bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial Differences Accurately Identifies Global SERT KO Phenotype in Mice
Authors: Leitman Madelaine , Katza Will , Zhang David , Pawar Shrey , Shera Simer , Hernandez Laura , Dong Tien S. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAltered serotonin signaling is a well-established contributor to depression, with the serotonin transporter gene (SERT) playing a critical role in regulating serotonin reuptake. Mice lacking SERT (SERT -/-) serve as a robust model for depression, exhibiting significant depressive-like behaviors compared to littermate wild-type (SERT +/+) controls. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between gut microbiota composition and depressive behaviors in SERT -/- mice. Behavioral assays, including the Forced Swim Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST), confirmed that SERT -/- mice exhibited significantly increased immobility times compared to SERT +/+ mice (FST: p = 0.004; TST: p = 0.080), consistent with a depressive phenotype. Utilizing littermate controls, shotgun metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples revealed significant differences in alpha diversity between the two groups of mice, as measured by the Shannon entropy index (p = 0.05). Additionally, our bacterial co-occurrence network analysis uncovered distinct structural differences in microbial interactions between SERT -/- and SERT +/+ mice (p = 0.001), suggesting shifts in microbiome stability and functionality between the groups. We created a microbial depression score utilizing the top five bacteria taxa that were differentially abundant between SERT -/- and SERT +/+ mice:Clostridium sp. MD294, Acetatifactor MGBC165152, Desulfovibrio MGBC129232, Oscillibacter MGBC161747, and Schaedlerella MGBC000001.This microbial depression score correlated strongly with immobility times in the FST (r = 0.705, p < 0.0006) and TST (r = 0.401, p < 0.09). A random forest classifier based on these taxa accurately distinguished SERT -/- from SERT +/+ mice (accuracy = 0.82). These findings suggest that gut microbial species composition is highly associated with depressive-like behaviors in SERT -/- mice, likely via alterations in serotonin signaling pathways, and may offer potential targets for microbiome-based interventions in depression.
The development of aperiodic neural activity in the human brain
Authors: Cross Zachariah R. , Gray Samantha M. , Dede Adam J. O. , Rivera Yessenia M. , Yin Qin , Vahidi Parisa , Rau Elias M. B. , Cyr Christopher , Holubecki Ania M. , Asano Eishi , Lin Jack J. , McManus Olivia Kim , Sattar Shifteh , Saez Ignacio , Girgis Fady , King-Stephens David , Weber Peter B. , Laxer Kenneth D. , Schuele Stephan U. , Rosenow Joshua M. , Wu Joyce Y. , Lam Sandi K. , Raskin Jeffrey S. , Chang Edward F. , Shaikhouni Ammar , Brunner Peter , Roland Jarod L. , Braga Rodrigo M. , Knight Robert T. , Ofen Noa , Johnson Elizabeth L. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe neurophysiological mechanisms supporting brain maturation are fundamental to attention and memory capacity across the lifespan. Human brain regions develop at different rates, with many regions developing into the third and fourth decades of life. Here, in this preregistered study (https://osf.io/gsru7), we analyzed intracranial EEG (iEEG) recordings from widespread brain regions in a large developmental cohort. Using task-based (i.e., attention to-be-remembered visual stimuli) and task-free (resting-state) data from 101 children and adults (5.93 – 54.00 years, 63 males;nelectrodes = 5691), we mapped aperiodic (1/ƒ-like) activity, a proxy of excitation:inhibition (E:I) balance with steeper slopes indexing inhibition and flatter slopes indexing excitation. We reveal that aperiodic slopes flatten with age into young adulthood in both association and sensorimotor cortices, challenging models of early sensorimotor development based on brain structure. In prefrontal cortex (PFC), attentional state modulated age effects, revealing steeper task-based than task-free slopes in adults and the opposite in children, consistent with the development of cognitive control. Age-related differences in task-based slopes also explained age-related gains in memory performance, linking the development of PFC cognitive control to the development of memory. Last, with additional structural imaging measures, we reveal that age-related differences in gray matter volume are differentially associated with aperiodic slopes in association and sensorimotor cortices. Our findings establish developmental trajectories of aperiodic activity in localized brain regions and illuminate the development of PFC inhibitory control during adolescence in the development of attention and memory.
Bichromatic exon-reporters reveal voltage-gated Ca2+-channel splice-isoform diversity acrossDrosophilaneuronsin vivo
Authors: Feghhi Touhid , Hernandez Roberto X. , Mahneva Olena , Oliva Carlos D. , Macleod Gregory T. 
Published: November 2024

