bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temperature affects conspecific and heterospecific mating rates inDrosophila
Authors: Rader Jonathan A. , Matute Daniel R. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBehavioral mating choices and mating success are important factors in the development of reproductive isolation during speciation. Environmental conditions, especially temperature, can affect these key traits. Environmental conditions can vary across, and frequently delimit species’ geographic ranges. Pairing suboptimal conditions with relative rarity of conspecifics at range margins may set the stage for hybridization. Despite the importance of mating behaviors as a reproductive barrier, a general understanding of the interaction between behavioral choices and the environment is lacking, in part because systematic studies are rare. With this report, we begin to bridge that gap by providing evidence that temperature has a significant - but not consistent influence on mating choices and success, and thus on reproductive isolation inDrosophila. We studied mating propensity and success at four different temperatures among 14Drosophilaspecies in non-choice conspecific mating trials and in heterospecific trials among twoDrosophilaspecies triads that are known to regularly hybridize in the wild. We show that mating frequency varies significantly across a 10°C range (from 18ºC to 28ºC), both in 1:1 mating trials and in high-densityen-massetrials, but that the effect of temperature is highly species-specific. We also show that mating frequency is consistently low and that temperature has a moderate effect in some heterospecific crosses. As conspecific mating propensity decreases outside of the optimal thermal range, while heterospecific matings remain constant, the proportion of heterospecific matings at suboptimal temperatures is relatively high. This result indicates that temperature can modulate behavioral choices that impose reproductive barriers and influence the rate of hybridization. More broadly, our results demonstrate that to truly understand how mating choice and reproductive isolation occur in nature, they need to be studied in an environmental context.
The claustrum is critical for maintaining working memory information
Authors: Bhattacharjee Anindya S. , Huber Chieko , Unsal Burak , Renfer Jean-Rodolphe , Rodriguez Ivan , Carleton Alan 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTWorking memory (WM) enables the mammalian brain to temporarily store and manipulate information, supporting cognitive tasks and communication processes1,2. Rather than depending on a single specialized area, WM is thought to operate through a distributed network spanning cortical and subcortical regions3–5. A dedicated WM storage area would likely require broad reciprocal connections with various cortical regions to accommodate the diverse range of information WM retains. The claustrum (CLA), with its extensive bidirectional connections to the neocortex6–9, presents a compelling candidate for such a role. Here, we examined the involvement of the CLA in WM processes by recording CLA neuronal activity in mice engaged in olfactory and tactospatial delayed non-match-to-sample WM tasks. We identified cue- selective and delay-specific neurons in the CLA that maintained activity for tens of seconds after the stimulus presentation ended. Additionally, population activity in the CLA allowed for decoding of cue identity post-stimulus, although this signal gradually declined over time, aligning with animal behavior. Remarkably, both chemo- and optogenetic inhibition of CLA neurons severely impaired WM performance across multiple types of stored information, highlighting the CLA’s critical role during both cue encoding, delay periods, and target comparison phases. These findings challenge the view that no single brain area is essential for WM storage and support a role for the CLA as an essential WM storage hub.
Microsaccades strongly modulate but do not cause the N2pc EEG marker of spatial attention
Authors: Liu Baiwei , Kong Siyang , van Ede Freek 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe N2pc is a popular human-neuroscience marker of covert and internal spatial attention that occurs 200-300 ms after being prompted to shift attention – a time window also characterised by the spatial biasing of microsaccades. Here we show how co-occurring microsaccades profoundly modulate N2pc amplitude during the top-down deployment of spatial attention in both perception and working memory. At the same time, we show that a significant – even if severely weakened – N2pc can still be established in the absence of co-occurring microsaccades. Thus, while microsaccade presence and direction strongly modulate N2pc amplitude, microsaccades are not strictly a prerequisite for the N2pc to be observed.
Epigenetic constraint of cellular genomes evolutionarily links genetic variation to function
Authors: Sinniah Enakshi , Mizikovsky Dalia , Shim Woo Jun , Chow Chris Siu Yeung , Souilmi Yassine , Cheng Fei-Fei , Zeng Zhili , Laurie Jordan , Foster Matthew , Shah Sonia , Bodén Mikael , Zeng Jian , Llamas Bastien , Palpant Nathan J. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCellular diversity is a product of evolution acting to drive divergent regulatory programs from a common genome. Here, we use cross-cell-type epigenetic conservation to gain insight into the impact of selective constraints on genome function and phenotypic variation. By comparing chromatin accessibility across hundreds of diverse cell-types, we identify 1.4% of the human genome safeguarded by conserved domains of facultative heterochromatin, which we term regions under “cellular constraint”. We calculate single-base resolution cellular constraint scores and demonstrate robust prediction of functionally important coding and non-coding loci in a cell-type-, trait-, and disease-agnostic manner. Cellular constraint annotation enhances causal variant identification, drug discovery, and clinical diagnostic predictions. Furthermore, cell-constrained sequences share paradoxical evolutionary signals of positive and negative selection, suggesting a dynamic role in driving human adaptation. Overall, this study demonstrates that evolutionary chromatin dynamics can be leveraged to inform the translation of genetic discoveries into effective biological, therapeutic, and clinical outcomes.
Structure of a Putative Terminal Amidation Domain in Natural Product Biosynthesis
Authors: Rankin Michael R. , Khare Dheeraj , Gerwick Lena , Sherman David H. , Gerwick William H. , Smith Janet L. 
Published: October 2024

