bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of elevated IOP on lamina cribrosa oxygenation; A combined experimental-computational study on monkeys
Authors: Lu Yuankai , Hua Yi , Wang Bingrui , Zhong Fuqiang , Theophanous Andrew , Tahir Shaharoz , Lee Po-Yi , Sigal Ian A. 
Published: September 2024

PurposeOur goal is to evaluate how lamina cribrosa (LC) oxygenation is affected by the tissue distortions resulting from elevated IOP.DesignExperimental study on monkeysSubjectsFour healthy monkey eyes with OCT scans with IOP of 10 to 50 mmHg, and then with histological sections of LC.MethodsSince in-vivo LC oxygenation measurement is not yet possible, we used 3D eye-specific numerical models of the LC vasculature which we subjected to experimentally-derived tissue deformations. We reconstructed 3D models of the LC vessel networks of 4 healthy monkey eyes from histological sections. We also obtained in-vivo IOP-induced tissue deformations from a healthy monkey using OCT images and digital volume correlation analysis techniques. The extent that LC vessels distort under a given OCT-derived tissue strain remains unknown. We therefore evaluated two biomechanics-based mapping techniques: cross-sectional and isotropic. The hemodynamics and oxygenations of the four vessel networks were simulated for deformations at several IOPs up to 60mmHg. The results were used to determine the effects of IOP on LC oxygen supply, assorting the extent of tissue mild and severe hypoxia.Main Outcome MeasuresIOP-induced deformation, vasculature structure, blood supply, and oxygen supply for LC regionResultIOP-induced deformations reduced LC oxygenation significantly. More than 20% of LC tissue suffered from mild hypoxia when IOP reached 30 mmHg. Extreme IOP(>50mmHg) led to large severe hypoxia regions (>30%) in the isotropic mapping cases.ConclusionOur models predicted that moderately elevated IOP can lead to mild hypoxia in a substantial part of the LC, which, if sustained chronically, may contribute to neural tissue damage. For extreme IOP elevations, severe hypoxia was predicted, which would potentially cause more immediate damage. Our findings suggest that despite the remarkable LC vascular robustness, IOP-induced distortions can potentially contribute to glaucomatous neuropathy.
Mapping the topographic organization of the human zona incerta using diffusion MRI
Authors: Haast Roy AM , Kai Jason , Taha Alaa , Liu Violet , Gilmore Greydon , Guye Maxime , Khan Ali R. , Lau Jonathan C. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe zona incerta (ZI) is a deep brain region originally described by Auguste Forel as an “immensely confusing area about which nothing can be said.” Despite the elusive nature of this structure, mounting evidence supports the role of the ZI and surrounding regions across a diverse range of brain functions and as a candidate target for neuromodulatory therapies. Usingin vivodiffusion MRI and data-driven connectivity, we identify a topographic organization between the ZI and neocortex. Specifically, our methods identify a rostral-caudal gradient predominantly connecting the frontopolar and ventral prefrontal cortices with the rostral ZI, and the primary sensorimotor cortices with the caudal ZI. Moreover, we demonstrate how clustering and gradient approaches build complementary evidence including facilitating the mapping of a central region of the ZI, connected with the dorsal prefrontal cortex. These results were shown to be replicable across multiple datasets and at the individual subject level, building evidence for the important role of the ZI in mediating frontal lobe-associated tasks, ranging from motor to cognitive to emotional control. Finally, we consider the impact of this topographic organization on the refinement of neuromodulatory targets. These results pave the way for an increasingly detailed understanding of ZI substructures, and considerations forin vivotargeting of the ZI for neuromodulation.
Dynamic estimation of the attentional field from visual cortical activity
Authors: Bloem Ilona M. , Bakst Leah , McGuire Joseph T. , Ling Sam 
Published: September 2024

