bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Waves of light at the bottom of the ocean: insights into the luminous systems of three sea pens (Pennatuloidea, Octocorallia, Anthozoa)
Authors: Duchatelet Laurent , Galeazzo Gabriela A. , Coubris Constance , Bridoux Laure , Rezsohazy René , Melo Marcelo R.S. , Marek Martin , Amaral Danilo T. , Dupont Sam , Oliveira Anderson G. , Delroisse Jérôme
Published: May 2024

Bioluminescence is the production of visible light by living organisms. It occurs through the oxidation of specific luciferin substrates catalyzed by luciferase enzymes. Auxiliary proteins such as fluorescent proteins and coelenterazine-binding proteins can modify the wavelength of the emitted light or stabilize reactive luciferin molecules, respectively. Additionally, calcium ions are crucial in the luminescence processes across various species. Despite many bioluminescent organisms, only a few systems have been fully studied, notably theRenillagenus among anthozoans, which uses a coelenterazine-dependent luciferase, calcium-dependent coelenterazine-binding protein, and green fluorescent protein.

We investigated the bioluminescence of three sea pen species:Pennatula phosphorea, Funiculina quadrangularis, andAnthoptilum murrayi(Pennatuloidea, Anthozoa). Their light emission spectra reveal peaks at 510 nm, 513 nm, and 485 nm, respectively. We confirmed the coelenterazine-based reaction in all three species. Using transcriptome analyses, we identified luciferases, fluorescent proteins, and coelenterazine-binding transcripts forP. phosphoreaandA. murrayi.Immunodetection confirmed luciferase expression inP. phosphoreaandF. quadrangularis.We also expressed recombinantA. murrayiluciferase, confirming its activity. We underscore the role of calcium ions in bioluminescence, which is possibly associated with the mechanism of coelenterazine binding and substrate release. The study proposes a model for anthozoan bioluminescence, offering new avenues for futur ecological and functional research on these luminous organisms.
Biological and experimental factors that define the effectiveness of microbial inoculation on plant traits: a meta-analysis
Authors: Azarbad Hamed , Junker Robert R.
Published: May 2024

Bacterial and fungal microbiomes associated with plants can significantly affect the host’s phenotype. Inoculating plants with one or multiple bacterial and fungal species can affect specific plant traits, which is exploited in attempts to increase plant performance and stress tolerance by microbiome engineering. Currently, we lack a comprehensive synthesis on the generality of these effects related to different biological (e.g., plant models, plant traits, and microbial taxa) and experimental factors. In a meta-analysis, we showed that the plant trait under consideration and the microbial taxa used to inoculate plants significantly influenced the strength of the effect size. In a methodological context, experiments under sterilized conditions and short-term periods resulted in larger positive effects on plant traits than those of unsterilized and long-term experiments. Based on our results, we propose a comprehensive checklist as a reference for future research to standardize the design, implementation, and reporting of microbial inoculation studies. We recommend that future studies should exploit the full range of the precision-realism continuum involving (short-term) lab experiments with sterilized plants and single inoculants but also and more often (long-term) field or greenhouse experiments with naturally occurring microbial communities associated with the plants and inoculated consortia including both bacteria and fungi.
Biodiversity increases the forecastability of species abundances in changing environments
Authors: Limberger Romana , Daugaard Uriah , Choffat Yves , Gupta Anubhav , Jelić Martina , Jyrkinen Sabina , Krug Rainer M. , Nohl Seraina , Pennekamp Frank , van Moorsel Sofia J. , Zheng Xue , Zuppinger-Dingley Debra , Petchey Owen L.
Published: May 2024

Accurate forecasts of ecological dynamics are critical for ecosystem management and conservation, yet the drivers of forecastability are poorly understood. Here we show that experiments are a powerful (but underutilized) tool to explore the limits of ecological forecasting. We conducted a long-term microcosm experiment with aquatic protists and manipulated two potential drivers of forecastability: biodiversity and environmental change (light). We applied data-driven forecasting methods to finely-resolved time series of species abundances and ecosystem properties. The experimental treatments had interactive effects on abundance forecasts. Specifically, biodiversity increased forecastability in changing environments but reduced forecastability in constant environments. However, forecasts of ecosystem properties were only weakly affected by the experimental treatments. Our results indicate that the combination of biodiversity loss and environmental change could make populations particularly unpredictable. The implications for ecological conservation are worrying: diversity loss might impair decision-taking by reducing the forecastability of ecological dynamics in changing environments.
WITHDRAWN: Mechanistic modelling of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis beta carbonic anhydrase 3 inhibitors
Authors: Manaithiya Ajay , Bhowmik Ratul , Ray Rajarshi , Carta Fabrizio , Supuran Claudiu T , Parkkila Seppo , Aspatwar Ashok
Published: May 2024

Withdrawal Statement

The authors have withdrawn their manuscript owing to the inability to complete the revisions or follow up on the manuscript at this time, due to personal circumstances. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
Distinct effects of CDK8 module subunits on cellular growth and proliferation inDrosophila
Authors: Li Xiao , Liu Mengmeng , Xing Yue , Niu Ye , Liu Tzu-Hao , Sun Jasmine L. , Liu Yanwu , Hemba-Waduge Rajitha-Udakara-Sampath , Ji Jun-Yuan
Published: May 2024