SUMMARYBacteria are rich sources of pharmaceutically valuable natural products, many crafted by modular polyketide synthases (PKS) and non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS). PKS and NRPS systems typically contain a thioesterase (TE) to offload a linear or cyclized product from a carrier protein, but alternative chemistry is needed for products with a terminal amide. Several pathways with amidated products also possess an uncharacterized 400-amino acid terminal domain. We present the characterization and structure of this putative terminal amidation domain (TAD). TAD binds NAD with the nicotinamide near an invariant cysteine that is also accessible to an intermediate on a carrier protein, indicating a catalytic role. The TAD structure resembles cyanobacterial acyl-ACP reductase (AAR), which binds NADPH near an analogous catalytic cysteine. Bioinformatic analysis reveals that TADs are broadly distributed across bacterial phyla and often occur at the end of terminal NRPS modules, suggesting many amidated products may yet be discovered.
Levetiracetam prevents Aβ42 production through SV2a-dependent modulation of App processing in Alzheimer’s disease models
Authors: Rao Nalini R. , DeGulis Olivia , Nomura Toshihiro , Lee SeungEun , Hark Timothy J. , Dynes Justin C. , Dexter Emily X. , Dulewicz Maciej , Ge Junyue , Upadhyay Arun , Fornasiero Eugenio F. , Vassar Robert , Hanrieder Jörg , Contractor Anis , Savas Jeffrey N. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides are produced by proteolytic cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), which can occur during synaptic vesicle (SV) cycling at presynapses. Precisely how amyloidogenic APP processing may impair presynaptic proteostasis and how to therapeutically target this process remains poorly understood. UsingAppknock-in mouse models of early Aβ pathology, we found proteins with hampered degradation accumulate at presynaptic sites. At this mild pathological stage, amyloidogenic processing leads to accumulation of Aβ42inside SVs. To explore if targeting SVs modulates Aβ accumulation, we investigated levetiracetam (Lev), a SV-binding small molecule drug that has shown promise in mitigating AD-related pathologies despite its mechanism of action being unclear. We discovered Lev reduces Aβ42levels by decreasing amyloidogenic processing of APP in a SV2a-dependent manner. Lev corrects SV protein levels and cycling, which results in increased surface localization of APP, where it favors processing via the non-amyloidogenic pathway. Using metabolic stable isotopes and mass spectrometry we confirmed that Lev prevents the production of Aβ42in vivo. In transgenic mice with aggressive pathology, electrophysiological and immunofluorescent microscopy analyses revealed that Lev treatment reduces SV cycling and minimizes synapse loss. Finally, we found that human Down syndrome brains with early Aβ pathology, have elevated levels of presynaptic proteins, confirming a comparable presynaptic deficit in human brains. Taken together, we report a mechanism that highlights the therapeutic potential of Lev to modify the early stages of AD and represent a promising strategy to prevent Aβ42pathology before irreversible damage occurs.One Sentence SummaryWe discovered that the SV-binding drug levetiracetam prevents Aβ42production by modulating SV cycling which alters APP localization and thus proteolytic processing, highlighting its therapeutic potential for AD.
Lepton-flavor-violating ALP signals with TeV-scale muon beams
Authors: Batell Brian , Davoudiasl Hooman , Marcarelli Roman , Neil Ethan T. , Trojanowski Sebastian 
Published: October 2024

