bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SBIS, a new orange fluorescent vital probe for the 4D imaging of brown algal cells
Authors: Zilliox Marie , Collot Mayeul , Charrier Bénédicte 
Published: February 2025

AbstractLiving cells of brown algae are difficult to observe in 3D due to the presence of pigments such as fucoxanthin and chlorophyll that diffract light. Furthermore, they grow slowly in seawater. To gain insight into the shape and size of brown alga cells in 3D during the development of these multicellular photosynthetic organisms, we designed a fluorescence probe that efficiently and selectively labels the plasma membrane. Styryl benzoIndoleninium sulfonate (SBIS) is a bright orange fluorogenic probe that is soluble and virtually non-emissive in seawater; it accumulates in the plasma membrane of brown algal cells, where it activates upon binding. SBIS enabled the 3D observation of cells of different shapes and sizes in several brown alga species, over a period of up to seven days and in a medium mimicking natural growth conditions. More importantly, SBIS makes it possible to observe cells at thicknesses of up to 20 µm, in contrast to Calcofluor White. These properties resulted in the visualization of the entire contour of the cells in the Z-axis of uniseriate filaments ofEctocarpus,polystichous filaments ofSphacelariaand cellular monolayered lamina ofSaccharina. Altogether, SBIS now makes the study of embryogenesis and early development possible in 4D in these brown algae.
TheNeflE397Kmouse model demonstrates muscle pathology and motor function deficits consistent with CMT2E
Authors: Pérez-López Dennis O. , Shively Audrey A. , Torres F. Javier Llorente , Muchow Roxanne , Abu-Salah Zaid , Abu-Salah Mohammed T. , Garcia Michael L. , Smith Catherine L. , Nichols Nicole L. , Lorson Monique A. , Lorson Christian L. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractCharcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease affects approximately 1 in 2,500 people and represents a heterogeneous group of inherited peripheral neuropathies characterized by progressive motor and sensory dysfunction. CMT type 2E is a result of mutations in the neurofilament light (NEFL) gene with predominantly autosomal dominant inheritance, often presenting with a progressive neuropathy with distal muscle weakness, sensory loss, gait disturbances, foot deformities, reduced nerve conduction velocity (NCV) without demyelination and typically reduced compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude values. SeveralNeflmouse models exist that either alter the mouseNeflgene or overexpress a mutated humanNEFLtransgene, each recapitulating various aspects of CMT2E disease. We generated the orthologousNEFLE396Kmutation in the mouse C57BL/6 background,NeflE397K. In a separate report, we extensively characterized the electrophysiology deficits and axon pathology inNeflE397Kmice. In this manuscript, we report our characterization ofNeflE397Kmotor function deficits, muscle pathology and changes in breathingNefl+/E397KandNeflE397K/E397Kmice demonstrated progressive motor coordination deficits and muscle weakness through the twelve months of age analyzed, consistent with our electrophysiology findings. Additionally,Nefl+/E397KandNeflE397K/E397Kmice showed alterations in muscle fiber area, diameter and composition as disease developed. Lastly,Neflmutant mice showed increased number of apneas under normoxia conditions and increased erratic breathing as well as tidal volume under respiratory challenge conditions.NeflE397K/E397Kmice phenotypes and pathology were consistently more severe thanNefl+/E397Kmice. Collectively, these novel CMT2E models present with a clinically relevant phenotype and make it an ideal model for the evaluation of therapeutics.
Post-Ictal Gamma Oscillations Predict Hippocampal Structural Integrity in Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Valdivia Daniel J. , Tescarollo Fabio Cesar , Ercan Koray , Huang Isaac , Vasquez Betsy , Parsonnet Lauren , Chung Sangmi , Boison Detlev , Gross Robert , Gleichgerrcht Ezequiel , Chen Spencer C. , Sun Hai 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe underlying histopathology and epileptic network of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) are difficult to ascertain. Here, we report a novel electrical activity following seizure termination, termed post-ictal gamma oscillations (PIGOs), recorded in mice with intrahippocampal kainic acid injection and a patient with mTLE. PIGOs are characterized by a spectral shift of increased power in gamma frequencies relative to decreased power in other frequencies, generating a gamma peak. PIGOs are accompanied by increased intracellular calcium levels among parvalbumin-positive interneurons and a direct current shift. Only a subgroup of animals in the study had PIGOs. These animals had less pronounced hippocampal sclerosis (HS) than those without PIGOs. To illustrate the translational potential of these findings, we analyzed data from two patients with unilateral mTLE, one with PIGOs and the other without. The patient with PIGOs had symmetrical hippocampi on neuroimaging, whereas the other exhibited overly decreased interictal glucose uptake in left hippocampus, suggesting left-sided HS. After receiving laser ablation of mesial temporal regions, the patient with PIGOs became seizure-free, whereas the other did not. Our results suggest that PIGOs may serve as a biomarker for a milder form of HS in patients with mTLE and for predicting treatment outcomes.
Regulation of hippocampal excitatory synapse development by the adhesion G-protein coupled receptor Brain-specific angiogenesis inhibitor 2 (BAI2/ADGRB2)
Authors: Meyer Christina M. , Vafaeva Olga , Low Henry , Speca David J. , Díaz Elva 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTGlutamatergic synapses and their associated dendritic spines are critical information processing sites within the brain. Proper development of these specialized cellular junctions is important for normal brain functionality. Synaptic adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) have been identified as regulators of synapse development and function. While two members of the Brain-specific angiogenesis inhibitor (BAI/ADGRB) subfamily of synaptic aGPCRs, BAI1/ADGRB1 and BAI3/ADGRB3, have been found to mediate synapse and spine formation, BAI2/ADGRB2 function remains uncharacterized at the synapse. Here, we show that endogenous BAI2 is expressed throughout the nervous system with prominent expression in synapse dense regions of the hippocampus. In dissociated hippocampal cultures, BAI2 is highly enriched at large postsynaptic sites, defined by the size of the postsynaptic scaffold PSD95. Loss of BAI2 negatively impacts glutamatergic synapses across development in dissociated hippocampal cultures. In contrast, GABAergic synapse density is unchanged. Furthermore, BAI2 deficient neurons have significant alterations in spine morphology with decreased density of mature PSD95-containing mushroom-shaped spines compared with wild-type neurons. Interestingly, no major alterations in dendritic complexity were observed in BAI2 deficient neurons, in contrast to previous results for the other BAIs. The reduction in mature mushroom-shaped spine is commensurate with a reduction in spine volume and head diameter. Altogether, these results demonstrate that the aGPCR BAI2 is an important regulator of glutamatergic synapse and PSD95-associated spine development in cultured hippocampal neurons. These results expand the knowledge of the BAI subfamily of aGPCRs in mediating excitatory synapse and spine development and highlight differences unique to BAI2.Highlights- BAI2 expression is upregulated during postnatal development in the hippocampus- BAI2 is enriched at postsynaptic sites, particularly large synapses- Loss of BAI2 results in decreased density of glutamatergic synapses with no change in GABAergic synapse density- Loss of BAI2 results in decreased density of mushroom spines
Shared Alteration of Whole-Brain Connectivity and Olfactory Deficits in Multiple Autism Mouse Models
Authors: Hsu Tsan-Ting , Chen Chih-Ping , Lin Ming-Hui , Haung Tzyy-Nan , Wang Chung-Yu , Lee Chia-Ming , Chen Bi-Chang , Wang Chien-Yao , Hsueh Yi-Ping 
Published: February 2025

SummaryAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a disconnection condition influenced by both heterogeneous genetic and environmental factors, yet it remains unclear whether common connectivity deficits exist. Here, we demonstrate that different ASD-linked mutations lead to distinct circuit abnormalities but share deficits in the piriform cortex and olfactory discrimination. Using advanced artificial intelligence, we developed a whole-brain mapping platform to analyze the distribution of the Thy1-YFP projection neurons in three ASD mouse models (Tbr1+/–,Nf1+/–,Vcp+/R95G). Our analysis revealed changes in axonal patterns and neuronal distribution, indicating deficits in projection neuron differentiation and maintenance. Notably, the piriform cortex consistently exhibited reduced YFP+cells and signals and impaired functionality across all models. Visual and somatosensory cortices were also affected, but the patterns varied. These findings highlight that the sensory regions, especially the piriform cortex, are susceptible to ASD-related mutations, strengthening the notion that different sensory experiences are common in ASD.HighlightsAI-powered whole-mouse brain quantification accelerates neural connectivity study.Autism-linked mutations lead to various circuit abnormalities of Thy1-YFP neurons.Multiple sensory regions all exhibit circuit deficits among the three autism models.Abnormalities of olfaction and piriform cortex circuits are common in autism models.
Causal relationships between gut microbiome and age-related traits
Authors: Grosso Federica , Zanetti Daniela , Sanna Serena 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIn the past 20 years, the involvement of gut microbiome in human health has received particular attention, but its contribution to age-related diseases remains unclear. To address this, we performed a comprehensive investigation of 4,033 potential causal relationships between 37 traits representing gut microbiome composition and function and 109 age-related phenotypes, using two-samples Mendelian randomization. Five causal relationships remained significant after multiple testing correction and sensitivity analyses, specifically between two taxa ofCoriobacterialesand the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, speciesBifidobacterium adolescentisand levels of TNFSF12 protein in plasma, and the lactose-galactose degradation microbial I pathway and levels of IL-15Rα and TRAIL proteins in plasma. The causal relationship between the lactose-galactose degradation I pathway and TRAIL protein levels was further confirmed using independent data. These results support the role of gut microbiome in regulating the inflammatory circuit, albeit future studies are needed to investigate the underlying biological mechanisms.
Electronic structure and energy landscape of
BSiSii
related defects
Authors: Flötotto Aaron , Beenken Wichard J. D. , Lauer Kevin , Krischok Stefan , Runge Erich 
Published: February 2025

