wave of activity, central to major theories of consciousness, is thought to be driven by prefrontal cortex (PFC), responsible for “igniting” it. Here we analyzed two electrophysiological studies in mice performing different stimulus detection tasks, and characterize neural activity profiles in three key cortical regions: V1, posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and PFC. We then developed a minimal network model, constrained by known connectivity between these regions, reproducing the spatio-temporal propagation of visual-and report-related activity. Remarkably, while PFC was indeed necessary to generate report-related activity in V1, this occurred only through the mediation of PPC. PPC, and not PFC, had the final veto in enabling the report-related late wave of V1 activity.
Examining the role of social media influencers in service failure and recovery strategies: an empirical investigation of millennials' views
Authors: Ozuem Wilson , Willis Michelle , Ranfagni Silvia , Howell Kerry , Rovai Serena
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Prior research has advanced several explanations for social media influencers' (SMIs’) success in the burgeoning computer-mediated marketing environments but leaves one key topic unexplored: the moderating role of SMIs in service failure and recovery strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a social constructivist perspective and an inductive approach, 59 in-depth interviews were conducted with millennials from three European countries (Italy, France and the United Kingdom). Building on social influence theory and commitment-trust theory, this study conceptualises four distinct pathways unifying SMIs' efforts in the service failure recovery process.

Findings

The emergent model illustrates how source credibility and message content moderate service failure severity and speed of recovery. The insights gained from this study model contribute to research on the pivotal uniqueness of SMIs in service failure recovery processes and offer practical explanations of variations in the implementation of influencer marketing. This study examines a perspective of SMIs that considers the cycle of their influence on customers through service failure and recovery.

Originality/value

The study suggests that negative reactions towards service failure and recovery are reduced if customers have a relationship with influencers prior to the service failure and recovery compared with the reactions of customers who do not have a relationship with the influencer.
Colloquial Persian: Towards a New Rise of Simple Verbs?1
Authors: Pastor Dorian , Korn Agnes , Rammer Christian
Published: July 2023

For the formation of new verbs, Persian very productively employs complex predicates, while the derivation of simple verbs has been held to be marginal or even inexistent. We use data from internet fora, blogs, and messaging services to argue that the derivation of simple verbs from nominals is a productive process at least among speakers of colloquial Persian who actively use online media. Two acceptability tests of seven verbs and two ‘placebo verbs’ conducted among 58 participants produced more than 7,000 gradings. They show that such verbs are surprisingly well accepted, with statistically significant differences depending on age, gender, region, TAM form, and the individual verbs. Some of these results seem quite straightforward (e.g., acceptance declining with age), others rather not (for instance, the present and past progressive is very well accepted). The results run counter to the assumption that a gradual substitution of synthetic structures (simple verbs) by analytical ones (complex predicates) is a unidirectional process.
Efficacy of mixed diclofenac solutions against root canal biofilms
Authors: Ferrer‐Luque Carmen Maria , Solana Carmen , Aguado Beatriz , Baca Pilar , Arias‐Moliz María Teresa , Ruiz‐Linares Matilde
Published: July 2023

The objective of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of diclofenac sodium solutions, with or without cetrimide (CTR) added, against polymicrobial root canal biofilms grown in dentin specimens. The study groups were: (1) 5% diclofenac sodium (DCS); (2) 2.5% DCS; (3) 2.5% DCS + 0. 2% CTR; (4) 2.5% DCS + 0.4% CTR and (5) 0.9% saline solution (SS) as the control. After 5 min of solution contact with the biofilms, the antimicrobial activity was evaluated by means of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assay as well as confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Microbial quantification was indicated as the percentage reduction of relative light units (RLUs) for the ATP assay, the Log10 total biovolume and the viability percentage (green cells) for CLSM. Solutions of 2.5% DCS + 0.4% CTR and 5% DCS showed the highest antimicrobial efficacy. Cetrimide increased the antibiofilm activity of diclofenac sodium against endodontic biofilms.
Artificial intelligence governance: Ethical considerations and implications for social responsibility
Authors: Camilleri Mark Anthony
Published: July 2023

