bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiscale Cloud-Based Pipeline for Neuronal Electrophysiology Analysis and Visualization
Authors: Geng Jinghui , Voitiuk Kateryna , Parks David F. , Robbins Ash , Spaeth Alex , Sevetson Jessica L. , Hernandez Sebastian , Schweiger Hunter E. , Andrews John P. , Seiler Spencer T. , Elliott Matthew A.T. , Chang Edward F. , Nowakowski Tomasz J. , Currie Rob , Mostajo-Radji Mohammed A. , Haussler David , Sharf Tal , Salama Sofie R. , Teodorescu Mircea 
Published: November 2024

SUMMARYElectrophysiology offers a high-resolution method for real-time measurement of neural activity. Longitudinal recordings from high-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs) can be of considerable size for local storage and of substantial complexity for extracting neural features and network dynamics. Analysis is often demanding due to the need for multiple software tools with different runtime dependencies. To address these challenges, we developed an open-source cloud-based pipeline to store, analyze, and visualize neuronal electrophysiology recordings from HD-MEAs. This pipeline is dependency agnostic by utilizing cloud storage, cloud computing resources, and an Internet of Things messaging protocol. We containerized the services and algorithms to serve as scalable and flexible building blocks within the pipeline. In this paper, we applied this pipeline on two types of cultures, cortical organoids andex vivobrain slice recordings to show that this pipeline simplifies the data analysis process and facilitates understanding neuronal activity.
A vector calculus for neural computation in the cerebellum
Authors: Fakharian Mohammad Amin , Shoup Alden M. , Hage Paul , Elseweifi Hisham Y. , Shadmehr Reza 
Published: November 2024