Boron is an important dopant for silicon. Together with an adjacent interstitial Si atom, it forms the so-called BSiSii defect, which has been proposed as a source of light-induced degradation (LID) in solar cells made from boron-doped Czochralski-grown silicon. Furthermore, the BSiSii defect is an intermediate configuration in many models for boron diffusion in silicon. In the present comprehensive density-functional-theory-based study, we have calculated the energy landscape around the BSiSii defect and related defects involving one B atom and one interstitial Si atom for different chemical potentials of electrons corresponding to neutral, positively, and negatively charged supercells. Among the found metastable defect configurations, we identify possible recombination centers based on the defect-dependent electronic density of states and the minimal energy paths between them. The resulting potential energy landscape is checked against empirical models for boron diffusion and LID.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
The Ten-Point Treatment Programme: developing and evaluating an easy-read version for people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Amiola Ayomipo Jeremiah , Wilson Hollyanna , Patteril Elizabeth , Chester Verity , Alexander Regi 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
People with intellectual disabilities (IDs) typically present with co-occurring communication difficulties. Research indicates that cognitive-linguistic impairment is predictive of poor health literacy, which can preclude individuals from developing a comprehensive understanding of their health, care and treatment needs. People accessing forensic intellectual and developmental disability (FIDD) services are more likely to engage meaningfully in treatment and rehabilitation only if they feel empowered to play active roles in their own care. Delivering proposed treatment programmes in an accessible format, which meets their language needs, is likely to promote this.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper aims to describe the development and evaluation of an easy read version of the “Ten point treatment programme” within an inpatient FIDD service. An expert panel comprising speech and language therapists and education professionals utilised a quality improvement method to develop this. Patients and staff evaluated this resource and gave feedback through surveys or meetings. The resource was refined based on responses, and a final version produced.

