bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synchronous Ensembles of Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons Associated with Theta but not Ripple Oscillations During Novel Exploration
Authors: Chen En-Li , Chen Tsai-Wen , Schreiter Eric R. , Lin Bei-Jung 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSynchronous neuronal ensembles play a pivotal role in the consolidation of long-term memory in the hippocampus. However, their organization during the acquisition of spatial memory remains less clear. In this study, we used neuronal population voltage imaging to investigate the synchronization patterns of CA1 pyramidal neuronal ensembles during the exploration of a new environment, a critical phase for spatial memory acquisition. We found synchronous ensembles comprising approximately 40% of CA1 pyramidal neurons, firing simultaneously in brief windows (∼25ms) during immobility and locomotion in novel exploration. Notably, these synchronous ensembles were not associated with contralateral ripple oscillations but were instead phase-locked to theta waves recorded in the contralateral CA1 region. Moreover, the subthreshold membrane potentials of neurons exhibited coherent intracellular theta oscillations with a depolarizing peak at the moment of synchrony. Among newly formed place cells, pairs with more robust synchronization during locomotion displayed more distinct place-specific activities. These findings underscore the role of synchronous ensembles in coordinating place cells of different place fields.
An auxin homeostat allows plant cells to establish and control defined transmembrane auxin gradients
Authors: Geisler Markus , Dreyer Ingo 
Published: February 2024

