bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The date/delay effect in intertemporal choice: A combined fMRI and eye‐tracking study
Authors: Keidel Kristof , Schröder Rebekka , Trautner Peter , Radbruch Alexander , Murawski Carsten , Ettinger Ulrich 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTemporal discounting, the tendency to devalue future rewards as a function of delay until receipt, is influenced by time framing. Specifically, discount rates are shallower when the time at which the reward is received is presented as a date (date condition; e.g., June 8, 2023) rather than in delay units (delay condition; e.g., 30 days), which is commonly referred to as the date/delay effect. However, the cognitive and neural mechanisms of this effect are not well understood. Here, we examined the date/delay effect by analysing combined fMRI and eye‐tracking data of N = 31 participants completing a temporal discounting task in both a delay and a date condition. The results confirmed the date/delay effect and revealed that the date condition led to higher fixation durations on time attributes and to higher activity in precuneus/PCC and angular gyrus, that is, areas previously associated with episodic thinking. Additionally, participants made more comparative eye movements in the date compared to the delay condition. A lower date/delay effect was associated with higher prefrontal activity in the date > delay contrast, suggesting that higher control or arithmetic operations may reduce the date/delay effect. Our findings are in line with hypotheses positing that the date condition is associated with differential time estimation and the use of more comparative as opposed to integrative choice strategies. Specifically, higher activity in memory‐related brain areas suggests that the date condition leads to higher perceived proximity of delayed rewards, while higher frontal activity (middle/superior frontal gyrus, posterior medial frontal cortex, cingulate) in participants with a lower date/delay effect suggests that the effect is particularly pronounced in participants avoiding complex arithmetic operations in the date condition.
Molecular signatures of attention networks
Authors: Schindler Hanna , Jawinski Philippe , Arnatkevičiūtė Aurina , Markett Sebastian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAttention network theory proposes three distinct types of attention—alerting, orienting, and control—that are supported by separate brain networks and modulated by different neurotransmitters, that is, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and dopamine. Here, we explore the extent of cortical, genetic, and molecular dissociation of these three attention systems using multimodal neuroimaging. We evaluated the spatial overlap between fMRI activation maps from the attention network test (ANT) and cortex‐wide gene expression data from the Allen Human Brain Atlas. The goal was to identify genes associated with each of the attention networks in order to determine whether specific groups of genes were co‐expressed with the corresponding attention networks. Furthermore, we analyzed publicly available PET‐maps of neurotransmitter receptors and transporters to investigate their spatial overlap with the attention networks. Our analyses revealed a substantial number of genes (3871 for alerting, 6905 for orienting, 2556 for control) whose cortex‐wide expression co‐varied with the activation maps, prioritizing several molecular functions such as the regulation of protein biosynthesis, phosphorylation, and receptor binding. Contrary to the hypothesized associations, the ANT activation maps neither aligned with the distribution of norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and dopamine receptor and transporter molecules, nor with transcriptomic profiles that would suggest clearly separable networks. Independence of the attention networks appeared additionally constrained by a high level of spatial dependency between the network maps. Future work may need to reconceptualize the attention networks in terms of their segregation and reevaluate the presumed independence at the neural and neurochemical level.
Working memory signals in early visual cortex are present in weak and strong imagers
Authors: Weber Simon , Christophel Thomas , Görgen Kai , Soch Joram , Haynes John‐Dylan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIt has been suggested that visual images are memorized across brief periods of time by vividly imagining them as if they were still there. In line with this, the contents of both working memory and visual imagery are known to be encoded already in early visual cortex. If these signals in early visual areas were indeed to reflect a combined imagery and memory code, one would predict them to be weaker for individuals with reduced visual imagery vividness. Here, we systematically investigated this question in two groups of participants. Strong and weak imagers were asked to remember images across brief delay periods. We were able to reliably reconstruct the memorized stimuli from early visual cortex during the delay. Importantly, in contrast to the prediction, the quality of reconstruction was equally accurate for both strong and weak imagers. The decodable information also closely reflected behavioral precision in both groups, suggesting it could contribute to behavioral performance, even in the extreme case of completely aphantasic individuals. Our data thus suggest that working memory signals in early visual cortex can be present even in the (near) absence of phenomenal imagery.
