bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The type III-B CRISPR-Cas System Affects Energy Metabolism and Adaptation in the ArchaeonSaccharolobus solfataricus
Authors: Wimmer Erika , Zink Isabelle A. , Hodgskiss Logan H. , Kerou Melina , Schleper Christa
Published: September 2024

Type III CRISPR-Cas immune systems that recognize and cleave extrachromosomal RNA when active, are particularly widespread in archaea. Mechanistically, these systems have the potential to regulate gene expression of host genes on a post-transcriptional level, but very little is known about any potential accessory roles of type III-B systems beyond immunity. We have created knockout mutants of a type III-B CRISPR-Cas complex in the thermoacidophilic archaeonSaccharolobus solfataricusto investigate potential secondary functions of the type III-B system. Deletion mutants exhibited an accelerate growth but were less quickly adaptable to changes in carbon sources in their growth media. In line with this phenotype, upregulated genes were significantly enriched in functional categories of energy production and conversion, as well as with carbohydrate or amino acid transport and metabolism in RNAseq studies. Generally, a significant accumulation of genes encoding transmembrane proteins in the upregulated proportion of the transcriptome suggests interconnections between the type III-B CRISPR-Cas system and various membrane-associated processes. Notably, the deletion mutants did not lose their general virus- or plasmid defense activities indicating that this particular system might have been partially adopted for cellular regulatory roles.
Methods for high throughput discovery of fluoroprobes that recognize tau fibril polymorphs
Authors: Carroll Emma C. , Yang Hyunjun , Jones Julia G. , Oehler Abby , Charvat Annemarie F. , Montgomery Kelly M. , Yung Anthony , Millbern Zoe , Vinueza Nelson R. , DeGrado William F. , Mordes Daniel A. , Condello Carlo , Gestwicki Jason E.
Published: September 2024

Aggregation of microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT/tau) into conformationally distinct fibrils underpins neurodegenerative tauopathies. Fluorescent probes (fluoroprobes), such as thioflavin T (ThT), have been essential tools for studying tau aggregation; however, most of them do not discriminate between amyloid fibril conformations (polymorphs). This gap is due, in part, to a lack of high-throughput methods for screening large, diverse chemical collections. Here, we leverage advances in protein adaptive differential scanning fluorimetry (paDSF) to screen the Aurora collection of 300+ fluorescent dyes against multiple synthetic tau fibril polymorphs. This screen, coupled with orthogonal secondary assays, revealed pan-fibril binding chemotypes, as well as fluoroprobes selective for subsets of fibrils. One fluoroprobe recognized tau pathology inex vivobrain slices from Alzheimer’s disease patients. We propose that these scaffolds represent entry points for development of selective fibril ligands and, more broadly, that high throughput, fluorescence-based dye screening is a platform for their discovery.
Four SpsP neurons are an integrating sleep regulation hub inDrosophila
Authors: Dai Xihuimin , Le Jasmine Quynh , Ma Dingbang , Rosbash Michael
Published: September 2024

Sleep is an essential and conserved behavior, yet the mechanisms underlying sleep regulation remain largely unknown. To address the neural mechanisms of sleep drive, here we carry out whole brain calcium-modulated photoactivatable ratiometric integrator (CaMPARI) imaging ofDrosophilaand show that the activity of the protocerebral bridge (PB), a part of the central complex, correlates with sleep drive. Through a neural activation screen followed by anatomical and functional connectivity assays, we further narrow down the key player of sleep regulation in the PB to a three-layer circuit composed of 4 SpsP neurons and their upstream and downstream synaptic partners: the 4 SpsP neurons act as an integrating hub by responding to ellipsoid body (EB) signals from EPG neurons, and by sending signals back to the EB through PEcG neurons. Moreover, sleep deprivation enriches the presynaptic active zones of SpsP neurons and strengthens the connections of the EPG-SpsP-PEcG circuit, indicating plasticity gating in the circuit in response to sleep drive change. As the SpsP neurons also receive input from the sensorimotor brain region and given their known role in navigation, these neurons potentially further integrate sleep drive with other sensorimotor cues. The data taken together indicate that the four SpsP neurons and their sleep regulatory circuit play an important and dynamic role in sleep regulation.
FaPDA: Facial paralysis detection algorithm applied in mice
Authors: Perrusquia Hernández Elías , Villeda Arias Diego Israel , Montes Ángeles Claudia Daniela , Andrade González Rey David , Lomelí González Joel , Pérez-Martínez Isaac Obed
Published: September 2024

