bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unbiased metastatic niche-labeling identifies estrogen receptor-positive macrophages as a barrier of T cell infiltration during bone colonization
Authors: Xu Zhan , Liu Fengshuo , Ding Yunfeng , Pan Tianhong , Wu Yi-Hsuan , Liu Jun , Bado Igor L. , Zhang Weijie , Wu Ling , Gao Yang , Hao Xiaoxin , Yu Liqun , Edwards David G. , Chan Hilda L. , Aguirre Sergio , Dieffenbach Michael Warren , Chen Elina , Shen Yichao , Hoffman Dane , Dominguez Luis Becerra , Rivas Charlotte Helena , Chen Xiang , Wang Hai , Gugala Zbigniew , Satcher Robert L. , Zhang Xiang H.-F.
Published: May 2024

Microenvironment niches determine cellular fates of metastatic cancer cells. However, robust and unbiased approaches to identify niche components and their molecular profiles are lacking. We established Sortase A-Based Microenvironment Niche Tagging (SAMENT), which selectively labels cells encountered by cancer cells during metastatic colonization. SAMENT was applied to multiple cancer models colonizing the same organ and the same cancer to different organs. Common metastatic niche features include macrophage enrichment and T cell depletion. Macrophage niches are phenotypically diverse between different organs. In bone, macrophages express the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and exhibit active ERα signaling in male and female hosts. Conditional knockout ofEsr1in macrophages significantly retarded bone colonization by allowing T cell infiltration. ERα expression was also discovered in human bone metastases of both genders. Collectively, we identified a unique population of ERα+ macrophages in the metastatic niche and functionally tied ERα signaling in macrophages to T cell exclusion during metastatic colonization.

HIGHLIGHTS

SAMENT is a robust metastatic niche-labeling approach amenable to single-cell omics.

Metastatic niches are typically enriched with macrophages and depleted of T cells.

Direct interaction with cancer cells induces ERα expression in niche macrophages.

Knockout ofEsr1in macrophages allows T cell infiltration and retards bone colonization.
Controllable multi-halogenation of a non-native substrate by SyrB2 iron halogenase
Authors: Wilson R. Hunter , Chatterjee Sourav , Smithwick Elizabeth R. , Damodaran Anoop R. , Bhagi-Damodaran Ambika
Published: May 2024

Geminal, multi-halogenated functional groups are widespread in natural products and pharmaceuticals, yet no synthetic methodologies exist that enable selective multi-halogenation of unactivated C-H bonds. Biocatalysts are powerful tools for late-stage C-H functionalization, as they operate with high degrees of regio-, chemo-, and stereoselectivity. 2-oxoglutarate (2OG)-dependent non-heme iron halogenases chlorinate and brominate aliphatic C-H bonds offering a solution for achieving these challenging transformations. Here, we describe the ability of a non-heme iron halogenase, SyrB2, to controllably halogenate non-native substrate alpha-aminobutyric acid (Aba) to yield mono-chlorinated, di-chlorinated, and tri-chlorinated products. These chemoselective outcomes are achieved by controlling the loading of 2OG cofactor and SyrB2 biocatalyst. By using a ferredoxin-based biological reductant for electron transfer to the catalytic center of SyrB2, we demonstrate order-of-magnitude enhancement in the yield of tri-chlorinated product that were previously inaccessible using any single halogenase enzyme. We also apply these strategies to broaden SyrB2’s reactivity scope to include multi-bromination and demonstrate chemoenzymatic conversion of the ethyl side chain in Aba to an ethylyne functional group. We show how steric hindrance induced by the successive addition of halogen atoms on Aba’s C4carbon dictates the degree of multi-halogenation by hampering C3-C4bond rotation within SyrB2’s catalytic pocket. Overall, our work showcases the synthetic potential of iron halogenases to facilitate multi-C-H functionalization chemistry.
Bottom-up reconstruction of functional Death Domain Signalosomes reveals a requirement for polymer stability and avidity
Authors: Lichtenstein Mauriz A. , Cao Fakun , Lobnow Finn , Dirvanskyte Paulina , Kulesza Anna , Ziska Elke , Taylor Marcus J.
Published: May 2024

A key feature of innate immune signaling is the compartmentalization of signaling effectors into cellular structures referred to as signalosomes. Critical to the formation of these compartments are protein polymers composed of Death Domains (DD). However, the biophysical properties these polymeric scaffolds require for signal transduction are not clearly defined. Here, we engineered a single-component signalosome, referred to as Chimeric Higher-order Assemblies for Receptor Mediated Signaling (CHARMS). We found that CHARMS functionality depends on the stability provided by the DD polymer, which could also be achieved with bacterial DDs and synthetic filament-forming domains. This demonstrates the importance of kinetic stability and inducibility, irrespective of the origin of the motif. By varying the multiplicity of TRAF6 interaction motifs, we demonstrate that avidity is a tunable property that can control the amplitude of signaling outputs. This work lays out a reductionist framework to dissect the required properties of signaling through polymeric scaffolds by adjusting their assembly kinetics, stability and avidity.
(p)ppGpp and DksA play crucial role in reducing the efficacy of β-lactam antibiotics by modulating bacterial membrane permeability
Authors: Chawla Meenal , Verma Jyoti , Kumari Shashi , Matta Tushar , Senapati Tarosi , Babele Prabhakar , Kumar Yashwant , Bhadra Rupak K , Das Bhabatosh
Published: May 2024