We explore the feasibility of using TeV-energy muons to probe lepton-flavor-violating (LFV) processes mediated by an axionlike particle (ALP) a with mass O(10  GeV). We focus on μτ LFV interactions and assume that the ALP is coupled to a dark state χ, which can be either less or more massive than a. Such a setup is demonstrated to be consistent with χ being a candidate for dark matter, in the experimentally relevant regime of parameters. We consider the currently operating NA64-μ experiment and proposed FASERν2 detector as both the target and the detector for the process μA→τAa, where A is the target nucleus. We also show that a possible future active muon fixed-target experiment operating at a 3 TeV muon collider or in its preparatory phase can provide an impressive reach for the LFV process considered, with future FASERν2 data providing a pilot study towards that goal. The implications of the muon anomalous magnetic moment (g−2)μ measurements for the underlying model, in case of a positive signal, are also examined, and a sample UV completion is outlined.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Integrating sustainable development goals into architectural design education: a case study in second-year design studio
Authors: Akgün Yenal , Doğrusoy İlknur Türkseven , Özsöyler Damla 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThe main objective of this paper is to investigate how Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be integrated into architectural design education through a second-year architectural design studio experience, exploring ways to create awareness among students regarding SDGs.Design/methodology/approachTo arrive at this aim, a case study has been conducted. In this study, the entire curriculum of the second-year design studio has been specifically tailored to correspond with the SDGs and their three dimensions. This alignment covers all stages of the studio, from concept development to material selection, ensuring a direct association with different SDGs. At the end of the semester, all qualitative and quantitative data obtained from the final project submission of the students and the results of a comprehensive questionnaire that has been applied to students aiming at assessing their awareness of the SDGs were evaluated simultaneously.FindingsThe design studio process during the semester, the data obtained from the final submissions of the students, and the student survey have proved that the integration of SDGs and related targets widens the vision of students and creates awareness not only of environmental issues but also of social and economic sustainability.Originality/valueAlthough there are many studies in literature searching for opportunities to integrate SDGs into the architecture curriculum, there are only a few studies directly using SDGs as the main concept generator of the design studio course. This paper contributes to this missing point in the literature.
The impact of digital technology training on developing academics’ digital competence in higher education context
Authors: Ng Peggy M.L. , Chow Po Kin , Wong Phoebe , Luk Wai Ming Bernard 
Published: October 2024

PurposeA new normal regarding teaching and learning has been established after COVID-19. The present study aims to examine the effectiveness of digital technology training on developing academics’ digital competence in higher education context. A conceptual model was developed using stimulus–organism–response (SOR) theory. Additionally, this study investigates the mediating effect of transfer of learning and the moderating effect of innovative climate in the relation between trainer capability and academics’ digital competence.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 24 digital technology training sessions were organized. Data were collected from the 24 digital technology training sessions with 384 participants and analyzed using SPSS PROCESS macro.FindingsThe results indicated that digital technology training content and trainer capability were positively associated with academics’ digital competence. Mediation analysis indicated that transfer of learning mediated the relation between trainer capability and digital competence. Moderated mediated analysis revealed that the relationship between trainer capability and transfer of learning is stronger under a higher innovative climate.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by applying the SOR theory in the context of digital technology training, providing a novel theoretical perspective on how digital training influences academics’ digital competencies. The study offers empirical evidence on the underlying process regarding the effect of digital technology training on academics’ digital competence. The findings revealed that transfer of learning as well as innovative climate play important intervening roles in enhancing academics’ digital competence. Higher education institutions can implement policies to promote the transfer of learning and innovative climate, allowing academics to learn innovative digital technology.
The role of public health expenditure in reducing infant mortality rate in India: insights from cointegration analysis
Authors: Pandey Ashutosh 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate (1) whether the public health expenditure rises as the gross state domestic product (GSDP) increases and (2) whether the infant mortality rate (IMR) reduces as public health expenditure increases.Design/methodology/approachFor this investigation, the author collected a time series of data on public health spending and IMRs for an Indian state and applied regression, stationarity, cointegration and causality tests. The author also compared the relative performance of selected Indian states.FindingsThe author found that none of the Indian states did equally well in reducing the infant mortality rate (IMR). As GSDP rises, the public expenditure on health rises, however, this increase in public health expenditures does not cause a reduction in the IMR. The cointegration and causality test results validated it.Practical implicationsThe author recommends that policymakers must shift their focus from merely increasing government health expenditure to efficiently utilising allocated funds and removing the administrative bottlenecks. Also, an equitable health financing system that addresses existing disparities in the healthcare delivery system should be ensured.Originality/valueResearchers and policymakers have debated the role of public health spending in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 targets. The paper proves that there exists no long-term relationship between public health spending and IMR.
Compliance with anti-money laundering laws and their impact on banking operations in Pakistan: banking expert’s opinion
Authors: Hassan Syed Saqlain Ul , Sajid Saima 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
Despite sound anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and membership in the financial action task force, money laundering remains a severe concern faced by Pakistan because of its weak AML regime. This led to an investigation of the perceptions of banking expert’s regarding the AML law’s costs and complexity, mapping of compliance cost and measures taken by Pakistani banks in compliance with AML laws.

