bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual-use virulence factors of the opportunistic pathogenChromobacterium haemolyticummediate haemolysis and colonization
Authors: Dumjahn Leo , Wein Philipp , Molloy Evelyn M. , Scherlach Kirstin , Trottmann Felix , Meisinger Philippe , Judd Louise M. , Pidot Sacha J. , Stinear Timothy P. , Richter Ingrid , Hertweck Christian 
Published: January 2025

AbstractChromobacterium haemolyticumis an environmental bacterium that can cause severe and fatal opportunistic infections in humans and animals. AlthoughC. haemolyticumis characterized by its strong β-haemolytic activity, the molecular basis of this phenotype has remained elusive over the more than fifteen years since the species was first described. Here, we report the discovery of a family of cyclic lipodepsipeptides that are responsible for the potent haemolytic activity ofC. haemolyticum.Comparative genomics ofChromobacteriumspp. isolated from different environments revealed a completely conserved gene locus (chl) encoding a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS). Metabolic profiling ofC. haemolyticumDSM 19808 identified a suite of cyclic lipodepsipeptides as the products of thechllocus, with the three main congeners (jagaricin, chromolysin A and B) being elucidated by a combination of tandem mass spectrometry, chemical derivatization, and NMR spectroscopy. Significantly, aC. haemolyticum chldeletion mutant is devoid of haemolytic activity. Moreover, purified jagaricin, chromolysin A and B are haemolytic at low- micromolar concentrations in an erythrocyte lysis assay. Further bioassays demonstrated that the cyclic lipodepsipeptides are crucial for biofilm-forming and swarming behavior ofC. haemolyticum. MALDI mass spectrometry imaging showed that primarily chromolysin A and B are involved in these processesin vitro. Our data shed light on the bioactivities of chromolysin A and B, specialized metabolites that likely contribute to both successful colonization of new niches and virulence potential ofC. haemolyticum.ImportanceDespite the rising incidence ofChromobacterium haemolyticumas a serious opportunistic pathogen, there is limited information on whether the competitive traits that ensure its survival in its freshwater niche contribute to host infection. We present a case where bacterially produced specialized metabolites act as lynchpin chemical mediators that are not only responsible for the pronounced haemolytic phenotype ofC. haemolyticumbut are crucial for biofilm formation and swarming motility. These results exemplify a case of coincidental evolution, wherein the selective pressures encountered in a primary environmental niche drive the evolution of a trait impacting virulence. This knowledge provides a foundation for the development of antivirulence therapies against the emerging pathogenC. haemolyticum.
Whole-body coarticulation reflects expertise in sport climbing
Authors: Maselli Antonella , Musculus Lisa , Moretti Riccardo , d’Avella Andrea , Raab Markus , Pezzulo Giovanni 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTTaking sport climbing as a testbed, we explored coarticulation in naturalistic motor-behavior at the level of whole-body kinematics. Participants were instructed to execute a series of climbing routes, each composed of two initial foot-moves equal in all routes, and two subsequent hand-moves differing across routes in a set of eight possible configurations. The goal was assessing whether climbers modulate the execution of a given move depending on which moves come next in the plan. Coarticulation was assessed by training a set of classifiers and estimating how well the whole-body (or single-joint) kinematics during a given stage of the climbing execution could predict its future unfolding. Results showed that most participants engage in coarticulation, with temporal and bodily patterns that depend on expertise. Non-climbers tend to prepare the next-to-come move right before its onset and only after the end of the previous move. Rather, expert-climbers (and to a smaller extent, beginner-climbers) show early coarticulation during the execution of the previous move and engage in adjustments that involve the coordination of a larger number of joints across the body. These results demonstrate coarticulation effects in whole-body naturalistic motor behavior and as a function of expertise. Furthermore, the enhanced coarticulation found in expert-climbers provides hints for experts engaging in more refined mental processes converting abstract instructions (e.g., move the right hand to a given location) into motor simulations involving whole-body coordination. Overall, these results contribute to advancing our current knowledge of the rich interplay between cognition and motor control.NEW & NOTEWORTHYThe current study explores the way in which having formed a plan for a sequential motor task affects its execution. We showed that climbing expertise increases the extent to which participants adjust their motor execution based on the moves that follow in a planned route. These results provide evidence of coarticulation in naturalistic motor behavior and suggest enhanced skills in mentalizing forward motor control and optimal-control strategies in expert climbers.
Homeostatic regulation of a motor circuit through temperature sensing rather than activity sensing
Authors: Cannon Delaney , Santin Joseph M. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractHomeostasis is a driving principle in physiology. To achieve homeostatic control of neural activity, neurons monitor their activity levels and then initiate corrective adjustments in excitability when activity strays from a set point. However, fluctuations in the brain microenvironment, such as temperature, pH, and other ions represent some of the most common perturbations to neural function in animals. Therefore, it is unclear if activity sensing is a universal strategy for different types of perturbations or if stability may arise by sensing specific environmental cues. Here we show the respiratory network of amphibians mounts a fast homeostatic response to restore motor function following inactivity caused by cooling over the physiological range. This response was not initiated by inactivity, but rather, by temperature. Compensation involved cold-activation of the noradrenergic systemviamechanisms that involve inhibition of the Na+/K+ATPase, causing β-adrenoceptor signaling that enhanced network excitability. Thus, acute cooling initiates a modulatory response that opposes inactivity and enhances network excitability. As the nervous system of all animals is subjected to changes in the microenvironment, some circuits may have selected regulatory systems tuned to environmental variables in place of, or in addition to, activity-dependent control mechanisms.Graphical Abstract
Humans can walk economically on uneven terrain without deliberative optimization with a Simple Feedback Control Policy
Authors: Darici Osman , Kuo Arthur D. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractHumans proactively anticipate and adjust for uneven terrain as they traverse it. They modulate their forward speed and momentum ahead of upcoming steps, perhaps to optimize energy expenditure as they prefer to do for level ground. But actual optimization is a complex, deliberative process and seems not to describe how human act in real time during continuous walking. Here we show that human uneven walking strategies are predicted well by an control scheme that requires no deliberation yet is nearly optimal. The experimentally measured speed trajectory for a single upward step (a “kernel”) predicts the strategy for a complex terrain sequence, by repeatedly delaying and weighting (convolving) it for each step height. Conversely, the same strategy can be deconvolved to predict for six other terrains about as well as deliberative energy minimization Composability is predicted by a simple model of walking, which requires work to redirect the body center of mass velocity between pendulum-like steps. These dynamics obey linear superposition, so that a simple kernel, learnable through experience, is sufficient to compose other strategies with lookahead information about upcoming step heights. Walking dynamics may allow humans to act quickly and nearly optimally without thinking slowly.
Local erythropoiesis directs oxygen availability in bone fracture repair
Authors: Lang Annemarie , Collins Joseph M. , Nijsure Madhura P. , Belali Simin , Khan Mohd Parvez , Moharrer Yasaman , Schipani Ernestina , Yien Yvette Y. , Fan Yi , Gelinsky Michael , Vinogradov Sergei A. , Koch Cameron , Boerckel Joel D. 
Published: January 2025