A number of articles are increasingly raising awareness on the different uses of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for customers and businesses. Many authors discuss about their benefits and possible challenges. However, for the time being, there is still limited research focused on AI principles and regulatory guidelines for the developers of expert systems like machine learning (ML) and/or deep learning (DL) technologies. This research addresses this knowledge gap in the academic literature. The objectives of this contribution are threefold: (i) It describes AI governance frameworks that were put forward by technology conglomerates, policy makers and by intergovernmental organizations, (ii) It sheds light on the extant literature on ‘AI governance’ as well as on the intersection of ‘AI’ and ‘corporate social responsibility’ (CSR), (iii) It identifies key dimensions of AI governance, and elaborates about the promotion of accountability and transparency; explainability, interpretability and reproducibility; fairness and inclusiveness; privacy and safety of end users, as well as on the prevention of risks and of cyber security issues from AI systems. This research implies that all those who are involved in the research, development and maintenance of AI systems, have social and ethical responsibilities to bear toward their consumers as well as to other stakeholders in society.
Tribal coalitions and lobbying outcomes: Evidence from administrative rulemaking
Authors: Dwidar Maraam A. , Marchetti Kathleen
Published: July 2023

American Indians are among the most underrepresented, yet heavily regulated, groups in national politics. While Indian nations maintain statuses as sovereign nations, they, and their people, remain affected by national policies addressing their treaty, land, resource, and civil and political rights. Theories of American Indian political incorporation suggest that Indian nations thus deploy interest group tactics to maintain or achieve favorable policy outcomes. We argue thatcoalition building, a ubiquitous lobbying strategy, enhances tribal policy advocacy and that “Native‐dominant” coalitions—those in which Native interests constitute a majority of members—are more influential than their non‐Native‐dominant counterparts. We test these claims using data from administrative rulemaking and find support for our hypotheses. We conclude that the unique particularities of tribal advocacy distinguish Native coalitions from those of other groups, and that their strategic lobbying choices may help to mediate representational disparities in policymaking by the executive branch.
Powerful and Real-Time Quantification of Antifungal Efficacy against Triazole-Resistant and -Susceptible Aspergillus fumigatus Infections in Galleria mellonella by Longitudinal Bioluminescence Imaging
Authors: Vanhoffelen Eliane , Michiels Lauren , Brock Matthias , Lagrou Katrien , Reséndiz-Sharpe Agustin , Vande Velde Greetje
Published: July 2023

Triazole-resistant
Aspergillus fumigatus
strains are rapidly emerging, and resistant infections are difficult to treat, causing mortality rates of up to 88%. The recent WHO priority list underscores
A. fumigatus
as one of the most critical fungal pathogens for which innovative antifungal treatment should be (urgently) prioritized.
Immune suppressive microenvironment in liver metastases contributes to organ-specific response of immunotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Deng Jia-Yi , Gou Qing , Yang Lingling , Chen Zhi-Hong , Yang Ming-Yi , Yang Xiao-Rong , Yan Hong-Hong , Wei Xue-Wu , Liu Jia-Qi , Su Jian , Zhong Wen-Zhao , Xu Chong-Rui , Wu Yi-Long , Zhou Qing
Published: July 2023

Background

The liver is a frequent site of metastases and liver metastases (LM) correlate with diminished immunotherapy efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to analyze whether tumor response to immunotherapy differs between pulmonary lesions (PL) and LM in NSCLC and to explore potential mechanisms through multiomics analysis.

Methods

This observational longitudinal clinical cohort study included patients with NSCLC with LM receiving immunotherapy was conducted to evaluate organ-specific tumor response of PL and LM. We collected paired PL and LM tumor samples to analyze the organ-specific difference using whole-exome sequencing, RNA sequencing, and multiplex immunohistochemistry.

Results

A total of 52 patients with NSCLC with LM were enrolled to evaluate the organ-specific response of immunotherapy. The objective response rate (21.1% vs 32.7%) and disease control rate of LM were lower than that of PL (67.3% vs 86.5%). One-third of patients showed mixed response, among whom 88.2% (15/17) presented with LM increasing, but PL decreasing, while the others had the opposite pattern (p=0.002). In another independent cohort, 27 pairs of matched PL and LM tumor samples from the same individuals, including six simultaneously collected pairs, were included in the translational part. Genomic landscapes profiling revealed similar somatic mutations, tumor mutational burden, and neoantigen number between PL and LM. Bulk-RNA sequencing showed immune activation-related genes includingCD8A,LCK, andICOSwere downregulated in LM. The antigen processing and presentation, natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity and T-cell receptor signaling pathway were enriched in PL compared with LM. Multiplex immunohistochemistry detected significantly lower fractions of CD8+cells (p=0.036) and CD56dim+cells (p=0.016) in LM compared with PL. Single-cell RNA sequencing also characterized lower effector CD8+T cells activation and NK cells cytotoxicity in LM.

