bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virus infection of honey bee queens alters lipid profiles and indirectly suppresses a retinue pheromone component via reducing ovary mass
Authors: McAfee Alison , Chapman Abigail , Magaña Armando Alcazar , Marshall Katie , Hoover Shelley E. , Tarpy David R. , Foster Leonard J.
Published: February 2025

Summary Virus infections reduce honey bee (Apis mellifera) ovary mass (in part due to resource-allocation trade-offs with immunity) and are linked to the presence of supersedure cells in colonies, indicating that workers are attempting to replace their queen. Pheromones, lipids, and lipid transport proteins could mediate relationships among virus infection, ovary mass, and supersedure. When we infected honey bee queens in the laboratory and profiled their queen retinue pheromone (QRP) components from head extracts, we found that virus infections specifically reduced the QRP component methyl oleate. Data from an observational field study were consistent with this pattern. Lipidomics analysis of the same extracts suggests that virus infection decreases triacylglycerol abundances (major sources of stored energy). Reducing ovary mass via laying restriction was sufficient to lower methyl oleate abundance ― suggesting that virus infection reduces methyl oleate indirectly via ovary effects ― but was insufficient to reduce abundance of most triacylglycerols or stimulate immune effector expression. Abundance of circulating apolipophorin-III, a lipid transporter and putative potentiator of immune effectors, was lower in queens with restricted laying, suggesting that its expression may be controlled by nutrient availability while its immune-stimulating capacity is governed by other mechanisms. Prior research has shown that queen pheromone blends lacking methyl oleate are less attractive to workers; therefore, diminishing methyl oleate could result in a less desirable pheromone bouquet and possibly stimulate supersedure. The mechanism of methyl oleate reduction is yet to be determined, but is clearly tied to ovary size and possibly resource availability or mobilization.
Fitness and Exercise Effects on Brain Age: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Wan Lu , Molina-Hidalgo Cristina , Crisafio Mary E. , Grove George , Leckie Regina L. , Kamarck Thomas W. , Kang Chaeryon , DeCataldo Mia , Marsland Anna L. , Muldoon Matthew F. , Scudder Mark R. , Rasero Javier , Gianaros Peter J. , Erickson Kirk I.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Examine the effect of aerobic exercise on structural brain age and explore potential mediators.

Methods

In a single-blind, 12-month randomized clinical trial, 130 healthy participants aged 26-58 years were randomized into a moderator-to-vigorous intensity aerobic exercise group or a usual-care control group. The exercise group attended 2 supervised 60-minute sessions per week in a laboratory setting plus home-based exercise to achieve 150 minutes of exercise per week. Brain-predicted age difference (brain-PAD) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) were assessed at baseline and 12 months. Intention-to-treat (ITT) and completers analyses were performed.

Results

The 130 participants (67.7% female) had a mean (SD) age of 41.28 (9.93) years. At baseline, higher CRF (VO2peak) was associated with smaller brain-PAD (β=-0.309, p=0.012). After the intervention, the exercise group showed a decrease in brain-PAD (estimated mean difference (EMD) =-0.60; 95% CI: -1.15 to -0.04; p=0.034) compared to the control group (EMD=0.35; 95% CI: -0.21 to 0.92; p=0.22); time×group interaction (between-group difference (BGD)= -0.95; 95% CI: -1.72 to -0.17; p=0.019). VO2peakimproved in the exercise group (EMD=1.60; 95% CI: 0.29 to 2.90; p=0.017) compared to the control group (EMD=-0.78; 95% CI: -2.17 to 0.60; p=0.26); time×group interaction (BGD=2.38; 95% CI: 0.52 to 4.25; p=0.015). Body composition, blood pressure, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels were unaffected. None of the proposed pathways statistically mediated the effect of exercise on brain-PAD. The results from completers were similar.

Conclusion

Engaging in 12 months of moderate-to-vigorous exercise reduced brain-PAD in early-to-midlife adults. The pathways by which these effects occur remain unknown.

Summary Box

What is already known on this topic

Midlife risk factors influence brain aging, with physical activity conferring protective benefits, yet evidence for the effect of exercise on midlife brain age and underlying mechanisms remains limited.

What this study adds

Participation in a 12-month aerobic exercise intervention significantly reduced a neuroimaging marker of brain age. Higher cardiorespiratory fitness was also associated with younger brain age.

How this study might affect research, practice or policy

Findings of this study complement the scarce literature examining the effects of exercise on early-to-midlife brain health and confirm the neuroprotective effects of aerobic exercise against accelerated brain aging in early-to-midlife adults.
Quantitative T1 mapping indicates elevated white matter myelin in children with RASopathies
Authors: Plank Julia R. , Gozdas Elveda , Bruno Jennifer , McGhee Chloe A. , Wu Hua , Raman Mira M. , Saggar Manish , Green Tamar
Published: February 2025

Background

Evidence suggests pathological roles of myelination in neurodevelopmental disorders, but our understanding is limited. We investigated quantitative T1 mapping (QT1) as a clinically feasible tool for measuring myelination in children with neurodevelopmental disorders of the RAS-MAPK signaling pathway (RASopathies).

