bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploration–exploitation model of moth-inspired olfactory navigation
Authors: Lazebnik Teddy , Golov Yiftach , Gurka Roi , Harari Ally , Liberzon Alex
Published: July 2024

Navigation of male moths towards females during the mating search offers a unique perspective on the exploration–exploitation (EE) model in decision-making. This study uses the EE model to explain male moth pheromone-driven flight paths. Wind tunnel measurements and three-dimensional tracking using infrared cameras have been leveraged to gain insights into male moth behaviour. During the experiments in the wind tunnel, disturbance to the airflow has been added and the effect of increased fluctuations on moth flights has been analysed, in the context of the proposed EE model. The exploration and exploitation phases are separated using a genetic algorithm to the experimentally obtained dataset of moth three-dimensional trajectories. First, the exploration-to-exploitation rate (EER) increases with distance from the source of the female pheromone is demonstrated, which can be explained in the context of the EE model. Furthermore, our findings reveal a compelling relationship between EER and increased flow fluctuations near the pheromone source. Using an olfactory navigation simulation and our moth-inspired navigation model, the phenomenon where male moths exhibit an enhanced EER as turbulence levels increase is explained. This research extends our understanding of optimal navigation strategies based on general biological EE models and supports the development of bioinspired navigation algorithms.
Climate change and health in the Sahel: a systematic review
Authors: Acosta Daniel , Barrow Amadou , Mahamadou Idrissa Saidou , Assuncao Victoria Simoni , Edwards Mary E. , McKune Sarah L.
Published: July 2024

The Sahel region is projected to be highly impacted by the more frequent hazards associated with climate change, including increased temperature, drought and flooding. This systematic review examined the evidence for climate change-related health consequences in the Sahel. The databases used were Medline (PubMed), Embase (Ovid), Web of Science (Clarivate) and CABI Global Health. Hand searches were also conducted, which included directly engaging Sahelian researchers and hand-searching in the African Journals Online database. Of the 4153 studies found, 893 were identified as duplicates and the remaining 3260 studies were screened (title and abstract only) and then assessed for eligibility. A total of 81 studies were included in the systematic review. Most studies focused on vector-borne diseases, food security, nutrition and heat-related stress. Findings suggest that mosquito distribution will shift under different climate scenarios, but this relationship will not be linear with temperature, as there are other variables to consider. Food insecurity, stunting (chronic malnutrition) and heat-related mortality are likely to increase if no action is taken owing to the projected impact of climate change on environmental factors and agriculture. Seventy-one per cent of manuscripts (
n
= 58) had first authors from institutions in North America or Europe, of which 39.7% (
n
= 23) included co-authors from African institutions.
Elastic bounds of the coupling tensor of anisotropic composite laminates: a polar approach
Authors: Vannucci Paolo
Published: July 2024

In the equivalent single-layer theories of anisotropic laminates, the coupling tensor

B

describes the relation between the in- and out-of plane behaviour of the plate. This tensor has some peculiar characteristics and in particular it is not defined, so it is normally considered as an unbounded tensor. We show in this paper a way to determine some relations between the polar invariants of

B

and those of the tensors describing the in- and out-of plane behaviours of the laminate,

A

and

D

, respectively. These relations constitute a set of bounds for the invariants of all the tensors of the laminate,

A

,

B

and

D

. It is hence shown that also the components of

B

must satisfy some conditions. Some peculiar cases, interesting for applications, are also considered.
Facial expressivity in dominant macaques is linked to group cohesion
Authors: Whitehouse J. , Clark P. R. , Robinson R. L. , Rees K. , O’Callaghan O. , Kimock C. M. , Witham C. L. , Waller B. M.
Published: July 2024

Social living affords primates (including humans) many benefits. Communication has been proposed to be the key mechanism used to bond social connections, which could explain why primates have evolved such expressive faces. We assessed whether the facial expressivity of the dominant male (quantified from the coding of anatomically based facial movement) was related to social network properties (based on social proximity and grooming) in nine groups of captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) housed in uniform physical and social environments. More facially expressive dominant male macaques were more socially connected and had more cohesive social groups. These findings show that inter-individual differences in facial expressivity are related to differential social outcomes at both an individual and group level. More expressive individuals occupy more beneficial social positions, which could help explain the selection for complex facial communication in primates.
Characterization of focused ultrasound blood-brain barrier disruption effect on inflammation as a function of treatment parameters
Authors: Angolano Cleide , Hansen Emily , Ajjawi Hala , Nowlin Paige , Zhang Yongzhi , Thunemann Natalie , Ferran Christiane , Todd Nick
Published: July 2024