AbstractNull space theory predicts that a neuron will often generate spikes not to produce behavior, but to prevent another neuron’s impact on behavior. Here, we present a direct test of this theory in the brain. In the marmoset cerebellum, spike-triggered averaging identified a vector for each Purkinje cell (P-cell) along which its spikes displaced the eyes. Two spikes in two different P-cells produced superposition of their vectors. In the resulting population activity, the spikes were canceled if their contributions were perpendicular to the intended movement. Mossy fibers provided a copy of the motor commands and the sensory goal of the movement. Molecular layer interneurons transformed these inputs so that the P-cell population predicted when the movement had reached the goal and should be stopped.
Impaired online and enhanced offline motor sequence learning in individuals with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Van Roy Anke , Dan Emily , Micca Letizia , Gilat Moran , Chan Piu , Doyon Julien , Albouy Genevieve , King Bradley R. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWhereas memory consolidation research has traditionally focused on longer temporal windows (i.e., hours to days) following an initial learning episode, recent research has also examined the functional significance of the shorter rest epochs commonly interspersed with blocks of task practice (i.e., “micro-offline” intervals on the timescale of seconds to minutes). In the motor sequence learning domain, evidence from young, healthy individuals suggests that micro-offline epochs afford a rapid consolidation process that is supported by the hippocampus. Consistent with these findings, amnesic patients with hippocampal damage were recently found to exhibit degraded micro-offline performance improvements. Interestingly, these offline losses were compensated for by larger performance gains during online practice. Given the known role of the striatum in online motor sequence learning, we hypothesized that individuals with dysfunction of the striatal system would exhibit impaired online, yet enhanced micro-offline, learning (i.e., a pattern of results opposite to those observed in patients with hippocampal lesions). We tested this hypothesis using Parkinson’s disease (PD) as a model of striatal dysfunction. Forty-twode novo, drug-naïve individuals (men and women) with a clinical diagnosis of unilateral PD and 29 healthy control subjects completed a motor sequence learning paradigm. Individuals with PD exhibited deficits during online task practice that were paralleled by greater improvements over micro-offline intervals. This pattern of results could not be explained by disease-related deficits in movement execution. These data suggest that striatal dysfunction disrupts online learning, yet total learning remains unchanged because of greater micro-offline performance improvements that potentially reflect hippocampal-mediated compensatory processes.Significance StatementThe short rest intervals commonly interspersed between periods of active task engagement have traditionally been employed to minimize the build-up of fatigue. There is recent evidence, however, suggesting that these rest epochs may play an active role in motor learning and memory processes and the hippocampus appears to be a critical brain region supporting this rapid “offline” learning. Here, we show that individuals with Parkinson’s disease, a movement disorder characterized by dysfunction in the basal ganglia including the striatum, exhibit deficits during active task practice but greater learning over the interspersed offline intervals. Results potentially suggest that the relatively intact hippocampus may help compensate for motor sequence learning deficits linked to a disrupted striatal system in Parkinson’s disease.
AI-assisted imaging screening reveals mechano-molecular tissue organizers and network of signaling hubs
Authors: Bertocchi Cristina , Alegría Juan José , Vásquez-Sepúlveda Sebastián , Ibanez-Prat Rosario , Srinivasan Aishwarya , Arrano-Valenzuela Ignacio , Castro-Pereira Barbara , Soto-Montandon Catalina , Trujillo-Espergel Alejandra , Owen Gareth I. , Kanchanawong Pakorn , Cerda Mauricio , Motta Giovanni , Zaidel-Bar Ronen , Ravasio Andrea 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCadherin-mediated adhesions are crucial mechanical and signaling hubs that connect cells within a tissue and probe the mechanics of the surrounding environment. They constitute a physical link between the actin cytoskeleton of neighboring cells, providing the mechanical coordination needed for morphogenetic processes, tissue homeostasis, collective migration, and regeneration. Disruptions in adhesion mechanisms are closely linked to the breakdown of epithelial structure and the emergence of disease-related traits characteristic of cancer progression. The cadhesome network comprises over 170 structural and regulatory proteins involved in cadherin-mediated adhesion. While this network is essential for coordinating tissue responses to mechanical stress, its complexity has historically limited our understanding of how individual components contribute to force transmission and tissue homeostasis. Recent technological advances offer tools to investigate large molecular networks in cellular function and pathology (functional omics). Leveraging these advances, we developed an experimental and analytical platform combining high-throughput gene silencing, imaging, and artificial intelligence (AI) to systematically profile each role of each protein in tissue formation, mechanical stability, and response to induced tension. Using EpH4 cells as an epithelial tissue model, we performed systematic silencing in triplicate, capturing a range of tissue phenotypes under baseline and tension-inducing conditions. Machine learning methods were used to analyze complex imaging data, quantify tissue ruptures, characterize junctional organization, and measure tension states of the tissue. By incorporating machine learning algorithms, we automated image feature extraction, clustering, and classification, enabling an unprecedented quantitative evaluation of tissue mechanics at scale. Our machine learning models allowed us to identify significant patterns, including protein-specific responses to tension and their roles in tissue-level mechanical integrity. Finally, we constructed a protein interaction network detailing the roles of each protein, their physical interactions, and known links to cancer. The network analysis revealed three prominent mechanotransductive and signaling subnetworks centered around E-cadherin, EGFR, and RAC1. Our study provides a foundational framework for investigating mechanosensing proteins and it offers a scalable blueprint for discovering potential therapeutic targets in diseases like cancer, where tissue mechanics play a crucial role.TeaserAI-aided screening identifies key regulators of epithelial tissue mechanics, uncovering potential therapeutic targets in cancer.
