bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Motor cortex directly excites the output nucleus of the basal ganglia, the substantia nigra pars reticulata
Authors: Thompson William Scott , Grillner Sten , Silberberg Gilad 
Published: March 2024

AbstractInhibitory neurons of the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) serve as a primary output through which the basal ganglia regulate behaviour. Projections to the SNr from beyond the basal ganglia have also been identified anatomically. Using a virally-targeted optogenetic approach, combined with whole cell patch-clamp recordings of SNr neurons in acute brain slices, we show that projection neurons of the primary and secondary motor cortices (M1 and M2) make functional excitatory synapses with subpopulations of inhibitory SNr neurons. Furthermore, we demonstrate that photostimulation of these cortical axon terminals increases SNr neuron firing rate. To further investigate the spatial organisation of cortical input to SNr, we employed a transsynaptic viral-labelling approach to identify SNr neurons receiving monosynaptic input from M1 and M2. We found a topographical relationship between motor cortex and SNr, and identified downstream targets of cortical-recipient SNr subpopulations. These findings reveal functional pathways by which M1 and M2 can directly modulate basal ganglia output to different downstream targets.
Enrichment of allelic editing outcomes by Prime Editing in iPS cells
Authors: Niwa Ryo , Matsumoto Tomoko , Liu Alexander Y. , Kawato Maki , Kondo Takayuki , Tsukita Kayoko , Inoue Haruhisa , Maurissen Thomas L. , Woltjen Knut 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGene editing in human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells with programmable nucleases facilitates reliable disease models, but methods using double-strand break repair often produce random on-target by-products. Prime editing (PE) combines Cas9 nickase with reverse transcriptase (RT) and a prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA) encoding a repair template to reduce by-products. We implemented a GMP-compatible protocol for transfecting Cas9- or PE-2A-mCherry plasmids to track and fractionate human iPS cells based on PE expression level. We compared the editing outcomes of Cas9- and PE-based methods in a GFP-to-BFP conversion assay, at theHEK3benchmark locus, and at theAPOEAlzheimer’s risk locus, revealing superior precision of PE at high expression levels. Moreover, sorting cells for PE expression level influenced allelic editing outcomes at the target loci. We expect that our findings will aid in the creation of gene-edited human iPS cells with intentional heterozygous and homozygous genotypes.HighlightsDelivered large plasmids to human iPS cells under GMP-compliant conditionsDeveloped a flow cytometry-based approach to enrich for PE in human iPS cellsDemonstrated few on-target indels in cells regardless of PE expressionSorted iPS cells based on PE expression level to influence mono- or bi-allelic editing
CRISPR-Cas9 enables efficient genome engineering of the strictly lytic, broad host-range staphylococcal bacteriophage K
Authors: Fernbach Jonas , Baggenstos Jasmin , Riedo Jeannine , McCallin Shawna , Loessner Martin J. , Kilcher Samuel 
Published: March 2024

AbstractStaphylococcus aureusis an important opportunistic pathogen, responsible for a range of diseases that often prove challenging to treat due to resistance to methicillin, vancomycin, and other antimicrobials. Bacteriophages present a promising alternative to target such pathogens, particularly when conventional drugs are ineffective. The antimicrobial efficacy of phage therapeutics can be further improved through genetic engineering. AmongS. aureusphages, members of theTwortvirinaesubfamily, characterized by their strictly lytic nature and broad host range, are considered the most promising therapeutic candidates. However, their large genome sizes make them notoriously difficult to engineer. In this study, we utilizedTwortvirusK as a model to develop an efficient phage engineering platform, leveraging homologous recombination and CRISPR-Cas9-assisted counterselection. As proof of principle, this platform was utilized to construct a nanoluciferase (nluc)-encoding reporter phage (K::nluc) and tested as a preliminary, bioluminescence-based approach for identifying viableStaphylococcuscells. Independent of their phage-resistance profile, 100% of tested clinicalS. aureusisolates emitted bioluminescence upon K::nlucchallenge. This diagnostic assay was further adapted to complex matrices such as human whole blood and bovine raw milk, simulatingS. aureusdetection scenarios in bacteremia and bovine mastitis. Beyond reporter phage-based diagnostics, our engineering technology opens avenues for the design and engineering of therapeuticTwortvirinaephages to combat drug-resistantS. aureusstrains.
Goal Reduction with Loop-Removal Accelerates RL and Models Human Brain Activity in Goal-Directed Learning
Authors: Cheng Huzi , Brown Joshua W. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGoal-directed planning presents a challenge for classical RL algorithms due to the vastness of the combinatorial state and goal spaces, while humans and animals adapt to complex environments, especially with diverse, non-stationary objectives, often employing intermediate goals for long-horizon tasks. Here, we propose a goal reduction mechanism for effectively deriving subgoals from arbitrary and distant original goals, using a novel loop-removal technique.1The product of the method, calledgoal-reducer, distills high-quality subgoals from a replay buffer, all without the need for prior global environmental knowledge. Simulations show that thegoal-reducercan be integrated into RL frameworks like Deep Q-learning and Soft Actor-Critic. It accelerates performance in both discrete and continuous action space tasks, such as grid world navigation and robotic arm manipulation, relative to the corresponding standard RL models. Moreover, thegoal-reducer, when combined with a local policy, without iterative training, outperforms its integrated deep RL counterparts in solving a navigation task. This goal reduction mechanism also models human problem-solving. Comparing the model’s performance and activation with human behavior and fMRI data in a treasure hunting task, we found matching representational patterns between agoal-reduceragent’s components and corresponding human brain areas, particularly the vmPFC and basal ganglia. The results suggest that humans may use a similar computational framework for goal-directed behaviors.
Stokes-parameter representation for Compton scattering of entangled and classically correlated two-photon systems
Authors: Caradonna P. , D'Amico I. , Jenkins D. G. , Watts D. P. 
Published: March 2024