The technology of focused ultrasound-mediated disruption of the blood-brain barrier (FUS- BBB opening) has now been used in over 20 Phase 1 clinical trials to validate the safety and feasibility of BBB opening for drug delivery in patients with brain tumors and neurodegenerative diseases. The primary treatment parameters, FUS intensity and microbubble dose, are chosen to balance sufficient BBB disruption to achieve drug delivery against potential acute vessel damage leading to microhemorrhage. This can largely be achieved based on both empirical results from animal studies and by monitoring the microbubble cavitation signal in real time during the treatment. However, other safety considerations due to second order effects caused by BBB disruption, such as inflammation and alteration of neurovascular function, are not as easily measurable, may take longer to manifest and are only beginning to be understood. This study builds on previous work that has investigated the inflammatory response following FUS-BBB opening. In this study, we characterize the effect of FUS intensity and microbubble dose on the extent of BBB disruption, observed level of microhemorrhage, and degree of inflammatory response at three acute post-treatment time points in the wild-type mouse brain. Additionally, we evaluate differences related to biological sex, presence and degree of the anti- inflammatory response that develops to restore homeostasis in the brain environment, and the impact of multiple FUS-BBB opening treatments on this inflammatory response.
BATF2 is a regulator of interferon-γ signaling in astrocytes during neuroinflammation
Authors: Tinkey Rachel A. , Smith Brandon C. , Habean Maria L. , Williams Jessica L.
Published: July 2024

Astrocytic interferon (IFN)γ signaling is associated with a reduction in neuroinflammation. We have previously shown that the benefits of astrocytic IFNγ arise from a variety of mechanisms; however, downstream effectors responsible for regulating this protection are unknown. We address this by identifying a specific transcription factor that may play a key role in modulating the consequences of IFNγ signaling. RNA-sequencing of primary human astrocytes treated with IFNγ revealed basic leucine zipper ATF-like transcription factor (BATF)2 as a highly expressed interferon-specific gene. Primarily studied in the periphery, BATF2 has been shown to exert both inflammatory and protective functions; however, its function in the central nervous system (CNS) is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that human spinal cord astrocytes upregulate BATF2 transcript and protein in an IFNγ-specific manner. Additionally, we found that BATF2 prevents overexpression of interferon regulatory factor (IRF)1 and IRF1 targets such as Caspase-1, which are known downstream pro-inflammatory mediators. We also show thatBatf2−/−mice exhibit exacerbated clinical disease severity in a murine model of CNS autoimmunity, characterized by an increase in both CNS immune cell infiltration and demyelination.Batf2−/−mice also exhibit increased astrocyte-specific expression of IRF1 and Caspase-1, suggesting an amplified interferon responsein vivo. Further, we demonstrate that BATF2 is expressed primarily in astrocytes in MS lesions and that this expression is co-localized with IRF1. Collectively, our results further support a protective role for IFNγ and implicate BATF2 as a key suppressor of overactive immune signaling in astrocytes during neuroinflammation.
Distinct spatially organized striatum-wide acetylcholine dynamics for the learning and extinction of Pavlovian associations
Authors: Bouabid Safa , Zhang Liangzhu , Vu Mai-Anh T. , Tang Kylie , Graham Benjamin M. , Noggle Christian A. , Howe Mark W.
Published: July 2024

Striatal acetylcholine (ACh) signaling has been proposed to counteract reinforcement signals to promote extinction and behavioral flexibility. ACh dips to cues and rewards may open a temporal window for associative plasticity to occur, while elevations may promote extinction. Changes in multi-phasic striatal ACh signals have been widely reported during learning, but how and where signals are distributed to enable region-specific plasticity for the learning and degradation of cue-reward associations is poorly understood. We used array fiber photometry in mice to investigate how ACh release across the striatum evolves during learning and extinction of Pavlovian associations. We report a topographic organization of opposing changes in ACh release to cues, rewards, and consummatory actions across distinct striatum regions. We localized reward prediction error encoding in particular phases of the ACh dynamics to a specific region of the anterior dorsal striatum (aDS). Positive prediction errors in the aDS were expressed in ACh dips, and negative prediction errors in long latency ACh elevations. Silencing aDS ACh release impaired behavioral extinction, suggesting a role for ACh elevations in down-regulating cue-reward associations. Dopamine release in aDS dipped for cues during extinction, but glutamate input onto cholinergic interneurons did not change, suggesting an intrastriatal mechanism for the emergence of ACh elevations. Our large scale measurements indicate how and where ACh dynamics can shape region-specific plasticity to gate learning and promote extinction of Pavlovian associations.
Direct piriform-to-auditory cortical projections shape auditory-olfactory integration
Authors: Vogler Nathan W. , Chen Ruoyi , Virkler Alister , Tu Violet Y. , Gottfried Jay A. , Geffen Maria Neimark
Published: July 2024

In a real-world environment, the brain must integrate information from multiple sensory modalities, including the auditory and olfactory systems. However, little is known about the neuronal circuits governing how odors influence and modulate sound processing. Here, we investigated the mechanisms underlying auditory-olfactory integration using anatomical, electrophysiological, and optogenetic approaches, focusing on the auditory cortex as a key locus for cross-modal integration. First, retrograde and anterograde viral tracing strategies revealed a direct projection from the piriform cortex to the auditory cortex. Next, using in vivo electrophysiological recordings of neuronal activity in the auditory cortex of awake male or female mice, we found that odors modulate auditory cortical responses to sound. Finally, we used in vivo optogenetic manipulations during electrophysiology to demonstrate that olfactory modulation in auditory cortex, specifically, odor-driven enhancement of sound responses, depends on direct input from the piriform cortex. Together, our results identify a novel role of piriform-to-auditory cortical circuitry in shaping olfactory modulation in the auditory cortex, shedding new light on the neuronal mechanisms underlying auditory-olfactory integration.
Rate variation and recurrent sequence errors in pandemic-scale phylogenetics
Authors: De Maio Nicola , Willemsen Myrthe , Guo Zihao , Saha Abhratanu , Hunt Martin , Ly-Trong Nhan , Minh Bui Quang , Iqbal Zamin , Goldman Nick
Published: July 2024