Loss ofCochlindrives impairments in tendon structure and function
Authors: Adjei-Sowah Emmanuela , Lecaj Elsa , Adhikari Neeta , Sensini Clara , Nichols Anne E.C. , Buckley Mark R. , Loiselle Alayna E. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAging tendons undergo disruptions in homeostasis, increased susceptibility to injury, and reduced capacity for healing. Exploring the mechanisms behind this disruption in homeostasis is essential for developing therapeutics aimed at maintaining tendon health through the lifespan. We have previously identified that the extracellular matrix protein,Cochlin, which is highly expressed in healthy flexor tendon, is consistently lost during both natural aging and upon depletion of Scleraxis-lineage cells in young animals, which recapitulates many aging-associated homeostatic disruptions. Therefore, we hypothesized that loss of Cochlin would disrupt tendon homeostasis, including alterations in collagen fibril organization, and impaired tendon mechanics. By 3-months of age,Cochlin-/-flexor tendons exhibited altered collagen structure, with these changes persisting through at least 9-months. In addition, Cochlin-/-tendons demonstrated significant declines in structural and material properties at 6-months, and structural properties at 9-months. WhileCochlin-/-did not drastically change the overall tendon proteome, consistent decreases in proteins associated with RNA metabolism, extracellular matrix production and the cytoskeleton were observed inCochlin-/-. Interestingly, homeostatic disruption viaCochlin-/-did not impair the tendon healing process. Taken together, these data define a critical role forCochlinin maintaining tendon homeostasis and suggest retention or restoration ofCochlinas a potential therapeutic approach to retain tendon structure and function through the lifespan.
A homozygous humanWNT11loss-of-function variant associated with laterality, heart and renal defects
Authors: Berns Henrike , Haas Maximilian , Bakey Zeineb , Brislinger-Engelhardt Magdalena Maria , Schmidts Miriam , Walentek Peter 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWnt signaling plays important roles during vertebrate development, including left-right axis specification as well as heart and kidney organogenesis. We identified a homozygous humanWNT11variant in an infant withSitus inversus totalis, complex heart defects and renal hypodysplasia, and we usedXenopusembryos to functionally characterize this variant.WNT11c.814delGencodes a loss-of-function protein with reduced stability that lost signaling activityin vivo. This is remarkable, because the variant encodes a truncated ligand with nearly identical length and predicted structure to dominant-negative Wnts. Furthermore, we demonstrate that alteration of the truncated C-terminal end can restore stability and dominant-negative signaling activity. Our study also suggests similar functions for WNT11 in human development as described in model organisms. Therefore, biallelic WNT11 dysfunction should be considered as novel genetic cause in syndromal human phenotypes presenting with congenital heart defects and renal hypoplasia, with or without laterality defects. The work presented here enhances our understanding of human development and structure-function relationships in Wnt ligands.
On Levodopa interactions with brain disease proteins at the nanoscale
Authors: Bergaglio Talia , Kummer Nico , Bhattacharya Shayon , Thompson Damien , Campioni Silvia , Nirmalraj Peter Niraj 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe cerebral accumulation of α-Synuclein (α-Syn) and amyloid β-1-42 (Aβ-42) proteins are known to play a crucial role in the pathology of neurocognitive disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). Currently, Levodopa (L-dopa) is the dopamine replacement therapy for treating bradykinetic symptoms visible in PD patients. Here, we use atomic force microscopy to evidence at nanometer length scales the effects of L-dopa on the morphology of α-Syn and Aβ-42 protein fibrils. L-dopa treatment reduces the length and diameter of both types of protein fibrils, with a stark reduction observed for Aβ-42 both in physiological buffer and human spinal fluid. The insights gained on Aβ-42 fibril disassembly from the nanoscale imaging experiments are substantiated using atomic-scale molecular dynamics simulations. Our results reveal the mechanism governing L-dopa-driven reversal of protein aggregation, which may be useful in drug design of small molecule drugs for potentially treating neurocognitive disorders and provide leads for designing chemical effector-mediated disassembly of protein architectures.
Putative Role of Norrin in Neuroretinal Differentiation Revealed by bulk and scRNA Sequencing of Human Retinal Organoids
Authors: Maggi Kevin , Atac David , Maggi Jordi , Feil Silke , Koller Samuel , Berger Wolfgang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPathogenic variants in the X-linked geneNDP(Norrie disease protein) have been associated with a variety of non-syndromic and syndromic human retinal diseases, including Norrie disease and familial exudative vitroretinopathy. The gene codes for Norrin, a secreted angiogenic molecule which binds to FZD4 and its co-receptors LRP5/6 and TSPAN12 and activates Wnt-signaling. Additionally, it also potentiates Wnt-signaling by binding to the LGR4 receptor. Norrin was also found to exert a neuroprotective function in the retina, specifically for retinal ganglion cells. Furthermore, it was suggested to be involved in neurodevelopmental processes such as early neuro-ectodermal specification and differentiation, as well as maintenance of cochlear hair cells. To better understand the putative role of Norrin in neuronal cells of the retina we generatedNDPmutant and eGFP-expressingNDPreporter human induced pluripotent stem cells, which were differentiated to retinal organoids. Bulk RNA sequencing and fixed single-cell RNA sequencing revealed alterations in gene expression as well as cellular composition, with increased proportions of retinal progenitors as well as Müller glia cells inNDPKOretinal organoids. Differential expression of genes related to glutamate signaling, Wnt and MAPK signaling, as well as neurogenesis was detected. Furthermore, genes associated with functions in the extracellular matrix were also differentially expressed. The considerable decrease in retinal neurons found in ourNDPKOorganoids suggest that Norrin is also important for retinal neurogenesis, which may precede the vascular manifestations inNDP-associated diseases.
Effects of magnetic field on the anodic dissolution of alloy 690 in NaCl + Na2S2O3 solution
Authors: Wu Jianan , Su Mingyue , Xu Dongling , Li Liang , Yuan Boyu 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the anodic dissolution processes of alloy 690 in NaCl + Na2S2O3 solutions by using digital holography.