The key signaling molecules in the bacterial stress sensing pathway, the alarmone (p)ppGpp and transcription factor DksA, help in survival during nutritional deprivation and exposure to xenobiotics by modulating cellular metabolic pathways. InVibrio cholerae, (p)ppGpp metabolism is solely linked with the functions of three proteins: RelA, SpoT, and RelV. At threshold or elevated concentrations of (p)ppGpp, the level of cellular metabolites and proteins in the presence and absence of DksA inV. choleraeand other bacteria has not yet been comprehensively studied. We engineered the genome ofV. choleraeto develop DksA null mutants in the presence and absence of (p)ppGpp biosynthetic enzymes. We observed a higher sensitivity of the (p)ppGpp0ΔdksA V. choleraemutant to different ꞵ-lactam antibiotics compared to the wild-type (WT) strain. Our whole-cell metabolomic and proteome analysis revealed that the cell membrane and peptidoglycan biosynthesis pathways are significantly altered in the (p)ppGpp0, ΔdksA, and (p)ppGpp0ΔdksA V. choleraestrains. Further, the mutant strains displayed enhanced inner and outer membrane permeability in comparison to the WT strains. These results directly correlate with the tolerance and survival ofV. choleraeto ꞵ-lactam antibiotics. These findings may help in the development of adjuvants for ꞵ-lactam antibiotics by inhibiting the functions of stringent response modulators.

Importance

The (p)ppGpp biosynthetic pathway is widely conserved in bacteria. Intracellular levels of (p)ppGpp and the transcription factor DksA play crucial roles in bacterial multiplication and viability in the presence of antibiotics and/or other xenobiotics. The present findings have shown that (p)ppGpp and DksA significantly reduces the efficacy of ꞵ-lactam and other antibiotics by modulating the availability of peptidoglycan and cell membrane-associated metabolites by reducing membrane permeability. Nevertheless, the whole-cell proteome analysis of (p)ppGpp0, ΔdksA, and (p)ppGpp0ΔdksAstrains identified the biosynthetic pathways and associated enzymes that are directly modulated by the stringent response effector molecules. Thus, the (p)ppGpp metabolic pathways and DksA could be a potential target for increasing the efficacy of antibiotics and developing antibiotic adjuvants.
Simultaneous co-circulation of two genotypes of dengue virus serotype 3 causing a large outbreak in Sri Lanka in year 2023
Authors: Ariyaratne Dinuka , Senadheera Bhagya , Kuruppu Heshan , Jayadas Tibutius Thanesh Pramanayagam , Gomes Laksiri , Ranasinghe Diyanath , Bary Farha , Wijewickrama Ananda , Aguilar Sully Márquez , Bennett Shannon , Jeewandara Chandima , Malavige Gathsaurie Neelika
Published: May 2024

As many other countries, Sri Lanka experienced a marked rise in the number of dengue cases in 2023, with an unusual pattern of disease epidemiology. This rise coincided with the emergence of dengue virus (DENV) serotype 3 in Sri Lanka as the predominant serotype after 2009. Interestingly, a discrepancy between NS1 rapid antigen test positivity and quantitative real time PCR positivity was observed, with 50% of NS1 positive samples being negative by molecular diagnostics. Following sequencing of the DENV-3 strains in 2023, we identified two DENV-3 genotypes (I and III) co-circulating. While DENV-3 genotype III was detected by the modified CDC DENV-3 primers, genotype I evaded detection due to key mutations at forward and reverse primer binding sites. The co-circulation of multiple genotypes associated with an increase in cases highlights the importance of continuous surveillance of DENVs to identify mutations resulting in non-detection by diagnostics and differences in virulence.

One-sentence summary line

Co-circulation of two genotypes of the dengue virus serotype-3 (I and III) were responsible for the large dengue outbreak in Sri Lanka in 2023, with genotype I not been detected by certain PCR primers.
Cluster-randomized trial of digital adherence technologies and differentiated care to reduce poor end-of-treatment outcomes and recurrence among adults with drug-sensitive pulmonary TB in Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Amare W , Sahile Mamush , Foster Nicola , McQuaid Christopher Finn , Weldemichael Gedion Teferra , Abdurhman Tofik , Mohammed Zemedu , Belachew Mahilet , Shiferaw Amanuel , Assefa Demelash , Gadissa Demekech , Yazew Hiwot , Yakob Nuria , Shewamene Zewdneh , Goscé Lara , van Rest Job , Madden Norma , Charalambous Salome , van Kalmthout Kristian , Bedru Ahmed , Letta Taye , Jerene Degu , Fielding Katherine L
Published: May 2024

Background

The impact of Digital Adherence Technologies (DATs) on long-term tuberculosis treatment outcomes remains unclear. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of DATs and differentiated care in improving tuberculosis treatment outcomes and recurrence.

Methods

We conducted a pragmatic cluster-randomised trial in Ethiopia. Seventy-eight health facilities (clusters) were randomised to three arms (1:1:1): smart pillbox, medication labels, or standard of care. Adults (≥18 years) with drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis on a fixed-dose combination tuberculosis treatment regimen were enrolled and followed-up for 12 months after treatment initiation. Those in the pillbox arm received a pillbox with customisable audio-visual reminders, while participants in the label arm received their TB medication with a weekly unique code label. Opening the box or texting the code prompted real-time dose logging on the adherence platform, facilitating differentiated response by a healthcare worker. The primary outcome comprised death, loss to follow-up, treatment failure, switch to drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment, or recurrence; secondary outcomes included loss to follow-up. Analysis accounted for clustered design with multiple imputation for the primary outcome. The trial is complete and registered with PACTR202008776694999.