The Mediator complex, composed of about 30 conserved subunits, plays a pivotal role in facilitating RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription in eukaryotes. Within this complex, the CDK8 kinase module (CKM), comprising Med12, Med13, CDK8, and CycC (Cyclin C), serves as a dissociable subcomplex that modulates the activity of the small Mediator complex. Genetic studies inDrosophilahave revealed distinct phenotypes of CDK8-CycC and Med12-Med13 mutations, yet the underlying mechanism has remained unknown. Here, usingDrosophilaas a model organism, we show that depleting CDK8-CycC enhances E2F1 target gene expression and promotes cell-cycle progression. Conversely, depletion of Med12-Med13 affects the expression of ribosomal protein genes and fibrillarin, indicating a more severe reduction in ribosome biogenesis and cellular growth compared to the loss of CDK8-CycC. Moreover, we found that the stability of CDK8 and CycC relies on Med12 and Med13, with a mutually interdependent relationship between Med12 and Med13. Furthermore, CycC stability depends on the other three CKM subunits. These findings reveal distinct roles for CKM subunitsin vivo, with Med12-Med13 disruption exerting a more pronounced impact on ribosome biogenesis and cellular growth compared to the loss of CDK8-CycC.

Significance

The CDK8 kinase module (CKM), comprising CDK8, CycC, Med12, and Med13, is essential in the Mediator complex for RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription in eukaryotes. While expected to function jointly, CKM subunit mutations result in distinct phenotypes inDrosophila. This study investigates the mechanisms driving these differing effects. Our analysis reveals the role of Med12-Med13 pair in regulating ribosomal biogenesis and cellular growth, contrasting with the involvement of CDK8-CycC in E2F1-dependent cell-cycle progression. Additionally, an asymmetric interdependence in the stability of CDK8-CycC and Med12-Med13 was observed. CKM mutations or overexpression are associated with cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Our findings underscore the distinct impacts of CKM mutations on cellular growth and proliferation, advancing our understanding of their diverse consequencesin vivo.
Decipher: A computational pipeline to extract context-specific mechanistic insights from single-cell profiles
Authors: Basto Edgar , Wajid Bilal , Read James , Armitage Jesse , Waithman Jason , Small Michael , Bosco Anthony
Published: May 2024

The advent of single-cell profiling technologies has revolutionized our understanding of the cellular and molecular states that underpin disease states and response to therapies. However, current computational tools cannot recover both known and novel mechanistic insights at distinct layers of biological regulation in an unbiased manner. Here, we presentDecipher, a novel computational pipeline that builds integrated cell signalling networks from single-cell profiles in a context-specific, data-driven manner and identifies the key cellular and molecular events that drive disease. We benchmarkedDecipheragainst existing tools and found it could recover known, experimentally determined cytokine signalling pathways with high accuracy, whilst maintaining the flexibility to detect novel pathways and context-specific effects. Notably,Decipherreports a manageable set of interactions that can be aggregated into global cell-to-cell signalling maps that are interpretable. In addition, we utilisedDecipherto unveil the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving a novel population of inflammatory monocytes enriched with interferon stimulated genes that is markedly increased in frequency following secondary immunization with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Taken together, our findings demonstrate thatDeciphercan decode signalling pathways and report on ligand-receptor mediated transcription factor – target gene networks that underlie processes in homeostasis and disease, as well as cellular responses to therapies. We presentDecipheras an invaluable new tool for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and the development of new medicines.
When the liver is in poor condition, so is the heart - cardiac remodelling in MASH mouse models
Authors: Bott Sebastian , Lallement Justine , Marino Alice , Daskalopoulos Evangelos P. , Beauloye Christophe , Esfahani Hrag , Dessy Chantal , Leclercq Isabelle Anne
Published: May 2024

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) confers a risk for cardiovascular diseases in patients. Animal models may help exploring the mechanisms linking liver and heart diseases. Hence, we explored the cardiac phenotype in MASH mouse models.

Methods

We evaluated pathological alterations in liver and heart infoz/fozmice fed a high fat diet for 24 or 60 weeks and in C57BL/6J mice fed a high fat, high fructose diet for 60 weeks. Angiotensin ll (Angll) was used as an additional cardiovascular stressor.

Results

Foz/fozmice with fibrosing MASH developed cardiac hypertrophy with adverse cardiac remodelling not seen in WT similarly fed the high fat diet. Angll caused hypertension and upregulated the expression of genes contributing to pathological cardiac hypertrophy (Nppa,Myh7) more severely so infoz/fozmice than in controls. After 60 weeks of HFD, while liver disease had progressed to burn-out non steatotic MASH with hepatocellular carcinoma in 50% of the animals, the cardiomyopathy did not. In an independent model (C57BL/6J mice fed a high fat, high fructose diet), moderate fibrosing MASH is associated with cardiac fibrosis and dysregulation of genes involved in pathological remodelling (Collal,Col3al,Vim,Myh6,Slc2al).