Methods

We collected QT1, diffusion-weighted, and structural MRI scans from 72 children (49 RASopathies, 23 typical developing (TD)). QT1 measures of myelin content included the macromolecular tissue volume (MTV) in white matter and R1 (1/T1 relaxation) of the cortex. For white matter, we assessed between-groups differences across 39 tracts. For cortical R1, we used principal components analysis to reduce dimensionality and capture myelination patterns across 360 regions. A multivariate ANOVA assessed differences across principal components. Finally, a support vector machine (SVM) identified the most discriminative features between TD and RASopathies.

Results

Thirty-four of 39 tracts were higher in MTV in RASopathies relative to TD (pFDR<.05), indicating widespread elevation in myelination. Our MANOVA revealed a group effect on cortical R1 (p=.002,η2=.028), suggesting cortical myelination differences between-groups. SVM yielded an accuracy of 87% and identified cognitive and cortical R1 features as the most discriminant between-groups.

Conclusions

We found widespread elevated myelin in white matter tracts and region-dependent patterns of cortical myelination in children with RASopathies. QT1 enabled us to leverage preclinical models showing oligodendrocyte dysfunction to uncover the myelination patternin vivoin the developing human brain. Using QT1, myelin represents a promising treatment target that can be identified and monitored in neurodevelopmental disorders, offering significant potential for advancing current therapeutic strategies.
Post-stroke Urinary Tract Infections and Their Outcome: A Clinico-microbiological and Epidemiological Analysis based on A Stroke Registry
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Naeimeh , Khabbaz Aytak , Ahmadi Somayeh , Hejazian Seyyed Sina , Salehi-Pourmehr Hanieh , Hasani Roqaiyeh , Tahmasbi Fateme , Mehdizadeh Robab , Torabi Saba , Farhoudi Mehdi , Hasani Alka
Published: February 2025

Background

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common among hospitalized stroke patients, leading to increased hospital stays and patient discomfort. While it’s known that post-stroke infections generally worsen outcomes, specific factors contributing to UTIs after stroke remain unclear.

Methods

This study aimed to investigate the incidence of post-stroke UTI (PSUTI) in patients admitted to the Hospitals from September 2020 to June 2021. The study included patients with a suspected diagnosis of stroke at the time of initial visit by a specialist. The final diagnosis was approved by an experienced neurologist and radiologist according to their brain CT scan. Data was collected from patients’ files, including demographics, comorbidities, drug history, smoking history, admission unit, clinical manifestations, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, type of stroke, etiology, laboratory findings, admission unit, in-hospital stay duration, therapies, use of NG tubes, urinary catheters, CV lines, brain drain, intratracheal tube, chest tube, dialysis catheter, and their durations.

Results

A study involving 612 patients found that PSUTI-positive patients had worse conditions at admission, with ischemic stroke being more common. They had longer stays in the ward or ICU, and were more likely to have a death outcome. The most common pathogen was Escherichia coli, followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus spp, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In-hospital complications were more prevalent in PSUTI-positive patients, except for hydrocephalus and pulmonary embolism. Positive history of diabetes, falling symptoms, urinary catheter, and intubation were independent risk factors for post-stroke UTI.

Conclusion

The study highlights the impact of urinary tract infections (UTIs) on stroke outcomes, revealing severe clinical profiles, comorbidities, longer hospital stays, and increased invasive interventions. Key risk factors like diabetes and urinary catheter use highlight the need for vigilant monitoring and tailored management strategies.
Precision in Spinal Cord Injury Research: A Novel Electromagnetic Impactor for a Consistent Porcine Model
Authors: Steger Leonard , Smit Constantin , Robinson Kayla , Leadingham Kelley M. Kempski , Davidar Daniel , Routkevitch Denis , Weber-Levine Carly , Jiang Kelly , Quiroz Victor , Bauer Stuart , Liang Ruixing , Suk Ian , Tyler Betty , Doloff Joshua C. , Theodore Nicholas , Manbachi Amir
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Replicating spinal cord injury (SCI) in large animals is necessary for evaluating therapeutics for potential human translation, yet there is currently no commercial, standardized device for inducing SCI. We present the fabrication and testing of a custom impactor device for producing repeatable contusion SCI in porcine models.

Methods

We first designed and built the device. Mechanical modeling was subsequently utilized to calibrate our benchtop testing setup. Benchtop verification was performed to measure impact force post calibration. We then used the device to generate a contusion SCI model in 2 pigs and the results were compared to an uninjured pig. Intraoperative ultrasound was used to visualize a hematoma in the injured spinal cord. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Masson’s trichrome staining were used to confirm injury presence onex vivospinal cord samples.