AbstractNavigating around the world, we must adaptively allocate attention to our surroundings based on anticipated future stimuli and events. This allocation of spatial attention boosts visuocortical representations at attended locations and locally enhances perception. Indeed, spatial attention has often been analogized to a “spotlight” shining on the item of relevance. Although the neural underpinnings of the locus of this attentional spotlight have been relatively well studied, less is known about the size of the spotlight: to what extent can the attentional field be broadened and narrowed in accordance with behavioral demands? In this study, we developed a paradigm for dynamically estimating the locus and spread of covert spatial attention, inferred from visuocortical activity using fMRI in humans. We measured BOLD activity in response to an annulus while participants (4 female, 4 male) used covert visual attention to determine whether more numbers or letters were present in a cued region of the annulus. Importantly, the width of the cued area was systematically varied, calling for different sizes of the attentional spotlight. The deployment of attention was associated with an increase in BOLD activity in corresponding retinotopic regions of visual areas V1—V3. By modeling the visuocortical attentional modulation, we could reliably recover the cued location, as well as a broadening of the attentional enhancement with wider attentional cues. This modeling approach offers a useful window into the dynamics of attention and spatial uncertainty.Significance StatementThis study explores whether spatial attention can dynamically adapt by shifting and broadening the attentional field. While previous research has focused on the modulation of neural responses at attended locations, less is known about how the size of the attentional field is represented within visual cortex. Using fMRI, we developed a novel paradigm to estimate the spatial tuning of the attentional field and demonstrate that we were able to recover both the location as well as the width of the attentional field. Our findings offer new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying the deployment of spatial attention, contributing to a deeper understanding of how spatial attention supports visual perception.
Unravelling the impact of TLR4 and sex on chronic alcohol consumption-induced lipidome dysregulation in extracellular vesicles
Authors: Perpiñá-Clérigues Carla , Mellado Susana , Galiana-Roselló Cristina , García-García Francisco , Pascual María 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe lipids that form extracellular vesicles (EVs) play critical structural and regulatory roles, and cutting-edge bioinformatics strategies have shown the ability to decipher lipid metabolism and related molecular mechanisms. We previously demonstrated that alcohol abuse induces an inflammatory immune response through Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), leading to structural and cognitive dysfunction. This study evaluated how TLR4 and sex as a variable (male/female) impact the lipidome of plasma-resident EVs after chronic alcohol exposure. Using a mouse model of chronic ethanol exposure in wild-type and TLR4-deficient mice, enrichment networks generated by LINEX2highlighted significant ethanol-induced changes in the EV lipid substrate-product of enzyme reactions associated with glycerophospholipid metabolism. We also demonstrated ethanol-induced differences in Lipid Ontology enrichment analysis in EVs, focusing on terms related to lipid bilayer properties. A lipid abundance analysis revealed higher amounts of significant lipid subclasses in all experimental comparisons associated with inflammatory responses and EV biogenesis/secretion. These findings suggest that interrogating EV lipid abundance with a sensitive lipidomic-based strategy can provide deep insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying biological processes associated with sex, alcohol consumption, and TLR4 immune responses and open new avenues for biomarker identification and therapeutic development.
Targeted Polymersomes Enable Enhanced Delivery to Peripheral Nerves Post-Injury
Authors: Trumbull Kayleigh , Fetten Sophia , Montgomery Dru , Marahrens Vanessa , Myers Olivia , Arnold Noah , Twiss Jeffery , Larsen Jessica 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe gold standard therapy for peripheral nerve injuries involves surgical repair, which is invasive and leads to major variations in therapeutic outcomes. Because of this, smaller injuries often go untreated. However, alternative, non-invasive routes of administration are currently unviable due to the presence of the blood-nerve barrier (BNB), which prevents passage of small molecules from the blood into the endoneurium and the nerve. This paper demonstrates that ligands on the surface of nanoparticles, called polymersomes, can enable delivery to the nerve through non-invasive intramuscular injections. Polymersomes made from polyethylene glycol (PEG)-b-polylactic acid (PLA) were conjugated with either apolipoprotein E (ApoE) or rabies virus glycoprotein-based peptide, RVG29 (RVG) and loaded with near infrared dye, AlexaFluor647. ApoE was used to target receptors upregulated in post-injury inflammation, while RVG targets neural specific receptors. Untagged, ApoE-tagged, and RVG-tagged polymersomes were injected at 100 mM either intranerve (IN) or intramuscular (IM) into Sprague Dawley