bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterologous Production of Cyprosin B inNicotiana benthamiana: Unveiling the Role of the Plant-Specific Insert Domain in Protein Function and Subcellular Localization
Authors: Muthusamy Saraladevi , Vetukuri Ramesh R , Lundgren Anneli , Kim Sungyong , Kalyandurg Pruthvi B. , Strid Åke , Zhu Li-Hua , Kanagarajan Selvaraju , Brodelius Peter E.
Published: August 2024

The aqueous extract ofCynara cardunculusflowers is traditionally used in cheese production across Mediterranean countries. To meet the growing industrial demand for plant-based milk-clotting enzymes and to explore potential biotechnological applications, we initiated a study to heterologously produce cyprosin B (CYPB), a key milk-clotting enzyme fromC. cardunculus, inNicotiana benthamiana. We also investigated the role of its plant-specific insert (PSI) domain in the CYPB’s activity and its localization. In this study, full-length CYPB and a PSI domain deleted CYPB (CYPBΔPSI) were transiently expressed inN. benthamianaleaves usingAgrobacterium-mediated infiltration. The leaves were harvested nine days post-infiltration, and proteins were purified, yielding approximately 81 mg/kg (CYPB) and 60 mg/kg (CYPBΔPSI) fresh weight. CYPBΔPSI showed significantly higher proteolytic activity (156.72 IU/mg) than CYPB (57.2 IU/mg), indicating that the PSI domain is not essential for enzymatic activity and that its removal results in enhanced enzymatic efficiency. In the milk-clotting activity assay, CYPBΔPSI demonstrated a significantly faster clotting time than full-length CYPB, indicating enhanced milk-clotting efficiency for CYPBΔPSI. Subcellular localization studies revealed that CYPB and PSI were localized in the vacuole and endocytic vesicles. In contrast, CYPBΔPSI was primarily localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the tonoplast, suggesting that the PSI domain is critical for vacuolar targeting and membrane permeabilization that affects overall protein yield. This study demonstrates the feasibility of usingN. benthamianaas a platform for the scalable production of more efficient recombinant CYPB. It highlights the multifunctional role of the PSI domain in vacuolar sorting without impairing its functionality. These results underscore the potential of plant-based expression systems as a viable alternative for the industrial production of plant milk-clotting enzymes, with significant implications for sustainable cheese production.
Information-making processes in the speaker’s brain drive human conversations forward
Authors: Goldstein Ariel , Wang Haocheng , Sheffer Tom , Schain Mariano , Zada Zaid , Niekerken Leonard , Aubrey Bobbi , Nastase Samuel A. , Gazula Harshvardhan , Costo Colton , Doyle Werner , Friedman Daniel , Devore Sasha , Dugan Patricia , Hassidim Avinatan , Brenner Michael , Matias Yossi , Devinsky Orrin , Flinker Adeen , Hasson Uri
Published: August 2024

A conversation following an overly predictable pattern is likely boring and uninformative; conversely, if it lacks structure, it is likely nonsensical. The delicate balance between predictability and surprise has been well studied using information theory during speech perception, focusing on how listeners predict upcoming words based on context and respond to unexpected information. However, less is known about how speakers’ brains generate structured yet surprisingly informative speech. This study uses continuous electrocorticography (ECoG) recordings during free, 24/7 conversations to investigate the neural basis of speech production and comprehension. We employed large language models (Llama-2 and GPT-2) to calculate word probabilities based on context and categorized words into probable (top 30%) and improbable (bottom 30%) groups. We then extracted word embeddings from the LLMs and used encoding models to estimate the neural activity while producing or listening to probable and improbable words. Our findings indicate that before word-onset, the human brain functions in opposing, perhaps complementary, ways while listening and speaking. Results show that listeners exhibit increased neural encoding for predictable words before word onset, while speakers show increased encoding for surprising, improbable words. Speakers also show a lower speech production rate before articulating unexpected words, suggesting additional cognitive processes are involved in producing novel information. This indicates that human speech production includes information-making processes for generating informative words that are absent in language models, which primarily rely on statistical probabilities to generate contextually appropriate speech.
Dynamic positioning of a TFIIE-related winged-helix domain in RNA polymerase elongation complex III underpins its multi-functionality
Authors: Wu Jheng-Syong , Lin Yu-Chun , Wei Yi-Yu , Lin Hsin-Hung , Liu Yang-Chih , Chang Jen-Wei , Tu I-Ping , Chen Hung-Ta , Chang Wei-Hau
Published: August 2024