Results

Mechanical modeling forces matched benchtop impact forces within 1.4 N, indicating successful calibration of the testing setup. Our device demonstrated repeatability and the potential for modulating injury severity on the benchtop. Impactor forces were demonstrated across a range from 12.8 to 67.6 N, with variability remaining within 0.2 to 0.7 N standard deviation. The device induced two contusion injuries of different severityin vivo, confirmed by intraoperative ultrasound imaging and post-excision histology of the spinal cord.

Conclusion

Our impactor device is a major advancement towards producing repeatable and titratable contusions in large animal SCI models.
Identification of the Lipid Oxygen Radical Defense pathway and its epigenetic control
Authors: Mesquita Francisco S. , Abrami Laurence , Forey Romain , Kunz Béatrice , Raclot Charlène , Bracq Lucie , Martins Filipe , Milovanovic Danica , Planet Evarist , Rosspopoff Olga , Trono Didier , van der Goot F. Gisou
Published: February 2025

Membrane phospholipids are vulnerable to oxidative radicals, and uncontrolled lipid peroxidation can compromise cell viability. To mitigate lipid damage, cells have evolved defense mechanisms, the genetic regulation of which is not fully understood. Here, we identify the Lipid Oxygen Radical Defense (LORD) pathway. Under normal conditions, the pathway is epigenetically repressed by a complex comprising the KRAB-zinc finger protein ZNF354A, the scaffold protein KAP1/TRIM28, the histone methyltransferase SETDB1, and the transcriptional activator ATF2. In response to lipid peroxide accumulation, ATF2, KAP1, and ZNF354A undergo p38- and JNK-dependent phosphorylation, and the repressive complex disassembles, releasing ZNF354A from specific DNA loci. A protective gene network is subsequently activated, comprising targets of the major redox regulator NRF2 and modulating cellular sensitivity to oxidative stress and ferroptosis. These findings reveal a novel layer of epigenetic regulation in the cellular defense against lipid damage but also position the LORD pathway as a promising therapeutic target for diseases linked to chronic inflammation, neurodegeneration and cancer.
Racism in public health authorities – a scoping review and situational analysis
Authors: Wandschneider Lisa , Stieglitz Sigsten , Altmiks Theresa , Razum Oliver , Zielke Julia , Namer Yudit
Published: February 2025

Background

While racism in health care services is increasingly well-researched, public health services and public health authorities (PHA) have been neglected as relevant contexts. Yet, public health authorities play an essential role in protecting and promoting population health at a local and national level.

Method

With a scoping review, we mapped the academic discourse on racism in PHA. We searched in PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL as well as the reference list of included academic literature. We included literature assessing racism in interactions between all stakeholders involved or in the actions (not) taken by PHA, while we excluded literature exclusively focusing on health care facilities.

Findings

We identified 55 publications that include survey and intervention studies as well as opinion pieces. Most of the literature focuses on the US, Australia and New Zealand. The Tuskegee experiment has been discussed extensively acknowledging the political and historical elements of the racist, inhumane practices and policies in PHA. More recent literature explores anti-racism approaches and how they can facilitate access for racialized, socially multiply stigmatized groups (e.g. screening uptake in racialized queer people).

Discussion

The literature on racism in PHA is limited, mostly processing historical policies. Studies on how racism affects equitable access to PHA and the associated health inequities are lacking. Positive examples highlight the importance of a) building the services in PHA on anti-racism and equity-driven principles and b) integrating and amplifying the voices of racialized community. Public health research on racism needs to extend the scope from health care services to the under researched public health services and authorities.
Compassion as a guiding framework for digital mental health implementation: an interview study with clients and professionals
Authors: van Lotringen Charlotte M. , Zirnheld Alec , Kelders Saskia M. , Westerhof Gerben J. , Noordzij Matthijs L.
Published: February 2025

Background

Digital mental health interventions are often described in terms of their contribution to cost-effectiveness or innovation. Instead, many clients and professionals in mental healthcare seem to value the human connection highly. To implement technology in ways that align with values held by clients and professionals, a value-based framework for technology use in mental healthcare could be promising. The current study explores whether values of clients and professionals in mental healthcare match a framework of compassion, and whether this framework could be a suitable foundation for the implementation of digital mental health interventions.

Method

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 5 (former) clients and 15 professionals in mental healthcare. Values of both clients and professionals were analyzed inductively, and deductively linked to a compassion framework. Professionals were asked whether their values were congruent with their organization’s approach to technology. We coded their answers as matches and mismatches, and described the themes identified in both categories.

Results

Values held by clients and professionals showed many connections with the compassion framework. Clients highly valued feeling heard and understood, humanity, and openness from the professional. Professionals highly valued helping people, personalization, and offering transparency. Examples of how technology use could enhance or detract from compassion according to participants were also identified. Professionals experienced a match with their values if they felt that their organizations focused the adoption of technology on the client’s autonomy or meeting treatment needs. They experienced a mismatch if they felt that their organizations were more focused on financial benefit or a technology push.