Design/methodology/approach
The digital holography technique was used to in situ observe the dynamic processes occurring at the electrode|electrolyte interface during the anodic dissolution of alloy 690 in NaCl + Na2S2O3 solutions, both in the presence and absence of a magnetic field (MF).

Findings
In 3.5% NaCl + 0.01 M Na2S2O3 solutions, MF inhibited intergranular corrosion (IGC) because it increased the defects in the oxide film and facilitated the uniform adsorption of low concentration of S on these defects due to its stirring effects, which resulted in a weakened adsorption of S at the grain boundaries. Conversely, in 3.5% NaCl + 0.1 M Na2S2O3 solutions, MF promoted IGC by increasing the number of defects in the oxide film, with lots of S species preferentially adsorbing at the grain boundaries. The resultant salt films formed more readily, inhibiting the formation of the oxide film at the grain boundaries.

Originality/value
Through the use of digital holography, it was possible to in situ observe the initiation of IGC at a single grain boundary and its progression to adjacent grain boundaries, regardless of the presence or absence of MF.
The nexus between corporate governance, political environments, and firm performance: a comparative study of Ghana and Kenya
Authors: Atugeba Isaac Luke Agonbire , Acquah-Sam Emmanuel 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
This study aims to examine the effect of political conditions on the relationship between corporate governance and firm performance in two sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, Ghana and Kenya.

Design/methodology/approach
This study used a panel data methodology, examining data from a sample of 72 companies (Ghana: 25 and Kenya: 47) from 2018 to 2022. This study used panel quantile regression and the Huber M-estimation robust least squares regression methods.

Findings
The research reported that larger boards, diversity and ownership concentration do not affect business performance while board independence improves corporate success in both countries. The findings about chief executive officer (CEO) duality were mixed. In Ghana, CEO duality has a positive effect on firm performance, but in Kenya, the study finds that CEO duality hurts firms’ performance. The results found that higher levels of institutional ownership decreased firm performance in both countries. The research found that Ghana’s political environment had a greater impact on corporate governance and business performance nexus than Kenya’s.

Research limitations/implications
The research is limited to Ghana and Kenya. This study emphasises the necessity for governments in both countries to maintain a stable political environment, implement policies that encourage economic and policy continuity and reduce political uncertainty to improve business conditions.

