bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular Epidemiology of multidrug-resistantKlebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae,andEscherichia colioutbreak among neonates in Tembisa Hospital, South Africa
Authors: Sekyere John Osei , Mmatli Masego , Bosch Anel , Ntsoane Ramathetje Virginia , Naidoo Harishia , Doyisa Sinenhlanhla , Maningi Nontuthuko E. , Mbelle Nontombi Marylucy , Said Mohamed 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundAn outbreak of multidrug-resistantKlebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter cloacaeinfections in a neonatal ward within a tertiary hospital in South Africa resulted in the mortality of 10 patients within six months. In this work, the genomic epidemiology of and the molecular factors mediating this outbreak were investigated.MethodsBacterial cultures obtained from clinical samples collected from the infected neonates underwent phenotypic and molecular analyses to determine their species, sensitivity to antibiotics, production of carbapenemases, complete resistance genes profile, clonality, epidemiology, and evolutionary relationships. Mobile genetic elements flanking the resistance genes and facilitating their spread were also characterized.ResultsThe outbreak was centered in two major wards and affected mainly neonates between September 2019 and March 2020. Most isolates (n = 27 isolates) wereK. pneumoniaewhile bothE. coliandE. cloacaehad three isolates each. Notably, 33/34 isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR), with 30 being resistant to at least four drug classes. All the isolates were carbapenemase-positive, but fourblaOXA-48isolates were susceptible to carbapenems.BlaNDM-1(n = 13) andblaOXA-48/181(n = 15) were respectively found onIS91 andIS6-likeIS26 composite transposons in the isolates alongside several other resistance genes. The repertoire of resistance and virulence genes, insertion sequences, and plasmid replicon types in the strains explains their virulence, resistance, and quick dissemination among the neonates.ConclusionsThe outbreak of fatal MDR infections in the neonatal wards were mediated by clonal (vertical) and horizontal (plasmid-mediated) spread of resistant and virulent strains (and genes) that have been also circulating locally and globally.
Low genetic variability and high isolation of a post-harvest South American pinniped population as revealed by genome-wide SNPs
Authors: Peralta Diego M. , Ibañez Ezequiel A. , Lucero Sergio , Cappozzo Humberto L. , Ceballos Santiago G. , Túnez Juan I. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOtaria flavescenshas been one of the most heavily exploited pinnipeds during the last 200 years with depletions of about 90% in some colonies. After the prohibition on sealing in South America, populations became stabilized except for the Uruguayan population, which showed a constant decrease. The underlying causes of its decline have remained unknown. This study used the RAD-seq approach to assess the variability and connectivity of some of the most overexploited sea lion colonies in the Atlantic Ocean. Our results revealed low allelic richness, nucleotide diversity and heterozygosity in the Uruguayan population and evidence of complete isolation from the Argentinean populations under study. In contrast, the Patagonian populations showed a high degree of connectivity, which could explain their recovery and high levels of current diversity. Our research emphasizes the precarious genetic status of the Uruguayan sea lion population, calling for the immediate implementation of conservation measures.
Dissociable effects of urgency and evidence accumulation during reaching revealed by dynamic multisensory integration
Authors: Hoffmann Anne H. , Crevecoeur Frédéric 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWhen making perceptual decisions, humans combine information across sensory modalities dependent on their respective uncertainties. However, it remains unknown how the brain handles multisensory integration during movement, and which factors besides sensory uncertainty might influence the contribution of different modalities. We performed two reaching experiments on healthy adults to investigate whether movement corrections to combined visual and mechanical perturbations scale with visual uncertainty. To describe the dynamics of multimodal feedback responses, we further varied movement speed and duration of visual feedback during the movement. The results of our first experiment (N=16, 11 females) show that the contribution of visual feedback decreased with uncertainty. Interestingly, we observed a transient phase during which visual feedback responses were stronger during faster movements. In a follow-up experiment (N=16, 10 females), we found that the contribution of vision increased more quickly during slow movements when we presented the visual feedback for a longer time. Using an optimal feedback control model, we show that the increased response to visual feedback during fast movements can be explained by an urgency-dependent increase in control gains. Further, the fact that viewing duration increased the visual contributions suggests that the brain indeed performs a continuous state-estimation as expected in the optimal control model featuring a Kalman filter. Hence, both uncertainty and urgency determine how the sensorimotor system responds to multimodal perturbation during reaching control. We highlight similarities between reaching control and decision-making, both of which appear to be influenced by the accumulation of sensory evidence as well as response urgency.Significance statementThe exact time course of multisensory integration during movement, along with the factors that influence this process, still requires further investigation. Here, we tested how visual uncertainty, movement speed, and visual feedback duration influence corrective movements during reaching with combined visual and mechanical perturbations. Using an optimal feedback control model, we illustrate that the time course of multimodal feedback responses follows the predictions of a Kalman filter which continuously weighs sensory feedback and internal predictions according to their reliability. Importantly, we further show that changes in movement speed led to urgency-dependent modulations of control gains. Our results highlight connections between motor control and decision-making processes, which both depend on the accumulation of sensory evidence and response urgency.
cAMP in budding yeast: a messenger for sucrose metabolism?
Authors: Botman Dennis , Kanagasabapathi Sineka , Rep Mila I. , van Rossum Kelly , Tutucci Evelina , Teusink Bas 
Published: December 2023