Conclusion

Compassion seems a promising framework for integrating technology in mental healthcare in value-sensitive ways.
Macrogenetic atlas of prokaryotes
Authors: Yang Chao , Huang Hao , Wang Naike , Didelot Xavier , Yang Ruifu , Cui Yujun , Falush Daniel
Published: February 2025

Macrogenetics investigates the patterns and predictors of intraspecific genetic variation across diverse taxa, offering a framework to address longstanding evolutionary hypotheses. Here, we present a comprehensive macrogenetic atlas of prokaryotes (MAP), integrating genomic data (summarized by 30 parameters in 12 categories) from 15,235 prokaryotic species and population genetic data (35 parameters in 7 categories) from 786 species with phylogenetic, phenotypic, and ecological data. We illustrate the power and potential of the MAP by addressing a series of fundamental questions. For example, we provide evidence that genome size in prokaryotes depends on a balance between deletion bias and the beneficial effects of additional genes. Moreover, we show that long-range and short-range linkage disequilibrium represent quite different features of evolutionary dynamics and contribute independently to genetic diversity. Notably, we show that as within-species diversity increases, selection becomes an increasingly strong force structuring diversity, for example creating convergent ecospecies structures inStreptococcus mitisandS. oralis. Overall, our atlas represents a widely applicable resource and offers novel insights into the drivers of macroevolution and the life-cycle of prokaryotic species.
Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of an intranasal neuraminidase-based influenza virus vaccine adjuvanted with bacterial cell membrane-derived adjuvants
Authors: Vasilev Kirill , Hoxie Irene , Puente-Massaguer Eduard , Yueh Joshua , Bhavsar Disha , Singh Maya , Mallett Corey P. , Zimmermann Joseph , Krammer Florian
Published: February 2025

Influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) has emerged as a promising vaccine candidate due to its relatively stable antigenic structure and the ability of NA-specific antibodies to provide cross-protection within influenza virus subtypes. Since the influenza virus causes respiratory infections in humans, developing mucosal vaccines to protect the entry site of the virus is of high importance. Recombinant NA requires adjuvants to induce a protective immune response after mucosal administration. In the current study, we analyze the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a recombinant NA-based influenza virus vaccine administered intranasally in combination with adjuvants consisting of outer membrane proteins fromNeisseria meningitidiscomplexed with exogenous lipopolysaccharides (LPS) fromShigella flexnerior endogenous LPS fromN. meningitidis. We evaluated the local and systemic humoral and cellular immune responses to adjuvanted recombinant N1 NA, analyzing the dynamics of local follicular T-helper (Tfh) cells and germinal center B cells (GCB) in nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) and tissue-resident memory T cells in lungs, as well as the levels of IgA and IgG in the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Finally, we performed a heterologous challenge study to test the ability of the investigated vaccine formulations to induce cross-protection. The study demonstrates that bacterial cell membrane-derived adjuvants significantly improve the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the recombinant N1 NA-based influenza vaccine leading to protection against clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 challenge. This finding supports the potential of these adjuvanted vaccines in providing effective mucosal immunity against influenza virus.
High-Throughput Conjugation Reveals Strain Specific Recombination Patterns Enabling Precise Trait Mapping in Escherichia coli
Authors: Corneloup Thibault , Bellengier Juliette , Magnan Mélanie , Chavan Arsh , Gachet Benoit , Dixit Zoya , Pintard Coralie , Baron Alexandra , Toko Doreen , Lambert Amaury , Choudhury Alaksh , Tenaillon Olivier
Published: February 2025

Genetic exchange is a cornerstone of evolutionary biology and genomics, driving adaptation and enabling the identification of genetic determinants underlying phenotypic traits. InEscherichia coli, horizontal gene transfer via conjugation and transduction not only promotes diversification and adaptation but has also been instrumental in mapping genetic traits. However, the dynamics and variability of bacterial recombination remain poorly understood, particularly concerning the patterns of recombined DNA fragments. To elucidate these patterns and simultaneously develop a tool for trait mapping, we designed a high-throughput conjugation method to generate recombinant libraries. Recombination profiles were inferred through whole-genome sequencing of individual clones and populations after selection of a marker from the donor strain in the recipient. This analysis revealed an extraordinary range of recombined fragment sizes, spanning less than ten kilobases to over a megabase—a pattern that varied across the three tested strains. Mathematical modelling indicated that this diversity in recombined fragment size enables precise identification of selected loci following genetic crosses. Consistently, population sequencing pinpointed a selected marker at kilobase-scale accuracy, offering a robust tool for identifying subtle genetic determinants that could include point mutations in core genes. These findings challenge the conventional view that conjugation always transfers large fragments, suggesting that even short recombined segments, traditionally attributed to transduction, may originate from conjugation.
Capsule-mediated O-antigen masking protects hypervirulentKlebsiella pneumoniaefrom neutrophil killing
Authors: Santoni Karin , Wong Joshua L.C , Poincloux Renaud , Meunier Etienne , Frankel Gad
Published: February 2025

