bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural Determinants of Mucins in Influenza Virus Inhibition: The Synergistic Role of Sialylated Glycans and Molecular Size
Authors: Butnarasu Cosmin , Safferthal Marc , Thomas Jolly , Povolotsky Tatyana L. , Diehn Robyn , Fentker Kerstin , Mertins Philipp , Pagel Kevin , Lauster Daniel 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMucins are heavily glycosylated proteins that play a crucial role in protecting mucosal surfaces against pathogens, including influenza viruses. This study investigates the antiviral properties of bovine submaxillary mucins (BSM) as a model for oral mucins against the influenza virus (A/H3N2 subtype), focusing on glycan composition and mucin size. BSM was purified, and characterized by proteomic and glycomic analysis and its antiviral efficacy was assessed after selective removal of sialic acids,N-glycans, or all glycans via enzymatic and chemical treatments. We employed virus binding and inhibition assays, including microscale thermophoresis (MST) and hemagglutination inhibition (HAI), to characterize processed mucins for structure activity correlations. Removal of sialic acids reduced BSM’s antiviral activity by over 10-fold, while complete glycan removal abolished it entirely, highlighting sialylatedO-glycans as critical for viral inhibition.N-glycan removal had minimal impact on antiviral efficacy. A size-dependent antiviral effect was observed: smaller mucin fragments (∼50 and 330 kDa), which retained comparableO-glycosylation patterns, showed significantly reduced inhibition and viral binding affinity compared to intact BSM. These findings underscore the importance of mucin size and sialylatedO-glycans in antiviral defense mechanisms against influenza.SignificanceThis study sheds light on the intrinsic antiviral properties of mucin from the bovine submaxillary gland, revealing the roles of glycans and mucin’s size in binding and inhibiting influenza virus. Our findings suggest a clear correlation between sialylatedO-glycans and mucin size with the antiviral efficacy. Ultimately, we show that mucin-derived fragments retaining virus-binding capacity, with defined size andO-glycosylation patterns, can be isolated from mucin and could serve as versatile building blocks for designing next-generation antiviral biomaterials.
Evidence for the pairing of mRNA exiting ribosomes acting as a Driver of unidirectional forward bypassing: Its cessation permits Backwards scanning
Authors: Wills Norma M. , Parsawar Krishna , Atkins John F. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTEfficient translational avoidance of a 50 nucleotide non-coding insert in phage T4 gene60sequence involves dissociation of peptidyl-tRNA pairing from the mRNA ‘take-off’ codon, GGA. This tRNA is retained in the ribosomal P-site during bypassing. Its anticodon does not scan the 5’ part of the non-coding sequence, which contains a cognate GGG codon, but it does scan the main and 3’ part of the coding gap for potential complementarity. Re-pairing to a matched GGA ‘landing site’ codon occurs exclusively 48-50 nt after take-off. Coding resumption ensues. Here we analyze proteins synthesized from mutants that abrogate the potential for re-pairing at the canonical landing site. The results show that some ribosomes move backwards 39 nt allowing re-pairing to the initially hidden GGG or forwards at least 56 additional nt before resumed anticodon: codon pairing at a downstream matched codon. We discuss the nature of the driving force for the initial unidirectional movement and why it becomes dissipated when the site of landing in WT is reached. Also presented is an analysis of the relative importance of recoding signals located 6 nucleotides upstream (5’) and close downstream (3’) of the WT landing site, for re-pairing to mRNA and coding resumption.
Evolution of PqsE as aPseudomonas aeruginosa-specific regulator of LuxR-type receptors: insights fromPseudomonasandBurkholderia
Authors: Mallery Caleb P. , Simanek Kayla A. , Pope Autumn N. , Paczkowski Jon E. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTPseudomonas aeruginosais a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that poses a significant public health threat, particularly in healthcare settings. A key determinant ofP. aeruginosavirulence is the regulated synthesis and release of extracellular products, which is controlled by a cell density-dependent signaling system known as quorum sensing (QS).P. aeruginosauses a complex QS network, including two systems that rely on diffusible N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) signal molecules. The LuxR-type receptor RhlR is unique in that it requires not only its cognate AHL but also the accessory protein PqsE to maximally bind to promoter DNA and to initiate transcription. Our group demonstrated that PqsE physically interacts with RhlR, enhancing its affinity for target promoters across theP. aeruginosagenome. Although LuxR-type receptors are widespread in Gram-negative bacteria and important for pathogenesis, PqsE orthologs are restricted toPseudomonasandBurkholderiaspecies. This study explored the conservation of PqsE and examined PqsE ortholog structure-function across different species. Our results show that PqsE inPseudomonasretain their functional interactions with RhlR homologs, unlike PqsE orthologs inBurkholderiaspp., which do not interact with their respective LuxR-type receptors. Additionally, we assessed the AHL preferences of different receptors and hypothesized that the PqsE-RhlR interaction evolved to stabilize the inherently unstable RhlR, preventing its degradation. Indeed, we observe higher levels of RhlR protein turnover in a strain lackingpqsEcompared to WT, which can be rescued in a strain lacking the Lon protease.IMPORTANCEPseudomonas aeruginosa, a major pathogen for patients with cystic fibrosis and a primary constituent of healthcare-associated infections, relies on a complex quorum-sensing (QS) network to coordinate virulence factor production. Central to this system is the interaction between two proteins, PqsE and RhlR, which drive gene expression essential for pathogenesis. Our study investigates the conservation of the PqsE-RhlR interaction across related bacterial species, revealing that PqsE inPseudomonascan enhance RhlR activity, while orthologs inBurkholderialack this capacity. These findings offer new insights into the specificity and evolution of QS mechanisms, highlighting the PqsE-RhlR interaction as a potentially selective target for treatingP. aeruginosainfections.
Circulating MicroRNAs in Patients with Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma and its Precursors
Authors: Rymuza Julia , Długosz Angelika , Zalewski Kamil , Kowalik Artur , Bujko Mateusz , Kowalewska Magdalena 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesVulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is a rare gynecologic malignancy, with most cases arising from differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (dVIN). Approximately one-third of VSCC cases originate from high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), which are associated with persistent infection by high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) types. This study aimed to quantify circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in the plasma of patients with premalignant conditions (dVIN and HSIL) and VSCC using TaqMan Low-Density Arrays.MethodsPlasma samples were collected from 40 patients, including those treated for HSIL, dVIN, and VSCC. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) identified circulating miRNAs differentially expressed in the plasma of VSCC patients compared to those with precancerous lesions.ResultsA total of 31 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were found to be significantly upregulated in plasma from VSCC patients compared to precancerous cases. None of the analyzed miRNAs were able to distinguish VSCC cases based on hrHPV tumor status.ConclusionsThis study provides strong evidence that a distinct set of miRNAs can differentiate between plasma samples from VSCC patients and those with precancerous lesions. Thus, these DEMs have potential diagnostic and prognostic value. “Predisposing” DEMs could be developed as biomarkers to aid in the assessment of vulvar lesions, helping to exclude or confirm progression toward cancer.
Spin fluctuations in the dissipative phase transitions of the quantum Rabi model
Authors: Li Jiahui , Fazio Rosario , Wang Yingdan , Chesi Stefano 
Published: December 2024

