bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organellular imagingin vivoreveals a depletion of endoplasmic reticular calcium during post-ictal cortical spreading depolarization
Authors: Stern Matthew A. , Cole Eric R. , Gutekunst Claire-Anne , Yang Jenny J. , Berglund Ken , Gross Robert E. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDuring cortical spreading depolarization (CSD), neurons exhibit a dramatic increase in cytosolic calcium, which may be integral to CSD-mediated seizure termination. This calcium increase greatly exceeds that during seizures, suggesting the calcium source may not be solely extracellular. Thus, we sought to determine if the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the largest intracellular calcium store, is involved. We developed a two-photon calcium imaging paradigm to simultaneously record the cytosol and ER during seizures in awake mice. Paired with direct current recording, we reveal that CSD can manifest as a slow post-ictal cytosolic calcium wave with a concomitant depletion of ER calcium that is spatiotemporally consistent with a calcium-induced calcium release. Importantly, we observed both naturally occurring and electrically induced CSD suppressed post-ictal epileptiform activity. Collectively, this work links ER dynamics to CSD, which serves as an innate process for seizure suppression and a potential mechanism underlying therapeutic electrical stimulation for epilepsy.
Direct and ultrasensitive bioluminescent detection of intact respiratory viruses
Authors: Gräwe Alexander , van der Veer Harm , Jongkees Seino A.K. , Flipse Jacky , Rossey Iebe , de Vries Robert P. , Saelens Xavier , Merkx Maarten 
Published: September 2024

AbstractRespiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) represent pressing health risks. Rapid diagnostic tests for these viruses detect single antigens or nucleic acids, which do not necessarily correlate with the amount of intact virus. Instead, specific detection of intact respiratory virus particles may better assess the contagiousness of a patient. Here, we report GLOVID, a modular biosensor platform to detect intact virions against a background of ‘free’ viral proteins in solution. Our approach harnesses the multivalent display of distinct proteins on the surface of a viral particle to template the reconstitution of a split luciferase, allowing specific, single-step detection of intact influenza A and RSV virions corresponding to 0.1 - 0.3 fM of genomic units. The protein ligation system used to assemble GLOVID sensors is compatible with a broad range of binding domains, including nanobodies, scFv fragments and cyclic peptides, which allows straightforward adjustment of the sensor platform to target different viruses.
Global diversity of soil-transmitted helminths reveals population-biased genetic variation that impacts diagnostic targets
Authors: Papaiakovou Marina , Waeschenbach Andrea , Ajibola Olumide , Ajjampur Sitara SR , Anderson Roy M , Bailey Robin , Benjamin-Chung Jade , Cambra-Pellejà Maria , Caro Nicolas R , Chaima David , Cimino Ruben O , Cools Piet , Cossa Anélsio , Dunn Julia , Galagan Sean , Gandasegui Javier , Grau-Pujol Berta , Houlder Emma L , Ibikounlé Moudachirou , Jenkins Timothy P , Kalua Khumbo , Kjetland Eyrun F , Krolewiecki Alejandro J , Levecke Bruno , Luty Adrian , MacDonald Andrew , Mandomando Inácio , Manuel Malathi , Martínez-Valladares Maria , Mejia Rojelio , Mekonnen Zeleke , Messa Augusto , Mpairwe Harriet , Muchisse Osvaldo , Muñoz Jose , Mwinzi Pauline , Novela Valdemiro , Odiere Maurice R , Sacoor Charfudin , Walson Judd L , Williams Steven A , Witek-McManus Stefan , Littlewood D. Timothy J. , Cantacessi Cinzia , Doyle Stephen R 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSoil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are intestinal pathogens affecting over a billion people worldwide. STH control relies on microsopy-based diagnostics to monitor parasite prevalence and enable post-treatment surveillance, however, molecular diagnostics are rapidly being developed due to increased sensitivity, particularly in low-STH-prevalence settings. The genetic diversity of helminths and its potential impact on molecular diagnostics remains unclear. Using low-coverage genome sequencing, we assessed the presence of STHs in worm, faecal and purified egg samples from 27 countries, identifying differences in the genetic connectivity and diversity of STH-positive samples across regions and cryptic diversity between closely related human- and pig-infective species. We defined substancial copy number and sequence variants in current diagnostic targets and validated the impact of genetic variants on qPCR diagnostics usingin vitroassays. Our study provides insights into the diversity and genomic epidemiology of STHs, highlighting challenges and opportunities for developing molecular diagnostics needed to support STH control efforts.