Findings

From 24/05/2021-08/08/2022, 8477 individuals undergoing tuberculosis treatment were assessed for eligibility, and 3885 participants enrolled, of whom 3858 were included in the intention-to-treat population. The median age was 30 years and 41% were female. At 12 months, using multiple imputation, neither the pillbox (adjusted OR 1.04, 95% CI: 0.74-1.45; adjusted risk difference, 1.0 percentage points, 95% CI -1.2 to 3.1) nor the label (adjusted OR 1.14, 95%CI: 0.83-1.61; adjusted risk difference, 0.4 percentage points, 95% CI -1.8 to 2.6) interventions reduced the risk of the primary composite outcome. Results were similar in complete case and per-protocol analyses.

Interpretation

The DAT interventions showed no reduction in unfavourable outcomes. This emphasizes the necessity to optimise DATs to enhance TB management strategies and treatment outcomes.
Agreement between mega-trials and smaller trials: a meta-research study
Authors: Kastrati Lum , Raeisi-Dehkordi Hamidreza , Llanaj Erand , Quezada-Pinedo Hugo Guillermo , Khatami Farnaz , Ahanchi Noushin Sadat , Llane Adea , Mecani Renald , Muka Taulant , Ioannidis John
Published: May 2024

Importance: Mega-trials can provide large-scale evidence on important questions. Objective: To explore how the results of mega-trails compare to the meta-analysis results of trials with smaller sample sizes. Data Sources: Clinicaltrials.gov was searched for mega-trials until 10.01.2023. PubMed was searched until June 2023 for meta-analyses incorporating the results of the eligible mega-trials. Study Selection: Mega-trials were eligible if they were non-cluster non-vaccine randomized control trials (RCTs); had a sample size over 10,000; and had a peer-reviewed meta-analysis publication presenting results for the primary outcome of the mega-trials and/or all-cause mortality. Data Extraction and Synthesis: For each selected meta-analysis, we extracted results of smaller trials and mega-trials included in the summary effect estimate, and combined them separately using random effects. These estimates were used to calculate the ratio of odds ratios (ROR) between mega-trials and smaller trials in each meta-analysis. Next, the ROR were combined using random-effects. Risk of bias was extracted for each trial included in our analyses (or when not available, assessed only for mega-trials). Main Outcomes and Measures: The main outcomes were the summary ROR for the primary outcome and all-cause mortality between mega-trials and smaller trials. Sensitivity analyses were performed with respect to the time of publishing, masking, weight, type of intervention, and specialty. Results Of 120 mega-trials identified, 39 (33%) had significant benefits for the primary outcome and 18 (15%) had significant benefits for all-cause mortality for the intervention. In 35 comparisons of primary outcomes (including 85 point estimates from 69 unique mega-trials and 272 point estimatesfrom smaller trials) and 26 comparisons of all-cause mortality (including 70 point estimates from 65 unique mega-trials and 267 point estimates from smaller trials), ROR was 1.00 (95% CI, 0.97-1.04) and 1.00 (95% CI, 0.97-1.04), respectively. For the primary outcomes, smaller trials published before the mega-trials had more favorable results than the mega-trials (ROR 1.05, 95% CI, 1.01- 1.10), and than the subsequent smaller trials (ROR 0.91, 95% CI, 0.85-0.96). Conclusions and Relevance: Meta-analyses of smaller studies show in general comparable results with mega-trials, but smaller trials published before the mega-trials give more favorable results than the mega-trials.
Discovery and characterization of stereodefined PMO-gapmers targeting tau
Authors: Kanatsu Kunihiko , Takahashi Yoshinori , Sakaguchi Tetsuya , Kim Dae-Shik , Murota Miki , Shan Mingde , Fukami Kazuki , Itano Wataru , Kikuta Kenji , Yoshimura Hikaru , Kurokawa Toshiki , Nagayama Yuko , Ishikawa Rena , Dairiki Ryo , Zhou Zhi , Sanders Kristen , Stupalski Jacob , Yasui So , Liu Diana , Benayoud Farid , Fang Hui , Jing Enxuan , Ogo Makoto , Fang Francis G. , Wang John , Choi Hyeong-wook
Published: May 2024

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are an important class of therapeutics to treat genetic diseases, and expansion of this modality to neurodegenerative disorders has been an active area of research. To realize chronic administration of ASO therapeutics to treat neurogenerative diseases, new chemical modifications improving activity and safety profile are still needed. Furthermore, it is highly desirable to develop a single stereopure ASO with defined activity and safety profile to avoid any efficacy and safety concerns due to the batch-to-batch variation in the composition of diastereomers. Herein, a stereopure PMO-gapmer was developed as a new construct to improve safety and stability by installing charge-neutral PMOs at the wing region and by fully controlling phosphorus stereochemistries. The developed stereopure PMO-gapmer construct was applied to the discovery of ASO candidates for the reduction of microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT, tau). Sequence screening targetingMAPTfollowed by screening of optimal phosphorus stereochemistry identified stereopure development candidates. While evaluating the stereopure PMO-gapmers, we observed a dramatic difference in safety profile among stereoisomers in which only one phosphorus stereochemistry differs. These results further highlight the benefits of developing stereopure ASOs as safe and well-characterized candidates for clinical studies.
Hypergraph Cortical Cytoarchitectonic Parcellation with Multimodal Canine Brain Atlas
Authors: Zhai Shiyao , Jiang Chenyao , Chen Zhenglin , Yu Dongmei , Gul Ijaz , Yuan Xi , Song Hengrui , Yangliu  , Zhang Ziheng , Xu Tao , Xu Hu , Wan Jiusheng , Mao Aiguo , Li Jie , Han Yuxing , Qin Peiwu
Published: May 2024