We investigate the dissipative phase transitions of the anisotropic quantum Rabi model with cavity decay and demonstrate that large spin fluctuations persist in the stationary state, having important consequences on the phase diagram and the critical properties. In the second-order phase transition to the superradiant phase, there is a significant suppression of the order parameter and the appearance of nonuniversal factors, which directly reflect the spin populations. Furthermore, upon entering a parameter regime where mean-field theory predicts a tricritical phase, we find a first-order phase transition due to the unexpected collapse of superradiance. An accurate and physically transparent description going beyond mean-field theory is established by combining exact numerical simulations, the cumulant expansion, and analytical approximations based on reduced master equations and an effective equilibrium theory. Our findings, compared to the conventional thermodynamic limit of the Dicke model, indicate a general tendency of forming extreme nonequilibrium states in the single-spin system, thus have broad implications for dissipative phase transitions of few-body systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Let’s focus on the magic of an artist: the artist contagion effect on products that feature art
Authors: Kim Pielah , Chang Hua 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to empirically test the artist contagion effect. This effect suggests that the physical contact of the artist in creating the art leads to a transfer of the artist’s essence onto the artwork featured on a product, thereby enhancing consumers’ willingness to pay for such products featuring this art.

Design/methodology/approach
This research conducted four online experimental studies to examine the artist contagion effect.

Findings
This research first uncovered the transfer of the artist’s essence onto the art featured on a product, providing the foundation for the proposed artist contagion (prestudy). Following this, this research validated the artist contagion effect (Study 1) and then ruled out potential alternative explanations for the effect (Study 2). Lastly, this research demonstrated that the immorality of the artist can limit the artist contagion effect (Study 3).