AbstractS. cerevisiae(or budding yeast) is an important micro-organism for sucrose-based fermentation in biotechnology. Yet, it is largely unknown how budding yeast adapts to sucrose transitions. Sucrose can only be metabolized when the invertase or the maltose machinery are expressed and we propose that the Gpr1p receptor signals extracellular sucrose availability via the cAMP peak to adapt cells accordingly. A transition to sucrose or glucose gave a transient cAMP peak which was maximally induced for sucrose. When transitioned to sucrose, cAMP signalling mutants showed an impaired cAMP peak together with a lower growth rate, a longer lag phase and a higher yield compared to a glucose transition. These effects were not caused by altered activity or expression of enzymes involved in sucrose metabolism and imply a more general metabolic adaptation defect. Basal cAMP levels were comparable among the mutant strains, suggesting that the transient cAMP peak is required to adapt cells correctly to sucrose. We propose that the short-term dynamics of the cAMP signalling cascade detects long-term extracellular sucrose availability and speculate that its function is to maintain a fermentative phenotype at continuously low glucose and fructose concentrations.
Development and characterization of a non-human primate model of disseminated synucleinopathy
Authors: Rico Alberto J. , Corcho Almudena , Chocarro Julia , Ariznabarreta Goiaz , Roda Elvira , Honrubia Adriana , Arnaiz Patricia , Lanciego José L. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe presence of a widespread cortical synucleinopathy is the main neuropathological hallmark underlying clinical entities such as Parkinson’s disease with dementia (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). There currently is a pressing need for the development of non-human primate (NHPs) models of PDD and DLB to further overcome existing limitations in drug discovery. Here we took advantage of a retrogradely-spreading adeno-associated viral vector serotype 9 coding for the alpha-synuclein A53T mutated gene to induce a widespread synucleinopathy of cortical and subcortical territories innervating the putamen. Four weeks post-AAV deliveries animals were sacrificed and a comprehensive biodistribution study was conducted, comprising the quantification of neurons expressing alpha-synuclein, rostrocaudal distribution and their specific location. In brief, cortical afferent systems were found to be the main contributors to putaminal afferents (superior frontal and precentral gyrus in particular), together with neurons located in the caudal intralaminar nuclei and in the substantia nigra pars compacta (leading to thalamostriatal and nigrostriatal projections, respectively). Obtained data extends current models of synucleinopathies in NHPs, providing a reproducible platform enabling the adequate implementation of end-stage preclinical screening of new drugs targeting alpha-synuclein.
What pupil size can and cannot tell about math anxiety
Authors: Blini Elvio , Anobile Giovanni , Arrighi Roberto 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMath Anxiety (MA)consists of excessive fear and worry about math-related situations. It represents a major barrier to numerical competence and the pursuit of STEM careers. Yet it is still poorly evaluated, mostly through self-reports. Here we sought to probePupil Size (PS)as a viable biomarker of MA by administering arithmetic problems to young adults (N= 70) with various levels of MA. We found that arithmetic competence and performance are indeed negatively associated with MA, and this is accurately tracked by PS. When performance is accounted for, MA does not further modulate PS (before, during, or after calculation). However, the latency of PS peak dilation could add a significant contribution to predicting MA scores, indicating that high MA may be accompanied by more prolonged cognitive effort. Results show that MA and mathematical competence may be too crystalized in young adults to be discernible, calling for early educational interventions.
AAV-mediated interneuron-specific gene replacement for Dravet syndrome