Brain atlases are vital tools in exploring the brain structure-function relationship. The burgeoning cross-species atlases have significantly accelerated our understanding of human brain development, evolution, function, and diseases. However, the existing coarse-grained macroscopic canine brain atlases greatly constrain their utility as an animal model for neurocognition research. Finer-grained brain atlas and partitions are crucial for decoding brain spatial heterogeneity and topology at different scales. Therefore, we conduct macroscopic and microscopic brain imaging to construct an interactive online dataset of multimodal canine brain atlas. Additionally, we develop a pioneering method for cortical cytoarchitectonic partitioning based on hypergraph learning. By integrating high-dimensional cytoarchitectonic features and spatial connections between cortical columns, the method leads to fine-grained partitioning patterns. This innovative approach aims to decode the biological heterogeneity of cortical microstructures, contributing to the structural annotation of canine atlas as well as public human brain atlases. The study not only offers valuable resources but also presents a novel zonation approach to investigate the cellular organization pattern and topology of the cortex.
Nicotine Amelioratesα-synuclein Pre-formed Fibril-Induced Behavioral Deficits and Pathological Features in Mice
Authors: Huang Zhangqiong , Pan Yue , Ma Kaili , Luo Haiyu , Zong Qinglan , Wu Zhengcun , Zhu Zhouhai , Guan Ying
Published: May 2024

Background

Epidemiologic study suggests nicotine reduces risk of PD, could be potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease.

Objective

To study the effect of nicotine on behavioral phenotypes and pathological characteristics of mice induced by human alpha-synuclein preformed fibers (α-syn-PFF).

Methods

Mice were injected with 5 μg of human α-syn-PFF in the hippocampus while administering nicotine-containing drinking water (200μg/mL). After 1 month, the motor ability, mood, spatial learning, and memory ability of the Parkinson’s disease(PD)phenotype-like model were detected using open field, rotarod, Y maze, and O maze tests. The expression of pathological α-syn, apoptotic proteins and the numbers of glial cells and neural stem cells in the hippocampus of mice were detected using western blotting and immunofluorescence.

Results

Nicotine significantly reduced pathological α-syn accumulation, α-syn serine 129 phosphorylation and cell death caused by PFF injection in the hippocampus of mice, inhibited the increase of glial, microglia and apoptotic cells, decreased the expression levels of PI3K and Akt.

Conclusions

Nicotine may have inhibitory effects on human α-syn-PFF-induced neuroinflammation and apoptosis. Thus, it reduces human α-syn-PFF-induced behavioral deficits and pathological changes in mice.
Single cell RNA sequencing reveals immunomodulatory effects of stem cell factor and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor treatment in the brains of aged APP/PS1 mice
Authors: Gardner Robert S. , Kyle Michele , Hughes Karen , Zhao Li-Ru
Published: May 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) leads to progressive neurodegeneration and dementia. AD primarily affects older adults with neuropathological changes including amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. We have previously demonstrated that systemic treatment with combined stem cell factor (SCF) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (SCF+G-CSF), reduces Aβ load, increases Aβ uptake by activated microglia and macrophages, reduces neuroinflammation, and restores dendrites and synapses in the brains of aged APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice. However, the mechanisms underlying SCF+G-CSF-enhanced brain repair in aged APP/PS1 mice remain unclear. This study used a transcriptomic approach to identify potential mechanisms by which SCF+G-CSF treatment modulates microglia and peripheral myeloid cells to mitigate AD pathology in the aged brain. After injections of SCF+G-CSF for 5 consecutive days, single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on CD11b+cells isolated from the brains of 28-month-old APP/PS1 mice. The vast majority of cell clusters aligned with transcriptional profiles of microglia in various activation states. However, SCF+G-CSF treatment dramatically increased a cell population showing upregulation of marker genes related to peripheral myeloid cells. Flow cytometry data also revealed an SCF+G-CSF-induced increase of cerebral CD45high/CD11b+active phagocytes. SCF+G-CSF treatment robustly increased the transcription of genes implicated in immune cell activation, including gene sets that regulate inflammatory processes and cell migration. Expression of S100a8 and S100a9 were robustly enhanced following SCF+G-CSF treatment in all CD11b+cell clusters. Moreover, the topmost genes differentially expressed with SCF+G-CSF treatment were largely upregulated in S100a8/9-positive cells, suggesting a well-conserved transcriptional profile related to SCF+G-CSF treatment in resident and peripherally derived CD11b+immune cells. This S100a8/9-associated transcriptional profile contained notable genes related to pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, neuroprotection, and Aβ plaque inhibition or clearance. Altogether, this study reveals immunomodulatory effects of SCF+G-CSF treatment in the aged brain with AD pathology, which will guide future studies to further uncover the therapeutic mechanisms.
Eubacterium rectaledetoxification mechanism increases resilience of the gut environment
Authors: Richie Tanner G , Wiechman Hallie , Ingold Carson , Heeren Leah , Kamke Abigail , Pogranichniy Sophia , Monk Kourtney , Summers Trey , Ran Qinghong , Sarkar Soumyadev , Plattner Brandon L , Sidebottom Ashley M , Chang Eugene , Lee Sonny T M
Published: May 2024