A Stokes parameter representation for two-photon systems is developed to calculate cross sections for both entangled and classically correlated mixed states scattering off unpolarized and polarized Compton electrons. The cross section of Compton scattering for pairs of maximally entangled annihilation photons, generated by the disintegration of para-positronium, is compared with classical analogs. An analysis of the symmetrical properties and basis independence of these systems is conducted to elucidate the observed differences. We propose a method to establish an upper bound for identifying correlations influenced by entanglement. Furthermore, we calculate the cross section for Compton scattering of annihilation photons from spin-polarized electrons. A qualitative analysis reveals a contradiction to the contemporary assumption that Compton scattering acts as an entanglement kill switch. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of photon systems and their behavior in various scattering scenarios. Although the primary focus of this article is on Compton scattering, the formalism can be adapted to other interactions, provided that the Mueller matrix representation of the interaction is available.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Foundational aspects of a new matrix holomorphic structure
Authors: Khedhiri Hedi , Mkademi Taher 
Published: March 2024

PurposeIn this paper we talk about complex matrix quaternions (biquaternions) and we deal with some abstract methods in mathematical complex matrix analysis.Design/methodology/approachWe introduce and investigate the complex space HC consisting of all 2 × 2 complex matrices of the form ξ=z1+iw1z2+iw2−z‾2−iw‾2z‾1+iw‾1, (z1,w1,z2,w2)∈C4.FindingsWe develop on HC a new matrix holomorphic structure for which we provide the fundamental operational calculus properties.Originality/valueWe give sufficient and necessary conditions in terms of Cauchy–Riemann type quaternionic differential equations for holomorphicity of a function of one complex matrix variable ξ∈HC. In particular, we show that we have a lot of holomorphic functions of one matrix quaternion variable.
Dynamics of social media involvement in building customer engagement and co-creation behavior: the moderating role of brand interactivity
Authors: Satar Mir Shahid , Rather Raouf Ahmad , Shahid Shadma , Islam Jamid Ul , Parrey Shakir Hussain , Khan Imran 
Published: March 2024

PurposeAdopting a self-congruence theory (SCT) and service dominant logic (SDL)-informed perspectives; we develop a model that investigates the interface between social media involvement (SMI), self-brand congruence (SBC), customer-brand engagement (CBE), brand co-creation behavior (BCB), brand interactivity and behavioral intentions (BIN) with luxury service hotel–brands.Design/methodology/approachWe test a sample of hotel-customers to probe this matter using partial least squares structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results revealed that SBC and SMI positively impact CBE and BCB and behavioral intentions. The findings also exposed SMI’s and SBC’s indirect effect on customers' BCB and behavioral intentions, mediated through CBE. Finally, the results explored the moderating role of brand interactivity to enhance our model’s explanatory power.Research limitations/implicationsWe focus on SMI, CBE and BCB. This study contributes to the existing marketing and hospitality management research and spawns rich opportunities for further studies.Practical implicationsThe study article assists marketers in comprehending the CBE-based antecedents and consequences and facilitates their increasing CBE, BCB and behavioral intentions.Originality/valueWhile the growing insight into social media, customer engagement and co-creation within the service industries, little remains accredited concerning the link of these and related variables in the luxury hotel-brand context.
The importance of social comparison in perceived justice during the service recovery process
Authors: Aguilar-Rojas Óscar , Fandos-Herrera Carmina , Pérez-Rueda Alfredo 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis study aims to analyse how consumers' perceptions of justice in a service recovery scenario vary, not only due to the company's actions but also due to the comparisons they make with the experiences of other consumers.Design/methodology/approachBased on justice theory, social comparison theory and referent cognitions theory, this study describes an eight-scenario experiment with better or worse interactional, procedural and distributive justice (better/worse interactional justice given to other consumers) × 2 (better/worse procedural justice given to other consumers) × 2 (better/worse distributive justice given to other consumers).FindingsFirst, consumers' perceptions of interactional, procedural and distributive justice vary based on the comparisons they draw with other consumers' experiences. Second, the results confirmed that interactional justice has a moderating effect on procedural justice, whereas procedural justice does not significantly moderate distributive justice.Originality/valueFirst, based on justice theory, social comparison theory and referent cognitions theory, we focus on the influence of the treatment received by other consumers on the consumer's perceived justice in the same service recovery situation. Second, it is proposed that the three justice dimensions follow a defined sequence through the service recovery phases. Third, to the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to propose a multistage model in which some justice dimensions influence other justice dimensions.
Expanding career adaptability: connections as a critical component of career success
Authors: Gaile Anita , Baumane Vitolina Ilona , Stibe Agnis , Kivipõld Kurmet 
Published: March 2024