Facial paralysis is characterized by an injury to the facial nerve, causing the loss of the functions of the structures that it innervates and changes in the central nervous system in the motor cortex. Therefore, it is important to use experimental models to further the neurophysiological study. Currently, the models have some limitations for the study of facial paralysis. Therefore, the development of an algorithm capable of automatically detecting facial paralysis and overcoming the existing limitations is proposed. C57/BL6 mice were used, which produced irreversible facial paralysis with permanent effects and reversible facial paralysis, where the effects of the paralysis disappear within the first 15 days after the nerve injury. Video recordings were made of the faces of paralyzed mice to develop the algorithm for detecting facial paralysis applied to mice, which allows us to detect the presence of reversible and irreversible facial paralysis automatically. At the same time, the algorithm was used to track facial movement during oral stimulation with sucrose and extracellular electrophysiological recordings in the anterolateral motor cortex. In the basal state, mice can make facial expressions associated with a pleasurable state, and the algorithm detects this movement; at the same time, the movement correlates with the activation in the cortical area. In the presence of facial paralysis, the algorithm can not detect movement. Therefore, it concludes that the condition exists, and the neuronal activity in the cortex is affected with respect to the evolution of facial paralysis. Therefore, the facial paralysis detection algorithm applied to mice allows deduce the presence of experimental facial paralysis, in the presence of oral stimulation or without it, at the same time that cortical electrophysiological recordings can be made for the neurophysiological study of facial paralysis.

Significance Statement

Automatic detection of facial paralysis by video recording of the face of mice can help to identify the presence of the condition more easily. It can also used to study facial movement, like facial expressions, and their neural correlates in cortical and subcortical strata. This will allow understanding in depth the level of affectation that facial paralysis can produce at the peripheral and central nervous system levels.
A paleogenomic approach to reconstruct historical responses of coral reefs to anthropogenic change
Authors: González-Pech Raúl A. , Howe Colin , Lizcano-Sandoval Luis D. , Eisenhofer-Philipona Raphael A , Marciniak Stephanie , Roitman Sofia , Marulanda-Gómez Ángela M. , Rodríguez-Ramírez Alberto , Perry George , Weyrich Laura , López-Victoria Mateo , Cole Julia E. , Medina Mónica
Published: September 2024

Coral reefs are declining worldwide due to anthropogenic-driven environmental change. The foundation and health of these ecosystems rely on the harmonious functioning of all members of coral holobionts, i.e., cnidarian host, symbiotic microalgae, and associated microbiome. Coral stress responses often involve shifts in the taxonomic identity of their symbionts and microbiomes. Tracing back changes in coral holobiont composition over prolonged time periods can help us reconstruct health history of reefs and gain a better understanding of coral response to current stressors. Here, we focused on a major Caribbean reef-builder coral,Orbicella faveolata, from the Varadero Reef, Colombia. This reef has undergone extensive freshwater sediment discharge for decades as result of urbanization. We show, for the first time, that paleogenomic and paleoclimatic approaches can be combined to reconstruct historical, coral holobiont dynamics potentially associated with anthropogenic disturbances.
Within-host competition sparks pathogen molecular evolution and perpetual microbiota dysbiosis
Authors: Stevens E.J. , Li J.D. , Hector T.E. , Drew G.C. , Hoang K. , Greenrod S.T.E. , Paterson S. , King K.C.
Published: September 2024

Pathogens newly invading a host must compete with resident microbiota. This within-host microbial warfare could lead to more severe disease outcomes or constrain the evolution of virulence. Using experimental evolution of a widespread pathogen (Staphylococcus aureus) and a native microbiota community inC. elegansnematode hosts, we show that a competitively superior pathogen displaced microbiota and reduced species richness, whilst maintaining virulence across generations. Conversely, pathogen populations and microbiota passaged separately caused more host harm relative to their respective ancestral controls. We find the evolved increase in virulence exhibited by pathogen populations passaged independently (compared to ancestral controls) was partly mediated by enhanced expression of the global virulence regulatoragrand increased biofilm formation. Whole genome sequencing revealed shifts in the mode of selection from directional (on pathogens evolving alone) to fluctuating (on pathogens evolving with a host microbiota), with competitive interactions driving early diversification among pathogen populations. Metagenome sequencing of the evolved microbiota shows that evolution in infected hosts caused a significant reduction in community stability, along with restrictions on the co- existence of some species based on nutrient competition. Our study reveals how microbial competition during emerging infection determines the patterns and processes of evolution with major consequences for host health.
The mitochondrial unfolded protein response promotes senescence in human microglia by increasing S-adenosylmethionine availability for polyamine synthesis
Authors: Perez J. Maria Jose , Bertoli Federico , Raji Hariam , Lam Alicia , Bosch Mariella , Weissleder Christin , Nemazanyy Ivan , Kalb Stefanie , Hirschberg Insa , Brunetti Dario , Heckenbach Indra , Scheibye-Knudsen Morten , Deleidi Michela
Published: September 2024

Mitochondria have developed a specialized mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) to maintain proteostasis and promote recovery under stress conditions. Research in simple organisms has demonstrated that UPRmtactivation in glial cells promotes proteostasis through beneficial non-cell-autonomous communication with neurons. However, the role of mitochondrial stress responses in the human brain remains unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we profiled the cell type-specific roles of the UPRmtusing human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neuronal and glial cultures and brain organoids. We found that UPRmtactivation induces metabolic rewiring in human microglia, resulting in a senescence phenotype mediated by S-adenosylmethionine availability for polyamine synthesis. Additionally, UPRmtdisrupted microglial intercellular communication, leading to microglia-mediated dysfunction of phagocytic pathways and increased inflammatory signaling. Using microglia-brain-assembloids, we observed distinct contributions by microglia to brain senescence and neurodegenerative disease processes driven by mitochondrial stress responses. These findings underscore the profound impact of defects in mitochondrial proteostasis on intercellular networks during brain aging and disease.
First-principles construction of symmetry-informed quantum metrologies
Authors: Rubio Jesús
Published: September 2024