Conclusion

Animals with MASH present consistent adverse structural changes in the heart with no patent alteration of cardiac function even when stressed with exogenous Angll. Liver disease, and not overfeeding or aging alone, is associated with this cardiac phenotype. Our findings confirmfoz/fozmice as suitable for studying links between MASH and heart structural changes ahead of heart failure.
Behavioural evidence of spectral opponent processing in the visual system of stomatopod crustaceans
Authors: Wang Ching-Wen Judy , Marshall Justin
Published: May 2024

Stomatopods, commonly known as mantis shrimps, possess an intricate colour vision with up to 12 photoreceptor classes organised in four specialised ommatidia rows (rows 1-4 in the midband region of the eye) for colour perception. While 2-4 spectral sensitivities suffice for most visual systems, the mechanism behind stomatopods’ 12-channel colour vision remains unclear. Based on neuroarchitecture, it was initially suggested that rows 1-4 may function as four parallel dichromatic channels allowing fine spectral discrimination and strong colour constancy in narrow spectral zones. Subsequently, unexpectedly low resolution in behavioural experiments indicated that a binning processing system may operate instead of or in addition to the ‘normal’ opponent processing system, categorising information into separate channels to create an activation pattern for rapid colour recognition. Previous anatomical and behavioural studies have speculated on the potential coexistence of these two systems in stomatopods’ colour vision. However, no behavioural study has specifically investigated the potential for colour opponency in their colour vision. Our findings provide the first direct behavioural evidence for spectral opponency in stomatopods’ visual system, showing that rows 1-4 operate, at least some of the time, as multiple dichromatic channels.
Selecting genes for analysis using historically contingent progress: from RNA changes to protein-protein interactions
Authors: Lalit Farhaan , Jose Antony M
Published: May 2024

Progress in biology has generated numerous lists of genes that share some property. But advancing from these lists of genes to understanding their roles is slow and unsystematic. Here we use RNA silencing inC. elegansto illustrate an approach for prioritizing genes for detailed study given limited resources. The partially subjective relationships between genes forged by both deduced functional relatedness and biased progress in the field was captured as mutual information and used to cluster genes that were frequently identified yet remain understudied. Some proteins encoded by these understudied genes are predicted to physically interact with known regulators of RNA silencing, suggesting feedback regulation. Predicted interactions with proteins that act in other processes and the clustering of studied genes among the most frequently perturbed suggest regulatory links connecting RNA silencing to other processes like the cell cycle and asymmetric cell division. Thus, among the gene products altered when a process is perturbed could be regulators of that process acting to restore homeostasis, which provides a way to use RNA sequencing to identify candidate protein-protein interactions. Together, the analysis of perturbed transcripts and potential interactions of the proteins they encode could help prioritize candidate regulators of any process.
Gammaherpesvirus infection triggers the formation of tRNA fragments from premature tRNAs
Authors: Manning Aidan C. , Bashir Mahmoud M. , Jimenez Ariana R. , Upton Heather E. , Collins Kathleen , Lowe Todd M. , Tucker Jessica M.
Published: May 2024

Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are fundamental for both cellular and viral gene expression during viral infection. In addition, mounting evidence supports biological function for tRNA cleavage products, including in the control of gene expression during conditions of stress and infection. We previously reported that infection with the model murine gammaherpesvirus, MHV68, leads to enhanced tRNA transcription. However, whether this has any influence on tRNA transcript processing, viral replication, or the host response is not known. Here, we combined two new approaches, sequencing library preparation by Ordered Two Template Relay (OTTR) and tRNA bioinformatic analysis by tRAX, to quantitatively profile full-length tRNAs and tRNA fragment (tRF) identities during MHV68 infection. We find that MHV68 infection triggers both pre-tRNA and mature tRNA cleavage, resulting in the accumulation of specific tRFs. OTTR-tRAX revealed not only host tRNAome changes, but also the expression patterns of virally-encoded tRNAs (virtRNAs) and virtRFs made from the MHV68 genome, including their base modification signatures. Because the transcript ends of several host tRFs matched tRNA splice junctions, we tested and confirmed the role of tRNA splicing factors TSEN2 and CLP1 in MHV68-induced tRF biogenesis. Further, we show that CLP1 kinase, and by extension tRNA splicing, is required for productive MHV68 infection. Our findings provide new insight into how gammaherpesvirus infection both impacts and relies on tRNA transcription and processing.