RNA polymerase III (Pol III) is a large protein complex that efficiently synthesizes structural and non-translated RNAs. The tandem-wing-helix (tWH) domain (WH1 and WH2) in the Rpc34 subunit of the TFIIE-related sub-complex plays multiple roles central to Pol III transcription, but the structural basis remains conundrum due to its cryo-EM density missing in enlongation complex (EC). Here, by site-specifically incorporating an azido unnatural amino acid (UAA) into Pol III Rpc34 WH2 and developing a simple protocol to enable selective labeling using strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloadditio—the Bertozzi click reaction, we probed Rpc34 WH2 dynamics using single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) between an acceptor in Rpc34 WH2 and a donor in DNA. Our smFRET resolved multiple FRET states with inter-state transitions exhibiting characteristic kinetics. Further nano-positioning analysis localized the docking positions of those FRET states on Pol III EC, including sites related to initiation and transcription bubble management. Our findings of Rpc34 WH2 dynamical positioning suggest the docking interactions are weak and promiscuous, providing a mechanism to rationalize multi-functionality of Pol III Rpc34 tWH. This study expands our understanding of Pol III transcription machinery and our chemical biology means are widely applicable to explore structural dynamics of large protein complexes.
The asymmetric opening of HIV-1 Env by a potent CD4 mimetic enables anti-coreceptor binding site antibodies to mediate ADCC
Authors: Richard Jonathan , Grunst Michael W. , Niu Ling , Díaz-Salinas Marco A. , Tolbert William D. , Marchitto Lorie , Zhou Fei , Bourassa Catherine , Yang Derek , Chiu Ta Jung , Chen Hung-Ching , Benlarbi Mehdi ,   Guillaume-Beaudoin-Buissières, Gottumukkala Suneetha , Li Wenwei , Dionne Katrina , Bélanger Étienne , Chatterjee Debashree , Medjahed Halima , Hendrickson Wayne A. , Sodroski Joseph , Lang Zabrina C. , Morton Abraham J. , Huang Rick K. , Matthies Doreen , Smith Amos B. , Mothes Walther , Munro James B. , Pazgier Marzena , Finzi Andrés
Published: August 2024

HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins (Env) from primary HIV-1 isolates typically adopt a pretriggered “closed” conformation that resists to CD4-induced (CD4i) non-neutralizing antibodies (nnAbs) mediating antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). CD4-mimetic compounds (CD4mcs) “open-up” Env allowing binding of CD4i nnAbs, thereby sensitizing HIV-1-infected cells to ADCC. Two families of CD4i nnAbs, the anti-cluster A and anti-coreceptor binding site (CoRBS) Abs, are required to mediate ADCC in combination with the indane CD4mc BNM-III-170. Recently, new indoline CD4mcs with improved potency and breadth have been described. Here, we show that the lead indoline CD4mc, CJF-III-288, sensitizes HIV-1-infected cells to ADCC mediated by anti-CoRBS Abs alone, contributing to improved ADCC activity. Structural and conformational analyses reveal that CJF-III-288, in combination with anti-CoRBS Abs, potently stabilizes an asymmetric “open” State-3 Env conformation, This Env conformation orients the anti-CoRBS Ab to improve ADCC activity and therapeutic potential.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts confer ALK inhibitor resistance inEML4-ALK-driven lung cancer via concurrent integrin and MET signaling
Authors: Hu Qianqian , Remsing Rix Lily L. , Desai Bina , Miroshnychenko Daria , Li Xueli , Welsh Eric A. , Fang Bin , Wright Gabriela M. , Chaudhary Neelkamal , Kroeger Jodi L. , Doebele Robert C. , Koomen John M. , Haura Eric B. , Marusyk Andriy , Rix Uwe
Published: August 2024

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are associated with tumor progression and modulate drug sensitivity of cancer cells. However, the underlying mechanisms are often incompletely understood and crosstalk between tumor cells and CAFs involves soluble secreted as well as adhesion proteins. Interrogating a panel of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines driven byEML4-ALKfusions, we observed substantial CAF-mediated drug resistance to clinical ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Array-based cytokine profiling of fibroblast-derived conditioned- media identified HGF-MET signaling as a major contributor to CAF-mediated paracrine resistance that can be overcome by MET TKIs. However, ‘Cell Type specific labeling using Amino acid Precursors’ (CTAP)-based expression and phosphoproteomics in direct coculture also highlighted a critical role for the fibronectin-integrin pathway. Flow cytometry analysis confirmed activation of integrin β1 (ITGB1) in lung cancer cells by CAF coculture. Treatment with pharmacological inhibitors, cancer cell-specific silencing or CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout ofITGB1overcame adhesion protein-mediated resistance. Concurrent targeting of MET and integrin signaling effectively abrogated CAF-mediated resistance ofEML4-ALK-driven NSCLC cells to ALK TKIsin vitro. Consistently, combination of the ALK TKI alectinib with the MET TKI capmatinib and/or the integrin inhibitor cilengitide was significantly more efficacious than single agent treatment in suppressing tumor growth using anin vivo EML4-ALK-dependent allograft mouse model of NSCLC. In summary, these findings emphasize the complexity of resistance-associated crosstalk between CAFs and cancer cells, which can involve multiple concurrent signaling pathways, and illustrate how comprehensive elucidation of paracrine and juxtacrine resistance mechanisms can inform on more effective therapeutic approaches.
Differential encoding of mammalian proprioception by voltage-gated sodium channels
Authors: Espino Cyrrus M. , Nagaraja Chetan , Ortiz Serena , Dayton Jacquelyn R. , Murali Akash R. , Ma Yanki , Mann Emari L. , Garlapalli Snigdha , Wohlgemuth Ross P. , Brashear Sarah E. , Smith Lucas R. , Wilkinson Katherine A. , Griffith Theanne N.
Published: August 2024