Healthy aging alters the oscillatory dynamics and fronto‐parietal connectivity serving fluid intelligence
Authors: Penhale Samantha H. , Arif Yasra , Schantell Mikki , Johnson Hallie J. , Willett Madelyn P. , Okelberry Hannah J. , Meehan Chloe E. , Heinrichs‐Graham Elizabeth , Wilson Tony W. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFluid intelligence (Gf) involves logical reasoning and novel problem‐solving abilities. Often, abstract reasoning tasks like Raven's progressive matrices are used to assess Gf. Prior work has shown an age‐related decline in fluid intelligence capabilities, and although many studies have sought to identify the underlying mechanisms, our understanding of the critical brain regions and dynamics remains largely incomplete. In this study, we utilized magnetoencephalography (MEG) to investigate 78 individuals, ages 20–65 years, as they completed an abstract reasoning task. MEG data was co‐registered with structural MRI data, transformed into the time–frequency domain, and the resulting neural oscillations were imaged using a beamformer. We found worsening behavioral performance with age, including prolonged reaction times and reduced accuracy. MEG analyses indicated robust oscillations in the theta, alpha/beta, and gamma range during the task. Whole brain correlation analyses with age revealed relationships in the theta and alpha/beta frequency bands, such that theta oscillations became stronger with increasing age in a right prefrontal region and alpha/beta oscillations became stronger with increasing age in parietal and right motor cortices. Follow‐up connectivity analyses revealed increasing parieto‐frontal connectivity with increasing age in the alpha/beta frequency range. Importantly, our findings are consistent with the parieto‐frontal integration theory of intelligence (P‐FIT). These results further suggest that as people age, there may be alterations in neural responses that are spectrally specific, such that older people exhibit stronger alpha/beta oscillations across the parieto‐frontal network during abstract reasoning tasks.
Distinct engrams control fear and extinction memory
Authors: Luft Jordana Griebler , Popik Bruno , Gonçalves Débora Aguirre , Cruz Fabio Cardoso , de Oliveira Alvares Lucas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMemories are stored in engram cells, which are necessary and sufficient for memory recall. Recalling a memory might undergo reconsolidation or extinction. It has been suggested that the original memory engram is reactivated during reconsolidation so that memory can be updated. Conversely, during extinction training, a new memory is formed that suppresses the original engram. Nonetheless, it is unknown whether extinction creates a new engram or modifies the original fear engram. In this study, we utilized the Daun02 procedure, which uses c‐Fos‐lacZ rats to induce apoptosis of strongly activated neurons and examine whether a new memory trace emerges as a result of a short or long reactivation, or if these processes rely on modifications within the original engram located in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and infralimbic (IL) cortex. By eliminating neurons activated during consolidation and reactivation, we observed significant impacts on fear memory, highlighting the importance of the BLA engram in these processes. Although we were unable to show any impact when removing the neurons activated after the test of a previously extinguished memory in the BLA, disrupting the IL extinction engram reactivated the aversive memory that was suppressed by the extinction memory. Thus, we demonstrated that the IL cortex plays a crucial role in the network involved in extinction, and disrupting this specific node alone is sufficient to impair extinction behavior. Additionally, our findings indicate that extinction memories rely on the formation of a new memory, supporting the theory that extinction memories rely on the formation of a new memory, whereas the reconsolidation process reactivates the same original memory trace.