SummaryExtracellular auxin maxima and minima are important to control plant developmental programs. Auxin gradients are provided by the concerted action of proteins from the three major plasma membrane auxin transporter classes AUX1/LAX, PIN and ABCB transporters. But neither genetic nor biochemical nor modelling approaches have been able to reliably assign the individual roles and interplay of these transporter types.Based on the thermodynamic properties of the transporters, we show here by mathematical modeling and computational simulations that the concerted action of different auxin transporter types allow the adjustment of specific transmembrane auxin gradients. The dynamic flexibility of the “auxin homeostats” comes at the cost of an energy-consuming “auxin cycling” across the membrane.An unexpected finding was that functional ABCB-PIN coupling appears to allow an optimization of the trade-off between the speed of auxin gradient adjustment on the one hand and ATP consumption and disturbance of general anion homeostasis on the other.In conclusion, our analyses provide fundamental insights into the thermodynamic constraints and flexibility of transmembrane auxin transport in plants.Plain language summaryThe phytohormone auxin controls essentially plant development. Plant cells produce auxin and export it to establish patterns by local auxin minima and maxima. Although several transporter proteins are known to contribute to this process, the mechanism by which a defined auxin gradient can be produced is not clear. This study now uses mathematical modeling based on the thermodynamic features of the auxin transporters to illustrate in computational simulations the fundamental characteristics of an “auxin homeostat”. The concerted interplay of different auxin transporters allows plant cells to establish defined transmembrane auxin gradients that are the indispensable basis for polarized auxin maxima and minima and auxin fluxes within tissues.
Impact of a novel comprehensive empathy curriculum at Leicester Medical School: Protocol for a longitudinal study
Authors: Keshtkar Leila , Bennett-Weston Amber , Ward Andy , Winter Rachel , Gay Simon , Howick Jeremy 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundEmpathy appears to decline throughout medical school and is highly variable among qualified healthcare practitioners. To address these problems, the Leicester Medical School has designed an enhanced empathy curriculum that runs throughout all five years of medical school. The impact of this curriculum must be measured.ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of the enhanced empathy curriculum using qualitative and quantitative data.Study designProspective longitudinal studySettingLeicester medical schoolParticipantsAll students (from year one to five) at the Leicester Medical School will be eligible for participation. There are currently approximately 300 students in each of the five years of medical school and we anticipate that we will recruit approximately 100 medical students per medical school year for the quantitative data (total of 500 students) and approximately 10 students per medical school year for the qualitative data (total of 50 students).Data collectionWe will annually collect the following data for a period of seven years to ensure a comprehensive dataset for three full cohorts of medical students. The main reason for selecting the seven-year timeframe is that the empathy curriculum recently started in medical school (2022-2023 academic year), and it takes a few years for it to stabilise and yield meaningful results.Student empathy levels (for example, using the student version of the self-reported Jefferson Scale for Empathy (JSE-S) and the observer-reported Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) measure).Satisfaction with the empathy curriculum (using routinely collected student survey data).Satisfaction with the overall medical school curriculum (using routinely collected student survey data).Student experiences of the empathy curriculum (using qualitative student interviews with a purposive sample of five to 10 medical students from each year).Student well-being data (for example, the frequency and severity of well-being issues).Reporting elementsWe will report on:Number of individuals at each stage of the study.Descriptive data that includes (student characteristics and potential confounders).Outcome data (empathy levels, student satisfaction with curriculum, student experience). We will also report on the relationships between these data (for example between empathy levels and student satisfaction with curriculum).DisseminationFindings will be disseminated through international conferences, news and peer-reviewed journals.FundingThis study is funded by the Stoneygate Trust. The funder had no role in any part of the development or writing of this paper.EthicsThe project and associated documents were approved by the University of Leicester Research Ethics Board (Ethical approval number: 42404-lk252-ls:medicine).
Compressive stress drives morphogenetic apoptosis through lateral tension and Piezo1
Authors: Merle Tatiana , Cazales Martine , Mangeat Thomas , Bouzignac Ronan , Ronsin Brice , Rouvière Christian , Suzanne Magali 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTissues and organs are constantly submitted to physical stress, including compression, stretching, shear stress. The impact of compression due to overcrowding on cell extrusion has been the focus of recent studies. However, how tissue compression impact cell death in the context of morphogenesis is mostly unexplored. Here, we showed that a natural compression is exerted on the Drosophila developing leg by the surrounding tissue (or envelope) that is required for correct leg morphogenesis. In this tissue, apoptosis, preferentially localized in the future fold region, contributes to drive tissue folding through the generation of a pulling force on the apical surface. However, only a subset of these cells are dying within the expression domain of proapoptotic genes and how this precise pattern of cell death is established is totally unknown. We found that the natural compression exerted by the envelope contributes to the regulation of apoptosis, revealing that compression constitutes an integral part of apoptosis regulation during leg morphogenesis. We further reveal that compression drives a significant increase in lateral tension and favors apoptosis through the mechanosensor Piezo. Finally, perturbing cell cortex anchoring or membrane stiffness prove sufficient to block this process. Altogether, these results open new perspectives in term of mechanotransduction during morphogenesis.
Dynamic Lateralization in Contralateral-Projecting Corticospinal Neurons During Motor Learning
Authors: Han Jiawei , Wang Ruixue , Wang Minmin , Yu Zhihua , Zhu Liang , Zhang Jianmin , Zhu Junming , Zhang Shaomin , Xi Wang , Wu Hemmings 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the adaptability of the motor cortex in response to bilateral motor tasks is crucial for advancing our knowledge of neural plasticity and motor learning. Here we aim to investigate the dynamic lateralization of contralateral-projecting corticospinal neurons (cpCSNs) during such tasks. Utilizing in vivo two-photon calcium imaging, we observe cpCSNs in mice performing a bilateral lever-press task. Our findings reveal a heterogeneous population dynamics in cpCSNs: a marked decrease in activity during ipsilateral motor learning, in contrast to maintained activity during contralateral motor learning. Notably, individual cpCSNs show dynamic shifts in their engagement with ipsilateral and contralateral movements, displaying an evolving pattern of activation over successive days. This suggests a flexible and learning-related reconfiguration in the cpCSN network, parallel to motor learning stages. Our findings suggest a complex reorganization in cpCSN activities, underscoring the dynamic nature of cortical lateralization in motor learning and offering insights for neuromotor rehabilitation.
Axion star explosions: A new source for axion indirect detection
Authors: Escudero Miguel , Pooni Charis Kaur , Fairbairn Malcolm , Blas Diego , Du Xiaolong , Marsh David J. E. 
Published: February 2024