Animals that require purposeful movement for survival are endowed with mechanosensory neurons called proprioceptors that provide essential sensory feedback from muscles and joints to spinal cord circuits, which modulates motor output. Despite the essential nature of proprioceptive signaling in daily life, the mechanisms governing proprioceptor activity are poorly understood. Here, we have identified distinct and nonredundant roles for two voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVs), NaV1.1 and NaV1.6, in mammalian proprioception. Deletion of NaV1.6 in somatosensory neurons (NaV1.6cKOmice) causes severe motor deficits accompanied by complete loss of proprioceptive transmission, which contrasts with our previous findings using similar mouse models to target NaV1.1 (NaV1.1cKO). In NaV1.6cKOanimals, loss of proprioceptive feedback caused non-cell- autonomous impairments in proprioceptor end-organs and skeletal muscle that were absent in NaV1.1cKOmice. We attribute the differential contribution of NaV1.1 and NaV1.6 in proprioceptor function to distinct cellular localization patterns. Collectively, these data provide the first evidence that NaV subtypes uniquely shape neurotransmission within a somatosensory modality.

Teaser

Voltage gated sodium channels differentially encode mammalian proprioception via distinct cellular localization patterns.
OrthoBrowser: Gene Family Analysis and Visualization
Authors: Hartwick Nolan T. , Michael Todd P.
Published: August 2024

The analysis of gene families across diverse species is pivotal in elucidating evolutionary dynamics and functional genomic landscapes. Typical analysis approaches often require significant computational expertise and user time. We introduce OrthoBrowser, a static site generator that will index and serve phylogeny, gene trees, multiple sequence alignments, and novel multiple synteny alignments. This greatly enhances the usability of tools like OrthoFinder by making the detailed results much more visually accessible. This interface can scale reasonably up to hundreds of genomes, allows a user to filter this large dataset to a subset of samples they are interested in at that particular moment in time, or “zoom in” to only a subtree of the orthogroup. The multiple synteny alignment method uses a progressive hierarchical alignment approach in the protein space using orthogroup membership to establish orthology. Orthobrowser makes it easy for users to identify, interact with, explore, and share key information about their gene families of interest.

Availability

OrthoBrowser is available under the MIT license at:https://gitlab.com/salk-tm/orthobrowser

Contact

nhartwick@salk.edu

Supplementary Information

Example OrthoBrowser Results:https://orthobrowserexamples.netlify.app/
The Human Cerebellum: A Digital Anatomical Atlas at the Level of Individual Folia
Authors: Samuelsson John G. , Schmahmann Jeremy D. , Sereno Martin , Rosen Bruce , Hämäläinen Matti S.
Published: August 2024

Scientific interest in the cerebellum has surged in the last few decades with an emerging consensus on a multifaceted functionality and intricate, but not yet fully understood, functional topography over the cerebellar cortex. To further refine this structure-function relationship and quantify its inter-subject variability, a high-resolution digital anatomical atlas is fundamental. Using a combination of manual labeling and image processing, we turned a recently published reconstruction of the human cerebellum, the first such reconstruction fine enough to resolve the individual folia, into a digital atlas with both surface and volumetric representations. Its unprecedented granularity (0.16 mm) and detailed expert labeling make the atlas usable as an anatomical ground truth, enabling new ways of analyzing and visualizing cerebellar data through its digital format.
MYC shapes ER-mitochondria calcium transfer by directly targetingITPR1: implications for MYC-induced safeguard mechanisms and cancer
Authors: Ma Xingjie , Tsalikis Athanasios , Vernier Mathieu , Zhu Kexin , El Hassani Jéhanne , Ziegler Dorian , Huna Anda , Coquet Claire , Revechon Gwladys , Margand Céline , Benard Flavie , Czarnecka-Herok Joanna , Di Cacito Isabelle Iacono , Koering Catherine , Attignon Valéry , Carrere Marjorie , Jollivet Florence , Mollereau Bertrand , Vanbelle Christophe , Gandrillon Olivier , Dumont Benoît , Delloye-Bourgeois Céline , Hernandez-Vargas Hector , Broutier Laura , Martin Nadine , Bernard David
Published: August 2024

The MYC and NMYC transcription factors (TFs) play a key role in cell proliferation and are overexpressed in most cancer cells. However, in normal cells their overexpression triggers safeguard mechanisms promoting cell death and cellular senescence, which are bypassed in cancer cells. The mechanisms of action of this TF family are only partially understood. Here, we reveal that in normal cells MYC binds to the Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor type 1 (ITPR1)gene and upregulates its expression, triggering an ER-mitochondria calcium (Ca2+) transfer, which is involved in MYC-induced cell death and senescence. Supporting a tumor suppressive role of MYC/ITPR1 axis,ITPR1expression is generally decreased in cancer and reactivation of this pathway induces cancer cell death. Nevertheless, some cancer cells, generally expressing high levels ofMYCNand/orMYC, also express high level ofITPR1, which correlates with high expression ofBCL2, encoding an inhibitor of ITPR1. Strikingly, in high-riskMYCN-amplified neuroblastoma,ITPR1expression is controlled by NMYC and its level correlates with worse patient survival. In these cells, blocking the interaction between BCL2 and ITPR1 induces mitochondrial Ca2+accumulation and cell death, and decreases tumor size. Collectively these data highlight a new function of MYC factors by controlling Ca2+signaling, which could constitute an unsuspected vulnerability for some cancer cells, including high-riskMYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells.
Three-photon in vivo imaging of neurons and glia in the medial prefrontal cortex with sub-cellular resolution
Authors: Fuhrmann Falko , Nebeling Felix C. , Musacchio Fabrizio , Mittag Manuel , Poll Stefanie , Müller Monika , Giovannetti Eleonora Ambrad , Maibach Michael , Schaffran Barbara , Burnside Emily , Chan Ivy Chi Wai , Lagurin Alex Simon , Reichenbach Nicole , Kaushalya Sanjeev , Fried Hans , Linden Stefan , Petzold Gabor C. , Tavosanis Gaia , Bradke Frank , Fuhrmann Martin
Published: August 2024