Importance

Diverse conditions of infection and cellular stress incite the cleavage of transfer RNAs, leading to the formation of tRNA fragments which can directly regulate gene expression. In our study of gammaherpesviruses, such as the murine herpesvirus 68 and human oncogenic Kaposi Sarcoma associated Herpesvirus, we discovered that transfer RNA regulation and cleavage is a key component of gene reprogramming during infection. We present the first in-depth profile of tRNA fragment generation in response to DNA virus infection, using state-of-the-art sequencing techniques that overcome several challenges with tRNA sequencing. We present several lines of evidence that tRNA fragments are made from newly-transcribed premature tRNAs and propose that this may be a defining characteristic of tRNA cleavage in some contexts. Finally, we show that tRNA splicing machinery is involved with the formation of some MHV68-induced tRNA fragments, with a key regulator of splicing, CLP1, required for maximal viral titer. Together, we posit that tRNA processing may be integral to the elegant shift in gene expression that occurs during viral take-over of the host cell.
The embryo-derived protein PDI is highly conserved among placental mammals and alters the function of the endometrium in species with different implantation strategies
Authors: Tinning Haidee , Taylor Alysha , Wang Dapeng , Pullinger Anna , Oikonomou Georgios , Velazquez Miguel A. , Thompson Paul , Treumann Achim , Ruane Peter T. , O’Connell Mary J , Forde Niamh
Published: May 2024

Pregnancy establishment in mammals requires a complex sequence of events, including bi-lateral embryo-maternal communication, leading up to implantation. This is the time when most pregnancy loss occurs in mammals (including humans and food production species) and dysregulation in embryo-maternal communication contributes to pregnancy loss. Embryo-derived factors modify the function of the endometrium for pregnancy success. We hypothesise that these previously unexplored conceptus-derived proteins may be involved in altering the function of the endometrium to facilitate early pregnancy events in mammals with different early pregnancy phenotypes. Here, we show that protein disulphide-isomerase (PDI) is a highly conserved protein among mammals, and provide evidence for a species-specific roles for PDI in endometrial function in mammals with different implantation strategies. We show how PDI alters the endometrial transcriptome in human and bovinein vitroin a species-specific manner, and using a microfluidic approach we demonstrate that it alters the secretome capability of the endometrium. We also provide evidence fromin vitroassays using human-derived cells thatMNS1,a transcript commonly downregulated in response to PDI in human and bovine endometrial epithelial cells, may be involved in the attachment (but not invasion) phase of implantation. We propose that the trophoblast-derived protein PDI, is involved in supporting the modulation of the uterine luminal fluid secreted by the endometrium to support conceptus nourishment, and also in the process of embryo attachment to the uterine lumen for pregnancy success in mammals.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

We provide evidence that a highly conserved protein (PDI) alters the endometrial transcriptome in a species- and cell-specific manner. Exposure of endometrial epithelia to PDI altered genes belonging to immune modulatory, pro-inflammatory, and adhesion-pathways. One transcript, MNS1, was commonly downregulated in endometrial epithelia from species with superficial (bovine) and invasive (human) implantation morphologies. Knockdown of MNS1 expression in humans epithelia altered the ability of human trophoblast BeWo spheroids to attach suggesting a mechanism by which PDI affects implantation in human and bovine. In addition, using a microfluidics approach we have shown that PDI alters the secretome in a species-specific manner demonstrating PDI alters a key function of the endometrium in mammals.
Condensin II activation by M18BP1
Authors: Borsellini Alessandro , Conti Duccio , Cutts Erin , Harris Rebecca J. , Walstein Kai , Graziadei Andrea , Cecatiello Valentina , Aarts Tom F. , Xie Ren , Mazouzi Abdelghani , Sen Sushweta , Hoencamp Claire , Pleuger Richard , Ghetti Sabrina , Oberste-Lehn Lina , Pan Dongqing , Bange Tanja , Haarhuis Judith H.I. , Perrakis Anastassis , Brummelkamp Thijn R. , Rowland Benjamin D. , Musacchio Andrea , Vannini Alessandro
Published: May 2024

Condensin complexes promote the drastic spatial rearrangement of the genome upon mitotic entry. Condensin II initiates chromosome condensation in early mitosis. To prevent chromosome condensation during interphase, condensin II is inhibited by MCPH1, but the mechanism is unknown. Through genetic and proteomic approaches, we identify M18BP1, a protein previously associated with centromere identity, as a factor required for condensin II localization to chromatin. M18BP1 directly binds condensin II’s CAP-G2 subunit and competes with MCPH1 for binding. Upon mitotic entry, CDK1 mediated phosphorylation may promote a switch from MCPH1 to M18BP1 binding to activate condensin II. Our results identify a fundamental and evolutionarily conserved mechanism of condensin II activation.
Tubulin tyrosination/detyrosination governs the spatial segregation of intraflagellar transport trains on axonemal microtubule doublets
Authors: Chhatre Aditya , Stepanek Ludek , Nievergelt Adrian Pascal , Alvarez Viar Gonzalo , Diez Stefan , Pigino Gaia
Published: May 2024