Protection against necrotizing enterocolitis by fecal filtrate transfer requires an active donor virome
Authors: Spiegelhauer Malene Roed , Offersen Simone Margaard , Mao Xiaotian , Gambino Michela , Nielsen Dennis Sandris , Nguyen Duc Ninh , Brunse Anders 
Published: September 2024

AbstractNecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains a frequent catastrophic disease in preterm infants, but fecal filtrate transfer (FFT) has been identified as a promising prophylactic therapy in preclinical studies. This study examined the importance of the FFT virome viability on gut colonization and NEC occurrence. We established an ultraviolet irradiation-based viral inactivation protocol and demonstrated total loss of infectivity of a viral mock community. Using this protocol, we inactivated an aliquot of sterile-filtered donor feces and compared the response in preterm piglets subjected to experimental NEC induction. Gut pathology and barrier properties were assessed, and bacterial and viral compositions were determined by 16S rRNA amplicon and viral metagenomics sequencing, respectively. Native FFT decreased NEC severity and proinflammatory cytokines, but inactivated FFT (iFFT) completely abolished these effects. Mild side effects in the form of diarrhea manifested earlier in recipients of native FFT than iFFT or controls. A distinct gut colonization pattern of increased viral heterogeneity increased bacterial homogeneity and reduction in pathobionts likeClostridium perfringensandEscherichiawas observed in the group receiving native FFT, but not in the iFFT group. The present study uncovered a clear distinction between active and inactivated transferred viromes in the ability to modulate gut colonization after preterm birth and decrease NEC. FFT efficacy is potentially driven by active bacteriophages targeting pathogenic bacteria.
Loss of Diurnal Oscillatory Rhythms in Gut Microbiota Correlates with Progression of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Zhang He , Zhang Xiaohan , Yun Zihan , Chen Yang , Cang Suhua , Shao Yating , Jia Erteng , Chen Renjin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCircadian rhythms in gut microbiota composition are crucial for metabolic function and disease progression, yet the diurnal oscillation patterns of gut microbiota in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and their role in disease progression remain unknown. Here, we investigate gut bacterial dynamics in ApoE-/-mice within a day, and elucidated the dynamic changes in fecal microbiota composition and function differences among C57BL/6 and ApoE-/-mice with standard chow diet or high-fat, high-cholesterol diet under ad libitum conditions. Compared with C57BL/6 mice, ApoE-/-mice exhibit significant differences in fecal microbial composition. Rhythmic analysis showed that the dynamic changes in the composition and function of fecal microbiota in ApoE-/-mice were significantly different from those in C57BL/6 mice. We further found that the rhythmic strains (Blautia Coccoides) inhibit the progression of ASCVD by improving the intestinal and endothelial barrier function. Our findings demonstrate that diurnal oscillations in gut microbiota are closely related to the progression of ASCVD, and provide a new insight for microbial-targeted therapies for ASCVD.