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is important for higher cognitive functions, including working memory, decision making, and emotional control.In vivorecordings of neuronal activity in the mPFC have been achieved via invasive electrical and optical approaches. Here we apply low invasive three-photonin vivoimaging in the mPFC of the mouse at unprecedented depth. Specifically, we measure neuronal and astrocytic Ca2+-transient parameters in awake head-fixed mice up to a depth of 1700 µm. Furthermore, we longitudinally record dendritic spine density (0.41 ±0.07 µm-1) deeper than 1 mm for a week. Using 1650 nm wavelength to excite red fluorescent microglia, we quantify their processes’ motility (58.9 ±2% turnover rate) at previously unreachable depths (1100 µm). We establish three-photon imaging of the mPFC enabling neuronal and glial recordings with subcellular resolution that will pave the way for novel discoveries in this brain region.
Innovations in Alginate Catabolism Leading to Heterotrophy and Adaptive Evolution of Diatoms
Authors: Lim Zeng Hao , Zheng Peng , Quek Christopher , Nowrousian Minou , Aachmann Finn L. , Jedd Gregory
Published: August 2024

A major goal of evolutionary biology is to identify the genetic basis for the emergence of adaptive traits. Diatoms are ancestrally photosynthetic microalgae. However, in the genusNitzschia, loss of photosynthesis led to a group of free-living secondary heterotrophs whose manner of energy acquisition is unclear. Here, we sequence the genome of the non-photosynthetic diatomNitzschiasing1 and identify the genetic basis for its catabolism of the brown seaweed cell wall polysaccharide alginate.N. sing1 obtained an endolytic alginate lyase enzyme by horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from a marine bacterium. Subsequent gene duplication and transposition led to 91 genes in three distinct gene families. One family retains the ancestral endolytic enzyme function. By contrast, the two others underwent domain duplication, gain, loss, rearrangement, and mutation to encode novel functions that can account for oligosaccharide import through the endomembrane system and the exolytic production of alginate monosaccharides. Together, our results show how a single HGT event followed by substantial gene duplication and neofunctionalization led to alginate catabolism and access to a new ecological niche.

Highlights

N. sing1 acquired an alginate lyase (ALY) gene by horizontal gene transfer from a marine bacterium

This founding gene expanded and diversified to comprise 3 major families across 30 loci

Derived functions account for alginate import and processing into monomers

Domain duplication, gain, loss, mutation, andde novosequence evolution underlie ALY gene neofunctionalization

Graphical Abstract
A remarkable degree of conformance between the visual streak of the Mongolian gerbil and the human central retina
Authors: Günter Alexander , Jarboui Mohamed Ali , Mühlfriedel Regine , Seeliger Mathias W.
Published: August 2024

The Mongolian gerbil (MG) is a day-active rodent that lives in desert-like environments and thus very much relies on vision. To allow for a particularly exact view of the horizon, the region of highest visual acuity, the visual streak (VS), forms a horizontal band across the retina between the projection areas of the sky and the ground. Here, we assessed the retinal basis of this specialized region and compared the findings to the human central high-acuity region culminating in the macula. We found an increased density of cones, elongated photoreceptor outer segments (OSs) and a minimization of intersecting surface vessels to improve quality of vision, all of which is analogous to the human macula. Stunningly, also the area of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells was significantly smaller in the VS region than in the periphery, again similar to what is found in the human macula. Our data therefore suggest that the remarkable degree of conformance between the VS of the MG and the human macula renders the MG a promising rodent, non-primate model of the central human retina.
OsWHY1/OsTRXz/OsMORFs complex is essential for RNA modification and early chloroplast development in rice
Authors: Zheng Xiangzi , Lu Qingzheng , Luo Yuling , Xu Jiaxuan , Wang Weiqi , Tan Min , Liao Dongmei , Hong Wuqiang , Chen Sirong , Lin Chuheng , Wang Xiaoli , Fan Chunlan , Habiba  , Wang Xiaowei , Li Yanyun , Zhang Yu , Lin Wenfang , Miao Ying
Published: August 2024