Combining quantum and Bayesian principles leads to optimality in metrology, but the optimization equations involved are often hard to solve. This Letter mitigates this problem with a class of measurement strategies for quantities isomorphic to location parameters, which are shown to admit a closed-form optimization. The resulting framework admits any parameter range, prior information, or state, and the associated estimators apply to finite samples. As an example, the metrology of relative weights is formulated from first principles and shown to require hyperbolic errors. The primary advantage of this approach lies in its simplifying power: it reduces the search for good strategies to identifying which symmetry leaves a state of maximum ignorance invariant. This will facilitate the application of quantum metrology to fundamental physics, where symmetries play a key role.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
A multiverse outside of the swampland
Authors: D’Agnolo Raffaele Tito , Mangini Paolo , Rigo Gabriele , Wang Lian-Tao
Published: September 2024

A multiverse can arise from landscapes without de Sitter minima. It can be populated during a period of eternal inflation without trans-Planckian field excursions and without flat potentials. This multiverse can explain the values of the cosmological constant and of the weak scale. In the process of proving these statements, we derive a few simple, but counterintuitive results. We show that it is easy to write models of eternal inflation compatible with the distance and refined de Sitter conjectures. Secondly, tunneling transitions that move fields from a lower-energy vacuum to a higher-energy vacuum and generate baby universes are possible, and occur during eternal inflation. Finally, we relax the assumption of no de Sitter minima and show that this more standard multiverse can be populated by Coleman-de Luccia transitions in about 100 e-folds of inflation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Jovian signal at BOREXINO
Authors: Ansarifard Saeed , Farzan Yasaman
Published: September 2024

The BOREXINO experiment has been collecting solar neutrino data since 2007, providing the opportunity to study the variation of the event rate over a decade. We find that at 96% C.L., the rate of low energy events shows a time modulation favoring a correlation with a flux from Jupiter. We present a new physics model, the Jovian whisper model, based on dark matter of mass ∼0.1–4  GeV captured by Jupiter that can account for such modulation. We discuss how the Jovian whisper model (JWM) can be tested.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Tilt-to-length coupling in LISA Pathfinder: Long-term stability
Authors: Armano M. , Audley H. , Baird J. , Binetruy P. , Born M. , Bortoluzzi D. , Castelli E. , Cavalleri A. , Cesarini A. , Cruise A. M. , Danzmann K. , de Deus Silva M. , Diepholz I. , Dixon G. , Dolesi R. , Ferraioli L. , Ferroni V. , Fitzsimons E. D. , Freschi M. , Gesa L. , Giardini D. , Gibert F. , Giusteri R. , Grimani C. , Grzymisch J. , Harrison I. , Hartig M-S. , Heinzel G. , Hewitson M. , Hollington D. , Hoyland D. , Hueller M. , Inchauspé H. , Jennrich O. , Jetzer P. , Johann U. , Johlander B. , Karnesis N. , Kaune B. , Killow C. J. , Korsakova N. , Lobo J. A. , López-Zaragoza J. P. , Maarschalkerweerd R. , Mance D. , Martín V. , Martin-Polo L. , Martin-Porqueras F. , Martino J. , McNamara P. W. , Mendes J. , Mendes L. , Meshksar N. , Nofrarias M. , Paczkowski S. , Perreur-Lloyd M. , Petiteau A. , Plagnol E. , Ramos-Castro J. , Reiche J. , Rivas F. , Robertson D. I. , Russano G. , Sanjuan J. , Slutsky J. , Sopuerta C. F. , Sumner T. , Texier D. , Thorpe J. I. , Vetrugno D. , Vitale S. , Wanner G. , Ward H. , Wass P. J. , Weber W. J. , Wissel L. , Wittchen A. , Zweifel P.
Published: September 2024

The tilt-to-length coupling during the LISA Pathfinder mission has been numerically and analytically modeled for particular time spans. In this work, we investigate the long-term stability of the coupling coefficients of this noise. We show that they drifted slowly (by 1  μm/rad and 6×10−6 in 100 days) and were strongly correlated to temperature changes within the satellite (8  μm/rad/K and 30×10−6/K). Based on analytical tilt-to-length coupling models, we attribute the temperature-driven coupling changes to rotations of the test masses and small distortions in the optical setup. Particularly, our findings lead to the conclusion that LISA Pathfinder’s optical baseplate was bent during the cooldown experiment, which started in late 2016 and lasted several months.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Heat capacity and quantum compressibility of dynamical spacetimes with thermal particle creation
Authors: Hsiang Jen-Tsung , Xie Yu-Cun , Hu Bei-Lok
Published: September 2024