Authors: Mich John K. , Ryu Jiyun , Wei Aguan D. , Gore Bryan B. , Guo Rong , Bard Angela M. , Martinez Refugio A. , Bishaw Yemeserach , Luber Em , Oliveira Santos Luiz M. , Miranda Nicole , Ramirez Jan-Marino , Ting Jonathan T. , Lein Ed S. , Levi Boaz P. , Kalume Franck K. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDravet syndrome (DS) is a devastating developmental epileptic encephalopathy marked by treatment-resistant seizures, developmental delay, intellectual disability, motor deficits, and a 10-20% rate of premature death. Most DS patients harbor loss-of-function mutations in one copy ofSCN1A, which has been associated with inhibitory neuron dysfunction. Here we developed an interneuron-targeting AAV humanSCN1Agene replacement therapy using cell class-specific enhancers. We generated a split-intein fusion form ofSCN1Ato circumvent AAV packaging limitations and deliverSCN1Avia a dual vector approach using cell class-specific enhancers. These constructs produced full-length NaV1.1 protein and functional sodium channels in HEK293 cells and in brain cellsin vivo. After packaging these vectors into enhancer-AAVs and administering to mice, immunohistochemical analyses showed telencephalic GABAergic interneuron-specific and dose-dependent transgene biodistribution. These vectors conferred strong dose-dependent protection against postnatal mortality and seizures in two DS mouse models carrying independent loss-of-function alleles ofScn1a,at two independent research sites, supporting the robustness of this approach. No mortality or toxicity was observed in wild-type mice injected with single vectors expressing either the N-terminal or C-terminal halves ofSCN1A, or the dual vector system targeting interneurons. In contrast, nonselective neuronal targeting ofSCN1Aconferred less rescue against mortality and presented substantial preweaning lethality. These findings demonstrate proof-of-concept that interneuron-specific AAV-mediatedSCN1Agene replacement is sufficient for significant rescue in DS mouse models and suggest it could be an effective therapeutic approach for patients with DS.
A model for maxilloturbinate morphogenesis in seals
Authors: Kings Jonathan E. , Folkow Lars P. , Hammer Øyvind , Kjelstrup Signe , Mason Matthew J. , Xiong Fengzhu , Flekkøy Eirik G. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe nasal cavities of mammals contain the maxilloturbinate bones, which are involved in respiratory heat and humidity regulation. The maxilloturbinates of Arctic seals develop into particularly elaborate labyrinthine patterns, which are well adapted to retain heat and moisture from exhaled gas. These structures develop prenatally and continue to grow postnatally. The developmental mechanism of labyrinthine patterning is unknown. Here we report a model of maxilloturbinate pattern formation in prenatal and juvenile seals based on a simple algorithmic description and three key parameters: target turbinate porosity, characteristic ossification time scale, and typical gestation time scale. Under a small set of geometrical and physical rules, our model reproduces key features of the patterns observed in grey and harp seal turbinates, and even in the less complex monk seal turbinates. To validate our model, we measure complexity, hydraulic diameter, backbone fractal dimension, and Horton-Strahler statistics for a rigorous quantitative comparison with actual tomograms of grey and harp seal skull specimens. Our model closely replicates the structural development of seal turbinates in these respects. Labyrinthine maxilloturbinate development likely requires the ability for neighbouring bone branches to detect and avoid each other through the mechanosensing of shear stresses from amniotic fluid and air flow.
Genomic organization ofTrypanosoma cruzitRNA genes
Authors: Díaz-Viraqué Florencia , Ehrlich Ricardo , Robello Carlos 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAn often neglected class of genes in large-scale genome analyses is the non-protein-coding genes. In particular, due to the incompleteness of the genome assembly, it had not been possible to determine the genomic organization of the tRNA genes inTrypanosoma cruzi—a eukaryotic unicellular pathogen causative of disabling human Chagas disease—. Here, we analyzed the genic content and distribution of tRNA genes in the nuclear genome of different strains compared with the genome organization of other related trypanosomatids. We found synteny in most of the tDNAs clusters betweenT. cruziandTrypanosoma brucei, demonstrating the importance of the genome location of these Pol III transcribed genes. The vast majority of the isoacceptor species are encoded by two genes, except for tDNASeC, which is present as a tandem of 11 copies in the core compartment, associated with well-positioned nucleosomes. Finally, we describe a group of tRNA genes located at chromatin folding domain boundaries, possibly acting as chromatin insulators inT. cruzi.
Board of directors, COVID-19, and corporate social responsibility monetary performance: direct and interaction effects analysis
Authors: Baatwah Saeed Rabea , Bajaher Mohammed , Asiri Mohammed 
Published: December 2023