Phylogenetic analyses of genome sequences from infectious pathogens reveal essential information regarding their evolution and transmission, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recently developed pandemic-scale phylogenetic inference methods reduce the computational demand of phylogenetic reconstruction from genomic epidemiological datasets, allowing the analysis of millions of closely related genomes. However, widespread homoplasies, due to recurrent mutations and sequence errors, cause phylogenetic uncertainty and biases.

We present new algorithms and models to substantially improve the computational performance and accuracy of pandemic-scale phylogenetics. In particular, we account for, and identify, mutation rate variation and recurrent sequence errors. We reconstruct reliable and public sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree of>2 million SARS-CoV-2 genomes encapsulating the evolutionary history and global spread of the virus up to February 2023.
Small molecule FICD inhibitors suppress endogenous and pathologic FICD-mediated protein AMPylation
Authors: Chatterjee Bhaskar K. , Alam Maroof , Chakravorty Arghya , Lacy Shannon M. , Rech Jason , Brooks Charles L. , Arvan Peter D. , Truttmann Matthias C.
Published: July 2024

The AMP transferase, FICD, is an emerging drug target finetuning stress signaling in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). FICD is a bi-functional enzyme, catalyzing both AMP addition (AMPylation) and removal (deAMPylation) from the ER resident chaperone BiP/GRP78. Despite increasing evidence linking excessive BiP/GRP78 AMPylation to human diseases, small molecules to inhibit pathogenic FICD variants are lacking. Using anin-vitrohigh-throughput screen, we identify two small-molecule FICD inhibitors, C22 and C73. Both molecules significantly inhibit FICD-mediated BiP/GRP78 AMPylation in intact cells while only weakly inhibiting BiP/GRP78 deAMPylation. C22 and C73 also efficiently inhibit pathogenic FICD variants and improve proinsulin processing in β cells. Our study identifies and validates FICD inhibitors, highlighting a novel therapeutic avenue against pathologic protein AMPylation.
Diagnostic accuracy of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) with or without blood eosinophils in childhood, adolescent, and adult asthma: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Roy Marc-André , Gronnier Morgane , Ramphul Manisha , Divall Pip , Lemaire-Paquette Samuel , Côté Andréanne , Ducharme Francine M , Gaillard Erol A , Couillard Simon
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Asthma poses a diagnostic challenge due to its intermittent symptoms and variable airflow obstruction. Diagnostic assessments such as spirometry and bronchodilator response are frequently non-diagnostic, necessitating confirmatory bronchial provocation testing. Biomarkers of type-2 inflammation —exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and blood eosinophil counts (BEC)— are useful in asthma, but their diagnostic values in children and in combination (FeNO+BEC) are unclear. This systematic review will evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of FeNO alone or in combination with BEC in paediatric and adult asthma.

Methods and Analysis

This protocol is reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols. The review will include studies of any design on the diagnostic accuracy of FeNO with or without BEC in asthma compared to the reference standards bronchodilator response and provocation testing in patients ≥ 5 years old selected from MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases. Screening, study selection, and data extraction will be independently performed by two reviewers. Risk of bias will be assessed using QUADAS-2 and QUADAS-C. Meta-analysis will be carried out by pooling the sensitivity and specificity of FeNO alone or in combination with BEC in a bivariate random effects model allowing the generation of summarised operating characteristic curves and summary points. Further analysis utilising a multiple thresholds model will enable the computation of diagnostic thresholds for FeNO.

Ethics and Dissemination

No patient data will be stored without prior approval from ethics committee. The findings will be submitted in a peer-reviewed publication.

Registration

PROSPERO CRD42023489738

SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGE

Diagnosing asthma is challenging. Spirometry and bronchodilator reversibility are often non-diagnostic, calling for provocation testing. Our systematic review will explore complementary approaches using FeNO with and without the blood eosinophil count.
The initiation and early development of apical-basal polarity inToxoplasma gondii
Authors: Arias Padilla Luisa F. , Lopez Jonathan Munera , Shibata Aika , Murray John M. , Hu Ke
Published: July 2024