rats post sciatic nerve injury. The addition of the ApoE and RVG tags enabled increased AlexaFluor647 fluorescence in the injury site at 1 hour post IN injection compared to the untagged polymersome control. However, only the RVG-tagged polymersomes increased AlexaFluor647 fluorescence after intramuscular injection. Ex vivo analysis of sciatic nerves demonstrated that ApoE-tagged polymersomes enabled the greatest retention of AlexaFluor647 regardless of the injection route. This led us to conclude that using ApoE to target inflammation enabled the greatest retention of polymersome-delivered payloads while RVG to target neural cells more specifically enabled the penetration of polymersome-delivered payloads. Observations were confirmed by calculating area under the curve pharmacokinetic parameters and the use of a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model.
There is no Biophysical Distinction between Temporal Interference Stimulation and Direct kHz Stimulation for Actuation of Peripheral Nerves
Authors: Opančar Aleksandar , Ondráčková Petra , Trajlinek Jan , Đerek Vedran , Głowacki Eric Daniel 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTemporal interference stimulation (TIS) has attracted increasing attention as a promising noninvasive electrical stimulation method. Despite positive results and optimistic expectations, the TIS field has been beset by misunderstandings concerning its mechanism of action and efficacy in safely targeting deep neural structures. Various studies posit that TIS exploits the interference of multiple supraphysiological frequency (kHz range) carriers to essentially deliver low-frequency stimulation at the intersection of the carriers, thereby circumventing limitations associated with tissue impedance and depth penetration. Due to the documented electrophysiological effects of kHz-range electric stimuli, such a picture is an oversimplification. Moreover, recent theoretical modelling work has established that the biophysics of TIS is based on kHz stimulation mechanisms. This paper presents experimental evidence supporting this conclusion, by comparing TIS with direct kHz stimulation on peripheral nerve targets in an invertebrate model (Locusta migratoria), and in human subjects. Our findings show that the stimulation effects of TIS are achievable through two-electrode kHz stimulation, without necessitating carrier interference in tissue. By comparing four-electrode TIS with two-electrode stimulation via kHz sine waves for targeting of peripheral nerves, we demonstrate overlapping strength-frequency (s-f) dependence across all stimulation types. Since all stimulation waveforms are governed by the same s-f curve, this implicates a common underlying biophysical mechanism. This equivalence challenges the notion that TIS uniquely facilitates neural engagement via other mechanisms. Furthermore, performing TIS with higher carrier frequencies into the MHz range fails to lead to stimulation. We evaluate the regions of tonic (unmodulated) and phasic (amplitude-modulated) stimulation regions inherent when using TIS, and the associated possibility of off-target effects. Our study further suggests that possible practical advantages of TIS can be achieved in an easier way by simply using amplitude-modulated kHz waveforms.
An embodied perspective: angular gyrus and precuneus decode selfhood in memories of naturalistic events
Authors: Iriye Heather M. , St. Jacques Peggy L. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWhile we often assume that memory encoding occurs from an in-body (first-person) perspective, out-of-body experiences demonstrate that we can form memories from a third-person perspective. This phenomenon provides a distinctive opportunity to examine the interaction between embodiment and visual perspective during encoding, and how this interplay shapes the recall of past events. Participants formed memories for naturalistic events following a manipulation of their sense of embodiment from in-body and out-of-body perspectives and recalled them during functional scanning. Region of interest multivariate analyses examined how the angular gyrus, precuneus, and hippocampus reflected visual perspective, embodiment, and their interaction during remembering. Patterns of activity during retrieval in the left angular gyrus and bilateral precuneus predicted embodiment on its own separated from visual perspective. While the left angular gyrus distinguished between in-body and out-of-body perspectives during the retrieval of events associated with both strong and weak embodiment, decoding accuracy predicting visual perspective was only above chance for events encoded with strong embodiment in the precuneus bilaterally. Decoding accuracy was not significant for any region when predicting visual perspective alone. Our results suggest that the contribution of posterior parietal regions in establishing visual perspectives within memories cannot be disentangled from embodiment. Encoding events from an embodied in-body perspective led to higher memory accuracy following repeated retrieval. These results elucidate how fundamental feelings of being located in and experiencing the world from our own body’s perspective are integrated within memory.
A fluid droplet harvests the force generated by shrinking microtubules in living cells
Authors: Morelli Katherine , Meier Sandro M. , Zhao Angela , Choudhury Madhurima , Willis M , Barral Yves , Vogel Jackie 
Published: September 2024