SummaryEvery neuron contains the same genomic information but its complement of proteins is the product of countless neuron-specific steps including pre-mRNA splicing. Despite advances in RNA sequencing techniques, pre-mRNA splicing biases that favor one isoform over another are largely inscrutable in live neuronsin situ. Here, inDrosophila, we developed bichromatic fluorescent reporters to investigate alternate splicing ofcacophony– a gene that codes the pore-forming α1-subunit of the primary neuronal voltage-gated Ca2+channel (VGCC). These reporters reveal a neuron-specific pattern of exon biases, including stereotypical differences between neurons of the same neurotransmitter type and ostensibly the same function. Information about exon splicing biases of individual neuronsin vivoprovides clues to the role of VGCC motifs and the role of those neurons in the context of local circuits. The application of this technology to a large gene such ascacophonyprovides a precedence for effective exon-reporter design for otherDrosophilagenes.
Retrospective Attention Can Trigger Visual Perception Without Dependence on Either Cue Awareness or Target Reporting
Authors: Li Ye , Wan Xingbei , Mao Mingxing , Jin Lingying , Zhang Xilin 
Published: November 2024

SUMMARYRetrospective attention, directed by cues after stimulus offset, enhances the perception of threshold-level Gabor patches. However, the neural mechanisms and the dependence on cue awareness and target reporting remain unclear. Using EEG in both report and no- report paradigms with visible and invisible post-cues, we found that orientation discrimination improved with retro-cues regardless of cue visibility. Under invisible conditions, retro-cueing effects were weaker, limited to a stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) of 66.67 ms, and associated with the N2pc component. In contrast, visible retro-cueing persisted at a 100 ms SOA, eliciting strong P3b and weak VAN in report condition. Multivariate pattern analysis revealed that in report conditions, neural processing of cued targets was earlier, stronger, and more generalized in fronto-parietal regions, whereas in no-report conditions, decoding was confined to parieto-occipital areas. These findings indicate that retrospective attention can enhance visual perception independently of cue awareness and target reporting, contributing to ongoing theories of consciousness.
Characterization of a GpsB-associated regulator of PBP1a reveals the organization of the cell wall remodeling complex ofStreptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Millat Hugo , Lenoir Cassandra , Falcou Cassandra , Cluzel Caroline , Zapun André , Roper David I , Morlot Cécile , Ducret Adrien , Grangeasse Christophe 
Published: November 2024

