bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Open-Source Joystick Platform for Investigating Forelimb Motor Control, Auditory-Motor Integration, and Value-Based Decision-Making in Head-Fixed Mice
Authors: Linares-García Ivan , Iliakis Evan A. , Juliani Sofia E. , Ramirez Alexandra N. , Woolley Joel , Díaz-Hernández Edgar , Fuccillo Marc V. , Margolis David J. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractInvestigation of neural processes underlying motor control requires behavioral readouts that capture the richness of actions, including both categorical (choice-based) information and motor execution (kinematics). We present an open-source platform for behavioral training of head-fixed mice that combines a stationary or retractable forelimb-based joystick, sound-presentation system, capacitive lick sensor, and water reward dispenser. The setup allows for the creation of multiple behavioral paradigms, two of which are highlighted here: a two-alternative forced-choice auditory-motor discrimination paradigm, and a two-armed bandit value-based decision-making task. In the auditory-motor paradigm, mice learn to report high or low frequency tones by pushing or pulling the joystick. In the value-based paradigm, mice learn to push or pull the joystick based on the history of rewarded trials. In addition to reporting categorical choices, this setup provides a rich dataset of motor parameters that reflect components of the underlying learning and decision processes in both of these tasks. These kinematic parameters (including joystick speed and displacement, Fréchet similarity of trajectories, tortuosity, angular standard deviation, and movement vigor) provide key additional insights into the motor execution of choices that are not as readily assessed in other paradigms. The system’s flexibility of task design, joystick readout, and ease of construction represent an advance compared to currently available manipulandum tasks in mice. We provide detailed schematics for constructing the setup and protocols for behavioral training using both paradigms, with the hope that this open-source resource is readily adopted by neuroscientists interested in mechanisms of sensorimotor integration, motor control, and choice behavior.Significance StatementBehavioral paradigms for experiments in head-restrained mice are important for investigating the relationship between neural activity and behavior. However, behavioral setups are often constrained by high cost, design complexity, and implementation challenges. Here, we present an open-source platform for behavioral training of head-fixed mice using a joystick manipulandum. The setup allows for the creation of multiple behavioral paradigms, including an auditory-motor discrimination paradigm, and a value-based decision-making task. We include detailed instructions for construction and implementation of the entire open-source behavioral platform.
The mechanism of Micafungin action to Pteropine orthoreovirus infection in human cell line
Authors: Bubphasook Wirayatida , Iida Atsuo , Hondo Eiichi 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPteropine orthoreovirus (PRV) is a fusogenic virus carried by bats that causes respiratory illnesses in humans. PRVs are transmitted from bats to humans and among humans. Micafungin (MCFG), an approved drug for fungal treatment, shows potential in inhibiting PRV propagation, although its precise mechanism of action remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate molecular mechanisms of MCFG during PRV propagation. Initially, molecular docking was employed to predict the primary target of MCFG. It was the p17 protein of PRV. Prior to examining the effect of MCFG on p17 suppression, differential gene expression analysis was performed to compare PRV-infected host cells with MCFG-treated cells, and it was found that IL-6 should be the main regulator induced by MCFG. Silencing IL-6 with siRNA markedly induced PRV release, syncytial formation, and marginally enhanced PRV RNA replication, corresponding to the main suppressive effects of MCFG against PRV. The p17, the presumed suppression target to inhibit syncytial formation by MCFG, markedly reduced syncytial formation but did not influence viral RNA replication. In contrast, MCFG significantly suppressed syncytial formation and slightly reduced PRV RNA replication, although both MCFG and anti-p17 antibody increased IL-6 mRNA expression. MCFG may inhibit other PRV proteins, like nonstructural replication protein (sigmaNS), which were found by molecular docking study. In conclusion, MCFG primarily targets p17 and modulates host immunity through IL-6, which likely interferes directly with syncytial formation.
Evaluating effects of antibiotics across preclinical models of the human gastrointestinal microbiota
Authors: Auchtung Thomas A. , Lerma Armando I. , Schuchart Keegan , Auchtung Jennifer M. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTWhile antibiotics play important roles in treating infections, disruption of the gastrointestinal microbiota during antibiotic treatment can lead to negative health consequences. However, for many antibiotics, the spectrum of activity has been determined for select isolates rather than for the range of microbes that populate the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we examined the response of communities of gastrointestinal microbes to antibiotics using two different model systems, human fecal minibioreactors and human microbiota associated mice. Communities established in minibioreactors using 12 different fecal donors were exposed to 12 different classes of antibiotics. Samples from three fecal donors were used to colonize germ-free mice from three different genetic backgrounds; progeny mice were then exposed to 6 of 12 antibiotics tested in minibioreactors. Initial bacterial community diversity was dependent on both the fecal donor and model system. Antibiotics affected a wide range of taxa across the phylogenetic spectrum, with many taxa similarly affected across treatments with different classes of antibiotics. Vancomycin, typically administered to treat Gram-positive bacterial infections, decreased the abundance of diverse taxa, including Gram-negative Bacteroidota species. Effects on some taxa were restricted by model system, indicating the importance of environmental context on antibiotic susceptibility. Altogether, these results indicate the complex interrelationships between microbiota composition and environmental context on antibiotic susceptibility and demonstrate strengths and weaknesses of each pre-clinical model system for evaluating effects of new antibiotics and other compounds with potential to disrupt the microbiota.
HIV-1 subtype C LTR Sp1IIIT5A mutant enhances transcription activity and Sp1 binding affinity
Authors: Msthali Nomcebo , Kehinde Ibrahim , Khan Rene , Soliman Mahmoud , Ndung’u Thumbi , Madlala Paradise 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundGenetic variation within HIV-1 subtype C (HIV-1C) long terminal repeat (LTR) transmitted/founder viruses influences transcription activation and clinical disease outcomes. The role of specific mutations such as thymine-to-adenine (T5A) mutation at position five of the Specificity protein 1 (Sp1) III motif (Sp1IIIT5A) remains underexplored. This study investigates the impact of Sp1IIIT5A on HIV-1C LTR transcription activity and Sp1 binding affinity.MethodsThe Sp1IIIT5A mutant and consensus HIV-1C LTR sequences were cloned into the pGL3 Luciferase Basic reporter vector, sequenced, and transfected into SVG and Jurkat cell lines, independently. Transcription activity and Sp1 expression were assessed via luciferase assays and Western blot. Structural models of Sp1IIIT5A, consensus LTRs and Sp1 were generated, and docking scores calculated using HDOCK, HADDOCK, and pyDockDNA. Molecular dynamics simulations analyzed stability and interactions of Sp1IIIT5A LTR-Sp1 complexes.Results and DiscussionThe Sp1III5A mutant significantly increased basal (SVG: p<0.0001; Jurkat: p=0.0052) and Tat-mediated (SVG and Jurkat: p<0.0001) HIV-1C LTR transcription activity in both cell lines, with stronger effects in SVG cells. Sp1 expression levels remained similar across cell lines (p=0.0814). Sp1III5A exhibited higher binding affinity (-332.7, -174.6, and -279.2 kcal/mol) than the canonical sequence (-311.4, -157.0, and -247.3 kcal/mol).ConclusionThe Sp1IIIT5A mutation significantly enhances HIV-1C LTR transcription activity and Sp1 binding affinity, indicating its potential tole in modulating HIV-1C transcription and pathogenesis. Further investigation is needed to elucidate its impact on HIV-1C latency.ImportanceIn this study we show that the thymine-to-adenine (T5A) mutation at position five of the Sp1 III motif (Sp1IIIT5A) within the HIV-1 subtype C (HIV-1C) long terminal repeat (LTR) increases viral transcription. This mutation enhances the interaction between HIV-1C and the cellular transcription factor Sp1, promoting the viral strain’s ability to replicate. Our findings provide insight into why certain HIV-1C strains behave differently, potentially leading to heterogenous rates of disease progression. Understanding the Sp1IIIT5A mutation could lead to improved strategies for controlling HIV-1C and developing cure strategies to clear the infection or result in virus remission.
Unravel the start element and promoter architecture across the domain Bacteria
Authors: Kuo Syue-Ting , Chang Joshua Kevin , Chang Clara , Shen Wei-Yi , Hsu Christine , Lai Sheng-Wen , Chou Hsin-Hung David 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPromoters comprise multiple elements to modulate transcription. Despite decades of research, significant sequence and length variation of promoter elements renders elucidation of promoter function and the evolutionary diversity of transcriptional regulation challenging. Combining massively parallel assays with biophysical modeling, we mapped each promoter element across 49 phylogenetically diverse bacterial genomes (GC%: 27.8-72.1). We discovered a conserved promoter element, ‘start,’ that dictates transcription start site selection. We uncovered broad sequence conservation in the underappreciated spacer element, affecting transcription by up to 600-fold. We showed the discriminator element conserved in major bacterial clades Terrabacteria but variable in Gracilicutes. High sequence variation in Gracilicutes’ discriminator element resulted from diversifying evolution, enabling coordination of global gene expression with cellular growth rate through differential regulation of individual promoters. Identifying sequence and functional similarity between bacterial promoter elements and their archaeal and eukaryotic counterparts strongly suggests a shared evolutionary origin of promoter architecture.
Responsible leadership and university reputation: a social cognitive perspective in Bangladeshi higher education
Authors: Haque Amlan , Islam Md Shamirul , Hossain Gazi Farid 
Published: January 2025