Lachnospiraceae members were highly detected in dysbiotic IL-10 KO mice that displayed similar physiological outcomes as control mice. Lachnospiraceae is a highly diverse family of microbes that have been shown to display both commensal and pathogenic characteristics in the colon environment. We investigated the impact of genetic variation in five Lachnospiraceae strains on lowering cellular inflammation and ROS levels. Cell free spent media (CFSM) fromEubacterium rectaleresulted in lowered ROS, and nitric oxide levels in stressed colon cells. We demonstrated through an array of multi-omics and molecular techniques that glutathione (GSH) biosynthesized byE. rectalewas able to alleviate host ROS damage. We further showed downregulation of cell stress and immune response genes by host RNA sequencing, which is evidence thatE. rectalemicrobial products promote recovery and alleviate ROS stress.
A Translaminar Spacetime Code Supports Touch-Evoked Traveling Waves
Authors: Gonzales Daniel L. , Khan Hammad F. , Keri Hayagreev V.S. , Yadav Saumitra , Steward Christopher , Muller Lyle E. , Pluta Scott R. , Jayant Krishna
Published: May 2024

Linking sensory-evoked traveling waves to underlying circuit patterns is critical to understanding the neural basis of sensory perception. To form this link, we performed simultaneous electrophysiology and two-photon calcium imaging through transparent NeuroGrids and mapped touch-evoked cortical traveling waves and their underlying microcircuit dynamics. In awake mice, both passive and active whisker touch elicited traveling waves within and across barrels, with a fast early component followed by a variable late wave that lasted hundreds of milliseconds post-stimulus. Strikingly, late-wave dynamics were modulated by stimulus value and correlated with task performance. Mechanistically, the late wave component was i) modulated by motor feedback, ii) complemented by a sparse ensemble pattern across layer 2/3, which a balanced-state network model reconciled via inhibitory stabilization, and iii) aligned to regenerative Layer-5 apical dendritic Ca2+events. Our results reveal a translaminar spacetime pattern organized by cortical feedback in the sensory cortex that supports touch-evoked traveling waves.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT AND HIGHLIGHTS

Whisker touch evokes both early- and late-traveling waves in the barrel cortex over 100’s of milliseconds

Reward reinforcement modulates wave dynamics

Late wave emergence coincides with network sparsity in L23 and time-locked L5 dendritic Ca2+spikes

Experimental and computational results link motor feedback to distinct translaminar spacetime patterns
Global atlas of predicted functional domains inLegionella pneumophilaDot/Icm translocated effectors
Authors: Patel Deepak T. , Stogios Peter J. , Jaroszewski Lukasz , Urbanus Malene , Sedova Mayya , Semper Cameron , Le Cathy , Takkouche Abraham , Ichii Keita , Innabi Julie , Patel Dhruvin H. , Ensminger Alexander , Godzik Adam , Savchenko Alexei
Published: May 2024

Legionella pneumophilautilizes the Dot/Icm type IVB secretion system to deliver hundreds of effector proteins inside eukaryotic cells to ensure intracellular replication. Our understanding of the molecular functions of this largest pathogenic arsenal known to the bacterial world remains incomplete.

By leveraging advancements in 3D protein structure prediction, we provide a comprehensive structural analysis of 368L. pneumophilaeffectors, representing a global atlas of predicted functional domains summarized in a database (https://pathogens3d.org/legionella-pneumophila). Our analysis identified 157 types of diverse functional domains in 287 effectors, including 159 effectors with no prior functional annotations. Furthermore, we identified 35 unique domains in 30 effector models that have no similarity with experimentally structurally characterized proteins, thus, hinting at novel functionalities.

Using this analysis, we demonstrate the activity of thirteen domains, including three unique folds, predicted inL. pneumophilaeffectors to cause growth defects in theSaccharomyces cerevisiaemodel system. This illustrates an emerging strategy of exploring synergies between predictions and targeted experimental approaches in elucidating novel effector activities involved in infection.
Accessing new physics with an undoped, cryogenic CsI CEvNS detector for COHERENT at the SNS
Authors: Barbeau P. S. , Belov V. , Bernardi I. , Bock C. , Bolozdynya A. , Bouabid R. , Browning J. , Cabrera-Palmer B. , Conley E. , da Silva V. , Daughhetee J. , Detwiler J. , Ding K. , Durand M. R. , Efremenko Y. , Elliott S. R. , Erlandson A. , Fabris L. , Febbraro M. , Galindo-Uribarri A. , Green M. P. , Hakenmüller J. , Heath M. R. , Hedges S. , Johnson B. A. , Johnson T. , Khromov A. , Konovalov A. , Kozlova E. , Kumpan A. , Kyzylova O. , Link J. M. , Liu J. , Major A. , Mann K. , Markoff D. M. , Mattingly J. , Mueller P. E. , Newby J. , Ogoi N. , O’Reilly J. , Parno D. S. , Pérez-Loureiro D. , Penttila S. I. , Pershey D. , Prior C. G. , Queen J. , Rapp R. , Ray H. , Razuvaeva O. , Reyna D. , Rich G. C. , Rudik D. , Runge J. , Salvat D. J. , Sander J. , Scholberg K. , Shakirov A. , Simakov G. , Snow W. M. , Sosnovtsev V. , Stringer M. , Subedi T. , Suh B. , Sur B. , Tayloe R. , Tellez-Giron-Flores K. , Tsai Y.-T. , Vanderwerp J. , van Nieuwenhuizen E. E. , Varner R. L. , Virtue C. J. , Visser G. , Walkup K. , Ward E. M. , Wongjirad T. , Yang Y. , Yoo J. , Yu C.-H. , Zaalishvili A.
Published: May 2024