The human parasiteToxoplasma gondiihas a distinctive body plan with a well-defined polarity. In the apical complex, the minus ends of the 22 cortical microtubules are anchored to the apical polar ring, a putative microtubule-organizing center. The basal complex caps and constricts the parasite posterior end, and is critical for cytokinesis. How this apical-basal polarity axis is initiated was unknown. Here we examined the development of the apical polar ring and the basal complex in nascent daughters using expansion microscopy. We found that different substructures in the apical polar ring have different sensitivity to stress. In addition, apical-basal differentiation is already established upon nucleation of the cortical microtubule array: arc forms of the apical polar ring and basal complex associate with opposite ends of the microtubules. As the construction of the daughter framework progresses towards the centrioles, the apical and the basal arcs co-develop in striking synchrony ahead of the microtubule array, and close into a ring-form before all the microtubules are nucleated. We also found that two apical polar ring components, APR2 and KinesinA, act synergistically. The removal of each protein individually has modest to no impact on the lytic cycle. However, the loss of both results in abnormalities in the microtubule array and highly reduced plaquing and invasion efficiency.
Identifying Metabolomic and Proteomic Biomarkers for Age-Related Morbidity in a Population-Based Cohort - the Cooperative Health Research in South Tyrol (CHRIS) study
Authors: Hantikainen Essi , Weichenberger Christian X. , Dordevic Nikola , Hernandes Vinicius Verri , Foco Luisa , Gögele Martin , Melotti Roberto , Pattaro Cristian , Ralser Markus , Amari Fatma , Farztdinov Vadim , Mülleder Michael , Pramstaller Peter P. , Rainer Johannes , Domingues Francisco S.
Published: July 2024

Identifying biomarkers able to discriminate individuals on different health trajectories is crucial to understand the molecular basis of age-related morbidity. We investigated multi-omics signatures of general health and organ-specific morbidity, as well as their interconnectivity. We examined cross-sectional metabolome and proteome data from 3,142 adults of the Cooperative Health Research in South Tyrol (CHRIS) study, an Alpine population study designed to investigate how human biology, environment, and lifestyle factors contribute to people’s health over time. We had 174 metabolites and 148 proteins quantified from fasting serum and plasma samples. We used the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) Comorbidity Index (CMI), which considers morbidity in 14 organ systems, to assess health status (any morbidity vs. healthy). Omics-signatures for health status were identified using random forest (RF) classifiers. Linear regression models were fitted to assess directionality of omics markers and health status associations, as well as to identify omics markers related to organ-specific morbidity.

Next to age, we identified 21 metabolites and 10 proteins as relevant predictors of health status and results confirmed associations for serotonin and glutamate to be age-independent. Considering organ-specific morbidity, several metabolites and proteins were jointly related to endocrine, cardiovascular, and renal morbidity. To conclude, circulating serotonin was identified as a potential novel predictor for overall morbidity.
Genetic-Driven Rapid and Precise Mimicry of Cardiovascular Fluctuations
Authors: Liao Minghao , Li Zhongyou , Jiang Wentao , Bai Taoping , Liu Lingjun , Yan Fei
Published: July 2024

Background

Physics-based reduced-order models have gained significant attention for capturing cardiovascular fluctuations. However, achieving quick and precise mimicry of these fluctuations has been a persistent issue for decades.

Methods

Inspired by the principle of natural selection, we used a complex whole-body circulation model as an example and utilized genetic algorithms to automate the coordination of model parameters. Additionally, we introduced a “pseudo-distance” metric to evaluate the similarity between the simulated fluctuation curves and the target curves.

Results

Through rapid iterations (40 times), this strategy achieved a complete match with the target in both blood pressure and flow fluctuation amplitude and time domains, resulting in highly realistic fluctuation mimicry.

Conclusion

This study addresses the major challenge of reduced-order models in the mimicry of blood circulation, ending the history of manual parameter coordination that took months or even years.

Clinical Perspective

What Is New?

Physics-based reduced-order models are essential for analyzing whole-body hemodynamic status, but they have struggled with complex parameter coordination for decades. This study completely addressed this challenge by employing “genetic algorithms” and an updated “pseudo-distance” criterion, achieving precise mimicry of waveforms both spatially and temporally. Additionally, this work eliminates the dependency on large datasets, making personalized modeling more accessible and practical.

What Are the Clinical Implications?

This study lowers the barrier for researchers utilizing these models, significantly advancing the modeling of blood circulation and potentially benefitting physiological analysis, clinical diagnostics, and treatment planning in various cardiovascular events.
Actin dynamics sustains spatial gradients of membrane tension in adherent cells
Authors: García-Arcos Juan Manuel , Mehidi Amine , Velázquez Julissa Sánchez , Guillamat Pau , Tomba Caterina , Houzet Laura , Capolupo Laura , D’Angelo Giovanni , Colom Adai , Hinde Elizabeth , Aumeier Charlotte , Roux Aurélien
Published: July 2024

Tension propagates in lipid bilayers over hundreds of microns within milliseconds, precluding the formation of tension gradients. Nevertheless, plasma membrane tension gradients have been evidenced in migrating cells and along axons. Here, using a fluorescent membrane tension probe, we show that membrane tension gradients exist in all adherent cells, whether they migrate or not. Non-adhering cells do not display tension gradients. We further show that branched actin increases tension, while membrane-to-cortex attachments facilitate its propagation. Tension is the lowest at the edge of adhesion sites and highest at protrusions, setting the boundaries of the tension gradients. By providing a quantitative and mechanistic basis behind the organization of membrane tension gradients, our work explains how they are actively sustained in adherent cells.
Supervised Deep Learning with Gene Annotation for Cell Classification
Authors: Lin Zhexiao , Sun Wei
Published: July 2024