Brief Investigation: On the rate of aneuploidy reversion in a wild yeast model
Authors: Hose James , Zhang Qi , Sharp Nathaniel P. , Gasch Audrey P. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTAneuploidy, arising from gain or loss of chromosomes due to nondisjunction, is a special class of mutation. It can create significant phenotypic changes by altering abundance of hundreds of genes in a single event, providing material for adaptive evolution. But it can also incur large fitness costs relative to other types of mutations. Understanding mutational dynamics of aneuploidy is important for modeling its impact in nature, but aneuploidy rates are difficult to measure accurately. One challenge is that aneuploid karyotypes may revert back to euploidy, biasing forward mutation rate estimates – yet the rate of aneuploidy reversion is largely uncharacterized. Furthermore, current rate estimates are confounded because fitness differences between euploids and aneuploids are typically not accounted for in rate calculations. We developed a unique fluctuation assay in a wild-yeast model to measure the rate of extra-chromosome loss across three aneuploid chromosomes, while accounting for fitness differences between aneuploid and euploid cells. We show that incorporating fitness effects is essential to obtain accurate estimates of aneuploidy rates. Furthermore, the rate of extra-chromosome loss, separate from karyotype fitness differences, varies across chromosomes. We also measured rates in a strain lacking RNA-binding protein Ssd1, important for aneuploidy tolerance and implicated in chromosome segregation. We found no role for Ssd1 in the loss of native aneuploid chromosomes, although it did impact an engineered chromosome XV with a perturbed centromeric sequence. We discuss the impacts and challenges of modeling aneuploidy dynamics in real world situations.ARTICLE SUMMARYErrors in chromosome segregation can produce aneuploid cells with an abnormal number of chromosomes. Aneuploidy is not uncommon in wild populations of fungi and can underlie emergence of drug-resistant pathogens. But modeling the impact of aneuploidy on evolution has been challenging, because rates of aneuploidy emergence and reversion have been difficult to measure. This work used a novel fluctuation assay that incorporates euploid-aneuploid fitness differences to calculate rates of extra-chromosome loss in aneuploidSaccharomyces cerevisiae, across several chromosomes. The results present for the first time estimates of aneuploidy reversion (“back mutation”) rates and implications for previously measured rates of aneuploidy.
Somatosensory cortex and body representation: Updating the motor system during a visuo-proprioceptive cue conflict
Authors: Mirdamadi Jasmine L. , Babu Reshma , Wali Manasi , Seigel Courtney R. , Hsiao Anna , Lee-Miller Trevor , Block Hannah J. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTThe brain’s representation of hand position is critical for voluntary movement. Representation is multisensory, combining visual and proprioceptive cues. When these cues conflict, the brain recalibrates its unimodal estimates, shifting them closer together to compensate. Converging evidence from research in perception, behavior, and neurophysiology suggest that such updates to body representation are communicated to the motor system to keep hand movements accurate. We hypothesized that primary somatosensory cortex (SI) is crucial in this updating process due to its role in proprioception and connections with primary motor cortex. We tested this hypothesis in two experiments. We predicted that proprioceptive, but not visual, recalibration would be associated with change in short latency afferent inhibition (SAI), a measure of sensorimotor integration (influence of sensory input on motor output) (Expt. 1). We further predicted that modulating SI activity with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) should affect recalibration of the proprioceptive estimate of hand position, but have no effect on the visual estimate or on the normal inverse relationship between proprioceptive and visual recalibration (Expt. 2). Our results are consistent with these predictions, supporting the idea that (1) SI is indeed a key region in facilitating motor system updates based on changes in body representation, and (2) this function is mediated by unisensory (proprioceptive) processing, separate from multisensory visuo-proprioceptive computations. Other aspects of the body representation (visual and multisensory) may be conveyed to the motor system via separate pathways, e.g. from posterior parietal regions to motor cortex.Significance StatementRepresentation of the hand, which is critical for accurate control of movement, comes from weighting and combining available proprioceptive (position sense) and visual cues. Our results suggest that when the hand representation is modified by introducing a conflict between these cues, the motor system receives updates directly from the primary somatosensory cortex (SI). These updates are specific to the change in proprioceptive representation and are absent when cues are not in conflict. This may represent a unisensory pathway to the motor system that conveys information about hand representation, acting in parallel with multisensory pathways involving posterior parietal and premotor regions.
