bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disruption of the Social Visual Pathway in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Li Chenhao , Park Haesoo , Awasthi Jitendra , Rolison Max , Li Mingfei , Scheinost Dustin , Chawarska Katarzyna , Hampson Michelle 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe social visual pathway, which diverges from the dorsal pathway at the visual motion area (MT/V5) and runs from posterior down to anterior portions of the superior temporal sulcus (STS), specializes in processing dynamic social information. This study examined resting-state functional connectivity within this pathway in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing (TD) children. Using data from the ABIDE (Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange) repository, we found significant underconnectivity between the posterior and middle STS (pSTS-mSTS) in the right hemisphere in children with ASD compared to TD children. Weaker connectivity in this region of the pathway correlated with more severe social impairment symptoms in ASD and reduced social function across both ASD and TD groups. These findings suggest a specific disruption in the right hemisphere social visual pathway in ASD, potentially contributing to social deficits observed in the disorder.
Dominant harmonic pattern as an ictal marker of the epileptogenic zone in focal neocortical epilepsy
Authors: Ye Lingqi , Hu Lingli , Ye Hongyi , Chen Yihe , Zhu Junming , Zheng Zhe , Jiang Hongjie , Yang Dongping , Chen Cong , Wang Shan , Wang Zhongjin , Ming Wenjie , Wang Yi , Xu Cenglin , Wang Jin , Ding Meiping , Wang Shuang 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe ictalHarmonicpattern (Hpattern), produced by the non-linear characteristics of EEG waveforms, may hold significant potential for localizing the epileptogenic zone (EZ) in focal epilepsy. However, further validation is needed to establish theHpattern’s effectiveness as a biomarker for measuring the EZ.MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 131 patients diagnosed with drug-resistant focal epilepsy, all of whom had complete stereo-electroencephalographic (SEEG) data. From this cohort, we selected 85 patients for outcome analysis. We analyzed the morphological and time-frequency (TF) features of theHpattern using TF plots. A third quartile (Q3) threshold was applied to classify channels expressing either dominant (ChanneldHpattern) or non-dominantHpatterns (Channelnon-dHpattern). We then examined associations between the morphological features of theHpattern and patients’ clinical characteristics, as well as the correlations between the extent of channel removal and seizure outcomes.ResultsWe found no significant correlations between the morphological features of the ictalHpattern and clinical factors, including lesional MRI findings, epileptic onset patterns, epilepsy type, pathology, or surgical outcomes. The non-localizableHpattern appeared exclusively in patients with non-focal onset patterns. Notably, the proportion ofChanneldHpatternwas higher in the seizure-onset zone (SOZ) compared to the early propagation zone. The seizure-free group demonstrated significantly higher removal proportions ofChanneldHpattern, both within and outside the SOZ (p= 0.014;p= 0.036), with AUCs of 0.606 and 0.660, respectively, in a seizure freedom prediction model. Survival analysis confirmed that complete removal of these regions correlated with long-term seizure freedom (p= 0.008;p= 0.028). Further subgroup analysis showed a significant correlation in neocortical epilepsy (p= 0.0004;p= 0.011), but not in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Additionally, multivariate analysis identified the complete removal ofChanneldHpatternas the only independent predictor for seizure freedom (p= 0.022; OR 6.035, 95% CI 1.291-28.211).ConclusionsOur study supports the notion that the dominance of the ictalHpattern, regardless of its morphology, serves as a novel biomarker for the EZ in focal epilepsy. The non-linearity in EEG waveforms provides new insights into understanding ictal spreading propagation and offers potential improvements for surgical planning in neocortical epilepsy.
Fundamental trade-offs in the robustness of biological systems with feedback regulation
Authors: Tran Nguyen Hoai Nam , Nguyen An , Rahman Tasfia Wasima , Baetica Ania-Ariadna 
Published: September 2024

AbstractNatural biological systems use a complex network of feedback regulation to effectively respond to their changing environment. Even though in engineered systems we understand how accurate feedback can be depending on the electronic or mechanical parts that it is implemented with, we largely lack a similar theoretical framework to study biological feedback. Specifically, it is not fully understood or quantified how accurate or robust the implementation of biological feedback actually is. In this paper, we study the sensitivity of biological feedback to variations in biochemical parameters using five example circuits: positive autoregulation, negative autoregulation, double-positive feedback, positive-negative feedback and double-negative feedback (the toggle switch). We find that of these examples of biological feedback are subjected to fundamental trade-offs, and we propose multi-objective optimisation as a framework to study them. The impact of this work is to improve robust circuit design for synthetic biology and to improve our understanding of systems biology.
Split RNA switch: Programmable and precise control of gene expression by ensemble of pre- and post-translational regulation
Authors: Abe Itsuki , Ohno Hirohisa , Mochizuki Megumi , Hayashi Karin , Saito Hirohide 
Published: September 2024