Gene-by-gene differential expression analysis is a popular supervised learning method for analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data. However, the large number of cells in scRNA-seq studies often results in numerous differentially expressed genes with extremely small p-values but minimal effect sizes, complicating interpretation. To address this challenge, we developed a method called Supervised Deep Learning with gene ANnotation (SDAN). SDAN integrates gene annotation and gene expression data using a graph neural network to identify gene sets to classify cells, and then the corresponding individuals. We demonstrated the usage of SDAN by identifying gene sets associated with severe COVID-19, dementia, and cancer patients’ responses to immunotherapy.
EPHA1 and EPHB4 tyrosine kinase receptors regulate epithelial morphogenesis
Authors: Lavoie Noémie , Scribe Anaëlle , Chartier François J.M. , Ghani Karim , Jetté Alexandra , Banerjee Sara L. , Caruso Manuel , Laurin Mélanie , Freywald Andrew , Elowe Sabine , Laprise Patrick , Bisson Nicolas
Published: July 2024

Organ formation and homeostasis require the coordination of cell-cell adhesion, epithelial cell polarity and orientation of cell division to organize epithelial tissue architecture. We have previously identified proximity protein networks acting downstream of members of the EPH family of tyrosine kinase receptors and found within these networks an enrichment of components associated with cell morphogenesis and cell-cell junctions. Here, we show that two EPH receptors, EPHA1 and EPHB4, are localized to the basolateral domain of Caco-2 cells in spheroidal cultures. Depletion of either EPHA1 or EPHB4 disrupts spheroid morphogenesis, without affecting cell polarity, but via randomizing mitotic spindle orientation during cell division. Strikingly, EPHA1 and EPHB4 exert this function independently of their catalytic activity but still requiring EFN ligand binding. Consistent with this, the most abundantly expressed EPHB4 ligand in Caco-2 cells, EFNB2, is also compartmentalized at the basolateral domain in spheroids, and is required for epithelial morphogenesis. Taken together, our data reveal a new role for EPHRs in epithelial morphogenesis.
Genetic manipulation of Bacteriophage T4 utilizing the CRISPR-Cas13b system
Authors: Bhoobalan-Chitty Yuvaraj , Stouf Mathieu , De Paepe Marianne
Published: July 2024

CRISPR-Cas type II and type V systems are inefficient in modifying bacteriophage T4 genome, due to the hypermodification of its DNA. Here, we present a genome editing technique for bacteriophage T4 using the type VI CRISPR-Cas system. Using BzCas13b targeting of T4 phage, we were able to individually delete both T4 glucosyl transferase genes,α-gtandβ-gt. Furthermore, we employed this method to mutate two conserved residues within the T4 DNA polymerase and to introduce the yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) coding sequence into T4 phage genome, enabling us to visualize phage infections. The T4 genome editing protocol was optimized to obtain recombinant phages within a 6-hour timescale. Finally, spacers homologous to a variety of T4 genes were used to study the generality of Cas13b targeting, revealing important variability in targeting efficiency. Overall, this study presents a detailed description of the rapid and easy production of T4 phage specific mutants.

IMPORTANCE

The use of phages for therapeutic purposes requires a complete understanding of their life cycle. For this purpose, it’s very useful to have a wide range of phage genome engineering tools at our disposal, each adapted to a particular phage or situation. Although T4 phage has been studied extensively over the past seven decades, a complete understanding of its lytic cycle is still lacking. Cas9- and Cpf1-dependent genome editing techniques for T4 have proven to be inconsistent due to the glucosyl-hydroxymethyl modification of the cytosine residues in its genome. The RNA targeting of the Cas13 system presents an ideal alternative, as demonstrated here, to overcome interference from DNA hypermodification. Apart from demonstrating a new genome editing technique in T4, we have generated a range of T4 variants demonstrating the efficacy of our technique in obtaining meaningful and difficult to construct phage mutants.
High-fidelity, large-scale targeted profiling of microsatellites
Authors: Loh Caitlin A. , Shields Danielle A. , Schwing Adam , Evrony Gilad D.
Published: July 2024

Microsatellites are highly mutable sequences that can serve as markers for relationships among individuals or cells within a population. The accuracy and resolution of reconstructing these relationships depends on the fidelity of microsatellite profiling and the number of microsatellites profiled. However, current methods for targeted profiling of microsatellites incur significant “stutter” artifacts that interfere with accurate genotyping, and sequencing costs preclude whole-genome microsatellite profiling of a large number of samples. We developed a novel method for accurate and cost-effective targeted profiling of a panel of more than 150,000 microsatellites per sample, along with a computational tool for designing large-scale microsatellite panels. Our method addresses the greatest challenge for microsatellite profiling—“stutter” artifacts—with a low-temperature hybridization capture that significantly reduces these artifacts. We also developed a computational tool for accurate genotyping of the resulting microsatellite sequencing data that uses an ensemble approach integrating three microsatellite genotyping tools, which we optimize by analysis of de novo microsatellite mutations in human trios. Altogether, our suite of experimental and computational tools enables high-fidelity, large-scale profiling of microsatellites, which may find utility in diverse applications such as lineage tracing, population genetics, ecology, and forensics.
Vison condensation and spinon confinement in a kagome-lattice
Z2
spin liquid: A numerical study of a quantum dimer model
Authors: Hwang Kyusung
Published: July 2024