PurposeGrounded in social cognitive theory, this study examines the role of responsible leadership in enhancing the reputation of universities within Bangladeshi higher education. Specifically, it explores the antecedents, outcomes and moderating factors influencing university reputation by connecting it with responsible leadership, teaching satisfaction, and faculty academic performance.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from a web-based online survey of 388 faculty members across public and private universities in Bangladesh. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized relationships.FindingsThe study shows that responsible leadership significantly improves university reputation and faculty teaching satisfaction. Teaching satisfaction influences reputation but does not moderate the link between leadership and reputation. Surprisingly, university reputation does not significantly affect faculty’s perceived academic performance, underscoring the complexity of the reputation–performance relationship in the Bangladeshi context.Practical implicationsUniversities should prioritize responsible leadership to enhance faculty satisfaction and institutional reputation. Leadership training, faculty support initiatives and resource allocation toward teaching excellence are recommended to maximize impact, as reputation does not directly influence academic performance.Originality/valueThis study applies social cognitive theory to investigate the dynamics between responsible leadership, faculty satisfaction and university reputation in a developing country. It contributes by uncovering the complex and indirect pathways through which leadership impacts academic environments, providing actionable insights for higher education leadership and policymaking in resource-constrained settings.
Pregnant women’s concern toward COVID-19 in Iraqi camps: differences between IDPs and refugees. A cross-sectional study
Authors: Alhanabadi Luma H.H. , Moramarco Stefania , Basa Faiq B. , Pacchiarotti Leonardo , Emberti Gialloreti Leonardo 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was growing concern about the health status of vulnerable groups living in camps. This study aims to investigate differences in the perception and concerns of pregnant women about the pandemic between two populations, i.e. internally displaced people (IDPs) and refugees. In fact, although the two categories are often conflated, the analysis of their respective profiles requires more careful attention. Particularly in Iraqi Kurdistan, these groups of migrants have specific characteristics that this study aims to highlight.

Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 4,736 pregnant women living in camps in Iraqi Kurdistan. Participants were asked questions about the pandemic and self-perceived disadvantages of COVID-19.

Findings
IDP women were more concerned about COVID-19 infection [odds ratio (OR) = 2.59; CI: 2.29–2.92] and more afraid to visit health centers (OR = 3.79; CI: 3.36–4.28), with a reduction of health visits (OR = 0.76; CI: 0.68–0.86). The main self-perceived disadvantages were psychological pressure and concerns about changes in the services available in the camps. On the contrary, refugee women reported the lockdown as one of the most negative effects, together with their economic situation and unemployment.

Originality/value
Studies investigating the health status of vulnerable groups living in camps are generally underrepresented in global research. This study shows that the needs of IDPs and refugees are different, specific and contextual, even when the two groups appear to have similar backgrounds. Tailored interventions, according to the type of migrants hosted in camps, are needed, especially during a pandemic. Community volunteers can play a paramount role in supporting the continuity of health care for these vulnerable populations.
Unlocking the potential of prosocial motives in fostering environmental and social innovation: the roles of creativity-relevant skills and business moral values
Authors: Ali Imran , Golgeci Ismail , Gligor David , Arslan Ahmad 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
While prosocial motives are found to be conducive to unique manager behaviors, the literature lacks empirical evidence on the relationships between prosocial motives and managers’ willingness to engage in environmental and social innovation (ESI) in business-to-business (B2B) firms and the boundary conditions that shape these relationships. This research endeavors to unlock the potential of prosocial motives in fostering ESI, while investigating the mediating roles of creativity-relevant skills and the moderating influence of business moral values.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a quantitative survey approach, we gathered insights from 242 managers within Australia’s food and beverage industry. The authors tested their hypotheses by adopting a covariance-based structural equation modeling approach.

Findings
First, prosocial motives drive the ESI behaviors of managers in B2B firms. Second, creativity-relevant skills act as the critical bridge connecting prosocial motives with ESI within the realm of B2B firms. Third, business moral values emerge as potent moderating, positively influencing the relationship between prosocial motives and “managers’ willingness to engage in social innovation” within B2B firms.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study examining the relationship between prosocial motives and social and environmental innovation and how this relationship is influenced by creative-relevant skills and business moral values.
Intimate partner homicide: hindsight bias, outcome bias and perspective-taking influences on perceptions of police responses
Authors: Haynes Carla , Kebbell Mark Rhys 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine if outcome bias and hindsight bias impact police performance ratings and perceptions of the likelihood and foreseeability of intimate partner homicides. In addition, the authors wished to see if taking the perspective of police mitigates any effects.