SUMMARYClass A PBPs (aPBPs) play a key role in the biosynthesis and remodeling of peptidoglycan, the main component of the bacterial cell wall. The human bacterial pathogenStreptococcus pneumoniaeproduces three aPBPs, which are regulated to maintain the bacterium’s ovoid shape. Although their exact functions remain unclear, evidence suggests that PBP1a and PBP2a activities are closely coordinated. In this study, we elucidated the function of an unknown function protein named GarP (GpsB-associated regulator ofPBP1a), in the regulation of PBP1a activity. We showed that GarP localizes to the division septum and its absence leads to morphological defects. We further identified a GpsB-binding motif in GarP as well as in PBP2a, the PG deacetylase PgdA and the muramidase MpgA. Our analysis of genetic and protein interactions, combined with cell imaging, supports a model of a molecular complex that coordinates PG remodeling duringS. pneumoniaecell division.
Encoding opposing valences through frequency-dependent transmitter switching in single peptidergic neurons
Authors: Kim Dong-Il , Kang Sukjae J. , Jhang Jinho , Jo Yong S. , Park Seahyung , Ye Mao , Pyeon Gyeong Hee , Im Geun-Ho , Kim Seong-Gi , Han Sung 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPeptidergic neurons often co-express fast transmitters and neuropeptides in separate vesicles with distinct release properties. However, the release dynamics of each transmitter in various contexts have not been fully understood in behaving animals. Here, we demonstrate that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) neurons in the external lateral subdivision of the parabrachial nucleus (CGRPPBel) encode opposing valence via differential release, rather than corelease, of glutamate and neuropeptides, according to firing rate. Glutamate is released preferentially at lower firing rates with minimal release at higher firing rates, whereas neuropeptides are released at higher firing rates, resulting in frequency-dependent switching of transmitters. Aversive stimuli evoke high frequency responses with accompanying neuropeptide release to encode negative valence, whereas appetitive stimuli evoke low frequency responses with glutamate release to encode positive valence. Our study reveals a previously unknown capability of single CGRPPBelneurons to bidirectionally encode valence via frequency-dependent differential release of transmittersin vivo.
Electrocardiographic signs of cardiac ischemia at rest and during exercise in patients with COPD travelling to 3100 m. Data from a randomized trial of acetazolamide
Authors: Christen Marla , Buergin Aline , Mademilov Maamed , Mayer Laura , Schneider Simon R. , Lichtblau Mona , Sooronbaev Talant M. , Ulrich Silvia , Bloch Konrad E. , Furian Michael 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroductionIn patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), oxygen delivery to the heart may be impaired during altitude travel. We assessed ECG-derived signs of cardiac ischemia, and effects of preventive acetazolamide therapy in COPD patients travelling to high altitude.MethodsPatients with COPD, GOLD grade 2-3, mean±SD, FEV166±11%predicted, aged 57±8years, living <1000m, were included in this analysis of secondary outcomes from a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial (www.clinicaltrials.gov,NCT03156231). Exercise-electrocardiograms were recorded at the National Center of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Bishkek (760m) and on the day of arrival at Tuja Ashu high-altitude clinic (3100m), Kyrgyzstan. Acetazolamide (375mg/day) or placebo was administered 24h before ascent and during stay at 3100m. The incidence of post-exercise ST-elevations (STE) ≥0.3mm in aVR (J+80ms) was the main outcome.ResultsAt 760m, 3 of 49 (6%) patients randomized to placebo and 3 of 50 (6%) randomized to acetazolamide showed post-exercise STE. At 3100m under placebo, 2(4%) new STE developed and 1(2%) disappeared compared to 760m (P=0.564, McNemar Test). At 3100m under acetazolamide, 1(2%) new STE developed and 2(4%) disappeared compared to 760m (P=0.564). No treatment effect was detected (P=0.242, Fisher Exact Test). Mean difference (95%CI) in STE between post-exercise and rest at 3100m was 0.22mm(0.06 to 0.39) and 0.09mm(−0.06 to 0.24) under placebo and acetazolamide therapy (treatment effect, −0.13mm(−0.35 to 0.08, P=0.230)).ConclusionsIn lowlanders with moderate to severe COPD ascending to 3100m, no ECG-derived signs of cardiac ischemia emerged neither at rest nor post-exercise and this was not modified by preventive acetazolamide therapy.
Rethinking and redesigning storage, packaging and distribution practices for food supply chain
Authors: Lu Shih-Hao , Raj Rohit , Mahajan Anupama , Jha Ajay , Verma Priyanka , Lan Hsia-Ping , Singh Sumanjeet 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThe study aims to add to the existing literature on food supply chains by specifically taking into the redesigning of the alignment of storage, packaging and distribution practices in the modern complex supply chain. The redesign of the food supply chain’s storage, distribution and packaging is a transformative endeavor ultimately aimed at enhancing efficiency, sustainability and reliability.Design/methodology/approachIn order to identify, classify and prioritize the main challenges, this study conducted an extensive analysis of the literature and experts’ opinions in the areas of academia, information technology and the food supply chain (FSC) using combined compromise solution method (CoCoSo) and complex proportional assessment (COPRAS).FindingsThe top three classes of key indicators revealed in this study are dynamic route optimization and on-demand delivery pods (RD4), implementation of active packaging with nanotechnology (RP3) and collaborative last-mile (RD2). The findings reveal that dynamic route optimization and on-demand delivery pods (RD4) and collaborative last-mile (RD2) are maintaining a balance between collaborative delivery networks through route optimization which is a very discussable theme in recent literature.Originality/valueThe research provides fresh insights into how perishable food shelf life parameters and the use of distribution networks within the short supply chain can be taken into consideration when redesigning the storage, packaging and distribution system for food supply chains.
Investigating the role of entrepreneurial orientation and total quality management in enhancing pharmaceutical quality performance
Authors: Nadeem Fareena , Hussain Atif , Awan Muhammad Usman 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of entrepreneurial orientation and total quality management on quality performance of pharmaceutical manufacturers in Pakistan. It also investigates the mediating role played by total quality management in the EO-QP relationship.

Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 115 pharmaceutical manufacturers in Pakistan. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze data.

Findings
The results show entrepreneurial orientation that and total quality management positively and significantly affect quality performance. Moreover, the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on quality performance is partially mediated by total quality management.

Research limitations/implications
The study uses cross-sectional data. Therefore, the long-term effect of entrepreneurial orientation and total quality management on quality performance could not be determined. Moreover, quality performance has been measured based on perceptual data, which may be prone to biases, entrepreneurial orientation (EO), quality performance (QP), total quality management (TQM).

Originality/value
The study is unique in providing empirical evidence linking entrepreneurial orientation with quality performance through the mediating role of total quality management. Quality performance is vital in the pharmaceutical industry; thus, the study makes a valuable contribution by identifying a new mechanism to achieve it. Moreover, although both entrepreneurial orientation and total quality management are very important, only a few studies have so far investigated their interrelationship. By providing evidence from a new cultural and industrial context, the study makes a valuable contribution to an under-researched yet important area.
University rankings and sustainable development: the state of the art
Authors: Leal Filho Walter , Viera Trevisan Laís , Wahaj Zujaja , Déda Araújo Nunes Denner , Ruy Portela de Vasconcelos Claudio , Aparecida Dibbern Thais , Ruiz Vargas Valeria , Iyer-Raniga Usha , Anholon Rosley , Novikau Aliaksandr , Rimi Abubakar Ismaila , Pimenta Dinis Maria Alzira 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
In light of the growing emphasis on sustainability in higher education, this paper aims to explore the effectiveness of sustainability university rankings, specifically focusing on sustainable development (SD), to understand their impact on advancing universities’ sustainability goals and address gaps in practical implications and limitations.

Design/methodology/approach
This study examines sustainability rankings in higher education (HE) through document analysis. Chosen for significance, these rankings were evaluated for regional participation, criteria and the top 20 universities. The method involved scrutinising official ranking websites for diverse perspectives on sustainability. The results are classified into three categories: regional participation, assessment criteria and top universities in the latest iterations.

Findings
The findings show that sustainability rankings are widely spread, and their existence has led to an increased motivation for universities to further engage in efforts in the field of SD. This study offers suggestions for optimising the role of promoting SD principles and practices in HE.