Quantum spin liquids are exotic many-body states featured with long-range entanglement and fractional anyon quasiparticles. Quantum phase transitions of spin liquids are particularly interesting problems related with novel phenomena of anyon condensation and anyon confinement. Here we study a quantum dimer model, which implements a transition between a Z2 spin liquid (Z2SL) and a valence bond solid (VBS) on the kagome lattice. The transition is driven by the condensation of vison excitation of the Z2 spin liquid, which impacts on other anyon excitations especially leading to the confinement of spinon excitations. By numerical exact diagonalization of the dimer model, we directly measure the vison condensation using vison string operators, and explicitly check a confining potential acting on spinon excitations in the VBS state. It is observed that topological degeneracy of the spin-liquid state is lifted concomitantly with the vison condensation. The dimer ordering pattern of the VBS state is identified by investigating dimer structure factor. Furthermore, we find an interesting state that exhibits features of spin liquid and VBS simultaneously. We discuss the origin of the mixed behaviors and possible scenarios expected in thermodynamic limit. This work complements the previous analytical studies on the dimer model [ and ] by providing numerical evidences on the vison condensation and the spinon confinement in the Z2SL-to-VBS transition.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Higgs boson precision analysis of the full LHC run 1 and run 2 data
Authors: Heo Yongtae , Jung Dong-Won , Lee Jae Sik
Published: July 2024

We perform global fits of the Higgs boson couplings to the full Higgs datasets collected at the LHC with the integrated luminosities per experiment of approximately 5/fb at 7 TeV, 20/fb at 8 TeV, and up to 139/fb at 13 TeV. Our combined analysis based on the experimental signal strengths used in this work and the theoretical ones elaborated for our analysis reliably reproduce the results in the literature. We reveal that the LHC Higgs precision data are no longer best described by the Standard Model (SM) Higgs boson taking account of extensive and comprehensive CP-conserving and CP-violating scenarios found in several well-motivated models beyond the SM. Especially, in most of the fits considered in this work, we observe that the best-fitted values of the normalized Yukawa couplings are about 2σ below the corresponding SM ones with the 1σ errors of 3%–5%. On the other hand, the gauge-Higgs couplings are consistent with the SM with the 1σ errors of 2%–3%. Incidentally, the reduced Yukawa couplings help to explain the excess of the H→Zγ signal strength of 2.2±0.7 recently reported by the ATLAS and CMS collaborations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Investigating
Ξ
resonances from a pentaquark perspective
Authors: Yan Ye , Huang Qi , Zhu Xinmei , Huang Hongxia , Ping Jialun
Published: July 2024

We have investigated the qssq¯q (q=u or d) system to find possible pentaquark explanations for the Ξ resonances. The bound state calculation is carried out within the framework of the quark delocalization color screening model. The scattering processes are also studied to examine the possible resonance states. The current results indicate that the Ξ(1950) state can be interpreted as a ΛK¯* state with JP=1/2−. Three states are identified that match the Ξ(2250), which are a Σ*K¯* state with JP=3/2−, a Σ*K¯* state with JP=5/2−, and a Ξ*ρ state with JP=5/2−. This may explain the conflicting experimental values for the width of the Ξ(2250) state. A new Ξ resonance is predicted, whose mass and width are 2066–2079 MeV and 186–189 MeV, respectively. These results contribute to understanding the nature of the Ξ resonances and to the future search for new Ξ resonances. Moreover, it is meaningful to further investigate the Ξ resonances from an unquenched picture on the basis of pentaquark investigation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Stau pairs from natural SUSY at high luminosity LHC
Authors: Baer Howard , Barger Vernon , Zhang Kairui
Published: July 2024

Natural supersymmetry (SUSY) with light Higgsinos is perhaps the most plausible of all weak scale SUSY models while a variety of motivations point to (right) tau sleptons as the lightest of all the sleptons. We examine a SUSY model line with rather light right staus embedded within natural SUSY. For light τ˜1 of a few hundred GeV, the decays τ˜1→τχ˜1,20 and ντχ˜1− occur at comparable rates where the (Higgsino-like)