We consider the potential for a 10 kg undoped cryogenic CsI detector operating at the Spallation Neutron Source to measure coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering and its sensitivity to discover new physics beyond the standard model (BSM). Through a combination of increased event rate, lower threshold, and good timing resolution, such a detector would significantly improve on past measurements. We considered tests of several BSM scenarios such as neutrino nonstandard interactions and accelerator-produced dark matter. This detector’s performance was also studied for relevant questions in nuclear physics and neutrino astronomy, namely the weak charge distribution of Cs and I nuclei and detection of neutrinos from a core-collapse supernova.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Wave packets in
AdS/CFT
correspondence
Authors: Terashima Seiji
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we construct a general bulk wave packet in the AdS/CFT correspondence. This wave packet can be described both in bulk and conformal field theory (CFT) descriptions. Then, we compute the time evolution of the energy density of this wave-packet state on the vacuum in the CFT picture of AdS3/CFT2. We find that the energy density of the wave packet is localized at two points, which means that the bulk wave packet corresponds to two light-like particle-like objects in the CFT picture. Our result implies that the entanglement wedge reconstruction given by Almheiri [Bulk locality and quantum error correction in AdS/CFT, is invalid.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
High-resolution crystal structure of the double nitrate hydrate [La(NO3)6]2[Ni(H2O)6]3·6H2O
Authors: Bi David Wenhua , Liu Yong , Magrez Arnaud
Published: May 2024

This study introduces bis[hexakis(nitrato-κ2
O,O′)lanthanum(III)] tris[hexaaquanickel(II)] hexahydrate, [La(NO3)6]2[Ni(H2O)6]3·6H2O, with a structure refined in the hexagonal space group R\overline{3}. The salt comprises [La(NO3)6]3− icosahedra and [Ni(H2O)6]2+ octahedra, thus forming an intricate network of interpenetrating honeycomb lattices arranged in layers. This arrangement is stabilized through strong hydrogen bonds. Two successive layers are connected via the second [Ni(H2O)6]2+ octahedra, forming sheets which are stacked perpendicular to the c axis and held in the crystal by van der Waals forces. The synthesis of [La(NO3)6]2[Ni(H2O)6]3·6H2O involves dissolving lanthanum(III) and nickel(II) oxides in nitric acid, followed by slow evaporation, yielding green hexagonal plate-like crystals.
Lights, camera, action! Adding showmanship to the hospitality servicescape and experiencescape to attract customers: a management perspective
Authors: McCartney Glenn , Liew Kim Yoke Angel
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Restaurants are challenged to secure attraction attributes that provide motives, satisfaction and experiences for guests. The social interaction between server and guest can provide. Our case study aims to examine the perspectives of hospitality executives towards showmanship and server performances in restaurants to enhance servicescape and elevate guest experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review examined employee showmanship as part of the cocreation of gastronomic experiences and servicescape. Additional data were obtained from semi-structured interviews with 15 hospitality executives affiliated with Macao’s integrated resorts (IRs), and the information was examined using thematic analysis.

Findings

The study outcomes showed management support for showmanship performed by servers or chefs in cocreating immersive memorable dining experiences and social media and user-generated content (UGC). This was perceived to distinguish a restaurant from the competition. However, server talent and showmanship interaction with guests must be well managed, and bundled with additional restaurant servicescape attributes.

Practical implications

The comments from hospitality management provide key insights towards implementing and maintaining showmanship which will involve resource challenges including server artisan talent and restaurant design.

Originality/value

Server showmanship social interaction and value cocreation with guests are rarely discussed, although a key part of guest restaurant motivation and in creating an immersive experience. We address the limited understanding of hospitality management assessment towards developing showmanship, providing practical perspectives to assist restaurant and bar management to integrate and develop showmanship to enhance customer dining experiences.
Do HR practices for employee lifecycle influence organisational outcomes equally in Asia? Evidence from the Indo-Thai food sector
Authors: Pathomphatthaphan Sarawut , Das Simanchala , Virat Keytapark
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The primary purpose of this contextual study was three-fold: (1) to study the effect of HR practices on employee lifecycle (ELC) on organisational outcomes; (2) to investigate the mediating role of employee outcomes in the relationship between HR practices and organisational outcomes; (3) to assess the differences in HR practices of the Indian and Thai food processing industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used random sampling to select 574 (278 Indian and 296 Thai) HR managers in food processing industries. A structured questionnaire was administered. The PLS-SEM was used to validate the relationships, while multiple group analysis (MGA) was employed to compare the HR practices.