Purpose
This study aims to provide archival evidence on the impact of board characteristics on corporate social responsibility (CSR) monetary performance and how they interact with the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of CSR monetary performance.

Design/methodology/approach
This study analyzes listed companies in Oman’s capital market from 2016 to 2021, using pooled ordinary least squares and unique CSR performance measures such as budgeting and spending.

Findings
The study finds that companies with more expertise and frequent meetings are more likely to allocate a larger budget for CSR activities. However, this does not apply to larger boards or to independent directors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the effect of independent directors on CSR budgeting and spending is more pronounced, and boards with more expertise and meetings show a negative interaction with the pandemic. The interaction of board characteristics with COVID-19 in terms of CSR monetary performance varies depending on company size. Board independence and expertise show a significant reaction to COVID-19 infection and death cases when setting CSR budgeting and spending.

Research limitations/implications
The findings of this study are stimulating, but stem from an emerging country with unique cultural and institutional characteristics. Methodological issues were also encountered during the analysis, so readers should exercise caution when applying the results to other settings.

Practical implications
This study highlights board involvement in deciding a company’s CSR investment, as it was believed that chief executive officers are considered responsible for CSR activities. Additionally, this research underscores the significance of incorporating the financial aspects of CSR into reporting.

Originality/value
This study examines the seldom explored relationship between corporate boards and CSR monetary aspects during regular and irregular times, offering theoretical and practical insights that benefit multiple stakeholders.
Designing an axial code pattern for absorptive capacity of knowledge in academic libraries: examining the effect of individual and organizational learning
Authors: Kaffashan Kakhki Mojtaba , Malin Joel R. , Naderbeigi Farahnaz , Maleksadati Iman , Behzadi Hassan 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThe purpose of the present study was to identify the conditions that affect the absorptive capacity (AC) of knowledge, discover its consequences and design an AC paradigm pattern in public academic libraries. To do so, AC was investigated at the levels of individual and organizational learning.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, to answer the three major questions of this qualitative-survey study, the views of 24 experts were examined using an in-depth semi-structured interview and grounded theory strategy. The data were collected using a nonrandom combined targeted sampling procedure (targeted and snowball) and analyzed based on Strauss and Corbin’s (1998) approach and utilizing MAX Qualitative Data Analysis (MAXQDA) software.FindingsThroughout the grounded analytic stages, 121 open codes were identified. These were distributed around the AC axial category in academic libraries in terms of individual and organizational learning. The 33 axial concepts were then categorized into 16 selective general categories. The paradigm pattern was initially designed to explore the relationships between causal, intervening, strategies, context and consequences conditions. The transition from academic libraries to learning organizations, their increased functional value and the development of their innovation were identified as the consequences of AC development.Originality/valueThis qualitative research is the first in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS) to support AC both theoretically and empirically in terms of learning in academic libraries. This study thus not only addresses a key research gap in LIS but also provides significant insights and direction to interested librarians and researchers.
The impact of co-opted executives on earnings management
Authors: Valenzuela Eric , Zheng Michael 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThe authors seek to analyze the impact of weak corporate governance by top executives of a firm on the firm's earnings reports. This research is meant to further emphasize the impact of co-opted executives on a firm, primarily through their impact on earnings management.Design/methodology/approachUsing financial data from 11,473 firm-year observations, the authors utilize ordinary least squares (OLS), 2-stage IV regressions, propensity score matching (PSM) and entropy balancing to analyze the impact of a co-opted top management team on discretionary accruals and restatements.FindingsThe authors find empirical evidence that firms with weak corporate governance from top executives are more likely to manipulate reported earnings and have lower financial reporting quality. The authors also find that the effect of co-opted executives on earnings management is weaker when a chief executive officer's (CEO’s) incentives are not aligned with those of top executives, suggesting that executives prevent earnings management due to reputational concerns. Co-opted chief financial officers (CFOs) increase the magnitude of earnings management in a firm but are not solely responsible for the authors' results.Originality/valueThe authors' results suggest that the top executive team provides an important first defense in the prevention of earnings management and corporate wrongdoing. Co-option of the top executive team may be an important consideration when doing research into corporate governance.
“Older consumer? Yes! Different motivations, but an effective online brand advocate! A content marketing typology framework”
Authors: Bubphapant Jitpisut , Brandão Amélia 
Published: December 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to bridge the gap by understanding the context of ageing consumer behaviour in the online community. Specifically, this research seeks to identify which content typologies are critical to generating high engagement levels and, consequently, online brand advocacy and to understand the underlying motivation behind consumer online engagement.

Design/methodology/approach
A netnographic approach was used to comprehensively analyse older consumers’ online communities on Facebook, namely, “Silversurfers”. A total of 3,991 posts were included in the study and analysed using a content analysis approach over two years, from 2020 to 2022.

Findings
Results revealed that photography is the most active media type among older consumers. This study extends the literature on content marketing, identifying 17 new content types that reflect the four motivation states of older consumers to engage with the online community: cognitive/informative oriented, affective/emotional oriented, co-creation/interactive oriented and nostalgic oriented. Moreover, this investigation stressed affective/emotional oriented and nostalgic oriented as the primary motivations for higher engagement levels.

Originality/value
The older population is growing, which makes the ageing market potentially huge. However, more literature needs to address it, especially in online communities. Finally, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study develops an original content typology framework in which firms can consider implementing effective content typology strategies for the older consumer segment.