PurposeSubjective career success has been widely researched by academics and researchers as it provides job and career satisfaction that can lead to the perceived life satisfaction of employees, as well as their engagement in organizations. This study demonstrates that subjective career success depends not merely on career adaptability but also on the connections people build throughout their professional lives.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted in the socioeconomic context of Latvia with a sample size of 390 respondents. Interpersonal behavioral factors from the perception of career success measure and the influence of the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS) on subjective career success (two statements from Gaile et al., 2020) were used. The constructed research model was tested using the SPSS 28 and WarpPLS 8.0 software tools. The primary data analysis method used was partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Then 12 moderators and their effects on the main relationships of the model were reviewed.FindingsThe study confirms that relationships at work have the most significant effect on subjective career success, followed by control behaviors and curiosity behaviors. Moreover, a list of significant and insightful moderation effects was found, most significantly the relationship between connections and subjective career success.Originality/valueUntil now, the CAAS was not integrated with the behaviors and attitudes that depict the social relationships of individuals at work. This study aims to narrow this gap by exploring whether (and, if so, how) career adaptability and interpersonal relationships in the workplace (i.e. professional connections) contribute to subjective career success.
Impact of credit access of farmers in cooperative societies on financial performance: the predictive effect of financial literacy
Authors: Onah Ogochukwu Gabriella , Enete Anselm Anibueze , Okoye Chukwuemeka Uzoma , Ume Chukwuma Otum , Onyia Chukwuemeka Chiebonam 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThe goal of this study was to determine the impact of access to credit facilities on financial performance among farmers of cooperative societies. The study also tested the predictive power of financial literacy.Design/methodology/approachThe descriptive survey research design was used for the study while the sample size was 240 farmers of cooperative societies from South-East Nigeria. The farmers were categorised into those with access to credit facilities and those without access to credit facilities. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. Data were analysed using multiple analyses of variance (MANOVA) and multiple regression analysis.FindingsFarmers with access to credit facilities reported higher financial performance such as return on investment, working capital, net profit, profit margin and sales. However, those without access to credit facilities reported lower mean scores on financial performance. Also, financial literacy, like financial knowledge, attitude and awareness, significantly predicts the impact of access to credit facilities on financial performance. It was also found that the duration of repayment of credit facilities, like medium and long term, contributes more to improving financial performance.Originality/valueThis study has shown that even though access to credit facilities impacts financial performance, financial literacy is an important consideration. Also, the duration of repayment is a crucial factor.
Women’s entrepreneurship education: a systematic review and future agenda
Authors: Lee Younggeun , Liguori Eric W. , Sureka Riya , Kumar Satish 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
In this systematic review of the literature on women’s entrepreneurship education, this paper aims to examine the current state of the field. The authors analyze publication trends, identify major themes and propose an agenda for future research.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors review 363 articles published between 1993 and 2023, to develop a synthesized overview of women’s entrepreneurship education, complete with insights into the journals that have provided the most coverage of this topic, as well as how it has emerged over time.

Findings
The authors tracked the evolution of research themes and collaboration networks over a 30-year period. Results show there has been significant growth in research on women’s entrepreneurship education, as evidenced by a surge of publications on the topic and the total number of citations.

Originality/value
The authors categorized and analyzed six thematic clusters within the literature: entrepreneurial intention, ethical perspectives, gender-specific barriers, gender stereotypes, rural entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Building on these thematic clusters, this study discusses future research directions to advance the field.
Interacting effects of fire and hydroclimate on oak and beech community prevalence in the southern Great Lakes region
Authors: Schlenker Nora , Johnson Jonathan , Ray‐Cozzens Tessa , Stefanova Vania , Nelson David M. , Shuman Bryan N. , Williams John W. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Rising temperatures, increasing hydroclimate variability and intensifying disturbance regimes increase the risk of rapid ecosystem conversions. We can leverage multi‐proxy records of past ecosystem transformations to understand their causes and ecosystem vulnerability to rapid change.