SummaryBone fracture ruptures blood vessels and disrupts the bone marrow, the site of new red blood cell production (erythropoiesis). Current dogma holds that bone fracture causes severe hypoxia at the fracture site, due to vascular rupture, and that this hypoxia must be overcome for regeneration. Here, we show that the early fracture site is not hypoxic, but instead exhibits high oxygen tension (> 55 mmHg, or 8%), similar to the red blood cell reservoir, the spleen. This elevated oxygen stems not from angiogenesis but from activated erythropoiesis in the adjacent bone marrow. Fracture-activated erythroid progenitor cells concentrate oxygen through haemoglobin formation. Blocking transferrin receptor 1 (CD71)-mediated iron uptake prevents oxygen binding by these cells, induces fracture site hypoxia, and enhances bone repair through increased angiogenesis and osteogenesis. These findings upend our current understanding of the early phase of bone fracture repair, provide a mechanism for high oxygen tension in the bone marrow after injury, and reveal an unexpected and targetable role of erythroid progenitors in fracture repair.
Testing the function of widespread transcription of the testis
Authors: Kumon Tomohiro , Raz Amelie A , Fingerhut Jaclyn M , Yamashita Yukiko M 
Published: January 2025

SUMMARYIn many organisms includingDrosophilaand mammals, male germ cells, particularly spermatocytes, have one of the most complex transcriptomes, where a large fraction of the genome including noncoding DNA are transcribed. However, significance of this widespread transcription remains enigmatic. Through the study of satellite DNA transcription inDrosophilaspermatocytes as a representational model for widespread transcription, we propose that transcription is required to remodel chromatin in preparation for sperm DNA packaging. We identified HP2, a known heterochromatin protein, as being required for transcription of AAGAG satellite DNA. HP2 depletion led to retention of heterochromatin marks in post-meiotic spermatids and subsequent failure in histone-to-protamine transition. Strikingly, spermatids with less AAGAG satellite DNA can develop normally even when AAGAG transcription is perturbed by HP2 depletion. Together, we propose that spermatocytes’ widespread transcription serves as a mechanism to facilitate remodeling of chromatin to prepare for sperm DNA packaging.
Decoding Gene Networks Controlling Hypothalamic and Prethalamic Neuron Development
Authors: Kim Dong Won , Duncan Leighton H. , Xu Jenny , Chang Minzi , Sørensen Sara Sejer , Terrillion Chantelle E. , Kanold Patrick O. , Place Elsie , Blackshaw Seth 
Published: January 2025