χ

˜

1

±

and χ˜20 release only small visible energy: in this case, the expected τ+τ−+ET signature is diminished from the usual expectations due to the presence of the nearly invisible decay mode τ˜1→ντχ˜1−. However, once mτ˜1≳m(bino), decays to binos such as τ˜1→τχ˜30 open up where χ˜30 decays to Higgsinos plus W±, Z0, and h at comparable rates. For these heavier staus, the stau pair production gives rise to diboson+ET events, which may contain 0, 1, or 2 additional hard τ leptons. From these considerations, we examine the potential for future discovery of tau-slepton pair production at a high-luminosity LHC. While we do not find a 5σ HL-LHC discovery reach for 3000  fb−1, we do find a 95% CL exclusion reach, ranging between mτ˜1:  100–450  GeV for mχ˜10∼100  GeV. This latter reach disappears for mχ˜10≳200  GeV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Impacting metamaterials: The threshold for wave propagation in holey columns
Authors: Monnery Sophie , Jain Shresht , Johnson Chris , Pihler-Puzović Draga , Box Finn
Published: July 2024

We study the dynamic deformation of columns containing a periodic array of holes subject to impact loading. When compressed slowly, holey columns buckle beyond a critical compressive strain, and global pattern switching (from circular holes to orthogonal ellipses) occurs instantaneously. In contrast, the dynamic deformation of holey columns is driven by wave propagation; impact induces a compressive wave that buckles the ligaments surrounding a hole, nucleating a sequential pattern switching process. Subsequent void collapse, which ultimately leads to self-contact and topological modification, is driven by the moving boundary. Here, we identify the critical impact velocity above which the compression can no longer be considered quasistatic, and we show that it depends on system size. For dynamic deformations, we show that internal displacements are independent of impact velocity and propagate at the material sound speed, whereas the topological transition wave propagates at a speed that depends on the impact velocity.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Research on the corrosion inhibition performance and mechanism of pyrimidine quaternary ammonium salt
Authors: Shao Minglu , Fang Zhanqi , Cheng Mengjie , Fu Lipei , Liao Kaili , Chang Ailian
Published: July 2024

Purpose

At present, research on the preparation of corrosion inhibitors using modified pyrimidine derivatives is still blank. The purpose of this study is to synthesize a new cationic mercaptopyrimidine derivative quaternary ammonium salt, known as DTEBTAC, that can be used as a corrosion inhibitor to slow down the metal corrosion problems encountered in oil and gas extraction processes.

Design/methodology/approach

A new corrosion inhibitor was synthesized by the reaction of anti-Markovnikov addition and nucleophilic substitution. The weight loss method was used to study the corrosion inhibition characteristics of synthetic corrosion inhibitors. Electrochemical and surface topography analyses were used to determine the type of inhibitor and the adsorption state formed on the surface of N80 steel. Molecular dynamics simulations and quantum chemistry calculations were used to investigate the synthetic corrosion inhibitor’s molecular structure and corrosion inhibition mechanisms.

Findings

The results of the weight loss method show that when the dosage of DTEBTAC is 1%, the corrosion rate of N80 steel in hydrochloric acid solution at 90? is 3.3325 g m-2 h-1. Electrochemical and surface morphology analysis show that DTEBTAC can form a protective layer on the surface of N80 steel, and is a hybrid corrosion inhibitor that can inhibit the main anode. Quantum chemical parameter calculation shows that DTEBTAC has a better corrosion inhibition effect than DTP. The molecular dynamics simulation results show that DTEBTAC has stronger binding energy than DTP, and forms a network packing structure through hydrogen bonding, and the adsorption stability is enhanced.

Originality/value

A novel cationic mercaptopyrimidine derivative quaternium-ammonium salt corrosion inhibitor was designed and provided. Compared with the prior art, the preparation method of the synthesized mercaptopyrimidine derivative quaternary ammonium salt corrosion inhibitor is simple, and the presence of nitrogen-positive ions, sulfur atoms and nitrogen-rich atoms has an obvious corrosion inhibition effect, which can be used to inhibit metal corrosion during oil and gas field exploitation. It not only expands the application field of new materials but also provides a new idea for the research and development of new corrosion inhibitors.
Relationships, risks and remuneration: Australian directors “doing” corporate governance
Authors: Cooke Saranne , Sheridan Alison , Perry Mark , Marimuthu Siva Barathi , Conway Mary Louise
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how directors operationalise Australian corporate governance guidelines to follow their self-regulatory responsibilities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study consists of semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 41 directors of ASX200 companies.

Findings

This study sheds light on how directors behave when grappling with the challenges they face as they work within a non-mandatory governance code. It adds to the literature by finding that while most of the good practice guidelines detailed by the ASXCG are well understood and enacted, in practice directors focus on ensuring strong relationships, minimising risk and managing the tensions they face in responsibly managing remuneration.

Practical implications

This study highlights the three R’s and the workings of the code, it also reveals the dynamics of managing uncertainty at the board level. At the implementation level, these insights will help board members to reflect on where attention is focused within guiding principles.