Klebsiella pneumoniaeis listed as a critical priority pathogen by the WHO due to prevalent extended-spectrum β-lactamase and carbapenem resistance and high mortality rates HypervirulentK. pneumoniae(hvKp) causes life-threatening infections in immunocompetent individuals, while classicalK. pneumoniae(cKp) causes nosocomial infections in immunosuppressed patients. The convergence of hypervirulence with antibiotic resistance is now a major global health threat. Using a murine pulmonary infection model, we show that hvKp resisted clearance despite significant neutrophil recruitment. Using clinical hvKp and cKp isolates, bone marrow derived neutrophils, cell biology, pharmacology and imaging (both light and electron microscopy) in ex vivo assays revealed that the hvKp hypermucoviscous capsule prevents bacterial recognition and neutrophil activation, blocking ROS production, degranulation, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation. In the absence of capsule (ΔwcaJ) or hypermucoid capsule determinants (ΔrmpADC), hvKp activates neutrophils, leading to degranulation, NET formation and bacterial killing. While superimposing the absence of O-antigen (Δrfb) on the ΔwcaJ abrogates degranulation, neutrophils still elaborate NETs that eliminate the ΔwcaJ/Δrfbmutant at high efficiency. This suggests that O-antigen is a double-edged sword, functioning as a PAMP triggering neutrophil degranulation yet assisting the pathogen to evade NET-mediated destruction. These findings shed light on the mechanism underpinning immune evasion by the hypervirulent capsule in hvKp.
The female intimate microbiome space
Authors: Vander Donck Leonore , Gehrmann Thies , Ahannach Sarah , Van den Bosch Sarah , Hiel Margo , Delanghe Lize , Allonsius Camille Nina , Cauwenberghs Eline , Spacova Irina , Oerlemans Eline , Wittouck Stijn , De Boeck Ilke , Donders Gilbert , Verhoeven Veronique , Lebeer Sarah
Published: February 2025

Despite its importance in health, the female skin microbiome remains understudied. In this study we explored microbial dispersal across intimate body sites, including the vagina, groins, breast and mouth. Microbial similarity correlated with physical proximity, suggesting dispersal influenced by hygiene or sexual activity. Notably, lactobacilli were unexpectedly abundant on breast skin. These findings highlight the need for research into microbiome dynamics and their implications for women’s health.
Activation of KCC2 during development alleviates cognitive, behavioral, and neural excitability in adult CDKL5-deficient mice
Authors: Arshad Muhammad Nauman , Bope Christopher , Dengler Jacob S , Ng Shu Fun Josephine , Smalley Joshua , Nishi Toshiya , Zhong Zhong , Moss Stephen J , Davies Paul A
Published: February 2025

Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD) is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) characterized by severe drug-resistant epileptic disorders beginning in early childhood, along with cognitive and social impairments in later childhood and adulthood. Existing pharmacological therapies for CDD primarily focus on anti-seizure medications, which often have associated sedative side effects. In addition, there are currently no effective treatments for cognitive or behavioral impairments associated with this disorder. Postnatal development expression of CDKL5 has a similar timeline as the developmental activity of the potassium chloride co-transporter (KCC2), the maturation of which is a prerequisite for the developmental switch to fast synaptic hyperpolarizing inhibition mediated by g-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAAR). This developmental GABA switch is determined by changes in the phosphorylation of multiple residues in KCC2. During this initial postnatal period, dramatic changes occur as major neuronal circuits are formed, laying down the initial pathways important for memory consolidation and behavioral processing. Currently, a knowledge gap exists in understanding KCC2 dysfunction in CDD.

In adultCdkl5KO mice we found aberrant KCC2 phosphorylation and expression, such that KCC2 phosphorylation profile appeared immature. We examined the developmental changes in KCC2 and observed significant alterations in the phosphorylation of key residues and decreased KCC2 expression from p14 to p21. Because KCC2 loss-of-function has been strongly correlated with excessive neuronal excitation, cognitive and behavioral impairments, we examined seizure susceptibility, spatial memory, and social interaction in adultCdkl5KO mice following once daily administration of the KCC2 activator (OV350), or vehicle, to infantCdkl5KO mice. We found that adultCdkl5KO mice are more susceptible to kainate-induced seizures, show poor sociability and deficits in spatial learning and memory compared to WT mice. Twelve days of OV350 treatment as infants (p10 to p21) prevented the development of benzodiazepine-resistant seizures and alleviated cognitive and behavioral deficits in adultCdkl5KO mice. In contrast, 12 days of OV350 treatment in adultCdkl5KO mice had limited ability to alleviate cognitive and behavioral deficits. In summary, this study demonstrates that enhancing KCC2 function may be a potential therapeutic target for CDD and other DEEs. However, early intervention during critical developmental windows is crucial for optimal outcomes.
Sediments from a seasonally euxinic coastal ecosystem show high nitrogen cycling potential
Authors: Rigutto Isabel M. L. , Sburlan Ştefania C. , de Bont Lars W. P. , Berben Tom , de Graaf Rob M. , Slomp Caroline P. , Jetten Mike S. M.
Published: February 2025