This work continues the investigation in two recent papers on the quantum thermodynamics of spacetimes, (1) placing what was studied in [] for thermal quantum fields in the context of early universe cosmology, and (2) extending the considerations of vacuum compressibility of dynamical spaces treated in [] to dynamical spacetimes with thermal quantum fields. We begin with a warning that thermal equilibrium condition is not guaranteed to exist or maintained in a dynamical setting and thus finite temperature quantum field theory in cosmological spacetimes needs more careful considerations than what is often described in textbooks. A full description requires nonequilibrium quantum field theory in dynamical spacetimes using “in-in” techniques. A more manageable subclass of dynamics is where thermal equilibrium conditions are established at both the beginning and the end of evolution, where the in-thermal state and the out-thermal state are both well defined. Particle creation in the full history can then be calculated in this in-out asymptotically-stationary setup via the S-matrix transition amplitudes. Here we shall assume an in-vacuum state. It has been shown that if the intervening dynamics has an initial period of exponential expansion, such as in inflationary cosmology, particles created from the parametric amplification of the vacuum fluctuations in the initial vacuum will have a thermal spectrum measured at the out-state. Under these conditions finite temperature field theory can be applied to calculate the quantum thermodynamic quantities. Here we consider a massive conformal scalar field in a closed four-dimensional Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker universe based on the simple analytically solvable Bernard-Duncan model. We calculate the energy density of particles created from an in-vacuum and derive the partition function. From the free energy we then derive the heat capacity and the quantum compressibility of these spacetimes with thermal particle creation. We end with some discussions and suggestions for further work in this program of studies.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Multimessenger signals from compact axion star mergers
Authors: Chung-Jukko Liina , Lim Eugene A. , Marsh David J. E.
Published: September 2024

Axion dark matter can form stable, self-gravitating, and coherent configurations known as axion stars, which are rendered unstable above a critical mass by the Chern-Simons coupling to electromagnetism. We study, using numerical relativity, the merger and subsequent decay of compact axion stars. We show that two subcritical stars can merge, and form a more massive, excited, and critical star, which survives for a finite period before rapidly decaying via electromagnetic radiation. We find a rich multimessenger signal, composed of gravitational waves, electromagnetic radiation, and axion radiation. The gravitational wave signal is broken into two parts: a weak and broad signal from the merger, followed by a much stronger signal of almost fixed frequency from the decay. The electromagnetic radiation follows only the gravitational waves from the decay, while the axion signal is continuous throughout the process. We briefly discuss the detectability of such a signal.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Linearized gravity and soft graviton theorem in de Sitter spacetime
Authors: Mao Pujian , Zhou Bochen
Published: September 2024

We study the linearized gravity theory in the Newman-Unti gauge in the near horizon region of the de Sitter spacetime. The linearized Einstein equation involves the cosmological constant. The near horizon symmetry consists of near horizon supertranslation and near horizon superrotation. We compute the near horizon supertranslation charge and find the proper near horizon falloff conditions that uncover a soft graviton theorem from the Ward identity of the near horizon supertranslation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Methods in molecular photocrystallography
Authors: Hatcher Lauren E. , Warren Mark R. , Raithby Paul R.
Published: September 2024

Over the last three decades, the technology that makes it possible to follow chemical processes in the solid state in real time has grown enormously. These studies have important implications for the design of new functional materials for applications in optoelectronics and sensors. Light–matter interactions are of particular importance, and photocrystallography has proved to be an important tool for studying these interactions. In this technique, the three-dimensional structures of light-activated molecules, in their excited states, are determined using single-crystal X-ray crystallography. With advances in the design of high-power lasers, pulsed LEDs and time-gated X-ray detectors, the increased availability of synchrotron facilities, and most recently, the development of XFELs, it is now possible to determine the structures of molecules with lifetimes ranging from minutes down to picoseconds, within a single crystal, using the photocrystallographic technique. This review discusses the procedures for conducting successful photocrystallographic studies and outlines the different methodologies that have been developed to study structures with specific lifetime ranges. The complexity of the methods required increases considerably as the lifetime of the excited state shortens. The discussion is supported by examples of successful photocrystallographic studies across a range of timescales and emphasises the importance of the use of complementary analytical techniques in order to understand the solid-state processes fully.
A new three-dimensional barium(II) coordination polymer constructed from N,N′-bis(glycinyl)pyromellitic diimide: microwave-assisted synthesis, structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and properties
Authors: Ding Xin-Yu , Yu Hai-Yan , Zhang Hong-Tao , Wang Xiao-Long
Published: September 2024