Conclusions

Compared with PL, LM presents an inferior organ-specific tumor response to immunotherapy. PL and LM showed limited heterogeneity in the genomic landscape, while the LM tumor microenvironment displayed lower levels of immune activation and infiltration than PL, which might contribute to developing precise immunotherapy strategies for patients with NSCLC with LM.
Investigation of light dark matter with 2$$\beta $$ decay experiments
Authors: Nozzoli Francesco , Follega Francesco
Published: July 2023

Nuclei that are unstable with respect to double beta decay are investigated in this work for a novel dark matter (DM) direct detection approach. In particular, the diagram responsible for the neutrinoless double beta decay can be considered for the possible detection technique of a Majorana DM fermion inelastically scattering on a double beta unstable nucleus, stimulating its decay. The exothermic nature of the stimulated double beta decay would allow the direct detection also of a light DM fermion, a class of DM candidates that are difficult or impossible to investigate with the traditional elastic scattering techniques. The expected signal distribution for different DM masses and the upper limits on the nucleus scattering cross sections, are shown and compared with the existing data for the case of $$^{136}$$

136

Xe nucleus.
First Demonstration of Vertical Sandwich GAA TFETs with Self-Aligned High-k Metal Gates and Abrupt Doping Tunneling Junctions
Authors: Zhang Yongkui , Li Yangyang , Zhu Huilong , Wang Qi , Du Yong , Lu Shunshun , Li Junjie , Kong Zhenzhen , He Xiaobin , Liu Jinbiao , Li Chen , Huang Weixing , Xie Lu , Xiao Zhongrui , Xu Gaobo , Wang Guilei , Zhao Chao , Luo Jun
Published: July 2023

A new type of vertical sandwich gate-all around tunneling field-effect-transistors (TFETs), called VSATFETs, was demonstrated firstly with a CMOS-compatible process. The VSATFETs with self-aligned high-κ metal gates (HKMG) and abrupt doping tunneling junctions were fabricated with the epitaxial of p+−Si/i-SiGe/n+−Si sandwich structure and an isotropic quasi-atomic layer-etch (qALE) process. VSATFETs have the advantage of excellent control of channel size, because its gate-length is mainly determined by the thickness of SiGe film grown by epitaxy, and the diameter of the nanowires (NWs)/thickness of nanosheets (NSs) is determined by the qALE etching of SiGe selective to Si. A NW VSATFET with a diameter of 18 nm was fabricated and exhibits excellent characteristics: SSmin = 61.64 mV dec−1, Ion = 2.25 × 10−7 A u−1m−1 (@Vgs−Vt = 0.45 V, Vd = 0.65 V), Ion/Ioff = 1.81 × 106, DIBL = 7.58 mV. The effect of interface traps on the device performance was analyzed by the calibrated model. It is found that the device performance can be improved by decreasing the thickness/diameter of NS/NW TFET.
Faith Without Works? Religious Salience, Pious Practices, and Adolescent Substance Use
Authors: Lehmann Peter S. , Martinez Kelly V.
Published: July 2023

An abundance of research has revealed that religious salience is negatively associated with delinquent behavior, including illicit substance use. However, absent from prior work is a consideration of whether youths’ participation in personal religious rituals and acts of devotion might amplify the protective effects of religiosity. Theoretically, it may be expected that these private expressions of belief and identity can strengthen religious commitments and reaffirm membership within specific moral communities. Using data from the National Study of Youth and Religion on a nationally representative sample of adolescents ages 13 to 17 ( N = 3,170), these findings reveal that religious salience inhibits cigarette use, alcohol use, drunkenness, and marijuana use, but only among youth who engage in at least some pious practices.
Green Is Not the Same as Green: Differentiating Between the Association of Trees and Open Green Spaces With Children’s Brain Structure in the Netherlands
Authors: Kühn Simone , Schmalen Katharina , Beijers Roseriet , Tyborowska Anna , Roelofs Karin , Weerth Carolina de
Published: July 2023

There is accumulating evidence for positive effects of green spaces on mental and brain health. Here we investigated whether differentiating the types of green spaces may be relevant. On longitudinal data of children ( N = 95) from the Netherlands, we quantified the link between green space exposure at home from birth onwards and MRI brain structure at 12.5 years. We differentiated between green space resulting from trees versus open green spaces and also associated visibility of sky (sky view factor) with brain structure (200 m buffer around home address). We observed a positive association between grey matter volume in different prefrontal clusters and green open space coverage as well as sky view, but a negative association within prefrontal clusters for tree cover density. Most importantly, in the medial prefrontal cortex, the only region in which all three analyses overlapped, the visibility of sky was the most important predictor. Our findings advance knowledge on health-promoting, evidence-based urban planning.
Adolescent Protective Factors for Preventing Electronic Cigarette Use
Authors: Ratcliff Benjamin R. , Burrow-Sánchez Jason J. , Steele Tatum A.
Published: July 2023