AbstractRegulating gene expression in response to biomolecules is a powerful strategy for monitoring intracellular environments and controlling cellular programs. RNA switch is a synthetic mRNA-based technology that controls gene expression at the translational level in response to cellular RNA and protein molecules, thus enabling cell type-specific gene regulation and showing promise for gene therapy, regenerative medicine, and cell therapy. However, single RNA switches often lack the specificity required for practical applications due to low ON/OFF ratios and difficulty in finding distinct and single biomolecule targets. To address these issues, we developed “split RNA switches” that integrate outputs from multiple RNA switches by exploiting protein splicing, a post-translational modification mechanism. We demonstrated that split RNA switches significantly improve the ON/OFF ratio of microRNA (miRNA)-responsive ON switch systems by canceling undesirable leaky OFF level. We achieved efficient and robust target cell purification based on endogenous miRNA profiles, which was impossible with an ON switch alone. Additionally, we constructed multi-output and multi-input RNA-based synthetic circuits using split RNA switches to enable the detection of multiple miRNAs for precise gene control with logical operations. Split RNA switches illustrate a novel application of protein splicing and demonstrate the potential of post-translational processing as a comprehensive solution for advancing translational control technologies toward widespread mRNA therapies.
Identification of a novel mycovirus belonging to the “flexivirus”-related family with icosahedral virion
Authors: Wu Chien-Fu , Okada Ryo , Neri Uri , Chang Yi-Cheng , Takashi Ogawara , Kitaura Kentaro , Komatsu Ken , Moriyama Hiromitsu 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe orderTymoviralescurrently comprises five viral families with positive-sense RNA ((+)RNA) genomes that infect plants, fungi, and insects. Virion morphologies within the orderTymoviralesdiffer between families, with icosahedral virions in theTymoviridaeand filamentous virions in the other “flexi”viridaefamilies. Despite their different morphologies, these viruses are placed in the same order based on phylogenetic analyses of replicase-associated polyproteins. However, one of the families in theTymovirales, Deltaflexiviridae, is considered to be capsidless because there have been no published reports of virion isolation. Here we report that a new “flexivirus”-related (+)RNA virus, prospectively namedFusariumoxysporum icosahedralvirus1(FoIV1), is icosahedral, and that most deltaflexiviruses may have icosahedral virions. Phylogenetic analyses based on replicase-associated polyproteins indicated that FoIV1 forms a distinct group in theTymoviraleswith some viruses originally assigned to theDeltaflexiviridae. Electron microscopy, protein analysis, and protein structure predictions indicate that FoIV1 ORF4 encodes a single jelly-roll (SJR)-like coat protein (CP) that constitutes the icosahedral virions. Results of clustering analyses based on amino acid sequences and predicted CP structures suggested that most of the deltaflexiviruses have icosahedral virions composed of SJR-like CPs as in FoIV1, rather than having filamentous virions or capsidless. These results challenge the conventional understanding of viruses in the orderTymovirales, with important implications for revising its taxonomic framework and providing insights into the evolutionary relationships within this diverse and broad host range group of (+)RNA viruses.
Real-time imaging reveals a role for macrophage protrusive motility in melanoma invasion
Authors: Ramakrishnan Gayathri , Miskolci Veronika , Hunter Miranda , Giese Morgan A. , Münch Daniela , Hou Yiran , Eliceiri Kevin W , Lasarev Michael R. , White Richard M. , Huttenlocher Anna 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMacrophages are primary cells of the innate immune system that mediate tumor progression. However, the motile behavior of macrophages and interactions with tumor cells are not well understood. Here, we exploit the optical transparency of larval zebrafish and perform real time imaging of macrophage-melanoma interactions. We found that macrophages are highly motile in the tumor microenvironment. Macrophages extend dynamic projections between tumor cells that precedes invasive melanoma migration. Modulating macrophage motility with a dominant inhibitory mutation in Rac2 inhibits recruitment to the tumor and impairs tumor invasion. However, a hyperactivating mutation in Rac2 does not affect macrophage recruitment but limits macrophage projections into the melanoma mass and reduces invasive melanoma cell migration. Taken together, these findings reveal a role for Rac2-mediated macrophage protrusive motility in melanoma invasion.
Spatial transcriptomics reveals modulation of transcriptional networks across brain regions after auditory threat conditioning
Authors: Otten Joy , Dan Shu , Rostin Luise , Profetto Alex E. , Lardenoije Roy , Klengel Torsten 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPrior research has demonstrated genome-wide transcriptional changes related to fear and anxiety across species, often focusing on individual brain regions or cell types. However, the extent of gene expression differences across brain regions and how these changes interact at the level of transcriptional connectivity remains unclear. To address this, we performed spatial transcriptomics RNAseq analyses in an auditory threat conditioning paradigm in mice. We generated a spatial transcriptomic atlas of a coronal mouse brain section covering cortical and subcortical regions, corresponding to histologically defined regions. Our finding revealed widespread transcriptional responses across all brain regions examined, particularly in the medial and lateral habenula, and the choroid plexus. Network analyses highlighted altered transcriptional connectivity between cortical and subcortical regions, emphasizing the role of steroidogenic factor 1. These results provide new insights into the transcriptional networks involved in auditory threat conditioning, enhancing our understanding of molecular and neural mechanisms underlying fear and anxiety disorders.
Anterior hypothalamic nucleus drives distinct defensive responses through cell-type-specific activity
Authors: Hong Cindy Yookyung , Din Jessica Sofia , Chang Hannah , Bang Jee Yoon , Kim Jun Chul 
Published: September 2024