A new three-dimensional (3D) coordination polymer, namely, poly[diaqua[μ5-2,2′-(1,3,5,7-tetraoxo-1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydropyrrolo[3,4-f]isoindole-2,6-diyl)diacetato]barium(II)], [Ba(C14H6N2O8)(H2O)2]
n
, (I), has been synthesized by the microwave-irradiated reaction of Ba(NO3)2 with N,N′-bis(glycinyl)pyromellitic diimide {BGPD, namely, 2,2′-(1,3,5,7-tetraoxo-1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydropyrrolo[3,4-f]isoindole-2,6-diyl)diacetatic acid, H2
L}. The title compound was structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and powder X-ray diffraction analysis, as well as IR spectroscopy. In the crystal structure of (I), the BaII ion is nine-coordinated by six carboxylate O atoms from five symmetry-related L
2− dianions and one imide O atom, as well as two water O atoms. The coordination geometry of the central BaII ion can be described as a spherical capped square antiprism. One carboxylate group of the ligand serves as a μ3-bridge linking the BaII cations into a one-dimensional polynuclear secondary building unit (SBU). Another carboxylate group of the ligand acts as a μ2-bridge connecting the 1D SBUs, thereby forming a two-dimensional (2D) SBU. The resulting 2D SBUs are extended into a 3D framework via the pyromellitic diimide moiety of the ligand as a spacer. The 3D Ba framework can be simplified as a 5-connected hexagonal boron nitride net (bnn) topology. The intermolecular interactions in the 3D framework were further investigated by Hirshfeld surface analysis and the results show that the prominent interactions are H...O (45.1%), Ba...O (11.1%) and C...H (11.1%), as well as H...H (11.1%) contacts. The thermal stability, photoluminescence properties and UV–Vis absorption spectra of (I) were also investigated. The coordination polymer exhibits a fluorescence emission with a quantum yield of 0.071 and high thermal stability.
The impact of the digital economy on quality of life: empirical evidence from 220 cities in China
Authors: Ma Deyong , Ma Yongjun
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test if the digital economy improves the quality of life of our residents. Furthermore, if this finding is confirmed, what would be the mechanism behind its effect? Does the impact of the digital economy on quality of life vary according to its level of development?

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive index of the digital economy, income gap and quality of life was constructed empirically based on data from 220 cities in China from 2011–2020. A multi-dimensional empirical analysis was conducted in this paper.

Findings

The analysis of the pathways of action shows that narrowing the income gap is an important mechanism through which the digital economy actively contributes to the quality of life. The results of the threshold model show that the “marginal effect” of the digital economy on quality of life is non-linear and increasing. The results show that after a series of robustness tests, including instrumental variables, the digital economy still significantly enhances people’s quality of life.

Research limitations/implications

This paper reveals the intrinsic link between the digital economy and quality of life and provides a theoretical basis for further improving people’s well-being.

Practical implications

Encouraging the development of the digital economy is a useful way to improve the quality of life by narrowing the income gap.

Originality/value

Data analysis of the digital economy from 2011–2020 in China to get an insight into what would be the mechanism behind the digital economy improving the quality of life of our residents.
Regulating data platforms from a value of data approach
Authors: Basaure Arturo , Töyli Juuso , Mähönen Petri
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of ex-ante regulatory interventions on emerging digital markets related to data sharing and combination practices. Specifically, it evaluates how such interventions influence market contestability by considering data network effects and the economic value of data.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses agent-based modeling and simulations to analyze the dynamics of value generation and market competition related to the regulatory obligations on data sharing and combination practices.

Findings

Results show that while the promotion of data sharing through data portability and interoperability has a positive impact on the market, restricting data combination may damage value generation or, at best, have no positive impact even when it is imposed only on those platforms with very large market shares. More generally, the results emphasize the role of regulators in enabling the market through interoperability and service multihoming. Data sharing through portability fosters competition, while the usage of complementary data enhances platform value without necessarily harming the market. Service provider multihoming complements these efforts.

Research limitations/implications

Although agent-based modeling and simulations describe the dynamics of data markets and platform competition, they do not provide accurate forecasts of possible market outcomes.

Originality/value

This paper presents a novel approach to understanding the dynamics of data value generation and the effects of related regulatory interventions. In the absence of real-world data, agent-based modeling provides a means to understand the general dynamics of data markets under different regulatory decisions that have yet to be implemented. This analysis is timely given the emergence of regulatory concerns on how to stimulate a competitive digital market and a shift toward ex-ante regulation, such as the regulatory obligations to large gatekeepers set in the Digital Markets Act.
Unraveling gender disparities in arbitrators' social networks: differential effects of centrality and tie strength on career outcomes among independent contractors
Authors: Park Hee Man , Gough Mark
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The prevalence of independent contractors in the US workforce is growing. This research examines the social environment and career outcomes of labor and employment arbitrators, a unique profession of high-skilled and high-status independent contractors who play a significant role in facilitating organizational justice. Previous research has focused on the employment relationships that independent contractors have with hiring organizations and the characteristics of individuals who become independent contractors; however, little attention has been given to how relational factors influence the career outcomes of high-skilled independent contractors or how such influences differ by gender. Building upon theories of social networks and unequal network returns (UNR), our study investigates the informal social relationships among arbitrators, the association between interpersonal relationship patterns and arbitrators’ career success, and how these associations vary based on gender.

Design/methodology/approach

A social network survey is used to collect the social networks, attitudes and fee information of 407 labor and employment arbitrators working in North America. A multi-level regression analysis was used to examine the proposed relationships among social networks, gender and career outcomes of the arbitrators.

Findings

We discovered that occupying a central position within advice networks is positively associated with occupational satisfaction. On the other hand, having strong ties is associated with achieving high employment arbitration fees. Notably, we found that the advantages of strong ties for arbitration fees are comparatively weak for female arbitrators relative to their male counterparts.