Design/methodology/approach
A socio-legal study approach was adopted based on library-based, and interviews using social media platforms to treasure the experts’ opinions regarding the impact of AML laws on baking operations in Pakistan. A semistructured interview-based questionnaire was handed out to Pakistani banking officers.

Findings
The findings revealed that, for banks to meet the AML obligation, they must overcome challenges including cost and complexity. Nevertheless, these costs are less expensive than the penalties assessed for noncompliance.

Practical implications
Following AML regulations can help the banking industry grow, which, in turn, attracts more foreign investment by boosting consumer confidence. However, it is difficult and expensive to comply with these requirements. The current research hopes that the financial regulatory authorities of Pakistan will adopt more effective measures for efficient compliance with AML laws.

Originality/value
The impact of compliance with AML laws on banking operations in Pakistan was examined in this study for the first time using banking officers’ opinions from various banks best of author’s knowledge.
Generative artificial intelligence: a proactive and creative tool to achieve hyper-segmentation and hyper-personalization in the tourism industry
Authors: Florido-Benítez Lázaro 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore how GenAI can help companies achieve a higher level of hyper-segmentation and hyper-personalization in the tourism industry, as well as show the importance of this disruptive tool for tourism marketing.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper used the Web of Science and Google Scholar databases to provide updated studies and expert authors to explore GenAI in the tourism industry. Analysing hyper-segmentation and hyper-personalization modalities through GenAI and their new challenges for tourists, tourism cities and companies.

Findings
Findings reveal that GenAI technology exponentially improves consumers’ segmentation and personalization of products and services, allowing tourism cities and organizations to create tailored content in real-time. That is why the concept of hyper-segmentation is substantially focused on the customer (understood as a segment of one) and his or her preferences, needs, personal motivations and purchase antecedents, and it encourages companies to design tailored products and services with a high level of individual scalability and performance called hyper-personalization, never before seen in the tourism industry. Indeed, contextualizing the experience through GenAI is an important way to enhance personalization.

Originality/value
This paper also contributes to enhancing and bootstrapping the literature on GenAI in the tourism industry because it is a new field of study, and its functional operability is in an incubation stage. Moreover, this viewpoint can facilitate researchers and companies to successfully integrate GenAI into different tourism and travel activities without expecting utopian results. Recently, there have been no studies that tackle hyper-segmentation and hyper-personalization methodologies through GenAI in the tourism industry.
Fighting for Ben, a family’s story
Authors: Austin-Garrod Emma 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to study themes of abuse and mistreatment of people with a learning disability. Personal stories of lived experience such as this are important pieces of learning and information for practitioners. This case study is intended to add to the limited available knowledge base of lived experience, offering insight into safeguarding in practice.

Design/methodology/approach
This is a single case study highlighting lived experiences written by and from the perspective of a sibling of a person with a learning disability who has experienced abuse in the social-care system.

Findings
Structural ongoing abuse occurs and has occurred in the social care system. How we respond to this as a system and societally is a multi-layered challenge that underpins the ability to ensure the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable peers.

Originality/value
Case studies such as this are limited, with underpinning themes that are all too common. The case study adds to literature that gives insight and perspective into experiences of systems, and of systemic failures to act.
Students’ perceptions of teachers and teaching as determinants of primary school completion in Ethiopia
Authors: Weldesilassie Alebel Bayrau , Sabates Ricardo , Woldehanna Tassew , Oketch Moses 
Published: October 2024

Purpose This study analysed students’ perceptions of teachers’ behaviours, teachers’ management practices and the use of inputs by teachers and whether these are associated with primary school progression and completion.Design/methodology/approach School-level fixed effect analysis is conducted using cross-sectional data collected from 4,000 randomly selected primary school-aged students and their schools.Findings Our findings reveal that students’ perceptions of teachers’ behaviours are associated with the probability of grade progression during primary school, and whether students complete primary school. Particularly important are positive behaviours, like students perceiving their teachers to be engaged and being praised by their teachers while in primary schools. It increased the likelihood of school progression by at least 15%. The use of inputs such as worksheets/written handouts and reading stories/books in the language of instruction were also found to have a statistically significant positive effect on students’ primary school performance. These are important results which hold after accounting for school management, household and child-level factors and regional differences.Originality/value Our findings provide a deeper understanding of the teaching practices which pupils perceive as beneficial to retention. While we are unable to conclude that learning is taking place, our contention is that greater time in school could increase the opportunity to learn. In this respect, beyond its policy relevance in improving educational outcomes, the paper contributes to the limited literature on the student–teacher classroom relationships particularly when looking from the perspective of students’ perception of their teachers’ teaching behaviours in developing countries.