WHIRLY (WHY) proteins are single-stranded DNA/RNA-binding proteins that play multifaceted roles in various plant species. The regulatory mechanisms of WHY proteins in rice remains blank. Here we demonstrate thatOsWHY1in rice is required for early chloroplast development. CRISPR/Cas9-generatedoswhy1knockout lines displayed albino seedling phenotypes, abnormal chloroplast structure and comprised redox balance in leaves. OsWHY1 interacts with multiple plastid proteins, including the thioredoxin OsTRXz and two multiple organellar RNA editing factors (OsMORF8 and OsMORF9) in chloroplasts. Accordingly, several plastid genes dependent on plastid-encoded RNA polymerase (PEP) in theoswhy1mutants were significantly depressed at both transcript and protein levels. The editing ofrps14transcripts and splicing ofrpl2,along with their protein expression, were defective in theoswhy1mutants. OsWHY1 exhibited RNA-binding activity, specifically binding torps14andrpl2precursor RNAs, which underscores its role as a post-transcriptional regulator essential for normal protein synthesis in chloroplasts. Loss-of- function mutants of eitherOsWHY1orOsMORF9andOsTRXzdisplayed albino phenotypes, disrupted H2O2homeostasis, and defective RNA processing inrps14andrpl2, suggesting the OsWHY1-OsTRXz-OsMORFs regulatory module is vital for maintaining chloroplast stability and integrity through its RNA-binding activity and its role in recruiting OsTRXz and OsMORFs to ensure proper RNA modification.

One sentence summary

OsWHY1 is integral to chloroplast development in rice through its RNA-binding activity and its role in recruiting OsTRXz and OsMORFs to ensure proper RNA modification.
Disorder free many-body localization transition in two quasiperiodically coupled Heisenberg spin chains
Authors: Gunawardana K. G. S. H. , Uchoa Bruno
Published: August 2024

Disorder free many-body localization (MBL) can occur in interacting systems that can dynamically generate their own disorder. We address the thermal-MBL phase transition of two isotropic Heisenberg spin chains that are quasiperiodically coupled to each other. The spin chains are incommensurate and are coupled through a short-range exchange interaction of the XXZ type that decays exponentially with the distance. Using exact diagonalization, matrix product states, and a density matrix renormalization group, we calculate the time evolution of the entanglement entropy at long times and extract the inverse participation ratio in the thermodynamic limit. We show that this system has a robust MBL phase. We establish the phase diagram with the onset of MBL as a function of the interchain exchange coupling and of the incommensuration between the spin chains. The Ising limit of the interchain interaction optimizes the stability of the MBL phase over a broad range of incommensurations above a given critical exchange coupling. Incorporation of interchain spin flips significantly enhances entanglement between the spin chains and produces delocalization, favoring a prethermal phase whose entanglement entropy grows logarithmically with time.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Anisotropic excitonic magnetism from discrete
C4
symmetry in
CeRhIn5
Authors: Brener D. J. , Mallo I. Rodriguez , Lane H. , Rodriguez-Rivera J. A. , Schmalzl K. , Songvilay M. , Guratinder K. , Petrovic C. , Stock C.
Published: August 2024

Anisotropy in strongly correlated materials is a central parameter in determining the electronic ground state and is tuned through the local crystalline electric field. This is notably the case in the CeCoxRh1−xIn5 system where the ground-state wave function can provide the basis for antiferromagnetism and/or unconventional superconductivity. We develop a methodology to understand the local magnetic anisotropy and experimentally investigate with neutron spectroscopy applied to antiferromagnetic (TN=3.8K) CeRhIn5, which is isostructural to d-wave superconducting (Tc=2.3K) CeCoIn5. Through diagonalizing the local crystal field Hamiltonian with discrete tetragonal C4 point group symmetry and coupling these states with the random phase approximation, we find two distinct modes polarized along the crystallographic c and a−b planes, agreeing with experiment. The anisotropy and bandwidth, underlying the energy scale of these modes, are tuneable with a magnetic field which we use experimentally to separate in energy single and multiparticle excitations thereby demonstrating the instability of excitations polarized within the crystallographic a−b plane in CeRhIn5. We compare this approach to a

S

eff

=

1

2

parametrizations and argue for the need to extend conventional SU(2) theories of magnetic excitations to utilize the multilevel nature of the underlying crystal-field basis states constrained by the local point-group C4 symmetry.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Femtosecond trimer quench in the unconventional charge-density-wave material
1T′−TaTe2
Authors: Domröse Till , Ropers Claus
Published: August 2024

Ultrafast optical switching of materials properties promises future technological applications, enabled by fundamental insights about microscopic couplings and nonequilibrium phenomena. Transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) combine photosensitivity with strong correlations, furthering rich phase diagrams and enhanced tunability. The compound 1T′−TaTe2 exhibits an electronically and structurally unique set of charge density waves (CDWs), featuring an unusual increase in conductivity and amplitude modes of low prominence. Compared to other charge-ordered TMDCs, only very few studies addressed the ultrafast response of this material to optical excitation. In particular, the question whether such unconventional properties translate to unusual quench dynamics remains largely unresolved. Here, we investigate the structural dynamics in 1T′−TaTe2 by means of ultrafast nanobeam electron diffraction at an unprecedented repetition rate of 2MHz. We reveal a strongly directional cooperative atomic motion during the one-dimensional quench of the low-temperature trimer lattice. These dynamics are completed within less than 500fs, substantially faster than reported previously. In striking contrast, the periodic lattice distortion of the room-temperature phase is unusually robust against high-density electronic excitation. In conjunction with the known sensitivity of 1T′−TaTe2 to chemical doping, we thus expect the material to serve as a versatile platform for tunable structural control by optical stimuli.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Effect of specimen displacement in X-ray powder diffraction measurements with laboratory diffractometers
Authors: Gateshki M. , Dortmann Th. , Degen Th. , Sadki M. , Norberg N.
Published: August 2024