If dark matter is composed of axions, then axion stars form in the cores of dark matter halos. These stars are unstable above a critical mass, decaying to radio photons that heat the intergalactic medium, offering a new channel for axion indirect detection. We recently provided the first accurate calculation of the axion decay rate due to axion star mergers. In this work we show how existing data concerning the CMB optical depth leads to strong constraints on the axion photon coupling in the mass range 10−14  eV≲ma≲10−8  eV. Axion star decays lead to efficient reionization of the intergalactic medium during the dark ages. By comparing this nonstandard reionization with Planck legacy measurements of the Thomson optical width, we show that couplings in the range 10−14  GeV−1≲gaγγ≲10−10  GeV−1 are excluded for our benchmark model of axion star abundance. Future measurements of the 21 cm emission of neutral hydrogen at high redshift could improve this limit by an order of magnitude or more, providing complementary indirect constraints on axion dark matter in parameter space also targeted by direct detection haloscopes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The shortcomings of equal weights estimation and the composite equivalence index in PLS-SEM
Authors: Hair Joseph F. , Sharma Pratyush N. , Sarstedt Marko , Ringle Christian M. , Liengaard Benjamin D. 
Published: February 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the appropriateness of equal weights estimation (sumscores) and the application of the composite equivalence index (CEI) vis-à-vis differentiated indicator weights produced by partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Design/methodology/approach
The authors rely on prior literature as well as empirical illustrations and a simulation study to assess the efficacy of equal weights estimation and the CEI.

Findings
The results show that the CEI lacks discriminatory power, and its use can lead to major differences in structural model estimates, conceals measurement model issues and almost always leads to inferior out-of-sample predictive accuracy compared to differentiated weights produced by PLS-SEM.

Research limitations/implications
In light of its manifold conceptual and empirical limitations, the authors advise against the use of the CEI. Its adoption and the routine use of equal weights estimation could adversely affect the validity of measurement and structural model results and understate structural model predictive accuracy. Although this study shows that the CEI is an unsuitable metric to decide between equal weights and differentiated weights, it does not propose another means for such a comparison.

Practical implications
The results suggest that researchers and practitioners should prefer differentiated indicator weights such as those produced by PLS-SEM over equal weights.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to provide a comprehensive assessment of the CEI’s usefulness. The results provide guidance for researchers considering using equal indicator weights instead of PLS-SEM-based weighted indicators.
“I didn’t want to promote it with a white girl”: marketing practices and boundary work at popular music festivals
Authors: Swartjes Britt 
Published: February 2024

PurposeThis paper aims to explore how music festival organisers negotiate diversity and inclusion in marketing and promotion practices through symbolic and social boundaries.Design/methodology/approachBased on semi-structured interviews with 18 festival organisers in Rotterdam and participant observation with six festival photographers I show that symbolic and social boundaries are employed in three areas: (1) boundaries in festival format (i.e. [partially] free or ticketed), (2) boundaries in distribution partners and technologies and (3) boundaries in promotional content.FindingsSymbolic and social boundaries are intentionally used by festival organisers to build and delineate festival audiences. Implications are drawn on current understandings of the accessibility of music festival spaces, arguing that festival research should move beyond within-space dynamics to grasp the negotiation of diversity and inclusion at festivals more fully.Originality/valueWhile music festivals are often marketed as celebratory spaces that are “welcoming to everyone”, few studies have investigated diversity and inclusion nor marketing and promotion practices at music festivals. This study shows how festival audiences are shaped through marketing and promotion practices.
Students' learning outcomes from being a mentor in the Nightingale Mentoring Programme for Adult Refugees in Norway
Authors: Glømmen Anne Margrethe , Brevik Sæthern Beate , Eriksson Rikard 
Published: February 2024

PurposeThis study aimed to identify and describe how mentoring influences the mentor, by operationalising and specifying learning outcomes involved in mentoring.Design/methodology/approachThis study used an action research approach, by uniting theory and practice to explore new ways of learning and evolve the field of practice in education. Thematic analysis was used to identify and organise patterns or themes that emerged from the data.FindingsThe results showed that mentoring changed the mentors' perspectives towards improved understanding, more flexibility and approval of other cultures. It seems that mentoring expanded the mentors' search for values, wishes and resources, including an awareness that our values, wishes and needs are more similar than different. Mentoring also seems to have improved the ability to reformulate, be flexible, strive to optimise user engagement and engage with people as they are, based on their own prerequisites.Research limitations/implicationsThe low number of participants means the results cannot be generalised, and voluntary participation may have led to more motivated involvement and positive results.Practical implicationsThis study shows that mentoring has had an impact on students' development of intercultural competence and cultural sensitivity through regular meetings with individuals from a different cultural background. Mentoring seems to have revealed insights into underlying prejudices and changed perspectives towards better understanding, thus increased acceptance of other cultures.Originality/valueSearch for similar studies shows a lack of research that operationalises and specifies the learning outcomes that mentors gain from being a mentor.
How does social media use in the workplace affect employee voice? Uncovering the mediation effects of social identity and contingency role of job-social media fit
Authors: Chen Wenjing , Zheng Bowen , Liu Hefu 
Published: February 2024