Originality/value

This research examines the relationship between social networks and career outcomes for independent contractors in the unique context of arbitrators. It further highlights inequalities experienced by female arbitrators in a male-dominated profession where their social networks offer fewer rewards relative to their male counterparts.
Job crafting and entrepreneurial innovativeness: the moderated mediation roles of dynamic capabilities and self-initiated AI learning
Authors: Hevi Stewart Selase , Agbenorxevi Clemence Dupey , Acquah Innocent Senyo Kwasi , Malcalm Ebenezer , Nyamful Francisca Abena Akomaso
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper investigates the moderated mediation roles of dynamic capabilities and self-initiated AI learning between job crafting and entrepreneurial innovativeness among owner-managers of family craft businesses in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A convenience sampling technique was used in the selection of 498 family craft business owner-managers in Ghana. The paper deployed regression analysis to examine the hypothesized paths.

Findings

Using hierarchical regression, job crafting was found to have a positive effect on entrepreneurs’ innovativeness. Further, dynamic capabilities moderate the mediated link between self-initiated AI learning and entrepreneurial innovativeness.

Research limitations/implications

The current study assesses self-initiated learning for work adjustment from a cross-sectional design perspective. Though, this research design is effective in the assessment of opinions and attitudes of persons, it is limited in its capacity to reflect changing opinions and attitudes overtime. This study recommends future studies to conduct a longitudinal survey on the phenomenon.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to deploy AI affordances to extend empirical literature on the novel SIWAL concept for work adjustment among craft family business owner-managers in Africa.
Stopgap or sustainable strategy? The impact of China’s green credit guidelines policy on corporate ESG performance
Authors: Guo Lihua , Ding Yue , Li Daming
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of China’s Green Credit Guidelines (GCG) policy on the environmental, social and governance (ESG) scores of restricted enterprises and examine firm’s speculative behavior in response to the policy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper views the GCG policy proposed in 2012 as a quasinatural experiment and uses difference-in-differences (DID) model to evaluate its influence on the ESG scores of Chinese nonfinancial A-share listed enterprises from 2007 to 2019. Robustness tests include the propensity score matching (PSM)–DID method and permutation tests.

Findings

The GCG policy significantly increases the ESG scores of restricted enterprises, particularly enhancing environmental (E) performance. However, it only improves the social (S) and governance (G) performance of firms heavily reliant on bank credit, indicating speculative behavior by enterprises. Increased Government attention, a higher proportion of female executives and more developed local green finance reduce speculative behavior, while executives with financial backgrounds promote it.

Practical implications

Governments should mandate standardized ESG reporting and monitor restricted enterprises, banks should monitor speculative behavior and firms should integrate ESG into their long-term strategies to support sustainable development.

Social implications

The results provide evidence of the effectiveness of implementing the GCG policy in China and offer guidance for better promoting green credit policy in developing countries, contributing to the transition toward a more sustainable future.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to explore if the GCG policy’s asymmetric effects on ESG components are due to enterprise speculative behavior and examines the factors influencing this behavior, providing insights for regulators to better implement the GCG policy to promote sustainable development.
β‐Adrenergic receptor signalling pathway mediated antiarrhythmic activity of s‐limonene in the rat heart
Authors: Santos Joyce Francielle Ferreira , de Souza Diego Santos , Mota Karina Oliveira , de Cerqueira Sandra Valéria Santos , Durço Aimée Obolari , Elasoru Seyi Elijah , Nascimento Daniella Santos , Roman‐Campos Danilo , Dantas Cácia Oliveira , de Vasconcelos Carla Maria Lins
Published: September 2024

S‐Limonene (s‐Lim) is a monocyclic monoterpene found in a variety of plants and has been shown to present antioxidant and cardioprotective activity in experimental models of myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential mechanism by which s‐Lim exerts its antiarrhythmic effect, focusing on the blockade of β‐adrenoceptor (β‐AR) and its effects on various in vivo and in vitro parameters, including electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements, left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), the β‐adrenergic pathway, sarcomeric shortening and L‐type calcium current (ICa,L). In isolated hearts, 10 μM of s‐Lim did not alter the ECG profile or LVPD. s‐Lim increased the heart rate corrected QT interval (QTc) (10.8%) at 50 μM and reduced heart rate at the concentrations of 30 (12.4%) and 50 μM (16.6%). s‐Lim (10 μM) also inhibited the adrenergic response evoked by isoproterenol (ISO) (1 μM) reducing the increased of heart rate, LVDP and ECG changes. In ventricular cardiomyocyte, s‐Lim antagonized the effect of dobutamine by preventing the increase of sarcomeric shortening, demonstrating a similar effect to atenolol (blocker β1‐AR). In vivo, s‐Lim antagonized the effect of ISO (agonists β1‐AR), presenting a similar effect to propranolol (a non‐selective blocker β‐AR). In ventricular cardiomyocyte, s‐Lim did not alter the voltage dependence for ICa,L activation or the ICa,L density. In addition, s‐Lim did not affect changes in the ECG effect mediated by 5 μM forskolin (an activator of adenylate cyclase). In an in vivo caffeine/ISO‐induced arrhythmia model, s‐Lim (1 mg/kg) presented antiarrhythmic action verified by a reduced arrhythmia score, heart rate, and occurrence of ventricular premature beats and inappropriate sinus tachycardia. These findings indicate that the antiarrhythmic activity of s‐Lim is related to blockade of β‐AR in the heart.
‘No sword could ever pierce my heart more than when I must miss my child’: Power dynamics, agency and motherhood in the prison of ‘s‐Hertogenbosch 1820–1880
Authors: van der Zande Iris
Published: September 2024