Cardiac responses to auditory irregularities reveal hierarchical information processing during sleep
Authors: Koroma Matthieu , Boulakis Paradeisios Alexandros , Raimondo Federico , Gialama Vaia , Blume Christine , Strauss Mélanie , Demertzi Athena 
Published: September 2024

AbstractOur ability to process environmental stimuli varies during sleep. Although much research focused on neural processing, emerging evidence shows that bodily signals may play a key role in understanding high-level sensory processing during sleep. Here, we tested how cardiac responses to the local-global paradigm, a typical oddball task probing the processing of simple (local) and complex (global) sensory irregularities. To do so, we analyzed electrocardiography (ECG) signals in a total of 56 participants from two existing datasets which contained cerebral responses to local auditory irregularities, but which did not analyze the ECG data before. We found that cardiac activity slowed down after global, but not local, auditory irregularities, revealing the presence of global deviance effect in Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. In contrast, cardiac activity was faster after local, but not global, deviants in Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep. Overall, our results demonstrate that cardiac responses to auditory irregularities inform about hierarchical information processing and its variations during sleep beyond cerebral activity. They highlight the embodiment of cognitive function and the value of cardiac signals to understand the variations of sensory processing during sleep.
Nonlinear Sigma model amplitudes to all loop orders are contained in the
Tr(Φ3)
theory
Authors: Arkani-Hamed Nima , Cao Qu , Dong Jin , Figueiredo Carolina , He Song 
Published: September 2024

Scattering amplitudes for the simplest theory of colored scalar particles—the Tr(Φ3) theory—have recently been the subject of active investigations. In this work we describe an unanticipated wider implication of this work: the Tr(Φ3) theory secretly contains nonlinear sigma model (NLSM) amplitudes to all loop orders. The NLSM amplitudes are obtained from Tr(Φ3) amplitudes by a unique shift of kinematic variables. We show that this shifted kinematics produces amplitudes for a cubic theory with a linear term in the potential, with extrema spontaneously breaking U(N)→U(N−k)×U(k). The Goldstone amplitudes for this theory coincide with those of pions in the U(N)×U(N)→U(N) chiral Lagrangian to all orders in the planar limit. We also give a purely on-shell understanding of this correspondence, showing that integrands defined by the kinematic shifts have the correct residues on poles and appropriately produce the Adler zero. Finally, we discuss how similar kinematic shifts produce certain infinite classes of mixed amplitudes of pions and Tr(Φ3) scalars, most of which are not interpretable from the Lagrangian description.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Inflation-threshold effect on current account imbalance in Tunisia: new evidence from a nonlinear approach
Authors: Bousnina Rihab , Gabsi Foued Badr 
Published: September 2024

PurposeIn this article, we assess the impact of inflation on the current account balance in the case of Tunisia, covering the period 1976–2022.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilizes a threshold regression approach proposed by Hansen (2001) in a bid to identify inflation threshold values.FindingsThe results show two inflation threshold values (3.87% and 8.41%), which determine three inflation regimes in the case of Tunisia. In lower inflation regimes, inflation has a positive and statistically significant impact on the current account balance. However, in higher inflation regimes, where inflation rates exceed 3.87%, there is a negative and statistically significant correlation with the current account balance, resulting in a deficit.Originality/valueThe research suggests the need for a new policy approach that considers these threshold levels to address high inflation rates, which currently stand at approximately 11%, and aims to restore them to the targeted rate of 4%. This necessitates coordinated monetary and fiscal measures.