Research limitations/implications
The perception of luxury has been regarded as a mediator explaining why a product featuring art can command a high product valuation. By conceptualizing and verifying the artist contagion effect, this research introduces another mediator, the artist’s essence, accountable for even a greater product valuation.

Practical implications
Visual artists should be included in the marketing of products featuring art. Marketers should communicate the physical contact that occurred during the creation of the art featured on a product.

Originality/value
This research highlights the crucial role of visual artists in the marketing of products featuring art, a role often overlooked in the extensively researched art infusion effect.
The effect of trust on user adoption of AI-generated content
Authors: Zhou Tao , Lu Hailin 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of trust on user adoption of artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) based on the stimulus–organism–response.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted an online survey in China, which is a highly competitive AI market, and obtained 504 valid responses. Both structural equation modelling and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) were used to conduct data analysis.

Findings
The results indicated that perceived intelligence, perceived transparency and knowledge hallucination influence cognitive trust in platform, whereas perceived empathy influences affective trust in platform. Both cognitive trust and affective trust in platform lead to trust in AIGC. Algorithm bias negatively moderates the effect of cognitive trust in platform on trust in AIGC. The fsQCA identified three configurations leading to adoption intention.

Research limitations/implications
The main limitation is that more factors such as culture need to be included to examine their possible effects on trust. The implication is that generative AI platforms need to improve the intelligence, transparency and empathy, and mitigate knowledge hallucination to engender users’ trust in AIGC and facilitate their adoption.

Originality/value
Existing research has mainly used technology adoption theories such as unified theory of acceptance and use of technology to examine AIGC user behaviour and has seldom examined user trust development in the AIGC context. This research tries to fill the gap by disclosing the mechanism underlying AIGC user trust formation.
The moderating role of firms’ litigation environment on the association between gender diversity and financial reporting quality
Authors: Boahen Eric Owusu , Mamatzakis Emmanuel Constantine 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis paper examines the moderating role of firms’ litigation environment on the association between gender diversity and financial reporting quality.Design/methodology/approachThis study draws on a sample of US firms to examine the moderating role of firms’ litigation environment on the association between gender diversity and financial reporting quality. Firm-specific financial data come from Compustat. To measure the firms’ litigation environment, we use state-level datasets from the Lawsuit Climate Survey conducted for the US Chamber Institute for Legal Reform by the Harris Poll.FindingsFindings suggest that firm litigation environment moderates gender diversity, as defined by female members on the board to subdue our first proxy for financial reporting quality (accruals-based earnings management), but our second proxy for financial reporting quality (real-activities manipulations) increases in a firm’s litigation environment. To the extent that our results hold after controlling for firms’ reputation indicates that female members on the board are sensitive to reputational loss and protect firms’ reputation in a litigation environment.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is based on a specific country, limiting the generalizability of the findings.Practical implicationsThe findings provide support for promoters and advocates of gender diversity in corporate boards. Specifically, it shows the importance of gender diversity policies in business and society.Originality/valueThis study is the first to examine the moderating role of firms’ litigation environment on the association between gender diversity and financial reporting quality. The study provides novel evidence and shows that the litigation environment moderates gender diversity to improve financial reporting quality in the short-term (by decreasing accruals manipulation). In firms’ litigation environment, when female members on the board are restrained from engaging in accruals earnings management, they shift to value-destroying and costly real activities to maintain reputation and firm performance. To the extent that we control for the potential effects of firms’ reputation and financial performance, our findings suggest that ethical concerns are likely to drive female members on the board to produce high-quality financial reports.
Precision teaching in the 21st century: trends, barriers and the path forward
Authors: Reagan Mary 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to explore the current state of Precision Teaching, identifies key barriers the field must address and outlines future directions for progress.

Design/methodology/approach
Precision Teaching (PT) is a methodology that uses the family of Standard Celeration Charts to monitor changes in behaviour frequencies, guide instructional decisions and promote the acceleration of learning. Since its inception, PT has been widely adopted across general and special education and other settings. Research has demonstrated its effectiveness in improving skill acquisition in interventions, including reading fluency, mathematical skills and critical thinking.

Findings
Despite its success, barriers to broader implementation remain, including limited awareness, technological challenges and research promotion. As the field continues to evolve, interdisciplinary collaboration and technology promotion will be key to ensuring the continued growth of PT.