Assembly and function of cilia rely on the continuous transport of ciliary components between the cell body and the ciliary tip. This is performed by specialized molecular machines, known as Intraflagellar Transport (IFT) trains. Anterograde IFT trains are powered by kinesin-2 motors and move along the B-tubules (enriched in detyrosinated tubulin) of the ciliary microtubule doublets. Conversely, retrograde IFT trains are moved by dynein-1b motors along the A-tubules (enriched in tyrosinated tubulin) back to the cell body. The segregation of oppositely directed trains on A-tubules or B-tubules is thought to prevent traffic jams in the cilium, but the mechanism by which opposite polarity trains are sorted onto either tubule, and whether tubulin tyrosination/detyrosination plays a role in that process, is unknown. Here, we show that CRISPR-mediated knock-out of VashL, the enzyme that detyrosinates microtubules, causes recurrent stoppages of IFT trains and reduces the rate of ciliary growth in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. To test whether the observed stoppages, potentially caused by collisions between oppositely directed IFT trains, are ascribable to direct interactions between IFT trains and tubulin tyrosination/detyrosination, we developed methods to reconstitute the motility of native IFT trains from cilia on de-membranated axonemes and ex vivo on synthetically polymerized microtubules. We show that anterograde trains have higher affinity for detyrosinated microtubules (analogous to B-tubules), while retrograde trains for tyrosinated microtubules (analogous to A-tubules). We conclude that tubulin tyrosination/detyrosination is required for the spatial segregation of oppositely directed trains and for their smooth uninterrupted motion. Our results provide a model for how the tubulin code governs molecular transport in cilia.
High transmission efficiency collection system for laser-accelerated proton beams based on permanent magnet quadrupoles prefocusing
Authors: Yan Yang , Cheng Hao , Li Yuze , Fang Yanlv , Xia Yadong , He Qiangyou , Li Chentong , Li Fangnan , Guo Zhen , Yan Yiting , Huang Mingfeng , Wu Minjian , Wang Kedong , Zhu Kun , Yan Xueqing , Lin Chen
Published: May 2024

A new high transmission efficiency, easily tunable, and cost-effective beam collection system is proposed for laser-accelerated proton beams with large divergence angles and wide energy spectra. In previous experiments conducted at the compact laser plasma accelerator platform of Peking University, a beamline was initially constructed with a collection system based on an electromagnetic quadrupoles (EMQs) triplet. However, due to the limited acceptance angle, the EMQs exhibited a monoenergetic transmission efficiency of only 10% to 20% for laser accelerated proton beams. Permanent magnet quadrupoles (PMQs), known for their high magnetic field gradients, compact size, and lower expenses, are well suited for integration with other readily adjustable transmission elements like EMQs and solenoids, effectively enhancing the beam collection capabilities of the system. In this paper, we show that by introducing a pair of centimeter-sized PMQs in front of the EMQs for beam prefocusing, the beam’s transverse size is quickly compressed, enabling transmission of highly divergent protons. Experimental results demonstrate that the prefocusing by PMQs increased the system’s transmission efficiency by a factor of 2.44 to 6.01 compared to the original setup, while also enhancing the energy selection based on stronger chromatic effect. This method can be extended to 100 MeV high-energy proton beamlines and is crucial for applications of laser plasma accelerators.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystal structure of bis{2-[5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]pyridine}palladium(II) bis(trifluoroacetate) trifluoroacetic acid disolvate
Authors: Zakharchenko Borys V. , Khomenko Dmytro M. , Doroshchuk Roman O. , Bargan Alexandra , Vassilyeva Olga Yu. , Lampeka Rostyslav D.
Published: May 2024

The new palladium(II) complex, [Pd(C16H16N4O3)2](CF3COO)2·2CF3COOH, crystallizes in the triclinic space group P\overline{1} with the asymmetric unit containing half the cation (PdII site symmetry Ci
), one trifluoroactetate anion and one co-crystallized trifluoroacetic acid molecule. Two neutral chelating 2-[5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]pyridine ligands coordinate to the PdII ion through the triazole-N and pyridine-N atoms in a distorted trans-PdN4 square-planar configuration [Pd—N 1.991 (2), 2.037 (2) Å; cis N—Pd—N 79.65 (8), 100.35 (8)°]. The complex cation is quite planar, except for the methoxo groups (δ = 0.117 Å for one of the C atoms). The planar configuration is supported by two intramolecular C—H...N hydrogen bonds. In the crystal, the π–π-stacked cations are arranged in sheets parallel to the ab plane that are flanked on both sides by the trifluoroacetic acid–trifluoroacetate anion pairs. Apart from classical N/O—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions, weak C—H...F/N/O contacts consolidate the three-dimensional architecture. Both trifluoroacetic moieties were found to be disordered over two resolvable positions with a refined occupancy ratio of 0.587 (1):0.413 (17) and 0.530 (6):0.470 (6) for the protonated and deprotonated forms, respectively.
Power dynamics in business relationships in a turbulent environment: focus on anticipated power consequences and value creation
Authors: Siemieniako Dariusz
Published: May 2024

Purpose

I aimed to develop a conceptual model of power dynamics focused on an anticipated power consequences in business relationships in a context of high environmental turbulence. I also intended to discuss the theoretical significance of my findings and indicate future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual article indicating future research directions.

Findings

The proposal of the conceptual model of power dynamics focusing on anticipated power consequences in business relationships.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the presented model stem from the critique of the holistic view. My contribution lies in advancing our understanding of power dynamics in business relationships amid significant environmental change. I elucidate how transformative practices relate to power outcomes and value creation in these relationships.

Practical implications

The model highlights the importance of a mindful approach to managing business relationships in a turbulent environment. It emphasizes considering expected power outcomes from activities and their impact on creating value in these relationships.