The effect of specimen displacement in X-ray powder diffraction experiments with laboratory diffractometers has been revisited and new expressions have been derived for several commonly used experimental configurations, including Bragg–Brentano parafocusing geometry and flat-plate transmission geometry. The results presented in this work allow the analysis of data from samples with relatively large displacements. This may open the possibility to study samples with dimensions that are difficult to accommodate with the sample-handling capabilities of standard laboratory diffractometers.
Poly[tris(2-aminobutan-1-ol)copper(II) [hexakis-μ2-cyanido-κ12
C:N-tetracopper(I)] bis(2-aminobutan-1-olato)aquacopper(II) monohydrate]
Authors: Corfield Peter W. R. , Salvi Paul
Published: August 2024

The title structure, {[Cu(C4H11NO)3][Cu4(CN)6]·[Cu(C4H10NO)2(H2O)]·H2O}
n
, is made up of diperiodic honeycomb CuICN networks built from [Cu4(CN)6]2− units, together with two independent CuII complexes: six-coordinate [Cu(CH3CH2CH(NH2)CH2OH)3]2+ cations, and five-coordinate [Cu(CH3CH2CH(NH2)CH2O)2·H2O] neutral species. The two CuII complexes are not covalently bonded to the CuICN networks. Strong O—H...O hydrogen bonds link the CuII complexes into pairs and the pairs are hydrogen bonded into chains along the crystallographic b axis via the hydrate water molecule. In addition, O—H...(CN) and N—H...(CN) hydrogen bonds link the cations to the CuCN network. In the honeycomb polymeric moiety, all bridging cyanido ligands are disordered over two orientations, head-to-tail and tail-to-head, with occupancies for C and N atoms varying for each CN group.
Who gains favor with green investors amidst climate risk?
Authors: Feng Lingbing , Huang Dasen
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of climate risk disclosure by listed companies on the entry of green investors. It seeks to understand how proactive climate risk disclosure can attract green investment and the underlying mechanisms that facilitate this process.

Design/methodology/approach

Textual analysis is employed to assess the extent of climate risk disclosure in annual reports. The research constructs indicators for green investor entry and applies regression analysis to examine the relationship between climate risk disclosure and green investment, considering various mediating variables such as positive online news coverage, ESG scores, and corporate reputation.

Findings

Green investors are more likely to invest in companies with higher levels of climate risk disclosure. This relationship is robust across different types of firms, with non-state-owned, non-high-tech, large-scale firms, and those in the Eastern region showing a stronger attraction to green investors. Climate risk disclosure promotes green investment through the “signal transmission” mechanism, enhancing corporate reputation and ESG performance.

Originality/value

This paper extends the traditional theory of external incentives for corporate green development to include autonomous incentives through active climate risk disclosure. It provides new insights into the theory of corporate sustainable development and offers practical recommendations for enhancing corporate green development pathways. The study’s comprehensive approach and use of extensive data contribute valuable knowledge to the field of green investment and corporate sustainability.
Covid-19 pandemic trouble? An exploratory study on German acquisitions in Japan
Authors: Massmann Kevin , Bebenroth Ralf
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study investigated how the Covid-19 pandemic impacted cross-border acquisitions. Though literature suggests that cross-border investments decreased during the pandemic, there is little conclusive evidence on specific characteristics in the execution of particular acquisitions during such times. We applied the case study format to conduct our investigation by (1) providing a classification of influences on cross-border procedures and (2) highlighting critical characteristics during three phases of acquisitions, namely, search, negotiation and integration periods.

Design/methodology/approach

The grounded theory approach was applied to three in-depth case studies of German companies that acquired Japanese targets during the Covid-19 pandemic. Data were supplemented by information received through additional case studies of German subsidiaries in Japan and interviews with consultants.

Findings

Firms had already intended to acquire their respective targets, with their decisions having been made prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Thus, the pandemic had no impact on target selection in the case firms. Owing to travel restrictions, information exchange was limited which inevitably led to higher usage of digitalization. While several barriers led to delays in negotiations, prevailing mutual trust and assistance from consultants helped to reduce difficulties. During the integration period, we found delays in synergy creation and increases in remote communication. Nevertheless, the digital workflow improved the efficiency.

Originality/value

Our study provides novel insights into the execution of cross-border acquisitions impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. We discuss new implications for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) research and practice for the post-pandemic era, focusing on German firms acquiring Japanese targets.
A grey target performance evaluation model for aeroengine pressure test bench
Authors: Zhang Yanhua , Ying Kaixin , Zhou Jialin , Cheng Yuehua , Xu Chenghui , Fang Zhigeng
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to optimize the air pressure regulation scheme of the aeroengine pressure test bench.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the requirements of pressure regulation process and the operating mechanism of aeroengine pressure test bench, a grey performance evaluation index system is constructed. The combination of principal component analysis and grey theory is employed to assign weights to grey indexes. The grey target evaluation model is introduced to evaluate the performance of historical regulation processes, and the evaluation results are analyzed to derive optimization mechanism for pressure regulating schemes.