SUMMARYInnate defensive behaviors, such as freezing, fleeing, and fighting, are essential for survival, enabling animals to effectively respond to predatory threats. These behaviors involve a complex interplay of sensory processing, decision-making, and motor output. As a core component of the medial hypothalamic defense system, the anterior hypothalamic nucleus (AHN) is a key brain region implicated in orchestrating innate defensive responses. Although the AHN is predominantly GABAergic, it also contains a smaller population of excitatory neurons, reflecting a sophisticated balance between inhibitory and excitatory signaling within this region. However, despite its importance, the specific behavioral functions of these diverse neuronal populations have not been systemically examined. In this study, we utilized fiber photometry and optogenetic stimulation to investigate the roles of AHN GABAergic, glutamatergic, and CaMKIIa+ neuronal activities in mediating innate defensive behaviors. Our results indicate that AHN GABAergic neurons mediate anxiety-associated investigatory behaviors, likely facilitating risk assessment during the pre-encounter stage. Conversely, AHN glutamatergic neurons drive escape initiation and freezing responses associated with the post-encounter stage. The AHN CaMKIIa+ neurons, which exhibit significant heterogeneity, suggest a more nuanced role, potentially balancing escape and freezing responses. By elucidating the functional specialization of different AHN neuron subtypes, this study provides a foundation for future investigations into the neural circuits underlying innate defensive behaviors and its dysregulation in neuropsychiatric conditions characterized by dysregulated responses to threats, such as PTSD and panic disorder.
A diagnostic protein assay for differentiating follicular thyroid adenoma and carcinoma
Authors: Sun Yaoting , Wang He , Li Lu , Wang Jianbiao , Chen Wanyuan , Peng Li , Hu Pingping , Yu Jing , Cai Xue , Yao Nan , Zhou Yan , Wang Jiatong , Wang Yingrui , Qian Liqin , Ge Weigang , Chen Mengni , Yang Feng , Gui Zhiqiang , Sun Wei , Wang Zhihong , Ge Minghua , He Yi , Wang Guangzhi , Zhao Yongfu , Chen Huanjie , Wu Xiaohong , Du Yuxin , Wei Wenjun , Wu Fan , Luo Dingcun , Lin Xiangfeng , Zheng Haitao , Zhu Xin , Wei Bei , Shen Jiafei , Yao Jincao , Yuan Zhennan , Liu Tong , Pan Jun , Zhang Yifeng , Lv Yangfan , Guo Qiaonan , Wu Qijun , Gong Tingting , Chen Ting , Zheng Shu , Zhu Jingqiang , Liu Hanqing , Chen Chuang , Han Hong , Selvarajan Sathiyamoorthy , Xing Mingzhao , Kakudo Kennichi , Alexander Erik K. , Wu Yijun , Wang Yu , Xu Dong , Zhang Hao , Nie Xiu , Kon Oi Lian , Gopalakrishna Iyer N. , Liu Zhiyan , Zhu Yi , Guan Haixia , Guo Tiannan ,   We-TEC Investigators
Published: September 2024