Social implications

The proposed concept resonates with systems theory, which emphasizes how different levels of business relationships are interconnected. It enables the analysis of power dynamics at the individual level, such as employees, consumers and local communities. These groups often include the most vulnerable individuals impacted by relational business structures.

Originality/value

The focus on anticipated power consequences of transformative practices triggered by high environmental turbulences, while considering the impact of power distribution of relationship actors on the sharing of benefits and costs.
Polychronicity fit and turnover intentions in projects: the mediating roles of exhaustion and work overload
Authors: Shah Syed Waqas , Jepsen Denise Mary , Bankins Sarah
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Despite the deployment of state-of-the-art methodologies for project management, employee turnover in projects remains high. Such turnover has significant costs in terms of replacing personnel, potential deadline overruns and financial expenditure. Employee turnover in project contexts may stem from time-related issues associated with multiple parallel projects and short deadlines. Using person–environment fit and time congruence theories, this research examines the relationship between employee turnover intentions and individual–organizational (I–O) polychronicity fit, which captures the degree of match between individuals’ and organizational preferences for focusing on multiple tasks simultaneously.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 309 software project employees in Pakistan. Hypotheses were tested using polynomial regressions and response surface modeling.

Findings

I–O polychronicity fit is related to turnover intentions. Turnover intentions are lower when I–O polychronicity fit occurs on the lower end of the polychronicity continuum, whereas turnover intentions are higher when fit is observed on the higher end of the polychronicity continuum. The relationship between I–O polychronicity fit and turnover intentions is significantly explained by exhaustion and perceptions of work overload.

Practical implications

The study’s insights provide recommendations for organizations to optimally manage multitasking to help retain project employees.

Originality/value

These findings extend our understanding of the underlying mechanisms between I–O polychronicity fit and turnover intentions. Furthermore, this research expounds on how employee exhaustion and perceptions of work overload explain the relationship between I–O polychronicity fit and turnover intentions.
Social network group decision-making model considering interactions between trust relationships and opinion evolution
Authors: Ma Jin , Wu Tong
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Social network group decision-making (SNGDM) has rapidly developed because of the impact of social relationships on decision-making behavior. However, not only do social relationships affect decision-making behavior, but decision-making behavior also affects social relationships. Such complicated interactions are rarely considered in current research. To bridge this gap, this study proposes an SNGDM model that considers the interaction between social trust relationships and opinion evolution.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the trust propagation and aggregation operators are improved to obtain a complete social trust relationship among decision-makers (DMs). Second, the evolution of preference information under the influence of trust relationships is measured, and the development of trust relationships during consensus interactions is predicted. Finally, the iteration of consensus interactions is simulated using an opinion dynamics model. A case study is used to verify the feasibility of the proposed model.

Findings

The proposed model can predict consensus achievement based on a group’s initial trust relationship and preference information and effectively captures the dynamic characteristics of opinion evolution in social networks.

Originality/value

This study proposes an SNGDM model that considers the interaction of trust and opinion. The proposed model improves trust propagation and aggregation operators, determines improved preference information based on the existing trust relationships and predicts the evolution of trust relationships in the consensus process. The dynamic interaction between the two accelerates DMs to reach a consensus.
Complex environmental control of growth in a dominant Mediterranean‐alpine shrub species
Authors: Albrecht Eike Corina , Dobbert Svenja , Pape Roland , Löffler Jörg
Published: May 2024

Mediterranean‐alpine plants are exposed to harsh conditions, forcing them to perform with well‐adapted physiological strategies to withstand the dual stressors that arise from winter cold and summer drought. Such growth strategies are not yet fully understood, although they gain importance with regard to the resilience of species in the face of ongoing climate variability.

Here, we aimed at understanding shrub growth in a widespread Mediterranean‐alpine species, Cytisus galianoi Talavera & Gibbs. Using long‐term time series of stem diameter change obtained from dendrometer measurements across the species´ range, we were able to characterise its spatiotemporal growth plasticity. Furthermore, separating water‐related fluctuations in stem diameter from irreversible stem increment allowed us to disentangle the species´ seasonal growth patterns. Using fine‐scale measurements of on‐site environmental conditions, we were then able to identify micro‐ecological drivers controlling the species´ growth processes by applying correlation analysis and partial least squares regressions.

We show the species´ adaptation to the spatial heterogeneity across its range for the first time. Our findings highlight that the combination of bimodality and overall high growth plasticity likely allows the species to cover a wide geographical range across alpine areas and over a wide range of weather conditions. We show the environmental control of bimodal growth in C. galianoi, and the importance of pre‐growth environmental control, leading to pronounced carry‐over effects. These lead to a major advantage in resisting adverse growth conditions and adapting to changing conditions.

Synthesis: Overall, our findings improve the understanding of the species´ ecological niche and show that preceding photosynthetic activity helps C. galianoi to perform even under unfavourable conditions in winter and during the active growth phase, challenging the general assumption on the coupling of growth to specific seasons and suggesting that the species is capable of adapting to future climate variability.
Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the patient on hemodialysis resilience scale
Authors: Özdemir Eler Çiğdem , Kav Sultan
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The study aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of the hemodialysis resilience scale (PHRS) in the Turkish population.