Adolescent electronic cigarette (e-cigarettes) use is a major public health concern. However, there is a relative dearth of literature on factors that prevent the use of e-cigarettes for adolescents. The purpose of the present study was to focus on five protective factors relevant for the prevention of adolescent e-cigarette use. We tested these factors with a large sample of adolescents within a single anlaytic model that allowed for making comparisons among protective factors as well as replicating findings from prior research. Secondary data analysis was conducted on a large sub-sample ( n = 33, 193) of data from students who participated in a school survey in the state of Utah. Results from logistic regression indicated that belief in a moral order ( OR = 2.30, p < .001), perceived risk of e-cigarette use ( OR = 2.22, p < .001), family management ( OR = 1.62, p < .001), and commitment to school ( OR = 1.43, p < .001) were significantly associated with abstaining from e-cigarette use in the past 30-days. Implications of the findings are discussed in the context of preventing adolescent e-cigarette use.
Young Basketball Players’ Multiple Object Tracking Skills Were Unaffected by Stroop-Induced Mental Fatigue
Authors: Faro Heloiana , Cavalcante Silva Douglas , Barbosa Bruno Teixeira , Costa Yago Pessoa da , Freitas-Junior Carlos Gilberto , de Lima-Junior Dalton , Faubert Jocelyn , Fortes Leonardo de Sousa
Published: July 2023

We aimed to examine the acute effect of mental fatigue on young basketball players’ three-dimensional multiple object tracking (3D-MOT) skills. Our participants were 12 adolescent basketball players ( M age = 16.66, SD = 1.87 years; M years of practice = 2.66, SD = 1.07 years). In nine lab visits, we used visits 1 to 7 to familiarize participants with 3D-MOT, a subjective scale of mental fatigue, and a Stroop task involving mental set shifting. In the last two visits, participants performed in both experimental (EXP) and control (CON) conditions that were presented in randomized order. In the EXP condition, participants performed 3D-MOT pre- and post-60 minutes of induced mental fatigue; in the CON condition, they watched a documentary. After each condition, B participants performed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). 3D-MOT performance measures were the “score” and “fastest trial score success.” The response time on the Stroop tasks increased throughout the mental fatigue inducement in the experimental condition ( p = .0037). The NASA-TLX responses were higher following the EXP condition than following the CON condition for mental demand, temporal demand, and performance (all ps < .05). Still, there were no significant EXP versus CON differences on the 3D-MOT performance indicators.
Self-compassion mediates the relationship between alexithymia and learning burnout in Chinese primary and secondary school students: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Jiali , Wang Xian , Mu Shoukuan
Published: July 2023

Alexithymia has an important effect on learning burnout; however, the underlying mechanism of this relation remains unclear. This study aims to examine why alexithymia is related to increased learning burnout. Here, we investigated associations between alexithymia and learning burnout, as well as the potential mediating role of self-compassion in a sample of 466 Chinese children and adolescents from primary and secondary schools. Mediation analysis showed that higher alexithymia was significantly associated with greater learning burnout, and this relationship was mediated by self-compassion. Findings suggest that promoting self-compassion may mitigate the adverse effects of alexithymia on learning burnout.
Critically understanding the platformization of the public sphere
Authors: Smyrnaios Nikos , Baisnée Olivier
Published: July 2023

The platformization of the public sphere refers to the increasing dominance of digital platforms in shaping public discourse, access to information, and the production and dissemination of political content. The public sphere, where citizens inform themselves and engage in political debates, is being transformed by global private corporations like Alphabet and Meta. Their platforms exercise control over cultural producers, political actors, and the distribution of information and communication resources. At the same time, in a context of multiple crises of liberal democracies under capitalism, they offer personalization of content, services, and experiences contributing to the fragmentation of the political landscape. Thus, the platformized public sphere bears a fundamental contradiction in that it emerges through the dialectics between concentration and fragmentation. This has significant implications for freedom of expression, journalism, and the way public discourse is constructed and disseminated. The aim of this issue is to shed light on these fundamental stakes.
Prospects for growth and prosperity in West Cumbria: Nuclear decommissioning and regional economic adjustment
Authors: Scott Allen J
Published: July 2023

The objective of the paper is to trace out the effects of decommissioning of the Sellafield nuclear complex on the economy of West Cumbria. I seek to show how decommissioning expenditures are stimulating the formation of an agglomeration of advanced nuclear processing and engineering firms in the region and how this process is reinforced by a diverse array of emerging private and public institutions. With the aid of patent data, I indicate some possible pathways of industrial development in the region. I then proceed to examine how policy makers might enhance the developmental impacts of decommissioning especially in regard to measures focused on inter-firm network activities, training, and institutional infrastructures.