Coastal ecosystems are susceptible to eutrophication and deoxygenation, which may alter their nitrogen cycle dynamics. Here, we investigated the microbial nitrogen cycling potential in the sediment of a seasonally euxinic coastal ecosystem (Lake Grevelingen, NL), in winter and summer. Porewater profiles showed ammonium (NH4+) concentrations exceeding 10 mM and rapid depletion of electron acceptors with depth. Activity tests revealed NH4+oxidation potential up to 53 µmol g−1day−1, even in anoxic sediment layers. A nitrifying microbial community was present in both oxic and anoxic sediment sections (up to 1.4% relative abundance). NO₃⁻, nitrite (NO2−) and nitrous oxide (N2O) reduction potential were prominent across all sediment sections, with the highest rates (167 µmol NO3−g−1day−1) in the surface sediment in summer. Denitrification (79.3-98.4%) and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA; 1.6-20.7%) were the major NO3−removal pathways, as supported by the detection of thenarG/napA, nirK/nirS, norB, nosZandnrfA/otrgenes in all sediment sections. The DNRA contribution increased with depth and with the addition of electron donors, such as monomethylamine. Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) was not detected in these eutrophic sediments. Combined, our results show that there is high potential for nitrogen removal in eutrophic coastal ecosystems which may help further restoration measures.
An elevated level of the mRNA exporter Mex67-Mtr2 in nuclear mRNPs impairs nuclear mRNA export
Authors: Stefanyshena Nataliia , Straesser Katja
Published: February 2025

In eukaryotes, a crucial step in gene expression is the export of the mRNA out of nucleus. The conserved mRNA exporter Mex67-Mtr2 (NXF1-NXT1 in human) is a key factor in this process. In S. cerevisiae, it is recruited to the mRNA by the four export adaptors Hpr1, Nab2, Yra1 and Npl3 that play important yet poorly defined roles in nuclear mRNA export. Here, we show that an excess of Mex67 in nuclear mRNPs impairs nuclear mRNA export. Δhpr1 cells have increased Nab2, Yra1 and Mex67 levels in nuclear mRNPs in addition to the export defect. Notably, overexpression of Nab2 or Yra1 in Δhpr1 cells suppresses this export defect and reduces the Mex67 level in nuclear mRNPs to a WT level. Importantly, the increase in the Mex67 level in Δhpr1 cells is not a consequence and thus the cause of the nuclear mRNA export defect. Therefore, precise regulation of the Mex67-Mtr2 level in nuclear mRNPs is essential for efficient nuclear mRNA export.
Landau-Khalatnikov-Fradkin transformations in quantum electrodynamics: For perturbation theory and dynamical mass generation
Authors: Ashraf Anam , Aslam M. Jamil , Akram Faisal , Bashir Adnan
Published: February 2025

We carry out a comprehensive analysis of the Landau-Khalatnikov-Fradkin transformations for a charged fermion propagator at the two-loop level in quantum electrodynamics (QED). Starting with an arbitrary covariant gauge ξ and space-time dimension d, we provide its explicit expressions in three- and four-dimensional QED. We begin with the tree-level fermion propagator in the Landau gauge and gauge-transform it to obtain an analytical expression for an all order result in an arbitrary covariant gauge. We expand it out to two loops both for the massless and massive propagators in three and four space-time dimensions. In addition to comparing with all earlier results in the literature wherever possible, we also study constraints of multiplicative renormalizabilty of our results in four-dimensional QED which are logarithmically divergent. Finally, we analyze representative solutions of the fermion propagator which correspond to dynamical chiral symmetry breaking and mass generation in QED. We study the gauge dependence of these emergent solutions, that of the Euclidean pole mass and the chiral fermion condensate.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Pion nuclear fragmentation functions revisited
Authors: Doradau Matias , Martinez Ramiro Tomas , Sassot Rodolfo , Stratmann Marco
Published: February 2025

We revisit the notion of nuclear parton-to-pion fragmentation functions at next-to-leading order accuracy as an effective description of hadroproduction in nuclear environments such as in semi-inclusive lepton-nucleus deep-inelastic scattering and in single inclusive proton-nucleus collisions. We assess their viability in the face of very precise data collected for the latter at the CERN-LHC over the past decade as well as recent measurements of the former carried out by the CLAS experiment at JLab.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Analog simulation of noisy quantum circuits
Authors: Granet Etienne , Hémery Kévin , Dreyer Henrik
Published: February 2025