Methods

A cross‐sectional methodologic study involved 136 hemodialysis patients at two dialysis centers affiliated with a foundation university in Turkey. The updated guidelines for the Intercultural Scale Adaptation Stages, Language, and Culture Adaptation were followed.

Results

Cronbach's α of the PHRS‐Tr was 0.94. A three‐factor structure was extracted, namely “the pursuit of positive meaning in the present,” “building the will to live through close human relationships,” and “acceptance of hemodialysis as a part of daily life” explaining 66.82% of the total variance. Test–retest reliability was conducted with 50 patients within the sample 2 weeks after the first application. The correlation coefficient for test–retest reliability was r = 0.680.

Conclusion

The study results indicate that the PHRS‐Tr is a valid and reliable tool for assessing resilience status in Turkish hemodialysis patients.
Evaluation of the impact of overlapping upper gastrointestinal symptoms on the clinical characteristics of patients with functional constipation, along with risk factor analysis
Authors: Zhu Feng , Li Fei , Lyu Mei Hui , Feng Ben Chang , Lin Lin , Tang Yu Rong , Qian Dong , Yu Ting
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Functional constipation (FC), a common functional gastrointestinal disorder, is usually overlapping with upper gastrointestinal symptoms (UGS). We aimed to explore the clinical characteristics of patients with FC overlapping UGS along with the related risk factors.

Methods

The differences in the severity of constipation symptoms, psychological state, quality of life (QoL), anorectal motility and perception function, autonomic function, and the effect of biofeedback therapy (BFT) among patients with FC in different groups were analyzed, along with the risk factors of overlapping UGS.

Results

Compared with patients with FC alone, those with FC overlapping UGS had higher scores in the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms and Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale and lower scores in the Short Form‐36 health survey (P < 0.05). Patients with FC overlapping UGS also had lower rectal propulsion, more negative autonomic nervous function, and worse BFT efficacy (P < 0.05). Overlapping UGS, especially overlapping functional dyspepsia, considerably affected the severity of FC. Logistic regression model showed that age, body mass index (BMI), anxiety, exercise, and sleep quality were independent factors influencing overlapping UGS in patients with FC.

Conclusions

Overlapping UGS reduces the physical and mental health and the QoL of patients with FC. It also increases the difficulty in the treatment of FC. Patient's age, BMI, anxiety, physical exercise, and sleep quality might be predictors for FC overlapping UGS.
Lower resting state functional connectivity partially mediates adverse effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on arithmetic performance in children
Authors: Fan Jia , Woods Keri J. , Jacobson Joseph L. , Taylor Paul A. , Toich Jadrana T. F. , Molteno Christopher D. , Jacobson Sandra W. , Meintjes Ernesta M.
Published: May 2024

Background

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) include a range of neurocognitive and behavioral impairments resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Among the PAE‐related cognitive deficits, number processing is particularly affected. This study examines alterations in number processing networks and whether changes in functional connectivity mediate the adverse effects of PAE on arithmetic performance.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was acquired in 57 children (mean (SD) age = 11.3 (+0.9) yr), 38 with FASD (19 fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) or partial FAS (PFAS), 19 heavily exposed (HE)) and 19 controls. Whole‐brain correlation analyses were performed from five seeds located in regions involved in number processing.

Results

Children with FAS/PFAS showed dose‐dependent reductions in resting state functional connectivity between the seed in the right (R) posterior superior parietal lobule and a cluster in the left (L) inferior frontal gyrus, and between a seed in the R horizontal intraparietal sulcus and clusters in the R precentral gyrus and L cerebellar lobule VI. HE children showed lower resting state functional connectivity in a subset of these regions. Lower functional connectivity in the two fronto‐parietal connections partially mediated the adverse effects of PAE on arithmetic performance.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates PAE‐related functional connectivity impairments in functional networks involved in number processing. The weaker connectivity between the R posterior superior parietal lobule and the L inferior frontal gyrus suggests that impaired verbal processing and visuospatial working memory may play a role in number processing deficits, while weaker connectivity between the R intraparietal sulcus and the R precentral gyrus points to poorer finger‐based numerical representation, which has been linked to arithmetic computational skills.
Harm from the drinking of people you know: A range of effects from different relationships
Authors: Laslett Anne‐Marie , Anderson‐Luxford Dan , Willoughby Bree , Room Robin , Doran Chris , Egerton‐Warburton Diana , Jenkinson Rebecca , Smit Koen , Jiang Heng
Published: May 2024

Aims

To describe the range of effects experienced due to the drinking of people respondents know and analyze risk and protective factors for harm from the drinking of partners and household members, other relatives and friends and co‐workers.

Design, setting and participants

Surveys of 2574 participants' experiences were obtained from two samples: 1000 people responded to random digitally dialled Australian mobile calls and 1574 participants responded from the Life in AustraliaTM panel survey.

Measurements

Respondents were asked whether they had been negatively affected in the previous 12 months by the drinking of persons they knew who were ‘a heavy drinker or drank a lot sometimes’ and the nature of these harms. Weighted logistic regressions were used to analyze differences in rates of key negative outcomes from known others' drinking by gender, age and socio‐economic status.