Design/methodology/approach
A total of 200 university students read vignettes describing an incident from a police officer’s perspective or from their own perspective. Participants also read risk assessments of the offender’s risk of committing violence. They were randomly assigned to receive either information that the offender later committed a homicide or no outcome information.

Findings
The results demonstrated an outcome bias and hindsight bias, wherein participants who received information about the homicide rated it as more likely and foreseeable and gave lower performance ratings to the police, compared to those who did not receive outcome information. Participants who took police perspective still showed this bias.

Practical implications
The findings indicate that people are likely to be biased in their perceptions and judgements of police performance when they know a homicide occurred. This bias seems to be difficult to overcome.

Originality/value
This paper provides empirical evidence to show people may be unfairly critical of police performance when a homicide is perpetrated.
Rational vs religious: which is more important for ultra­micro SMEs when dealing with financial institutions?
Authors: Wulandari Permata , Sulung Liyu Adhi Kasari , Yuliati Elevita , Chalid Dony Abdul , Kassim Salina 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This paper aims to examine a range of factors that may influence the intention of ultra-micro-SMEs in Indonesia in choosing the type of microfinance facilities in the case of getting better offerings.

Design/methodology/approach
Drawing from the theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework, religious elements factors include religious leader endorsements, religiosity and Sharia compliance, whereas socially/commercially driven factors include social and rational sociodemographic indicators. Data was obtained from 319 ultra-micro-SMEs in emerging economies such as Indonesia, and structural equation modeling was used to analyze the survey data.

Findings
The findings reveal that commercial aspects, as rational variables, have a negative influence on the intention to switch from Islamic to conventional microfinancing. On the contrary, social influence from peers and family positively influences the intention to switch from Islamic to conventional microfinancing. Religious aspects, however, have no influence on the intention to switch or actual switching behavior from Islamic to conventional. Intention to switch was shown to positively influence actual switching behavior as per the prediction of the TPB.

Originality/value
There is a lack of research on the choice or behavior of ultra-micro-SMEs when deciding whether to use Islamic or conventional microfinance. This study enriches the literature by providing empirical evidence on the factors affecting this choice-making.
Pacts and parity: impact of trade agreements on gender equality through textual references
Authors: Habibi Arash 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the impact of anti-discrimination references in trade agreements on gender equality measures in developing countries and provides estimates mostly covering the years 1991–2017.

Design/methodology/approach
This study gathers data from trade agreements, together with their related documents, to examine how the location and language of these references affect their enforceability and impact. Two types of references that aim to support gender equality are analyzed. They differ in their location within the documents and the language used.

Findings
The results indicate that such references are more likely to improve gender-related labor conditions when they appear in legally binding sections and are associated with hard modal verbs like “shall” or “should,” in contrast to those that appear in aspirational sections and are associated with softer modal verbs like “may” or “might”. Furthermore, the results highlight a significant effect of these references in the agriculture sector, which hosts most of the female labor force in developing countries.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the existing literature by investigating the impact of references to gender equality in trade agreements and connected documents on the share of female temporary employees, the share of female vulnerable employees, as well as the disparity between the share of female and the share of male salaried workers in developing countries. This research also fills a gap in the literature by providing empirical evidence on the impact of these references on the share of female employment in services, agriculture and industry sectors. It also extends the current understanding of the importance of the used language for these references and the location of the references (as a sign of legal bindingness) by studying two sets of gender-related references (references that bind and references that influence).
Auditor compensation and accounting firm performance
Authors: Zhang Junsheng , Qi Yue , Song Yaoqing , Zeng Yamin 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
Audit firms have a strong historical tradition of professionalism, but they are also commercial entities. This study aims to investigate the relationship between auditor cash compensation and office-level financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses proprietary compensation expense and financial performance data from audit offices in China. Using the ordinary least squares regressions, this study tests the association between per capita compensation and office-level financial outcomes.

Findings
This study provides evidence that audit offices offering higher compensation achieve more profitable performance, as reflected in increased market share, higher return on assets and greater operating profit margins. Mechanism tests suggest that reductions in auditor turnover, driven by compensation incentives, partially account for this performance improvement. Additional tests show that the benefits of compensation incentives are particularly pronounced in audit firms licensed to conduct listed firm audits or when accompanied by staff training and technical development. Furthermore, both partner-level and staff auditor compensation significantly enhance office-level financial performance. The results might be of interest to both practitioners and regulatory bodies.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the relationship between auditor cash compensation and audit-office profitability. The findings highlight important policy implications for audit firms seeking to retain high-caliber auditors and maximize their economic benefits through human capital investments, including compensation, education, training and technical development.