SummaryNeuronal subtypes derived from the embryonic hypothalamus and prethalamus regulate many essential physiological processes, yet the gene regulatory networks controlling their development remain poorly understood. Using single-cell RNA- and ATAC-sequencing, we analyzed mouse hypothalamic and prethalamic development from embryonic day 11 to postnatal day 8, profiling 660,000 cells in total. This identified key transcriptional and chromatin dynamics driving regionalization, neurogenesis, and differentiation. This identified multiple distinct neural progenitor populations, as well as gene regulatory networks that control their spatial and temporal identities, and their terminal differentiation into major neuronal subtypes. Integrating these results with large-scale genome-wide association study data, we identified a central role for transcription factors controlling supramammillary hypothalamic development in a broad range of metabolic and cognitive traits. Recurring cross-repressive regulatory relationships were observed between transcription factors that induced prethalamic and tuberal hypothalamic identity on the one hand and mammillary and supramammillary hypothalamic identity on the other. In postnatal animals,Dlx1/2was found to severely disrupt GABAergic neuron specification in both the hypothalamus and prethalamus, resulting in a loss of inhibition of thalamic neurons, hypersensitivity to cold, and behavioral hyperactivity. By identifying core gene regulatory networks controlling the specification and differentiation of major hypothalamic and prethalamic neuronal cell types, this study provides a roadmap for future efforts aimed at preventing and treating a broad range of homeostatic and cognitive disorders.
A social media-based framework for marketing architectural design firms in Egypt during global economic downturn
Authors: Othman Ayman Ahmed Ezzat , Maarek Yara Ahmed 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThe global economic downturn has greatly impacted the construction industry and architectural design firms (ADFs). Social media, however, provides a strategic avenue to enhance the visibility and resilience of ADFs. This paper aims to develop a framework integrating social media as an innovative marketing approach for mitigating the impacts of the global economic downturn on ADFs in Egypt.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative and quantitative research approach was designed to accomplish four objectives. The literature review examined the global economic downturn and marketing ADFs. Three case studies investigated the role of social media in marketing ADFs during economic uncertainties. A survey questionnaire was conducted with a representative sample of ADFs to assess their perception and application of social media as a marketing approach. Based on the above, the research developed a framework integrating social media as a novel approach for marketing ADFs in Egypt to alleviate the impacts of the global economic downturn.FindingsThe research explored the causes and impacts of the global economic downturn, focusing on marketing strategies and the use of social media in promoting ADFs. Case studies demonstrated that ADFs that utilized social media effectively succeeded in navigating the economic downturn and enhancing market performance, reputation and profitability. Data analysis highlighted “generating leads” as the top marketing strategy, followed by “attracting potential clients.” “Instagram” emerged as the most widely used platform, with “analytics and reporting” identified as the most impactful tool. However, “limited resources” was recognized as the primary challenge in implementing successful social media marketing for ADFs in Egypt.Practical implicationsThis research developed a practical framework to navigate the impacts of the global economic downturn on ADFs in Egypt based on the findings of a literature review, case studies and a survey questionnaire. The framework practically detailed the objectives of the framework’s functions, activities, tools and techniques, involved personnel, needed resources and implementation mechanisms.Originality/valueThe research examined the causes and impacts of the global economic downturn, with a focus on how ADFs in Egypt use social media as a marketing tool and identified the implementation challenges. The study, which fills a gap in construction literature, developed a framework to help ADFs mitigate the global economic downturn effects. The framework offers a practical solution to improve the resilience and marketing of ADFs in Egypt by providing new insights into the architecture and construction sectors and adding significant value to existing knowledge.
Enhancing sales and operations planning maturity: an integrative model for food supply chains in global networks
Authors: Pacheco Diego A. de J. , Borgvardt Julie Hvid , Pergher Isaac 
Published: January 2025