It is well known that simulating quantum circuits with low but nonzero hardware noise is more difficult than without noise. It requires either to perform density matrix simulations (coming with a space overhead) or to sample over “quantum trajectories” where Kraus operators are inserted randomly (coming with a runtime overhead). We propose a simulation technique based on a representation of hardware noise in terms of trajectories generated by operators that remain close to identity at low noise. We give explicit expressions for noise that can be represented by Pauli channels, as well as for certain non-Pauli channels. This representation significantly reduces the variance over the quantum trajectories, speeding up noisy simulations by factors around 10 to 100. As a by-product, we provide a formula to factorize generic Pauli channels into a concatenation of channels involving only one nontrivial Pauli string.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Isolated attosecond pulses generated from a relativistic plasma mirror via noncollinear gating
Authors: Kim Hyeon , Kim Chul Min , Pae Ki Hong , Kim Kyung Taec
Published: February 2025

A train of intense attosecond pulses can be obtained through relativistic high harmonic generation when an intense laser field is reflected on a plasma surface. Separating a single isolated attosecond pulse from the train is critical not only for applications such as time-resolved pump-probe experiments but also for studying laser-plasma interactions with attosecond temporal resolution. Various methods have been developed for an isolated attosecond pulse generation in gas. However, they require ultrashort laser pulses, which are difficult to apply with high-power lasers typically employed in relativistic high harmonic generation. Here, we demonstrate that an isolated attosecond pulse can be obtained through relativistic high harmonic generation using noncollinear temporal gating. Our approach also provides direct access to each attosecond pulse in the train, allowing us to diagnose the laser-plasma interaction, such as plasma denting and reflection positions, in a time-resolved manner. Thus, it offers breakthroughs in attosecond pulse generation at relativistic laser intensities.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
How social context and gender influence the sense of responsibility for serving healthy meals: a study involving parents
Authors: Maldoy Katrien , Poels Karolien , De Backer Charlotte
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This research tests how the social context of meals influences the sense of responsibility for serving healthy meals and food choices, taking into account the role of gender.

Design/methodology/approach

An online between-subject scenario experiment was conducted with parents of young children (under 12 years old) in Flanders, Belgium (N = 288, 67.4% women). Participants envisioned serving and consuming food in three social contexts: alone, with core family members, or with peers.

Findings

The social context in which meals take place significantly influences participants’ sense of responsibility for serving healthy meals, which influences their food choices. Moreover, the influence of the social context varies by gender. Women feel more responsible for serving healthy meals than men when eating alone or among core family members. Men feel more responsible for serving healthy meals when eating with others, irrespective of whether these others are core family members or peers, than when eating alone.

Practical implications

One’s sense of responsibility serves as a significant positive determinant in making healthy food choices. However, this sense is context dependent. In a family context, and irrespective of gender, sense of responsibility correlates only weakly to moderately with the perceived healthfulness of food choices. Consequently, the question arises as to whether emphasizing responsibility is the most effective strategy for promoting healthy food choices.

Originality/value

This paper provides new insights into how the social context shapes parents’ sense of responsibility for serving healthy meals and how this, in turn, affects food choices.
Managerial power and corporate productivity in the digital context: considering digital assets as new input types
Authors: Feng Yuan , Zhang Jing , Han Wei , Luo Yongtao
Published: February 2025

Purpose

As China is on an inevitable march into the digital era, firms have accumulated abundant digital assets, such as algorithms and data. Facing the possibility of using digital assets as a new type input, besides traditional inputs such as capital and labor, would powerful managers perform better? Would managerial power help managers increase the efficiency of how a firm combines traditional and digital inputs and converts them into outputs? Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether powerful managers promotes corporate productivity by using digital assets as a new input.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from listed Chinese firms between 2008 and 2020, the authors constructed panel regressions with three-way fixed effects to examine whether and how managerial power influences corporate productivity in the current digital context, particularly under market uncertainty.

Findings

The findings reveal no consistent relationship between managerial power and corporate productivity. The results explain this from two contrasting effects: while managerial power promotes technological change it hinders technical efficiency – two components of total productivity. Moreover, this study identifies market uncertainty as a significant external contingency. In uncertain markets, strong managerial power positively impacts corporate productivity.

Originality/value

The results extend extant theoretical insights in the literature on how managerial power might influence corporate productivity.
GenAI for hiring: Solution or challenge?
Authors: Sharma Mitthi Jyoti
Published: February 2025

Learning outcomes

Students will learn to:

1. Assess the hiring challenges of HR managers in emerging markets.

2. Illustrate the application of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools in the hiring process of new ventures.

3. Evaluate the effectiveness and challenges of technology-based hiring.

Case overview/synopsis

The case study centres on Hamada Tea Co. Ltd., exploring its hiring challenges in emerging markets. The protagonist, Hema, the company’s executive director, is grappling with whether to invest in GenAI-based hiring tools or continue with the manual scouting process. The case highlights her journey in recruiting a retail sales executive, providing a detailed look into the hiring difficulties unique to new ventures. Designed for students interested in understanding recruitment processes, this case aims to teach the complexities of hiring in new ventures with resource constraints. Through this case, students can examine how GenAI can potentially overcome these challenges and enhance the effectiveness of hiring processes.