SummaryThe energy-consuming dynamic instability of microtubules generates significant forces which are thought to be harnessed to move large cargos in cells. However, identification of mechanisms which can capture the force released during microtubule depolymerization to move large loads has been elusive. In this work we show that a biomolecular condensate provides an elegant solution to this problem. Using live cell super-resolution microscopy, we directly observe that budding yeast +TIP bodies are nanoscale droplets with classic fluid-like behaviors which accumulate type V myosin (Myo2) at their surfaces. We find that conserved self-oligomerization interfaces in the protein Kar9 tune the biophysical properties of the viscoelastic +TIP body and its ability to e]iciently move the mitotic spindle. Our findings introduce a paradigm for how forces generated by microtubule dynamics are harnessed in cells and open a frontier of research on nanoscale biomolecular condensates in their native environment.
Effects of biophilic design on sustainable behaviors: introducing the use of serious game as a measure of sustainable behavior
Authors: Özgen Turan Dilay Seda , Afacan Yasemin , Surer Elif 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis study explores the impact of biophilic design in built environments on sustainable behaviors through the innovative use of a serious game. By examining how exposure to biophilic elements influences behaviors in real and virtual settings, the research aims to demonstrate the potential of serious games as tools for promoting sustainability.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted in three distinct experimental settings: (1) a real environment pre-game, (2) a non-immersive game environment within the same real setting and (3) an immersive game environment post-game. Data were collected from 162 participants who experienced these different conditions. The serious game “Pop a Coffee Corner” was developed based on biophilic design principles and used to assess behavioral changes.FindingsResults indicated that exposure to biophilic design elements in real settings significantly enhanced sustainable behaviors compared to non-biophilic environments. Additionally, playing the serious game in a biophilic environment led to even greater improvements in sustainable behavior than exposure to biophilic design alone. This demonstrates the effectiveness of serious games in fostering sustainable actions.Research limitations/implicationsThe study’s findings are based on a specific university setting, which may limit generalizability. Future research could explore long-term impacts and applications in diverse contexts.Practical implicationsThe research provides practical guidelines for incorporating biophilic design in built environments, and developing serious games can be a practical strategy for architects, urban planners and educators to promote sustainable behaviors among individuals. This approach can be applied in educational settings, public spaces and workplaces to foster a deeper connection with nature and encourage environmentally responsible behaviors.Social implicationsBy demonstrating the effectiveness of biophilic design and serious games in promoting sustainable behaviors, this study contributes to broader societal efforts to address environmental challenges. Implementing these strategies can lead to increased environmental awareness and pro-environmental behaviors, ultimately supporting sustainability goals.Originality/valueThis study introduces the serious game approach as a novel method to evaluate and promote sustainable behaviors through biophilic design. It highlights the potential for integrating biophilic elements in both real and virtual environments to encourage environmentally responsible behavior, offering valuable insights to architects, designers and policymakers.
A collaborative cybersecurity framework for higher education
Authors: Otoom Ahmed Ali , Atoum Issa , Al-Harahsheh Heba , Aljawarneh Mahmoud , Al Refai Mohammed N. , Baklizi Mahmoud 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the educational computer emergency response team (EduCERT) framework, an integrated response mechanism to bolster national cybersecurity through collaborative efforts in the higher education sector. The EduCERT framework addresses this gap by enhancing cyber security and mitigating cybercrime through collaborative incident management, knowledge sharing and university awareness campaigns.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors propose an EduCERT framework following the design science methodology. The framework is developed based on literature and input from focus group experts. Moreover, it is grounded in the principles of the technology-organization-environment framework, organizational learning and diffusion of innovations theory.