Originality/value
By addressing these barriers, the methodology can expand further, enhancing its impact across a diverse array of fields and populations.
Cross entropy and log likelihood ratio cost as performance measures for multi‐conclusion categorical outcomes scales
Authors: Warren Eric M. , Handley John C. , Sheets H. David 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe inconclusive category in forensics reporting is the appropriate response in many cases, but it poses challenges in estimating an “error rate”. We discuss the use of a class of information‐theoretic measures related to cross entropy as an alternative set of metrics that allows for performance evaluation of results presented using multi‐category reporting scales. This paper shows how this class of performance metrics, and in particular the log likelihood ratio cost, which is already in use with likelihood ratio forensic reporting methods and in machine learning communities, can be readily adapted for use with the widely used multiple category conclusions scales. Bayesian credible intervals on these metrics can be estimated using numerical methods. The application of these metrics to published test results is shown. It is demonstrated, using these test results, that reducing the number of categories used in a proficiency test from five or six to three increases the cross entropy, indicating that the higher number of categories was justified, as it they increased the level of agreement with ground truth.
Exercising a Process of Incorporated Self‐Reflexivity and Co‐Reflexivity: Conducting Research on Chinese Family Caregivers of End‐of‐Life Patients
Authors: Lu Yixi , Wang Jing , Jean Jason A. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThere are considerable methodological and emotional challenges conducting research on family caregivers of end‐of‐life patients. In this article, we identified the major challenges encountered while studying a group of Chinese immigrant family caregivers of terminally ill patients. Drawing upon the concept of reflexivity and building on the previous literature, two types of reflexivity, self‐reflexivity and co‐reflexivity, were introduced and incorporated into a research process. It is argued that co‐reflexivity, where co‐researchers engaging in reflexive dialogues, can be an essential component to a process of reflexive activities, in addition to self‐reflexivity. During the journey of designing and applying this incorporated process, we were able to manage ethical, methodological and emotional challenges, to gain in‐depth and critical interpretations of the participant's narratives, to mitigate researcher biases, and to inspire new ideas for future research. We argue this process may serve as a working structure for exercising reflexivity within a small multidisciplinary/cross‐functional research team. It can be an unfinalized research method tool open for other researchers to adapt, revise and re‐create for their own implementation.
Risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with low‐dose natalizumab following fingolimod
Authors: Tanaka Masami , Nakamichi Kazuo , Tanaka Keiko 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveProgressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) may rarely develop in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with certain disease‐modifying drugs. A female patient weighing 40 kg developed PML with 12 copies/mL of prototype JC virus (JCV) DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid after 11 y of 4 mg/kg every 6 wk with natalizumab (NTZ) and intermittent holidays of fingolimod (FTY). The aim of this study was to analyze the PML risk of this case.MethodsThe lymphocyte subsets of CD4+ CD62L+ (central memory) and CD8+ CD62L− (effector memory) were analyzed. Additionally, the total dosage per kg for 1 y before the onset of PML and the transition of the JCV index were assessed.ResultsIn PML‐naïve MS patients, both lymphocyte‐subset counts decreased during FTY therapy but recovered after FTY cessation. However, in this PML patient the recovery took more than 2 y. In the PML patient, the JCV index increased by 1.17 over 1 y until 10 mo before the onset of PML.ConclusionsAlthough each factor alone is not sufficient to pose a risk in our present PML patient, the presence of multiple factors may increase the risk of PML. Administering drugs such as NTZ, which carry a PML risk, to patients with a history of FTY treatment warrants caution. Dosage and interval adjustments of NTZ should be considered. Our study suggests the possibility that FTY may increase PML risk, highlighting the importance of considering the history of immunosuppressive drug therapy when administering NTZ in MS patients.
The Compelling Role of Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor Signaling in Multiple Sclerosis: Role of BDNF Activators
Authors: Al‐kuraishy Hayder M. , Sulaiman Ghassan M. , Mohammed Hamdoon A. , Albukhaty Salim , Albuhadily Ali K. , Al‐Gareeb Ali I. , Klionsky Daniel J. , Abomughaid Mosleh M. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBrain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin, acting as a neurotrophic signal and neuromodulator in the central nervous system (CNS). BDNF is synthesized from its precursor proBDNF within the CNS and peripheral tissues. Through activation of NTRK2/TRKB (neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 2), BDNF promotes neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal growth, whereas it inhibits microglial activation and the release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. BDNF is dysregulated in different neurodegenerative diseases and depressions. However, there is a major controversy concerning BDNF levels in the different stages of multiple sclerosis (MS). Therefore, this review discusses the potential role of BDNF signaling in stages of MS, and how BDNF modulators affect the pathogenesis and outcomes of this disease.