Findings

The results revealed a significant influence of HR practices on organisational outcomes. Employee outcomes also mediate this influence. MGA results showed no significant variation in the effect of HR practices on organisational outcomes between India and Thailand.

Practical implications

HR practices must be aligned to suit country-specific business contexts to achieve organisational outcomes by improving employee outcomes. The findings would guide managers of the Indian and Thai food industries to develop tailor-made HR strategies.

Originality/value

This study contributes to comparative HRM in the Asian context by offering an empirically tested framework. Additionally, this comparative research offers insightful information on convergent best practices among Asian nations.
Digital leadership, business model innovation and organizational change: role of leader in steering digital transformation
Authors: Malik Mehreen , Raziq Muhammad Mustafa , Sarwar Naukhez , Tariq Adeel
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Scholars and practitioners acknowledge that digital leadership can help organizations gain a competitive advantage. This article focuses on the characteristics, styles and skills needed for effective digital leadership. It looks at the role of digital leaders in innovating business models and introducing organizational change required for a successful digital transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a comprehensive literature review of digital transformation, digital leadership, business model innovation, and organizational culture. It draws on institutional theory (INT) the neo-institutional theory (NIT). It draws from Science Direct, Web of Science and Google Scholar publications. A proposition and a conceptual framework are developed based on evaluating and synthesizing the literature.

Findings

We find that specific leader characteristics (agility, participative, innovativeness and openness), styles (democratic and transformational) and skills (cognitive, social, technological and digital) enable successful business model innovation and organizational change, all of which allow successful digital transformation of firms.

Originality/value

The literature on digital transformation has not been well integrated with the leadership literature. This is particularly true in terms of the role digital leaders play in the successful digital transformation of firms. The conceptual framework and a way forward proposed in this paper introduce future research directions on the topic.
Mapping the landscape: unveiling the structural dynamics of industry platforms
Authors: Abed Alghani Khaled , Kohtamäki Marko , Kraus Sascha
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The proliferation of industry platforms has disrupted several industries. Firms adopting a platform business model have experienced a substantial expansion in size and scale, positioning themselves as the foremost valuable entities in market capitalization. Over the past two decades, there has been a substantial expansion in the body of literature dedicated to platforms, and different streams of research have emerged. Despite considerable efforts and the significant progress made in recent years toward a comprehensive understanding of industry platforms, there is still room for further harnessing the field’s diversity. As a result, the aim of this article is to examine the field’s structure, identify research concerns and provide suggestions for future research, thereby enhancing the overall understanding of industry platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted a thorough examination of 458 articles on the topic using bibliometric methods and systematic review techniques.

Findings

Through co-citation analysis, we identified five distinct clusters rooted in various bodies of literature: two-sided markets, industry platforms, digital platforms, innovation platforms and two-sided networks. Furthermore, the examination of these five clusters has revealed three key areas that demand further consideration: (1) terminologies, (2) classifications and (3) perspectives.

Originality/value

While previous reviews have provided valuable insights into the topic of industry platforms, none have explored the structure of the field so far. Consequently, as a first step toward advancing the field, we uncover the structure of the literature, identifying three major areas of concern. By addressing these concerns, our goal is to converge different clusters, thereby harnessing the diversity in the field and enhancing the overall understanding of industry platforms.
Safeguarding public facilities: a study on enhancing safety in mosque amenities through slip-resistance and surface innovations
Authors: Kim In-Ju
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study critically examines the safety aspects of ablution spaces in United Arab Emirates (UAE) mosques, emphasising the evaluation of smooth ceramic tile floorings prone to water accumulation. As an integral practice in Islamic worship, ablution spaces cater to a diverse demographic, making their safety a paramount concern. This study aims to meticulously assess slip-resistance properties and surface characteristics to provide practical recommendations for enhanced safety measures.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation involves in situ measurements of traction properties and an extensive analysis of surface features in thirty mosques across the UAE. This comprehensive approach allows for identifying the unique challenges posed by ceramic tile floorings in ablution spaces. The study uses a portable tribometer for dynamic friction coefficient measurements, ensuring accurate slip-resistance evaluations. Surface texture analysis uses a portable profilometer to quantify roughness parameters.

Findings

The study’s findings significantly advance the comprehension of safety considerations in ablution spaces. Through empirical evidence and evidence-based insights, the research identifies immediate safety concerns and provides practical recommendations to create secure and inclusive environments within mosques. The emphasis lies on safeguarding the well-being of worshippers and contributing to the broader goal of safety in religious spaces.

Originality/value

The original contribution of this study lies in its dual focus on immediate safety concerns and the deeper understanding of unique safety challenges within ablution spaces. By offering evidence-based insights and practical recommendations, the research strives to make meaningful contributions to creating secure and inclusive environments within mosques.
Resilience evaluation model of photovoltaic industry chain based on grey-entropy-catastrophe progression method: a case study of Jiangsu province
Authors: Xu Lan , Wang Yaofei
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to establish a grey-entropy-catastrophe progression method (CPM) model to assess the photovoltaic (PV) industry chain resilience of Jiangsu Province in China.

Design/methodology/approach

First, we designed the resilience evaluation index system of such a chain from two aspects: the external environment and internal conditions. We then constructed a PV industry chain resilience evaluation model based on the grey-entropy-CPM. Finally, the feasibility and applicability of the proposed model were verified via an empirical case study analysis of Jiangsu Province in China.