Originality/value
This comprehensive assessment sheds light on rankings’ operations and success levels. It makes a significant contribution to the literature, providing an unprecedented overview of analysed rankings and on sustainability assessment and their impact. This analysis will be valuable for universities towards the integration of SD principles and practices into the HE environment.
“Sweeten the (i)-deal”: unveiling power and influence dynamics in family small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Renedo Santiago , Martínez-Corts Inés , Di Marco Donatella , Medina Francisco J. 
Published: November 2024

PurposeFamily small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent a substantial part of many economies. In these organizations, close and informal relationships between employers and employees often foster a mutual understanding of each other’s needs, facilitating the negotiation of idiosyncratic deals (i-deals), special employment conditions tailored for individual employees. However, research on how i-deals are negotiated in family SMEs, especially regarding power dynamics and influence, remains limited. This study aims to identify the types of i-deals negotiated in family SMEs and explore the role of power and influence in these negotiations.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 45 employees and 15 employers from Spanish family SMEs. Data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti 8, and thematic analysis was performed.FindingsThe study concludes that task, flexibility, financial and development i-deals are particularly negotiated in family SMEs. It identifies that referent and expert power play an important role in initiating these negotiations. Furthermore, rational tactics are generally employed for negotiating work performance, soft tactics for employment-related aspects and hard tactics for work flexibility. Additionally, the study identified gender differences in the negotiation of i-deals.Research limitations/implicationsThis study enhances i-deal literature by highlighting the distinct characteristics of family SMEs and their impact on i-deal negotiations. The findings suggest that power dynamics and influence tactics in family SMEs differ from those in larger firms. Moreover, certain i-deals may encounter resistance due to concerns about organizational performance and economic implications. Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective negotiation strategies in family SMEs.Originality/valueThis study offers a dual perspective, analyzing the power and influence tactics used by both employees and employers in family SME i-deal negotiations and highlighting gendered dynamics in these processes.
Linking demand conditions to competitive advantage: the role of government support programs in the halal cosmetic and personal care industry
Authors: Aziz Mohd Amar , Ayob Noor Hadzlida , Zakaria Muhammad Hafeez , Ab Razak Ratna Roshida 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
This study aims to examine the mediating role of government support programs in the halal cosmetics and personal care industry between local demand conditions and competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 96 companies in the cosmetics and personal care industry in Malaysia, and the analysis was conducted using the partial least squares structural equation modeling approach.

Findings
The results indicate that demand conditions do not have a direct effect on competitive advantage in the halal cosmetics and personal care industry. However, government support programs, specifically regulatory and innovation programs, play a crucial mediating role between demand conditions and competitive advantage. This highlights the importance of both regulatory and innovation programs in shaping the halal market ecosystem.

Practical implications
The halal industry policy should prioritize innovation and regulatory programs to ensure that nonfood halal products, including beauty products, are evaluated not only based on ingredient content but also on broader aspects such as product effectiveness, quality, safety and affordability.

Originality/value
This study offers a unique perspective by highlighting the often-overlooked role of government support programs as key drivers in shaping the halal market ecosystem and enhancing competition in the halal cosmetics and personal care industry. While the government’s role is frequently neglected in market dynamics, this research emphasizes how government intervention, when implemented through effective policy, can significantly contribute to industry growth and competitiveness.
Born to go far: analyzing how emerging economy born globals make strategic changes toward internationalization
Authors: Berisha Gentrit , Lajçi Rrezon , Kallmuenzer Andreas , Krasniqi Besnik 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the drivers of the internationalization scope of born global from the digital and software solution sector in an emerging economy context, which presents an unexplored avenue of research. This study endeavors to understand the individual and market-level drivers of internationalization scope. Relying on the effectuation and causation framework and reactive/proactive driver typology, this paper sheds light on the individual decision-maker’s makeup and market conditions that influence the changes between strategies in the internationalization process.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative multiple case study approach is used to explore drivers of the internationalization scope of born globals. Seven born globals from the digital and software solution sectors were depicted, and interviews with their founders were conducted.FindingsStudy findings support the utilization of effectuation theory in explaining the scope of internationalization of born globals. Furthermore, the findings attest that the two decision-making logics are interchangeable. On the market level, several context-specific factors have stirred the diversity of markets pursued by born globals. The findings evince that the founders of the born globals perceive the domestic market as small and underdeveloped; therefore, they seek more developed, easily accessible, distant markets.Originality/valueThe study contributes to a better understanding of the internationalization of born globals in an emerging economy context. We find that born globals change their strategies iteratively with the stage of internationalization.