An integrated machine learning approach for evaluating critical success factors influencing project portfolio management adoption in the construction industry
Authors: Elnabwy Mohamed T. , Khalaf Diaa , Mlybari Ehab A. , Elbeltagi Emad 
Published: September 2024

PurposeIn today’s intricate and dynamic construction sector, traditional project management techniques, which view projects in isolation, are no longer sufficient. Project Portfolio Management (PPM) has proven to be an efficient alternative solution for handling multiple construction projects. As such, based on a Machine Learning (ML) approach, this study aims to explore the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) influencing the adoption of PPM, aiming to enhance PPM implementation in construction projects.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire based on CSFs gathered from prior studies was developed and validated by experts. Afterward, exploratory data analysis is conducted to understand CSF–PPM relationships. Preprocessing techniques ensure uniformity in variable magnitudes. Lastly, ML techniques, namely Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Logistic Regression (LR) and Extra Trees Classifier (ETC) are developed to model and investigate CSFs' impact on PPM adoption.FindingsThe findings pointed out that the ETC model marginally outperforms other ML models with a classification accuracy of 93%. Also, the project size, utilized PPM tool and resource allocation-related factors are the most significant CSFs that influenced the PPM performance by about 48.5%.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by raising awareness among construction companies and other project stakeholders about the pivotal CSFs that must be considered when prioritizing projects and designing an optimal PPM approach.
Analyzing barriers to design thinking adoption within organizations: a DEMATEL approach
Authors: Kabra Gaurav , Mukerjee Hory Sankar 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThe adoption of the design thinking approach (DTA) within organizations is crucial for generating creative and innovative solutions to complex business and societal problems. However, the integration of DTA into organizational practices is progressing slowly and needs immediate attention. Numerous interrelated and interdependent barriers hinder the integration of DTA into organizational practices. This study aims to identify and categorize barriers to DTA adoption within organizations into cause and effect (C–E) groups.Design/methodology/approachBarriers to the implementation of DTA were identified through a comprehensive literature review and semi-structured interviews with eight professionals to gather insights into real world barriers. The study follows the resource-based view (RBV) theory to identify the barriers. Following this, the decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method was applied to categorize the barriers into C–E groups.FindingsThe study identifies 18 barriers to DTA adoption within organizations in the Indian context. The results revealed that the most prominent barrier to the DTA implementation within organizations is the misfit with existing processes and structures, followed by weak organizational culture and difficulties in implementing the idea. Our findings suggest that managers should champion the adoption process. This will help in motivating employees and fostering a culture of design thinking in the organization. Organizations need an open mindset and should give employees more opportunities to experiment. There is an immediate need for measures that enable better collaboration between business organizations and educational institutions, including universities, to promote DTA.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study will help the organizations and decision-makers in expediting the adoption of DTA within their organizations. The results categorize the barriers into C–E groups, allowing organizations to take appropriate measures to address the cause group barriers and minimize the impact of the effect group barriers.Originality/valueThis study is the first of its kind to utilize the RBV theory in identifying and classifying barriers to DTA adoption within Indian organizations. However, the findings are also applicable to other countries with similar business environments.
In-service teachers’ gameful practices
Authors: Bacsa-Károlyi Borbála , Fehérvári Anikó 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis study aims to validate a typology of factors previously established by the authors that influence teachers' gameful practices and to investigate these factors further qualitatively.Design/methodology/approachA focus group interview was conducted with four experienced teachers to gather their views on gameful education. The interview also included a metaphor analysis focusing on their beliefs about the compatibility of school learning and gamefulness. The data were coded using a deductive approach, and qualitative thematic analysis was employed.FindingsIndividual factors are more positive influences on gameful practices than institutional or system-level factors. Teachers stated that digital equipment is not essential for gameful practices, but governmental support in reshaping exam-centric education systems might be a key step in promoting their adoption.Practical implicationsIn the 21st century, students' learning needs differ from past generations, creating challenging situations for teachers in exam-centric cultures. Gameful education could help teachers by introducing an engaging and motivating learning environment for students. This paper aims to help teachers implement and decision-makers support innovative practices that target lifelong learning.Originality/valueThe empirical findings validated the previously established typology of factors. This research presents best practices for teachers in implementing gameful methods and highlights hindering factors for school leaders and decision-makers aiming to support gameful practices.