PurposeEmployee voice is crucial for organizations to identify problems and make timely adjustments. However, promoting voice in organizations is challenging. This study aims to investigate how social media use (SMU) in the workplace affects employee voice by examining its intrinsic mechanisms and boundary conditions. Specifically, this study examines the mediating roles of social identifications and the moderating effects of job-social media fit on the relationship between SMU and social identifications.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted a survey of 348 employees in China.FindingsFirst, SMU affects voice through social identifications. Second, distinct identifications have different effects on voice, such that organizational identification positively affects employee voice, while relational identification positively affects promotive voice and negatively affects prohibitive voice. Third, when social media is highly suitable for the job, the positive effect of work-related SMU on organizational identification is strengthened, while the positive effect of social-related SMU on organizational identification is weakened.Originality/valueThe results indicate that different identifications have distinct impacts on voice. Additionally, this study reveals a double-edged sword effect of SMU on voice through different social identifications. Further, job-social media fit moderates the relationship between SMU and social identifications. These findings have important implications for organizations adopting social media.
Investigating student’s motivation and online learning engagement through the lens of self-determination theory
Authors: Ojo Adedapo Oluwaseyi , Ravichander Sumitha , Tan Christine Nya-Ling , Anthonysamy Lilian , Arasanmi Chris Niyi 
Published: February 2024

PurposeThe lack of physical contact and the absence of nonverbal clues could make some learners uncomfortable interacting with others via online learning platforms. Hence, understanding the determinants of students' motivation and engagement in online learning platforms is crucial in harnessing digital technology as an enabler of unrestricted and quality learning experiences.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on the self-determination theory (SDT), this study investigates the factors associated with student’s motivation to learn (MOL) and their influence on online learning engagement (OLE). Data were collected from 228 university students from the Klang Valley region of Malaysia using the online survey method.FindingsThe results of data analysis using the partial least squares structural equation modeling indicate that self-directed learning, computer and Internet self-efficacy and online communication self-efficacy significantly influence MOL. Besides, these factors indirectly influence OLE through MOL.Originality/valueThis study adds to the SDT framework by demonstrating how students' perceptions of autonomy, competence and relatedness through online interaction relate to MOL and OLE.
Understanding ways to support teens and parents affected by Russia–Ukraine war
Authors: Lopatovska Irene , Coan Celia 
Published: February 2024

PurposeThe study explored how information institutions can support the resilience of parents of adolescents affected by the Russia–Ukraine war. Ukrainian parents are facing major challenges of supporting their teenagers through a difficult developmental phase while also “buffering” their war-related hardships. By supporting parents, information institutions can also support children.Design/methodology/approachFifteen parents were interviewed about mental health challenges and resources that are helpful and/or missing from their support systems. Recordings of participant narratives were analyzed using the qualitative thematic analysis technique.FindingsThe findings indicate that both teens and parents rely on internal resilience skills, family, friends and community resources to support themselves. However, a number of additional resources could be offered by information institutions, including content for (1) teens on developing skills in communication, interpersonal relationships, problem solving and academic pursuits; (2) parents on child development and opportunities in their host countries; both groups on (3) both groups on mental health first aid and safe spaces to meet peers. The study recommendations will be of interest to information professionals working with families, especially families affected by disasters.Research limitations/implicationsThe study relied on a small convenience sample of participants.Practical implicationsStudy recommendations would be of interest to information professionals who develop and provide services to families affected by natural and manmade disasters.Social implicationsStudy recommendations improve understanding of the (potential) role of information institutions and libraries in strengthening family and community resilience.Originality/valueThe study offers a rare insight into experiences of war-affect families and provides evidence-driven recommendations for information institutions to support family and community resilience.