Findings

Almost two thirds [60.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 57.7%–62.7%] of participants reported having heavy drinkers in their lives and 21.8% (95% CI = 19.8%–23.9%) reported being negatively affected by the drinking of people they knew well in some way. Participants reported a gamut of effects, including, most commonly, adverse social effects: having to transport relatives and friends who had been drinking, role failure and faults, being emotionally hurt or neglected, serious arguments, family problems, having to care for drinkers and verbal abuse. Less commonly, respondents reported physical or sexual harm, property damage, financial stress and threats from others' drinking. Women (odds ratio = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.13–1.95), younger people, rural, Australian‐born (vs. respondents born overseas in non‐English speaking countries) and more frequent drinkers were more likely to report harm from a drinker they knew than their counterparts after adjusting for other variables in the model.

Conclusions

Australians appear to be commonly adversely affected by the drinking of people they know. Harms from known drinkers are more likely to be experienced by women than men, particularly from the people they live with and other relatives.
Nicotine inhalant via E‐cigarette facilitates sensorimotor function recovery by upregulating neuronal BDNF–TrkB signalling in traumatic brain injury
Authors: Wang Dongsheng , Li Xiaojing , Li Wenxi , Duong Tiffany , Wang Hongxia , Kleschevnikova Natalia , Patel Hemal H. , Breen Ellen , Powell Susan , Wang Shanshan , Head Brian P.
Published: May 2024

Background and Purpose

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes lifelong physical and psychological dysfunction in affected individuals. The current study investigated the effects of chronic nicotine exposure via E‐cigarettes (E‐cig) (vaping) on TBI‐associated behavioural and biochemical changes.

Experimental Approach

Adult C57/BL6J male mice were subjected to controlled cortical impact (CCI) followed by daily exposure to E‐cig vapour for 6 weeks. Sensorimotor functions, locomotion, and sociability were subsequently evaluated by nesting, open field, and social approach tests, respectively. Immunoblots were conducted to examine the expression of mature brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) and associated downstream proteins (p‐Erk, p‐Akt). Histological analyses were performed to evaluate neuronal survival and neuroinflammation.

Key Results

Post‐injury chronic nicotine exposure significantly improved nesting performance in CCI mice. Histological analysis revealed increased survival of cortical neurons in the perilesion cortex with chronic nicotine exposure. Immunoblots revealed that chronic nicotine exposure significantly up‐regulated mBDNF, p‐Erk and p‐Akt expression in the perilesion cortex of CCI mice. Immunofluorescence microscopy indicated that elevated mBDNF and p‐Akt expression were mainly localized within cortical neurons. Immunolabelling of Iba1 demonstrated that chronic nicotine exposure attenuated microglia‐mediated neuroinflammation.

Conclusions and Implications

Post‐injury chronic nicotine exposure via vaping facilitates recovery of sensorimotor function by upregulating neuroprotective mBDNF/TrkB/Akt/Erk signalling. These findings suggest potential neuroprotective properties of nicotine despite its highly addictive nature. Thus, understanding the multifaceted effects of chronic nicotine exposure on TBI‐associated symptoms is crucial for paving the way for informed and properly managed therapeutic interventions.
Biocultural heritage of the Caatinga: a systematic review of Myrtaceae and its multiple uses
Authors: Santos‐Neves P. S. , Bezerra‐Silva Alexsandro , Gomes Maria Thereza Dantas , A. C. A. Fagundes , M. I. U. Oliveira , Voeks Robert A. , E. M. Costa Neto , Funch Ligia Silveira
Published: May 2024

The Caatinga, an exclusively Brazilian biome, stands as a reservoir of remarkable biodiversity. Its significance transcends ecological dimensions, given the direct reliance of the local population on its resources for sustenance and healthcare. While Myrtaceae, a pivotal botanical family within the Brazilian flora, has been extensively explored for its medicinal and nutritional attributes, scant attention has been directed towards its contextual relevance within the Caatinga's local communities. Consequently, this inaugural systematic review addresses the ethnobotanical roles of Myrtaceae within the Caatinga, meticulously anchored in the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. We searched Scopus, MEDLINE/Pubmed, Scielo, and LILIACS. No date‐range filter was applied. An initial pool of 203 articles was carefully scrutinized, ultimately yielding 31 pertinent ethnobotanical studies elucidating the utility of Myrtaceae amongst the Caatinga's indigenous populations. Collectively, they revealed seven distinct utilization categories spanning ~54 species and 11 genera. Psidium and Eugenia were the genera with the most applications. The most cited categories of use were food (27 species) and medicinal (22 species). The importance of accurate species identification was highlighted, as many studies did not provide enough information for reliable identification. Additionally, the potential contribution of Myrtaceae fruits to food security and human health was explored. The diversity of uses demonstrates how this family is a valuable resource for local communities, providing sources of food, medicine, energy, and construction materials. This systematic review also highlights the need for more ethnobotanical studies to understand fully the relevance of Myrtaceae species in the Caatinga, promoting biodiversity conservation, as well as support for local populations.