Using a microhistorical lens on the prison of ‘s‐Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands, this article focuses on practices and regulations concerning mothers and children and ideas about motherhood and practices of care to show how different powers intersected and were ‘at work’ within the prison. Analysing the decision‐making, discourses and practices the authorities used to exert power over criminalised women and their children, this article argues that the prison policy was not designed to care for or protect mothers and children. On the contrary, it led to the deaths of many infants incarcerated with their mothers. Moreover, it paradoxically deprived incarcerated women of one of the pillars of nineteenth‐century bourgeois femininity: motherhood. The mothers, however, actively resisted and negotiated the prison's power mechanisms to create opportunities to care for their children and influence their fate.
Isolation and purification of bovine N‐glycans from whey protein concentrate (WPC 70)
Authors: Wu Xinyi , Peng Qiuqi , Chai Yi , Wang Mengqi , Li Hongbo , Li Hongjuan , Li Chao , Yu Jinghua
Published: September 2024

N‐glycans present in milk glycoproteins (e.g. lactoferrin and immunoglobulin G) can provide infants with nutritional and protective effects similar to breast milk. In this study, we enriched N‐glycoproteins from WPC 70 using ultrafiltration and anion exchange chromatography on DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow column, with N‐glycan content and N‐glycoprotein purity as evaluation indicators. The results showed that changing feed flow rate and molecular weight cut‐off was more effective to improve ultrafiltration separation than changing feed concentration. When using a 100 kDa ultrafiltration membrane with a feed flow rate of 10 rpm and a feed concentration of 10 mg/mL, N‐glycan content could be increased by 200%. However, anion exchange chromatography was more efficient for purification, increasing N‐glycan content by 700%. This study provided a reliable method for N‐glycan enrichment and a scientific basis for further research and potential application of N‐glycans in infant formula and whey products.
Antibacterial evaluation of garlic extracts on chitosan/starch packaging film using response surface methodology and its application for shelf‐life extension of bell peppers (Capsicum annuum)
Authors: Istiqomah Annisa , Prasetyo Wahyu Eko , Firdaus Maulidan , Kusumaningsih Triana
Published: September 2024

In this study, garlic extract (GE) was assessed as a potential additive in chitosan/starch (Ch/De) coatings, focusing on phenolic and flavonoid content analyses and antibacterial properties. Using response surface methodology approach, an optimization method was employed to achieve the optimal antibacterial formulation, with Ch, De, and GE identified as key variables in the Design of Experiment. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analyses elucidated interactions among these primary components within the films, while thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the enhanced thermal stability of GE‐coated film formulations (Ch/De/GE). The Ch/De/GE exhibited antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) with an inhibition zone of 7.2 mm at optimized concentrations of 2% w/v Ch, 1.5% w/v starch, and 0.5% v/v GE. In silico molecular docking studies provided insights into GE's inhibitory role as an antibacterial agent. Evaluation of green and yellow bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) over 18 days showed that coated peppers maintained better visual appearance and mass stability, with a weight loss decrease of 40.54%–48.96%, compared to uncoated ones. Additionally, the Ch/De/GE coating effectively inhibited bacterial growth, reducing it by 1–1.23 log CFU, during the storage period. In conclusion, the Ch/De/GE coating effectively extends the shelf‐life of bell peppers and maintains their quality, demonstrating its potential for use in food packaging to preserve perishable items.

Practical Application

The optimized chitosan/starch/garlic extract (Ch/De/GE) film developed in this study shows promising potential for application in the food packaging industry, particularly in extending the shelf life of perishable items like bell peppers. Its enhanced antibacterial properties, along with its ability to maintain visual appearance and reduce weight loss, make it an effective natural preservative that could replace synthetic additives in food packaging. By incorporating this biodegradable film into packaging solutions, producers can offer safer, more sustainable products that meet consumer demand for natural and environmentally friendly options.
Incidentally Induced Atrial Fibrillation During Programmed Electrical Stimulation in Patients With Depressed Left Ventricular Systolic Function After an Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Sakthivel Tharsika , Risum Niels , Bundgaard Henning , Joergensen Rikke Moerch , Jacobsen Uffe G. , Huikuri Heikki V. , Thomsen Poul Erik Bloch , Jons Christian , Thomsen Anna F.
Published: September 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical implication of incidentally induced atrial fibrillation (AF) during programmed electrical stimulation (PES) in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (≤40%) after an acute myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

In this study, we included 231 patients from the Cardiac Arrhythmias and RIsk Stratification after Myocardial InfArction (CARISMA) study with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% and no prior history of AF. These patients underwent PES 6 weeks post‐MI as part of the study protocol. Patients all received an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) 3–21 days post‐MI and were continuously monitored for cardiac arrhythmias for 2 years. Induction of AF was unwanted but reported if this incidentally occurred.