Mediation effects of vegetation, land use and cover change and karst characteristics on hydrologic processes in heterogeneous karst basins
Authors: Wu Panpan , Li Rui , Xiao Linlv , He Maolin , Chen Honglian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA thorough understanding of the complex response of hydrologic processes to latent factors is of great significance for regional soil erosion and water resources management. However, what kind of mediation effect exists between hydrologic processes and latent factors is not yet clear, especially in heterogeneous karst regions. In this study, the elasticity coefficient method and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM) were used to investigate the mechanism of latent factors on hydrologic processes in karst basins and to explore the mediation effect between latent factors and hydrologic processes. The results show that the runoff of Yeji River Basin decreased during 1997–2004, but increased or stabilized since 2005. On the monthly scale, the runoff in July and December showed an ‘inverted V‐shaped’ change. Both elasticity coefficient method and PLS‐SEM showed that climate change contributed the most to runoff (direct effect accounted for 37.94% ~ 61.41%). In PLS‐SEM, the total effect sizes of latent factors on runoff were as follows: climate change (0.751 ~ 0.963) > vegetation (0.296 ~ 0.740) > karst characteristics factors (KCF) (−0.454 ~ −0.563) > human activities (−0.036 ~ −0.528) > land use and cover change (LUCC) (−0.036 ~ −0.205). In the typical karst basin, two mediation pathways have been determined: human activities‐vegetation/LUCC‐runoff, where vegetation and LUCC had a mediation effect of relationships between human activities and runoff; climate change‐KCF‐runoff, where KCF had a mediation effect of relationships between climate change and runoff. Moreover, PLS‐SEM is a preferred method to decouple the complex responses of hydrologic processes in heterogeneous karst basins to climate change and human activities than the elasticity coefficient method. This study conducted further research and exploration on the mechanism of hydrologic processes in heterogeneous karst basins, and provided valuable theoretical references for grassroots water managers to cope with water resources management under the context of future climate change.
Seasonal drivers and patterns of sediment temperatures in a New England salt marsh
Authors: Guimond Julia A. , Kurylyk Barret L. , Sohn Robert A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSalt marshes are globally important ecosystems and thus their resilience to climate change holds societal importance. To date, studies addressing salt marsh responses to climate change have focused on sea‐level rise and biogeochemical feedbacks with increasing inundation. Less is known about how salt marsh sediment temperatures, which impact physical, biological, and chemical ecosystem processes, will respond to climate change. In this study, we present multi‐depth sediment temperature and porewater level data from low‐, mid‐, and high‐marsh sites at a New England salt marsh for a 1‐year period and investigate how salt marsh sediment temperatures respond to atmospheric and oceanic forcing. We use spectral analyses to identify the frequencies at which sediment temperatures vary and link the temperature variations to specific forcing mechanisms. We find that all sites across the marsh responded to air temperature with roughly equal amplitude whereas the responses to radiative heating and ocean tides varied spatially. The high‐marsh site is more sensitive to radiative heating than the mid‐ and low‐marsh sites. The low‐marsh is affected by tidal processes and inundation whereas the high‐ and mid‐marsh sites are not. In addition, we find that the bulk thermal diffusivity of the saturated sediments decreases with distance from the tidal channel. These factors contribute to considerable temporal and spatial variability in sediment temperatures with elevation, distance from the tidal channel, and time of year (season) being most important.
Self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) in inverted perovskite solar cells and their tandem photovoltaics application
Authors: Yi Zijun , Li Xin , Xiong Yuchen , Shen Guibin , Zhang Wenguang , Huang Yihuai , Jiang Qinghui , Ng Xin Ren , Luo Yubo , Zheng Jianghui , Leong Wei Lin , Fu Fan , Bu Tongle , Yang Junyou 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSelf‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) employed in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved groundbreaking progress in device efficiency and stability for both single‐junction and tandem configurations, owing to their distinctive and versatile ability to manipulate chemical and physical interface properties. In this regard, we present a comprehensive review of recent research advancements concerning SAMs in inverted perovskite single‐junction and tandem solar cells, where the prevailing challenges and future development prospects in the applications of SAMs are emphasized. We thoroughly examine the mechanistic roles of diverse SAMs in energy‐level regulation, interface modification, defect passivation, and charge transportation. This is achieved by understanding how interfacial molecular interactions can be finely tuned to mitigate charge recombination losses in inverted PSCs. Through this comprehensive review, we aim to provide valuable insights and references for further investigation and utilization of SAMs in inverted perovskite single‐junction and tandem solar cells.