Findings
The easy-read Ten-Point Treatment programme resource was considered valuable by patients and staff from this service.

Research limitations/implications
Future research should seek to pilot this resource, to explore alternative multi-modal means of accessible information provision coproduced at every level and to examine ways in which this resource could be incorporated within health-care consultations. Another research direction will be to assess the impact of this resource on comprehension, drawing upon objective, previously validated measures.

Practical implications
Provision of an easy-read version of the Ten-Point Treatment Programme may support individuals with communication difficulties to understand health and care information relevant to their inpatient admission and may empower them to take more active roles in their treatment pathway. It is important to acknowledge, however, that easy read is not an accessible means of information provision for all individuals with ID and that the empirical evidence for its impact is limited.

Originality/value
This is the first published attempt to evaluate the acceptability of an easy-read version of the Ten-Point Treatment Programme within an inpatient FIDD service in the UK.
Developing an ontology-based tool for relating risks to the energy performance gap in buildings
Authors: Yılmaz Derya , Tanyer Ali Murat , Dikmen Irem 
Published: February 2025

PurposeDespite extensive research on the underlying reasons for the energy performance gap in buildings, there is a critical need for stakeholders to standardize and facilitate the use of this knowledge and support its broader application by machines. Our research addresses this gap by developing both an ontology and a tool to utilize risk information regarding the performance gap in buildings.Design/methodology/approachResearch into this topic began with the creation of an energy performance gap-risk ontology for new and existing buildings using the METHONTOLOGY method. This comprised a comprehensive literature review and semi-structured interviews with ten experts concerning six buildings, in order to develop taxonomies and define risk factor interactions. It was followed by a three-stage validation using a mixed-method research methodology. Steps included comparing the ontology with a similar empirical study, gathering expert opinions via interviews and ratings assessments, and finally, interviewing an experienced professional to ascertain whether there were any concepts not covered by the ontology. The taxonomies were modeled in Protégé 5.5, and using the ontology, a spreadsheet tool was developed using Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications in Excel.FindingsThe ontology identified 36 primary risk factors and a total of 95 when including additional risks linked to certain factors. Factors such as professional liability insurance, stakeholder motivation, effective communication, experience, training, integrated design, simplicity of detailing, building systems or design and project commissioning can help manage the performance gap in buildings. The tool developed serves as a decision-support system, offering features like project risk checklists to assist stakeholders in addressing the performance gap.Originality/valueThis study is the first to develop an energy performance gap-risk ontology and a tool to help project stakeholders collect, store and share building risk information.
Carefree cuteness: the effect of exposure to cuteness on risk seeking
Authors: Yim Alexis , He Stephen X. , Cui Annie Peng , Zhao Lin 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
Cuteness has grown to be a global phenomenon fueled by the explosive usage of social media. Cute stimuli are ubiquitous, but few have explored their effects on consumer decision-making; direct evidence is particularly lacking in the area of risky choices. In this research, the authors theorize and demonstrate the unintended effects of cuteness exposure on people’s risk preference.

Design/methodology/approach
Across five experimental studies situated in various risk contexts, including health, financial and safety, the authors demonstrate that exposure to cuteness makes consumers more risk-seeking due to the reduction of situational conscientiousness. Study 1 used an experimental lab study with a real circumstance to test the effect on the risk associated with food consumption. Study 2 used a classical gambling experiment to test the effect on financial risk. Studies 3a and 3b used a mass shooting news article to test the effect on safety risk. Lastly, study 4 tested the mediating role of low conscientiousness with the classical gambling experiment.

Findings
The findings show that exposure to cuteness makes people more likely to take risks in various domains (e.g. food consumption, safety and financial decisions).

Research limitations/implications
This study tested the effect of cuteness on risk-seeking with a limited number of domains of risk. In addition, the authors tested the effect with visual cuteness stimuli, while individuals may perceive cuteness through other senses, such as sound.