Findings
The EduCERT has eight components: infrastructure, governance, knowledge development, awareness, incident management, evaluation and continuous improvement. The framework reinforces national cybersecurity through cooperation between universities and the National Computer Emergency Response Team. The framework has been implemented in Jordan to generate a cybersecurity foundation for higher education. Evaluating the EduCERT framework’s influence on national cybersecurity highlights the importance of adopting comprehensive cyber-security policies and controls. The framework application shows its relevance, effectiveness, adaptability and alignment with best practices.

Research limitations/implications
Despite the impact of applying the framework in the Jordanian context, it is essential to acknowledge that the proposed EduCERT framework’s practical implementation may encounter challenges specific to diverse international educational environment sectors. However, framework customization for global applicability could address varied educational institutions in other countries.

Practical implications
Furthermore, the proposed EduCERT framework is designed with universal applicability that extends beyond the specific country’s context. The principles and components presented in the framework can serve as valuable design advice for establishing collaborative and resilient cybersecurity frameworks in educational settings worldwide. Therefore, the research enhances the proposed framework’s practical utility and positions it as an invaluable contribution to the broader discourse on global cybersecurity in academia.

Originality/value
This paper enhances national cybersecurity in the higher education sector, addressing the need for a more integrated response mechanism. The EduCERT framework demonstrates its effectiveness, adaptability and alignment with best practices, offering valuable guidance for global educational institutions.
Impact of sustainability education on senior student attitudes and behaviors: evidence from India
Authors: M.A. Sanjeev , Agrawal Reena , Syed Raihan Taqui , Arumugam Thangaraja , K. Praveena 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
This study aims to ascertain the impact education for sustainable development (ESD) on knowledge, attitude and behavior among senior (last year undergraduate) Indian students.

Design/methodology/approach
This study is a cross-sectional causal investigation with descriptive design using survey method. It uses the knowledge, attitude and behaviors toward the sustainable development scales of the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD) for data collection and partial least-square structural equation modelling for empirically testing the proposed research model.

Findings
The study results establish the importance of sustainability education on knowledge, attitude and behavior. The impact of knowledge on behavior is direct and partially mediated through the attitudinal pathway – indicating central and peripheral routes sustainability related information processing and attitude formation. The results also indicate poor knowledge of the impact of socio-cultural issues on sustainability.

Research limitations/implications
The study results will help assess the impact current ESD initiatives in India and redesign the ESD curriculum in line with ESD for 2030 initiatives to facilitate the achievement of UN’s sustainable development goals by 2030. This study is limited to senior students and offers scope for extension to other groups.

Social implications
The study results can help redesign the sustainability curriculum at the school and undergraduate levels in the country in line with ESD for 2023 objectives. The results indicate an urgent need to include the impact of sociocultural issues on sustainability to sensitize Indian students towards the same.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the sustainability education literature by assessing the impact of sustainability curricula on sustainability knowledge, attitude and behavior among Indian senior students – hitherto uninvestigated. It also will help in the informed redesign/ improvement of ESD curriculum under the ESD for 2030 initiatives.