Optimization of sample size and location for evaluating the hydraulic performance of microirrigation subunits using simulation and genetic algorithms
Authors: Sun Zhanghao , Wang Zhen , Zhang Jina , Li Jiusheng , Li Yanfeng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRapid and accurate field evaluation of hydraulic performance is critical for the operation of a microirrigation system. However, the optimal sample size and the specific locations of the emitters selected in one subunit for field tests have not been determined. A model (Hydraulic Analysis of Pressurized Irrigation System,HAPIS) was constructed for hydraulic analysis of a pressurized irrigation system by coupling MATLAB and EPANET. The random sampling method (RSM) and uniform sampling method (USM) were optimized for emitters selected through simulation, aiming to achieve higher estimation accuracies of the mean emitter discharge rate of the subunit (
and the Christiansen uniformity coefficient (CU) while minimizing the number of emitters tested. In addition, a linear sampling method at predetermined emitter locations (LSMPE) was developed to simplify the evaluation process using a genetic algorithm (GA). The results indicate that the appropriate sample size range for RSM was 20–40, in which the maximum percentage difference between
and CU was maintained at ±10%. For the USM, a sample size of approximately 18 can provide relatively accurate estimations of
and CU, while it is recommended that the sampled emitters be distributed over three to five laterals. The optimal sample size of LSMPE could be decreased to approximately 10, and the selected emitters were arranged along the sampling line. The absolute relative estimation error of
and CU could be maintained at <1%.
Towards data privacy in a fog of things
Authors: Pinto George Pacheco , Prazeres Cassio 
Published: February 2024

AbstractData from the Internet of Things (IoT) devices enable the design of new business models and services, improving user experience and satisfaction. However, these devices also collect personal data and place them on centralized servers without transparency and user control, enhancing data privacy concerns (such as identification, localization and tracking, profiling, and linkage). We propose the Fog of Things (FoT)‐Personal Data Stores (PDS) paradigm, an extension of the (FoT) paradigm tailored to protect personal data privacy in the IoT, specifically in the FoT. We propose a data decentralization solution through Personal Data Stores, empowering users with control over their data. We present an architectural framework based on this concept and an implementation of a usage scenario.
Low dose cadmium inhibits syndecan‐4 expression in glycocalyx of glomerular endothelial cells
Authors: Meng Xianli , Xie Shuhui , Liu Jing , Lv Bingxuan , Huang Xin , Liu Qiang , Wang Xia , Malashicheva Anna , Liu Ju 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCadmium (Cd) is one of the most polluting heavy metal in the environment. Cd exposure has been elucidated to cause dysfunction of the glomerular filtration barrier (GFB). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. C57BL/6J male mice were administered with 2.28 mg/kg cadmium chloride (CdCl2) dissolved in distilled water by oral gavage for 14 days. The expression of SDC4 in the kidney tissues was detected. Human renal glomerular endothelial cells (HRGECs) were exposed to varying concentrations of CdCl2 for 24 h. The mRNA levels of SDC4, along with matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and 9, were analyzed by quantitative PCR. Additionally, the protein expression levels of SDC4, MMP‐2/9, and both total and phosphorylated forms of Smad2/3 (P‐Smad2/3) were detected by western blot. The extravasation rate of fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran through the Transwell was used to evaluate the permeability of HRGECs. SB431542 was used as an inhibitor of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β signaling pathway to further investigate the role of TGF‐β. Cd reduced SDC4 expression in both mouse kidney tissues and HRGECs. In addition, Cd exposure increased permeability and upregulated P‐Smad2/3 levels in HRGECs. SB431542 treatment inhibited the phosphorylation of Smad2/3, Cd‐induced SDC4 downregulation, and hyperpermeability. MMP‐2/9 levels increased by Cd exposure was also blocked by SB431542, demonstrating the involvement of TGF‐β/Smad pathway in low‐dose Cd‐induced SDC4 reduction in HRGECs. Given that SDC4 is an essential component of glycocalyx, protection or repair of endothelial glycocalyx is a potential strategy for preventing or treating kidney diseases associated with environmental Cd exposure.