Practical implications
The findings have implications for business owners and marketers when deciding whether and how to use cuteness to promote their products and brands, as well as to avoid potential repercussions. For example, a marketer for a new extreme sports company could use videos or images of cute animals participating in sports on the company’s social media channels to expand its market share. In addition, findings from this research would make consumers more attentive when facing cute appeals as they gain a better understanding of how exposure to cuteness could impact their own decision-making.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to demonstrate that exposure to subtle, cute environmental cues has a robust effect on consumers’ risk preferences across various domains, regardless of age and gender.
Investigating the impact of soft TQM practices on employees’ organizational commitment in governmental Sudanese petroleum organizations
Authors: Ahmed Abuaraki Osman , Abdalla Abdelgadir Mohamed , Ali Adam Mohamed 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThis study aims to investigate and analyze the impact of soft total quality management (TQM) practices on employees’ organizational commitment in Sudanese governmental petroleum organizations and to propose targeted strategies on how to enrich the soft TQM practices.Design/methodology/approachThe study used questionnaires to gather data from employees at Sudanese governmental petroleum organizations that adopt quality programs. A stratified random sampling procedure was followed and generated a sample size of 253. Data were analyzed via regression.FindingsThe study examined the relationship between employee’s organizational commitment and five soft TQM practices, namely training and education, top management commitment, employee empowerment, involvement and teamwork. These practices collectively explain most of the variance in the employees’ organizational commitment in Sudanese governmental petroleum organizations with R2 = 75%. All independent variables are positively and statistically significant at a 5% significance level. Training/education was inferred as the most influencing factor, and teamwork was the least important among the five practices.Practical implicationsThe positive relationship between soft TQM practices and organizational commitment suggests several actionable strategies for organizations. By fostering a culture that emphasizes continuous learning, empowerment and involvement, organizations can improve not only the quality of their products and services but also overall productivity. High levels of organizational commitment reduce turnover rates, which in turn lowers recruitment and training costs associated with replacing employees. Encouraging teamwork and employee involvement fosters a collaborative environment where innovation can thrive. Finally, policymakers could use these findings to advocate for the adoption of TQM practices in public sector organizations.Originality/valueThe findings from this study underscore the importance of soft TQM practices – specifically training and education, top management commitment, employee empowerment, involvement and teamwork – in enhancing employees’ organizational commitment. This focus on human-centric practices provides an important contribution to existing literature, particularly in contexts that are underrepresented in TQM research, such as developing countries and governmental organizations. It demonstrates how abstract TQM principles translate into practical outcomes like increased employee commitment, which is a crucial factor for organizational success.
Catalysing change: unveiling the impact of livelihood training on entrepreneurial skills of women SHG members in Sikkim
Authors: Prasad Smriti , Choubey Manesh 
Published: February 2025

PurposeOur paper empirically evaluates the impact of livelihood training programmes on entrepreneurial skills of the women Self-Help Group (SHG) members.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on primary data collected from a sample of 416 SHG women of Sikkim, India, using a multi-stage cluster sampling. A multiple linear regression model is used to assess the impact of training participation on entrepreneurial skill. We correct for the potential self-selection bias associated with training participation using Propensity Score Matching (PSM) method and estimate the Average Treatment effect on the Treated (ATT) using 1:1 Nearest neighbour matching without replacement (caliper = 0.06) and full matching algorithm. The robustness of the result is validated using Rosenbaum bounds sensitivity analysis.FindingsThe findings suggest a significant and positive relation between livelihood training programme participation and entrepreneurial skills of the SHG members which relates to Human Capital Theory.Originality/valueOur paper contributes to the existing literature by empirically evaluating the impact of livelihood training on entrepreneurial skills of the SHG members. Further, our study not only corrects the problem of self-selection bias associated with training participation but also studies the influence of unobserved confounders on the estimated results ensuring generalisability of the findings. Additionally, the study is conducted across all four districts of Sikkim, a north-eastern state of India which has received less academic attention in the context of SHGs and its activities.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-01-2024-0100