AbstractDifferentiating follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA) from carcinoma (FTC) remains challenging due to similar histological features separate from invasion. In this study, we aim to develop and validate DNA and protein-based classifiers for FTA/FTC differentiation. We collected 2443 samples from 1568 patients across 24 centers and applied next-generation sequencing, as well as discovery and targeted proteomics. Machine learning models were developed and compared utilizing DNA and/or protein features. The discovery protein-based model (AUC 0.899) outperformed the gene-based model (AUC 0.670). Consequently, we generated a protein-based model with targeted mass spectrometry and further validated it in three independent testing sets. The 24-protein-based model achieved high performance in the retrospective sets (AUC 0.871 and 0.853) and the prospective fine-needle aspiration biopsies (AUC 0.781). The classifier notably illustrated a 95.7% negative predictive value for ruling out malignant nodules. This study offers a promising protein-based approach for differential diagnosis of FTA and FTC.HighlightsGenetic and proteomic profiling of follicular thyroid tumors from 1568 patients across 24 centersAI model based on proteins (AUC 0.899) outperformed that based on gene mutations (AUC 0.670) for differentiation of FTA and FTCValidation of the protein model in two retrospective cohorts (AUCs: 0.871, 0.853) and a prospective (AUC 0.781)The protein model has 95.7% negative predictive value for ruling out malignant nodules
A Network Medicine Approach to Investigating ME/CFS Pathogenesis in Severely Ill Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hung Li-Yuan , Wu Chan-Shuo , Chang Chia-Jung , Li Peng , Hicks Kimberly , Taurog Becky , Dibble Joshua J , Morrison Braxton , Smith Chimere L , Davis Ronald W , Xiao Wenzhong 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis pilot study harnessed the power of network medicine to unravel the complex pathogenesis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). By utilizing a network analysis on whole genome sequencing (WGS) data from the Severely Ill Patient Study (SIPS), we identified ME/CFS-associated proteins and delineated the corresponding network-level module, termed the SIPS disease module, together with its relevant pathways. This module demonstrated significant overlap with genes implicated in fatigue, cognitive disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Our pathway analysis revealed potential associations between ME/CFS and conditions such as COVID-19, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, neurodegenerative diseases, and pathways involved in cortisol synthesis and secretion, supporting the hypothesis that ME/CFS is a neuroimmune disorder. Additionally, our findings underscore a potential link between ME/CFS and estrogen signaling pathways, which may elucidate the higher prevalence of ME/CFS in females. These findings provide insights into the pathogenesis of ME/CFS from a network medicine perspective and highlight potential therapeutic targets. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore their implications for improving diagnosis and treatment.
Multiway Junction Conditions for Spacetimes with Multiple Boundaries
Authors: Shen Jia-Yin , Peng Cheng , Li Li-Xin 
Published: September 2024

We explore the construction of gluing together an arbitrary number of spacetimes along a common interface. This provides a general tool to construct new gravitational backgrounds with multiple boundaries. We derive junction conditions across the interface, in both Einstein gravity and dilaton gravity, using two methods (1) by developing a geometrical technique of introducing an auxiliary reverse extension manifold and (2) by the variational principle. Our junction condition works for both spacelike and timelike interfaces. We illustrate applications of the junction conditions in Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity and analyze their constraints on the allowed dilaton profile. We further comment on the geometry of a web of spacetime in the presence of multiple interfaces and its resemblance to Feynman diagrams.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Enriching the concept of employer branding: investigating its impact in the service sector
Authors: Jaffari Asad Abbas , Foroudi Pantea , Palazzo Maria , Akbari Morteza 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to extend the research on employer branding (EB) by identifying elements of EB according to the perceptions of employees working in the service sector and investigating the impact of EB on employer of choice and organizational performance.Design/methodology/approachAround544 respondents helped to test the model. The research considers development, growth opportunities, equality and justice as new elements of EB, along with organizational culture, salary, incentives and work–life balance.FindingsEB significantly influences employer of choice through organizational commitment and employer brand advocacy. Organizational performance is influenced by EB through job satisfaction and employee performance. Nevertheless, no significant relation was observed between EB and employer of choice through person–organization fit. The EB’s impact on employee performance through employee retention was not significant.Originality/valueThe study suggests reflecting on the importance of the role played by new elements of EB and on the existence of a direct relationship between employee performance and EB. Despite the widespread belief that EB primarily serves as a recruitment tactic to attract candidates, this paper shows that the positive impacts on company performance stem more from outcomes related to current employees than from prospective applicants.
Impacts of cultural practices on consumers’ buying behavior in sales promotional activities in the settings of COVID-19
Authors: Rehman Fazal ur , Javed Farwida , Shiekh Sadia Ejaz , Prokop Viktor 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
This study aims to explore the impact of cultural practices on consumers’ buying behavior in sales promotional activities toward the fashion clothing brands based on the Theory of Black-Box Model under the conditions of COVID-19 at Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach
The study has collected data through questionnaire-based survey from 600 consumers of fashion clothing brands using convenience sampling technique in Pakistan and analyzed through PLS-SEM to find results.

Findings
The results confirmed that cultural practices and sales promotional activities have positive significant relationship with the consumers’ buying behavior during the celebration of events, also under the conditions of COVID-19. The study also found that ethnocentrism and xenocentrism are positively associated with cultural practices while social factors, physical factors, product innovation and marketing innovation with sales promotional activities.

Practical implications
The outcomes provide interesting insights about consumers’ assessment toward the sale’s promotional activities and cultural practices of fashion clothing brands during the celebration of events and guide the marketing practitioners to develop the customers edifying and environment-oriented business strategies to boost up the buying behavior in crisis situations.

Originality/value
Although prior research has widely investigated the cultural practices, sales promotion and consumers’ buying behavior in various settings, but to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in these domains.