The enhanced hepatotoxicity of isobavachalcone in depigmented zebrafish due to calcium signaling dysregulation and lipid metabolism disorder
Authors: Zhang Huiwen , Zhu Chengyue , Zhao Jingcheng , Zheng Ruifang , Xing Jianguo , Li Zhijian , Zhang Yun , Xu Qian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIsobavachalcone (IBC) is a flavonoid component derived from Psoraleae Fructus that can increase skin pigmentation and treat vitiligo. However, IBC has been reported to be hepatotoxic. Current studies on IBC hepatotoxicity are mostly on normal organisms but lack studies on hepatotoxicity in patients. This study established the depigmented zebrafish model by using phenylthiourea (PTU) and investigated the difference in hepatotoxicity between normal and depigmented zebrafish caused by IBC and the underlying mechanism. Morphological, histological, and ultrastructural examination and RT–qPCR verification were used to evaluate the effects of IBC on the livers of zebrafish larvae. IBC significantly decreased liver volume, altered lipid metabolism, and induced pathological and ultrastructural changes in the livers of zebrafish with depigmentation compared with normal zebrafish. The RNA‐sequencing and RT–qPCR results showed that the difference in hepatotoxicity between normal and depigmented zebrafish caused by IBC was closely related to the calcium signaling pathway, lipid decomposition and metabolism, and oxidative stress. This work delved into the mechanism of the enhanced IBC‐induced hepatotoxicity in depigmented zebrafish and provided a new insight into the hepatotoxicity of IBC.
Lithium‐loaded GelMA‐Phosphate glass fibre constructs: Implications for astrocyte response
Authors: Keskin‐Erdogan Zalike , Mandakhbayar Nandin , Jin Gang Shi , Li Yu‐Meng , Chau David Y. S. , Day Richard M. , Kim Hae‐Won , Knowles Jonathan C. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCombinations of different biomaterials with their own advantages as well as functionalization with other components have long been implemented in tissue engineering to improve the performance of the overall material. Biomaterials, particularly hydrogel platforms, have shown great potential for delivering compounds such as drugs, growth factors, and neurotrophic factors, as well as cells, in neural tissue engineering applications. In central the nervous system, astrocyte reactivity and glial scar formation are significant and complex challenges to tackle for neural and functional recovery. GelMA hydrogel‐based tissue constructs have been developed in this study and combined with two different formulations of phosphate glass fibers (PGFs) (with Fe3+ or Ti2+ oxide) to impose physical and mechanical cues for modulating astrocyte cell behavior. This study was also aimed at investigating the effects of lithium‐loaded GelMA‐PGFs hydrogels in alleviating astrocyte reactivity and glial scar formation offering novel perspectives for neural tissue engineering applications. The rationale behind introducing lithium is driven by its long‐proven therapeutic benefits in mental disorders, and neuroprotective and pronounced anti‐inflammatory properties. The optimal concentrations of lithium and LPS were determined in vitro on primary rat astrocytes. Furthermore, qPCR was conducted for gene expression analysis of GFAP and IL‐6 markers on primary astrocytes cultured 3D into GelMA and GelMA‐PGFs hydrogels with and without lithium and in vitro stimulated with LPS for astrocyte reactivity. The results suggest that the combination of bioactive phosphate‐based glass fibers and lithium loading into GelMA structures may impact GFAP expression and early IL‐6 expression. Furthermore, GelMA‐PGFs (Fe) constructs have shown improved performance in modulating glial scarring over GFAP regulation.