Findings

A case study based on monitoring data from nearly 300 regulation processes verifies the feasibility of the proposed method. On the one hand, the improved principal component analysis method can achieve rational weighting for grey indexes. On the other hand, the method comparison intuitively shows that the proposed method performs better.

Originality/value

The pressure test bench is a fundamental technical equipment in the aviation industry, serving the development and testing of aircraft engines. Due to the complex system composition, the pressure and flow adjustment of the test bench heavily rely on manual experience, leading to issues such as slow adjustment speed and insufficient accuracy. This paper proposes a performance evaluation method for the regulation process of pressure test bench, which can draw knowledge from historical regulation processes, provide guidance for the pressure regulation of test benches, and ultimately achieve the goal of reducing equipment operating costs.
Design and experiment of CLIBOT, a novel UHV insulator climbing robot with discrete optimization
Authors: Li Yunxiang , Ai Yunfei , Zou Jinzhou , Liu Liangyu , Liu Chengjian , Fu Siheng , Zou Dehua , Wei Wang
Published: August 2024

Purpose

By analyzing the shortcomings of existing insulator robots, a novel ultra high voltage (UHV) insulator climbing robot, which could transfer between adjacent insulator strings, is proposed for operation on 800KV multiple-string insulators. An extended inchworm-like configuration was chosen and a stable gripping claw suitable for the insulator string was designed to enable the robot to multiple-string insulators. Then a set of nonheuristic structural parameters that can influence energy consumption was chosen to formulate a nonlinear optimization problem based on the configuration, which improved the energy efficiency of the robot during progressing along a string of insulator.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose of this paper is to design an insulator climbing robot for operation on UHV multiple-string insulators, which could transfer between adjacent insulator strings and progressed along a string of insulator with high energy efficiency.

Findings

A physical prototype was constructed that can operate at the speed of six pieces per minute (approximately 1.44 meters per minute) on a single string and complete transference between adjacent strings in 45 s. The energy consumption of joints during progressed along a string of insulator had been reduced by 38.8% with the optimized parameters, demonstrating the consistency between the experimental and simulation results.

Originality/value

An insulator climbing robot for operation on UHV multiple-string insulators has been developed with energy consumption optimization design. The robot can transfer between adjacent insulator strings and progressed along a string of insulator with high energy efficiency. The CLIBOT could be expanded to detect or clean the insulators with similar specification.
Board reforms and managerial risk-taking incentives: evidence from Chinese central state-owned enterprises
Authors: Hu Shiyang , Wei Chunyan , Xue Rui , Yin Liang , Zhu Bo
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper examines the effect of board reforms on managerial risk-taking incentive provision in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) whose managers are undue risk-averse.

Design/methodology/approach

We use the staggered implementation of board reforms in Chinese central government-controlled state-owned enterprises (CSOEs) as an exogenous shock to board governance. We collect data on board reforms for a set of pilot CSOEs during the period 2005 to 2020 from the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) website by hand. We use a generalized difference-in-difference (DID) design to test the effect of staggered board reform adoption on managerial risk-taking incentive provision.

Findings

We find a positive relationship between board reforms and risk-taking inventive provision, i.e. pay-performance sensitivity, promotion-performance sensitivity and performance target difficulty. The documented relationship is stronger when the value of risk-taking is higher. We also find that board reforms lead to greater risky but value-enhancing investments and that managerial risk-taking incentive provision acts as an important channel through which board reforms improve value-enhancing risk-taking.

Originality/value

Our findings suggest that board reforms that improve board governance are effective in addressing risk-related agency conflicts in emerging markets. The findings also highlight the importance of managerial risk-taking incentive provision in inducing risky but value-enhancing investments.
Social capital and business strategy
Authors: Lam Brian , Li Lina Z. , Song Byron Y. , Yao Li
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of social capital on firms’ business strategies, focusing on Miles and Snow (1978) dichotomy between “prospector” and “defender” strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors perform multivariate regression analyses using a sample of US firms spanning the period from 1995 to 2021. The authors use a two-stage least squares model to alleviate endogeneity concerns and perform several cross-sectional tests and path analyses.

Findings

The authors find a significant and positive association between social capital and defender-type business strategies. Results from cross-sectional analyses reveal that this relationship is more pronounced in highly competitive product markets and among firms led by highly qualified CEOs. In addition, the authors find that CEO compensation mediates the effect of social capital on business strategy. Overall, the results suggest that low social capital regions foster prospector strategies due to managers’ self-maximizing incentives. Finally, the authors find that business strategy acts as a mediating factor, connecting social capital to firms’ financial reporting outcomes.