Results

A total of 61 patients (26%) developed AF within 2 years of follow‐up, in which n = 10 (29%) had incidental AF during PES at baseline. The overall risk of AF was not significantly increased in patients with incidental AF (n = 34) during PES compared to patients without incidental AF (n = 197) (HR 1.6 [0.9–3.0], p = 0.14). The risk of bradyarrhythmia (HR = 0.2 [0.0–1.2], p = 0.07), ventricular arrhythmias (HR = 0.7 [0.1–5.8], p = 0.77), and major cardiovascular events (MACE) (HR 0.5 [0.2–1.7], p = 0.28) was not significantly different in patients with versus without incidental AF.

Conclusions

Incidentally induced AF during PES in post‐MI patients with reduced LVEF was not significantly associated with a higher risk of long‐term atrial fibrillation, other cardiac arrhythmias, or major cardiac events.

Trial Registration

NCT00145119
Modulation with anti‐Oma87 antibodies of cytotoxicity, adherence, and internalization of Acinetobacter baumannii in human cervical carcinoma epithelial cells
Authors: Panji Zahra , Nadoushan Mohammadreza Jalali , Fekrirad Zahra , Rasooli Iraj
Published: September 2024

BamA, an Omp85 superfamily member, is universally conserved and essential for cell viability. Using anti‐Oma87 antibodies, we focus on understanding the effect of Oma87 of Acinetobacter baumannii on pathogenicity. Oma87 was expressed, purified, and used to induce anti‐Oma87 antibodies in BALB/c mice. Acute toxicity of the protein was evaluated in mice. HeLa cells were infected with both live and killed A. baumannii 19606 and a clinical isolate. The effects of anti‐Oma87 sera on A. baumannii adherence, internalization, and proliferation in HeLa cells were studied. The roles of microfilaments and microtubules in A. baumannii invasion were demonstrated by Actin disruption. Reduced bacterial population and biofilm formation were noted. The ability of A. baumannii to provoke autophagy through Oma87 induction leads to incomplete autophagy and potentially facilitates bacterial replication. Actin‐mediated uptake, attachment, and invasion demonstrated A. baumannii survival and multiplication within vacuoles in the host cell. The findings underscore the potential of Oma87 as a therapeutic intervention target in infections caused by A. baumannii. This comprehensive analysis contributes valuable information for understanding the virulence mechanisms of A. baumannii, potentially guiding future strategies to combat infections caused by this pathogen.
Editorial: Finger in the dam—A clinical trial of long‐acting somatostatin for high‐output ostomies and fistulas
Authors: Choi David , Ben‐Horin Shomron
Published: September 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Timmer et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18166
Editorial: Cardiometabolic criteria matters in MASLD—Authors' reply
Authors: Tamaki Nobuharu , Kimura Takefumi , Wakabayashi Shun‐Ichi , Umemura Takeji , Izumi Namiki , Loomba Rohit , Kurosaki Masayuki
Published: September 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Tamaki et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18205 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18233
Exploring seed density and limiting similarity to reduce invasive grass performance for grassland restoration purposes
Authors: Thomas Pedro Augusto , Buisson Elise , Overbeck Gerhard Ernst , Müller Sandra Cristina
Published: September 2024

Questions

Control of invasive species and seed addition are key steps in grassland restoration. Nevertheless, selecting seed mixes and seed quantities are hard tasks in restoration projects. An interesting idea is to design seed mixes using functional traits and create a community based on limiting similarity to overlap and outcompete the invader. We aimed to test the effect of two sown communities (one created to overlap the invader niche) and three seed sowing densities to reduce the performance of the invasive grass Eragrostis plana.

Location

Greenhouse experiment in the Campos Sulinos grasslands region, Southern Brazil.

Methods

We created a bifactorial experiment. The first factor was the sown community, each composed of nine native grasses but with different proportions: (1) Limiting, based on limiting similarity, and (2) Balanced, where all species were sown at the same seed weight. We used leaf functional traits (Specific leaf area, leaf area, leaf dry matter content ) to design the Limiting community. The second factor was the seed density of native species, sowing twice (1) 1 g/m2, (2) 2 g/m2, and (3) 4 g/m2 (i.e., total density was 2, 4, and 8 g/m2). E. plana was sown once at 0.5 g/m2. Above‐ground and below‐ground biomass of all species were collected after nine months to assess the treatment effects.

Results

Biomass production of the invasive species was lower when sown with native species. Nevertheless, both sown communities did not differently affect the invasive biomass production. Higher seed density of native species resulted in lower invasive above‐ground biomass, but not below‐ground biomass. Three native species did not germinate, consequently, the established communities were quite different from those designed.

Conclusions

The low species germination limited our discussion about the use of limiting similarity to design seed mixes. High seed sowing density is a better approach when defining sowing strategies to compete with invasive grasses.