Findings

As of the end of 2022, the resilience level of its PV industry chain is medium-high resilience, which indicates a high degree of adaptability to the current unpredictable and competitive market, and can respond to the uncertain impact of changes in conditions effectively and in a timely manner.

Practical implications

The construction of this model can provide reference ideas for related enterprises in the PV industry to analyze the resilience level of the industrial chain and solve the problem of industrial chain resilience.

Originality/value

Firstly, an analysis of the entire industrial chain structure of the PV industry, combined with its unique characteristics is needed to design a PV industry chain resilience evaluation index system. Second, grey relational analysis (GRA) and the entropy method were adopted to improve the importance of ranking the indicators in the evaluation of the CPM, and a resilience evaluation model based on grey-entropy-CPM was constructed.
Determining the climate adaptive capacity of urban actors: a case study of Mongla port-townin Bangladesh
Authors: Rashid Md. Jubaer , Chowdhooree Imon , Aziz Tasfin , Hossain Meherab
Published: May 2024

Purpose

In an urban environment, different types of actors (individuals, households, community groups, institutions, governmental organizations, nongovernmental organizations (NGO), community-based organizations (CBO) and public and private organizations, etc.) play critical roles in enhancing urban resilience to adapt to the impacts of climate change. To identify and prioritize aspects of climate resilience planning, this study aims to examine the potential impacts of climate change on diverse urban systems and evaluate the capacities of various actors to adapt to climatic stress.

Design/methodology/approach

This research selects Mongla, a coastal as well as port town in south-western Bangladesh that faces climate risks including frequent cyclones, storm surges and salinity intrusion due to sea-level and temperature rise, as reported in the National Climate Vulnerability Index 2018. This research uses the methodology proposed by ICLEI South Asia’s Climate Resilient Cities Action Plan and accesses different urban actors’ adaptive capacity for contributing to enhancing climate resilience based on three broad characteristics: the capacity to organize and respond, availability of resources and access to information. The cumulative scores of these characteristics aid in determining the climate adaptive capacity of each urban actor.

Findings

The identified 53 actors are grouped into four categories: government (local and national); international/local NGOs, CBOs and associations; community representatives and private sectors and groups and individuals. The group of NGOs, CBOs and associations has a higher overall adaptive potential than all other actor groups, according to the study. When it comes to practicing adaptive capacity, government institutions are in the second-highest position. But, the Khulna development authority, the government agency that is in charge of overseeing all forms of urban development, scored poorly on all fragile urban systems. However, the performance of the fourth group of urban actors is very subpar when it comes to adapting to climatic stress, which emphasizes the need for focused interventions.

Research limitations/implications

Variations in adaptive capacities to climate change across different actors are particularly useful for targeting actors with lower levels of climate adaptive capacities in Mongla town.

Originality/value

This paper particularly addresses the research gap in assessing the adapting capacity of urban actors in Mongla port-town. Policymakers and practitioners can create and carry out targeted interventions that address the particular needs and concerns of vulnerable actors by making use of the insights obtained from this kind of study, thereby assisting in the development of climate resilience in any urban area.
A pathway to urban resilience: investigating green open space priority areas to mitigate the urban heat island phenomenon in Samarinda City, Indonesia
Authors: Pratomo Rahmat Aris , Islamiah Zumrotul , Bhaskara Bimario Eka
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The potential for massive economic growth exists in Samarinda City due to the intensification of activities in built-up areas. This suggests the potential for increased urban disease in the relocation of Indonesia’s new capital city to a location adjacent to Samarinda. One of the most striking impacts is the urban heat island (UHI). The increase in this phenomenon can be addressed effectively and efficiently through the provision and arrangement of appropriate vegetation-based actions. Therefore, this study aims to identify priority areas of green open space (GOS) based on UHI levels. In addition, this study also aims to present alternative mitigation measures to reduce the risk of disasters due to UHI.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach was used in this research, involving an initial land surface temperature analysis to identify the UHI class. This analysis was complemented by quantitative spatial analyses, such as scoring, overlay and intersect methods, to determine the priority level class and the typology of GOS priority. A qualitative analysis was also conducted through data triangulation or comparison methods, such as examining existing land use, GOS priority maps and spatial plan policies.

Findings

The findings show that the total UHI area in Samarinda City was 6,936.4 ha in 2019 and is divided into three classifications. In Class 1, the UHI area is very dominant, reaching 87% of the total area. Meanwhile, the main results identified two priority classes of GOS in Samarinda, namely, the medium and high categories with an area of 960.43 ha and 113.57 ha, respectively. The results also showed that there were 17 typologies associated with five alternative mitigation measures: green industry, greening parking lots, improving urban green infrastructure and buildings, urban greening and mining restoration.

Research limitations/implications

Specific to assessing UHI, image data were available only in medium spatial resolution, leading to a consequence of detailed accuracy. In addition, since the determination of mitigation considered local policies, the method should be used in other locations requiring adjustments to existing regulations, specifically those related to spatial planning.

Originality/value

This study makes a significant contribution to the understanding of the UHI phenomenon in Indonesia, especially in the urban areas of Kalimantan Island. In addition, the study presents new insights into alternative mitigation actions to reduce the risk of UHI. Innovatively, this study introduces a typology of regions associated with appropriate alternative mitigation actions, making it an important achievement for the first time in the context of this study.