PurposeRecent geopolitical and economic tensions have caused instabilities in food supply chains (FSCs), affecting their performance and integration. These challenges have significantly impacted the sales and operations planning (S&OP) processes of companies operating in global networks. However, there is a lack of clarity regarding effective strategies for enhancing S&OP processes in response to these supply chain challenges in different sectors. To address this gap, the purpose of this study is to develop and test an integrated maturity model that assists companies in this sector in assessing and improving their execution of S&OP processes in global supply chains.Design/methodology/approachThrough a case study conducted in a multinational food company operating in a global supply chain in Europe, the results shed light on the role of S&OP maturity assessment in guiding focal companies into internal and supply chain decisions.FindingsFindings suggest that the developed model has the potential to enhance the integration among actors in the FSC. Findings provide insights for developing supply chain solutions that align with the functions of the food industry and supply chain dynamism. The study offers actionable insights that address some limitations of the existing empirical literature, which has provided limited support for the role of S&OP activities in facilitating effective integration in FSCs.Research limitations/implicationsThe study highlights qualitative benefits associated with S&OP implementation, enabling food industries to establish more realistic expectations regarding the outcomes of S&OP initiatives.Practical implicationsThis study enhances the understanding of S&OP maturity phenomena in FSCs and provides practical insights for companies to manage the volatile conditions in this sector’s supply chains.Originality/valueThe paper makes a theoretical contribution by developing and testing an integrated model designed explicitly for FSCs, providing valuable guidance for decision-makers.
To give them a fish or a fishing rod? The impact of management consultants’ perceived power bases on managers’ development
Authors: Lachmi Rotem , Ben-Hador Batia , Brender-Ilan Yael 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
Management consulting aims to enhance organizational effectiveness through manager development and empowerment. There is evidence that management consultants perceive themselves as leaders, but little research has been conducted on their power bases. The purpose of this study is to examine management consultants’ power bases to gain insight into their leadership and their perceptions regarding managers’ development.

Design/methodology/approach
Using qualitative methods, 40 consultants were interviewed, and a semi-structured interview outline was applied to identify their power bases and determine how their power base influences their leadership and managers’ development. Thematic content analysis was applied to analyze the data.

Findings
The findings indicate that management consultants have either a prominent referent or expert power base and that these two informal power bases affect consultant leadership differently: referent power leads to solving the managers’ problems, while expert power enhances managers’ self-efficacy and ability to solve their problems by themselves.

Originality/value
The study sheds light on an under-explored subject and contributes to both theory and practice; it extends and refines the connection between power dynamics and managers’ development as well as leadership theory and offers practical implications for the relationship between management consultants and managers.
Exploring trust and outcome expectancy in FinTech digital payments: insights from the stimulus-organism-response model
Authors: Alamoudi Hawazen , Glavee-Geo Richard , Alharthi Majed , Doszhan Raigul , Suyunchaliyeva Maiya M. 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis study uses the S-O-R theory to examine how trust and outcome expectancy influence usage and advocacy. It also analyzes the moderating role of trust in a low-trust society and the differences between low-trust and high-trust consumer segments.Design/methodology/approachOur analysis was based on a sample of 400 responses collected using a pre-tested survey during January–March 2023. Purposeful and snowball sampling techniques were used to select the study participants. The research model was estimated using the SmartPLS 4.0 statistical application.FindingsThe findings revealed that outcome expectancy strongly predicts consumer trust. While word of mouth was impacted more by trust than usage behavior, trust was found to be a stronger predictor of recommendation behavior of FinTech digital payment systems than usage behavior. We distinguished between consumers with low trust (“misbelievers”) and those with high trust (“believers”). We found that the effect of outcome expectancy on usage behavior was more substantial for “misbelievers” than “believers.”Practical implicationsThe study’s findings have practical implications for business and marketing executives, regulators, FinTech companies and the banking and payment industry in designing strategies for gaining consumer trust, promoting consumer recommendation behavior and using FinTech innovations.Originality/valueThis research’s originality lies in applying the S-O-R theory to the digital payment context within FinTech. It examined consumer trust dynamics and outcome expectancy dynamics, particularly in the underresearched setting of developing countries known for their low-trust environments. Also, the study introduces a methodological innovation by employing multigroup analysis to “decompose” moderation associations, offering more profound insights into the influence of trust on the adoption and sustained use of FinTech services.
Do firms respond to foreign competitive threats with herding or dispersion?
Authors: Bitting Jonathan 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine firms' response to product market threats from foreign competitors, specifically whether they pursue a strategy of dispersion or herding with regards to their product space and executive-incentive plans.Design/methodology/approachThis study applies a two-stage least squares instrumental variable (IV) approach to address endogeneity concerns. The analyses apply to a sample of 9,719 firm-pairs from 21 manufacturing industries over the period from 2006 to 2015.FindingsFirms attempt to distance themselves from their fellow incumbent firms when facing greater foreign competition, specifically with regards to their product descriptions and the incentives they provide to CEOs. This effect becomes stronger when industry peers are more likely to serve as material threats themselves.Research limitations/implicationsThese results provide encouraging opportunities for future research about the long-run implications of dispersion in local industries. The survival rate tied to the observed strategies in this study, as well as general changes to industry structure are remaining questions of interest.Practical implicationsThe observed responses by incumbent firms in this study offer insights for policymakers on tariff-setting, as tariff adjustments may influence the local product space. Additionally, the related shifts in CEO incentives inform shareholders' contracting decisions.Originality/valueThis study reveals that incumbents’ responses to foreign competition reshape local industry product spaces. Furthermore, this study sheds light on a new link between firms’ product spaces and management incentives.