Complexity academic level

This case can be used for undergraduate and postgraduate students to teach the hiring process and its challenges. It is suited for courses that cover introduction to human resource management, digital transformation in HR, entrepreneurship, talent management practices and GenAI in recruitment.

Supplementary material

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 6: Human Resource Management.
Linking gender role orientation and value orientation to predict commercial and social intention among entrepreneurs
Authors: Rinsdorf Louisa Sibell , Palmer Carolin , Kruse Philipp
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how gender role orientation (GRO) impacts commercial and social entrepreneurial intention and whether value orientation mediates these effects.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a sample of N = 112 entrepreneurs, we tested our model using path analyses with standardized regression coefficients and bias-corrected bootstrapped confidence intervals. Sex was included as a control variable.

Findings

The results suggest that masculine GRO has a positive direct and indirect effect on commercial entrepreneurial intention, and feminine GRO has a positive indirect effect on social entrepreneurial intention. There is evidence that these effects are mediated by entrepreneurs’ value orientation. Biological sex showed no effect on both entrepreneurial intentions.

Research limitations/implications

Our findings highlight the importance of including GRO and further gender-related factors in entrepreneurship research. Researchers must continue to challenge stereotypes in commercial and social entrepreneurship, considering that characteristics such as value orientation are socially gendered.

Practical implications

Overcoming entrepreneurial stereotypes is a task for multiple stakeholders within society. We encourage entrepreneurs to reflect on their GRO and value orientation, while entrepreneurial educators should implement programs to facilitate this reflection and promote openness to change and self-transcendence value orientation. To blur gender roles, more feminine-oriented entrepreneurial role models are needed. We also urge policymakers to foster enabling environments for entrepreneurs, while recognizing gender stereotypes in entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, our study is the first to link GRO and value orientation with commercial and social entrepreneurial intentions in one integrative research model. Thereby, the study contributes to entrepreneurship research by testing our model on a sample of real entrepreneurs and avoiding overly simplistic sex comparisons by focusing on GRO.
Fostering economic development and sustainability: insights into the role of regulatory quality and e-commerce legislation in future technologies
Authors: Qazi Abroon
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine how specific regulatory indicators – such as regulatory quality, information and communications technology regulatory environment, regulation of emerging technologies, e-commerce legislation and privacy protection by law content – affect the economic outcomes, quality of life and sustainable development goals associated with future technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, big data analytics, cloud computing and app- and web-enabled markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Bayesian Belief Network models and Network Readiness Index 2023 data from 134 countries, this study explores the relationships between regulatory factors and various socioeconomic outcomes.

Findings

Regulatory quality and e-commerce legislation emerge as central determinants, directly or indirectly impacting economic development, societal well-being and sustainability objectives. Notably, regulatory quality is identified as a pivotal factor across all outcomes, emphasizing the critical role of effective regulatory frameworks in fostering positive outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The study relies on cross-sectional data, which restricts causal inference, and focuses on national-level data, potentially overlooking subnational variations. In addition, the use of secondary data sources introduces possible measurement errors and biases. Despite these constraints, the study offers valuable insights into regulatory strategies and their role in advancing economic and social outcomes.

Originality/value

The study highlights the importance of tailoring regulatory interventions to address specific needs and challenges faced by countries at different stages of development. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, regulatory authorities and stakeholders seeking to navigate the regulatory challenges and opportunities inherent in the era of rapid technological advancement. The study contributes to advancing the understanding of the complex interplay between regulation, technology and development outcomes in the contemporary global landscape.
Does economic uncertainty hinder or help business profit? Evidence from Indonesia’s commercial banking industry
Authors: Mawardi Imron , Risyad Mohammad Haidar , Al Mustofa Muhammad Ubaidillah
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of instability on bank performance by examining how economic uncertainty interacts with the profitability of both Islamic and conventional banks (CBs) in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies a quantitative methodology, applying dynamic linear analysis through autoregressive distributed lag estimation and leverages time-series data from Indonesia’s banks. Specifically, bank profitability is measured using income before taxes, whereas economic uncertainty is gauged by weighting macroeconomic factors through principal component analysis.

Findings

Economic uncertainty affects the profitability of both Islamic banks and CBs in Indonesia, with CBs being more negatively impacted than Islamic banks.

Research limitations/implications

Economic uncertainty has a notably different impact on banks’ profitability in Indonesia, highlighting the critical need for stabilization measures to reinforce the foundations of the financial institution management system and integration policy frameworks.

Practical implications

Strengthening the management of integration policies should be prioritized to enhance financial stability in larger banks during economic uncertainty. Policymakers should focus on the profitability of CBs during periods of economic uncertainty as it has a bigger impact than the Islamic banking industry.

Originality/value

This study underscores the importance of sustainable development strategies in enhancing banking performance during periods of uncertainty. At the same time, studies examining the relationship between economic uncertainty and bank profitability remain limited, particularly when comparing Islamic banks and CBs in Indonesia.