Social implications

In light of recent public concerns over declining social capital in major economies and the growing globalization and multiculturism in societies, the findings are of interest to policymakers and the wider society by highlighting the far-reaching implications of social capital on businesses and the capital market.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study documents the first empirical evidence on the association between a society’s social capital and firms’ business strategies. The study contributes to the research on the determinants of a firm’s business strategy and extends the literature on the relationship between social capital and firm behavior.
Firm survivability during long-term disruptions: an adaptation-based view
Authors: Echefaj Khadija , Cherrafi Anass , Charkaoui Abdelkabir , Gruchmann Tim , Ivanov Dmitry
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic showed that preestablished contingency plans and resilience practices were insufficient to cope with long-term and global disruptions. Companies thus struggled to develop capabilities that ensure their survivability during similar crises. Building on the adaptation-based view (ABV) of supply chain resilience, this study aims to offer an in-depth perspective on survivability in supply chains (SCs).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper empirically tests related relationships between adaptation capabilities and practices that ensure operational continuity. Responses from 252 organisations were collected and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results empirically support the ABV’s theoretical propositions and assess the possibilities of intertwining, digitalisation, a circular economy and maturity for the survivability of SCs.

Research limitations/implications

The derived insights are attractive for managers and researchers to foster supply chain survivability and contribute to the increasing efforts of middle-range theorising in logistics and supply chain management research.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first studies to define factors enhancing the survivability of SCs through the lens of the ABV.
Cultivating a culture of learning: the role of leadership in fostering lifelong development
Authors: Ahsan Muhammad Junaid
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Leadership is key to building a culture of continuous learning within organizations. This study aims to explore the pivotal role of leadership in creating a culture of constant learning within organizations by bibliometric and content analysis. It also introduces propositions and frameworks that emphasize the importance of fostering a growth mindset, encouraging knowledge sharing, promoting learning agility and leveraging technology to support lifelong development.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the Web of Science Core Collection, the author performed a complete analysis of publication features, collaboration networks and keywords in the field using VOSviewer software. Furthermore, drawing on social cognitive theory, this paper also presents propositions that integrate key concepts and strategies for fostering a culture of learning.

Findings

The data shows a large increase in publications on leadership and organizational learning, particularly since 2000, indicating an increasing interest and importance in this field. The author proposes leaders who demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and invest in learning resources empower their teams to embrace new challenges and explore innovative solutions. By fostering a culture of learning, organizations can enhance employee engagement, foster creativity and innovation and adapt more effectively to changing market dynamics.

Originality/value

This study offers a unique perspective on the role of leadership in driving learning and development initiatives. By implementing the principles, organizations can create a competitive advantage by cultivating a workforce that is agile, resilient and equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world.
International declaration on rural mental health research: 10 guiding principles and standards
Authors: Roberts Russell , Munoz Sarah‐Anne , Thorpe Karla , Dalton Hazel , Deacon Leith , Meredith David , Gussy Mark , Bain Steve F. , Swann Christian , Lindstrom Maria , Blanch Jordi , Beautrais Annette , Silverblatt Helene , Salvador‐Carulla Luis , Colgan Finola , Heinz Tammy D. , Perkins David , Russell Sean , Grattidge Laura
Published: August 2024

Rural communities have unique mental health needs and challenges which are often related to the uniqueness of the community itself. On a per‐capita basis, the investment in rural mental health research is far less than that in urban communities. Added to this, rural communities are often at risk of researchers, based in large urban universities, visiting, conducting the research with minimal engagement with local stakeholders and limited understanding of the community's social‐service‐environmental context. Often this research leaves no visible benefit to the community with respect to increased knowledge, resources or community capacity. This commentary is based on the insights of a panel of authors from 9 countries, each with extensive experience of rural mental health research and work. And it seeks to stimulate the discourse on responsible rural mental health practice. The aim of this commentary is to provide a reference on research practice for novice and experienced researchers on rural mental health research and practice, to assist policymakers, government and funding bodies to establish appropriate standards and guidelines for rural mental health research, and support rural communities to advocate for equity of funding and sustainable research as they engage with researchers, funders and governments. The 10 standards in this declaration will help guide researchers toward research that is beneficial to rural communities and also help develop the local community's research capability, which ultimately will serve to enhance the mental health and well‐being of rural communities.
Immune prognostic score predicts the risk of infection and survival outcomes in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma treated with bispecific antibodies
Authors: Akhtar Othman Salim , Szabo Aniko , Bhatlapenumarthi Vineel , Forsberg Mark , Balev Metodi , Patwari Anannya , Cheruvalath Heloise , Bhutani Divaya , Thanendrarajan Sharmilan , Dhakal Binod , Zangari Maurizio , Patel Tanvi , Shrestha Asis , Al‐Hadidi Samer , Cooper Dennis , Lentzsch Suzanne , van Rhee Frits , Shah Mansi R. , Bag Aishee , D'Souza Anita , Schinke Carolina , Chakraborty Rajshekhar , Shah Nishi , Mohan Meera
Published: August 2024

The Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) and CAR‐HEMATOTOX (CAR‐HT) score identify multiple myeloma (MM) patients at high risk for immune‐mediated toxicity and early mortality with cellular immunotherapy. However, their association with outcomes in patients receiving T‐cell redirecting bispecific antibodies (bsAb) is unclear. This multi‐centre retrospective study examines the association of baseline GPS and CAR‐HT scores with outcomes in 126 MM patients treated with bsAb. Overall, 19% were identified as GPS high risk but did not experience increased toxicity or mortality. Conversely, high‐risk CAR‐HT patients had a higher incidence of infections and inferior survival, suggesting a need for aggressive infection mitigation strategies.