Prior to Euro‐American settlement, northern Indiana was a mosaic of prairie, oak‐dominated forests/woodlands and beech‐dominated hardwood forests. This heterogeneity, combined with well‐documented but poorly understood past beech population declines, make this region ideal for studying the drivers of ecosystem transformations.

Here, we present a new record from Story Lake, IN, with proxies for vegetation composition (pollen), fire (charcoal) and beech intrinsic water use efficiency (δ13C of beech pollen; δ13Cbeech). Multiple proxies from the same core enable clear establishment of lead–lag relationships. Additionally, δ13Cbeech enables direct comparisons between beech population abundance and physiological responses to changing environments. We compare Story Lake to a nearby lake‐level reconstruction and to pollen records from nearby Pretty and Appleman Lakes and the distal Spicer Lake, to test hypotheses about synchrony and the spatial scale of governing processes.

The 11.7 ka sediment record from Story Lake indicates multiple conversions between beech‐hardwood forest and oak forest/woodland. Beech pollen abundances rapidly increased between 7.5 and 7.1 ka, while oak declined. Oak abundances increased after 4.6 ka and remained high until 2.8 ka, indicating replacement of mesic forests by oak forest/woodland. At 2.8 ka, beech abundances rapidly increased, indicating mesic forest reestablishment. Beech and oak abundances correlate with charcoal accumulation rates but beech abundance is not correlated with δ13Cbeech.

Fluctuations in beech abundances are synchronous among Story, Appleman and Pretty Lakes, but asynchronous between Story and Spicer Lakes, suggesting regulation by local‐scale vegetation‐fire‐climate feedbacks and secondarily by regional‐scale drivers.

Holocene forest composition and fire dynamics appear to be closely co‐regulated and may be affected by local to regional climate variations. The importance of extrinsic drivers and positive/negative feedbacks changes over time, with higher ecoclimate sensitivity before 2.8 ka and greater resilience afterwards.

Synthesis: Overall, oak‐ and beech‐dominated ecosystems were highly dynamic over the Holocene, with multiple ecosystem conversions driven by shifting interactions among vegetation, hydroclimate and fire regime.
How Norwegian homecare managers tackled COVID‐19 and displayed resilience‐in‐action: Multiple perspectives of frontline‐staff
Authors: Seljemo Camilla , Wiig Siri , Røise Olav , Ellis Louise A. , Braithwaite Jeffrey , Ree Eline 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA resilient healthcare system is key to responding to sudden crises, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Homecare services have been an important platform of healthcare delivery during the pandemic, and healthcare staff on the frontlines of homecare have been confronted with major challenges requiring adaptation to sustain high quality healthcare services. Managers' capacities to adapt to disruptions and challenges are important for an adequate response to challenges on the frontlines. To explore healthcare staff's perspectives on managers at different managerial levels (meso‐level) handling of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Norwegian homecare services. A qualitative multiple case study was designed including four cases. A case was defined as a homecare service within a Norwegian municipality (public organization). Data were collected through 16 interviews with healthcare staff. Interviews were conducted by using a semi‐structured interview guide. Healthcare staff reported their managers as proactive, prepared and responded quickly. Present and supportive managers that provided effective and targeted information, and involved staff in decision‐making were key to handling the pandemic in Norwegian homecare services. Our results underscore the interaction between healthcare staff and managers at different managerial levels as essential for quickly react, adapt, and resiliently respond to disruptions like the COVID‐19 pandemic. Organizations need to have the flexibility to interact across levels and encourage managers to apply strategies for collaboration and staff involvement, especially during a crisis.
Commercial real estate and air pollution
Authors: Cvijanović Dragana , Rolheiser Lyndsey , Van de Minne Alex 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe analyze the causal effect of air pollution (acute fine particulate matter) exposure on the commercial real estate (CRE) market. We instrument for air pollution using changes in local wind direction to find that an increase in fine particulate matter exposure leads to a contemporaneous decrease in CRE market values and (net) income as well as an increase in capital expenditures. Heterogeneous treatment analysis within a building‐level fixed effects framework uncovers that the negative effect on market values is concentrated in the office sector, consistent with the notion that air pollution‐induced decreases in CRE values are driven by a reduction in CRE assets’ productive capacity. Additionally, we document that the negative impact on (net) income is concentrated in the apartment sector, which is consistent with a broad set of local disamenity mechanisms identified in previous residential real estate literature.