Practical implications
This study emphasises the necessity for governments in both countries to maintain a stable political environment, implement policies that encourage economic and policy continuity, and reduce political uncertainty to improve business conditions.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is unique because it is the first in SSA to address a research gap by investigating a comparative analysis of the relationship between corporate governance, political environments and firm performance in two distinct countries with different political situations.
Unpacking curvilinear relationship of COVID-19 fear on job satisfaction and mental well-being: moderation of on-the-job embeddedness
Authors: R.M. Harindranath , Alex Johan George , Chavali Kavita 
Published: November 2024

PurposeOur study aims to investigate how the fear of COVID-19 affects job satisfaction and mental well-being. Additionally, we will explore the moderating role of on-the-job embeddedness in these relationships.Design/methodology/approachThe study surveyed 358 Indian-origin IT professionals through Amazon Mechanical Turk. It used confirmatory factor analysis to analyze the measurement model and hierarchical linear regression in SPSS 21 software to examine the structural relationships between variables. A robustness check was conducted using the MODLR macro in SPSS to identify any spurious moderation.FindingsThe results reveal a curvilinear (or U-shaped) relationship between COVID-19 fear, job satisfaction and mental well-being. Further, on-the-job embeddedness linearly moderates the relationship between COVID-19 fear and job satisfaction and COVID-19 fear and mental well-being.Research limitations/implicationsThe research design is cross-sectional, so results reported about causal relationships are considered cautiously. The relationships involving the variables and their direction are because of the theory’s assumptions rather than the test of causal relationships between variables.Originality/valueThis is the first study to show that the relationship between COVID-19 fear and job satisfaction and COVID-19 fear and mental well-being is curvilinear (or U-shaped). Further, we are again the first to show that on-the-job embeddedness positively moderates the two relationships: COVID-19 fear – job satisfaction and COVID-19 fear – mental well-being. This is one of the few studies that employed MODLR macro to check for spurious moderation.
Exploring young customers’ purchasing intention for solar appliances in an emerging market: evidence from structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Vu Tuan Duong , Nguyen Thi My Nguyet , Vu Phuong Thao 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the impact of several constructs on young customers’ consumption of solar energy appliances in an emerging market by extending the theory of planned behavior (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach
This study collected primary data from 885 young customers in an emerging market, that is, Vietnam. Subsequently, this study used partial least squares structural equation modeling to investigate the relationships between examined variables.

Findings
The results indicated that personal innovativeness, environmental knowledge and renewable energy knowledge significantly improved attitudes toward solar energy appliances. In addition, purchasing intention is promoted by subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. Contradictorily, the perceived functional risk is a significant barrier to purchasing intention. It also negatively moderates two associations: attitude and purchasing intention, attitude and positive word-of-mouth. Despite being proven to influence word-of-mouth positively, attitude has no significant impact on purchasing intention.

Originality/value
These findings suggested several implications for enterprises, technology providers and policymakers to develop renewable energy appliance consumption.
LB-LIOSAM: an improved mapping and localization method with loop detection
Authors: Li Bowen , Huang Xiaoci , Cai Jiaming , Ma Fang 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
In large-scale environments, LIO-SAM (Tightly-coupled Lidar Inertial Odometry via Smoothing and Mapping) exhibits poor robustness due to the accumulation of errors caused by factors such as the prevalence of similar surroundings and the lack of features in certain open areas. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to optimize the loop detection module of LIO-SAM to reduce error accumulation and enhance mapping and localization performance.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on the LIO-SAM framework, the LinK3D (Linear Keypoints Representation for 3D LiDAR Point Cloud) feature extraction algorithm is integrated in the front end, while the BoW3D (Bag of Words for Real-Time Loop Closing in 3D LiDAR SLAM) loop detection algorithm is integrated in the back end. The features extracted by LinK3D serve as the range factors for the LiDAR, the BoW3D generates loop closure factors and these, along with inertial measurement unit (IMU) preintegration factors and global positioning system (GPS) factors, are added to the factor graph of LIO-SAM. This addition of constraints enhances the mapping and localization effects, optimizing the overall mapping and localization performance.

Findings
Based on the electrically controlled car, experiments were conducted in the experimental scenario proposed in this paper. Compared to LIO-SAM, the method presented in this paper significantly reduces cumulative errors. While ensuring real-time performance, it demonstrates superior mapping and localization effects.

Originality/value
This paper proposes and validates a method that integrates LinK3D, BoW3D and LIO-SAM, named LB-LIOSAM, which enhances the accuracy of feature extraction, optimizes the loop detection module of LIO-SAM and improves its mapping and localization performance in specific environmental scenarios.