Originality/value

This study contributes to corporate governance studies by filling the gap between what should happen – as per governance guidelines – and what does happen in practice in top level Australian corporations. In making visible what exercises directors most as they operationalise their responsibilities in Australia, a country with a non-mandatory “if not, why not” governance code, the authors demonstrate how self-regulation plays out.
Adaptability of BIM technology to mitigate the cost overruns in design and build projects
Authors: Chamikara K.L. , Perera B.A.K.S. , Raigama Acharige Dinithi Piyumra , Ekanayake Biyanka
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Cost overruns are an inevitable issue in design and build (D&B) projects. In D&B projects, causes for cost overruns can be managed by adopting appropriate building information modelling (BIM) functions. Because there is a research gap in synergy between the use of BIM for mitigating cost overruns in D&B projects, this study aims to evaluate the adaptability of BIM to manage cost overrun issues in them.

Design/methodology/approach

Research objectives were attained through a quantitative research approach adopting the Delphi technique, which consists of three rounds of a questionnaire survey. Through statistical tools, the collected data were analysed.

Findings

This research revealed the ten most crucial causes for cost overruns in D&B projects, where continuous changes in designs and drawings are the top causes. Change and revision management and interoperability are the most crucial BIM functions to address the aforementioned cause. Subsequently, 16 enablers, 26 barriers and 19 strategies to implement BIM to manage the identified significant causes of cost overruns were overviewed.

Originality/value

This study addresses the literature gap pertaining to the cost overrun in D&B projects and the application of BIM by studying the causes for cost overrun, suggesting BIM functions to mitigate the above cause. Moreover, this study assessed the probable barriers and enablers for BIM adoption in construction projects from D&B perspective.
The impact of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial intention: the moderating role of perceived governmental support
Authors: Al-Omar Saleh , Alalawneh Ammar , Harb Ayman
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the direct impact of entrepreneurship education on university students' entrepreneurial intention and the moderating role of perceived governmental support in terms of financial support and policies and regulations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected data using questionnaires from students enrolled in compulsory entrepreneurship courses at three public Jordanian universities. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze 1,228 valid questionnaires and test the hypotheses.

Findings

The study revealed that entrepreneurship education positively and significantly affects students' entrepreneurial intentions. On the other hand, perceived governmental support in terms of financial support and policies and regulations has a nonsignificant moderating role in the relationship between entrepreneurship education and students' entrepreneurial intention.

Originality/value

This study enriches the literature with new evidence that entrepreneurship education has a positive, direct impact on students' intention to become entrepreneurs. It also contributes to the body of knowledge as the first to examine the role governments’ play besides encouraging entrepreneurship education through their education policies.
University-industry open innovation: main enablers and practices based on a scoping review
Authors: Murga Pinillos Aurea Ysabel
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Given their capacity to generate knowledge, universities can be the primary external source of knowledge and innovation for companies. Despite studies on the potential drivers of open innovation, the actors involved in these projects beyond academics and the most effective practices that universities follow for successful university–industry collaborations remain unclear. This study aims to identify the enablers and best practices universities follow to contribute to successful university–industry open innovation results, providing a conceptual framework for the management of such initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

Articles from peer-reviewed academic journals identified in the Scopus and Web of Science databases were researched in this scoping review. The review used descriptive and thematic analyses and focused on 93 articles published between 2013 and 2023 that analysed universities’ enablers and practices for knowledge transfer to the industry.

Findings

Organisational factors, stakeholder attitudes, infrastructure, and external factors facilitate knowledge transfer from universities to companies. The most effective practices for promoting innovation are related to project management, policies and incentives and are relational and educational. Performance results can be evaluated through quantitative and qualitative indicators, measured at the different phases of the innovation process, considering the impacts achieved.

Originality/value

Previous reviews have focused on barriers, researchers’ motivations or specific enablers. The enablers and practices identified were analysed with a systemic vision, considering the university as a unit of analysis. This study suggests a comprehensive conceptual framework for the successful management of university–industry open innovation.
Marketing pioneering orientation as a mediator between operation management capability and firm’s innovation performance
Authors: Levi-Bliech Michal , Dahan Gavriel
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of operation management capability on firm’s innovation performance through the mediation of marketing pioneering orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative method with data collected from questionnaires filled out by 189 managers of Israeli companies that operate in international markets. Based on the resource-based view and dynamic capabilities theories, this study developed and analysed the research model using SmartPLS 4 software.

Findings

The main findings show that operation management capability affects marketing pioneering orientation and firm’s innovation performance. Additionally, the findings reveal that marketing pioneering orientation serves as a partial mediator in the relationship between operation management capability and firm’s innovation performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on operation management capability and marketing pioneering orientation as two organisational characteristics that increase firm’s innovation performance. However, other organisational characteristics also can affect firm’s innovation performance. Future research could examine the effect of these characteristics on firm’s innovation performance.

Practical implications

Managers should strengthen their organisational capabilities with regard to operations management and a marketing pioneering orientation to enhance the firm’s innovation performance. Such an approach should provide the company with a competitive advantage over its rivals.

Social implications

Today, more customers are aware of the environment and are looking for greener products, packaging, recycling and logistics. Therefore, marketing PO might identify innovative and sustainable ways to improve organisations’ environmental performance by exploring new sustainable processes, modifying procedures and pursuing green supply chains.

Originality/value

The uniqueness of this study is in this study’s research model, which combines two disciplines from the research literature (logistics and marketing) and examines their effect on firm’s innovation performance.