bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eclipsed by history: underrecognized contributions to early British solar eclipse expeditions
Authors: Beckles Joel , Kent Deborah A.
Published: May 2023

Solar eclipse expeditions in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries led to new scientific knowledge that is often credited to prominent male scientists such as Einstein and Eddington. Results generated by named individuals nonetheless depended on the collective effort of scientific administrators, government functionaries, manual labourers, domestic assistants, naval crew members and others. Much substantive work, essential to the success of the scientific ventures, was often done by people local to the observing stations. This paper focuses on British solar eclipse expeditions in 1889 and 1919 to highlight ways in which contributions of women and of people in colonized lands have been underrecognized by the expeditioners and in subsequent narratives about them.
Genome-wide fitness analysis identifies genes required for in vitro growth and macrophage infection by African and global epidemic pathovariants of Salmonella enterica Enteritidis
Authors: Fong Wai Yee , Canals Rocío , Predeus Alexander V. , Perez-Sepulveda Blanca , Wenner Nicolas , Lacharme-Lora Lizeth , Feasey Nicholas , Wigley Paul , Hinton Jay C. D.
Published: May 2023

Salmonella enterica

Enteritidis is the second most common serovar associated with invasive non-typhoidal

Salmonella

(iNTS) disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Previously, genomic and phylogenetic characterization of

S

.

enterica

Enteritidis isolates from the human bloodstream led to the discovery of the Central/Eastern African clade (CEAC) and West African clade, which were distinct from the gastroenteritis-associated global epidemic clade (GEC). The African

S

.

enterica

Enteritidis clades have unique genetic signatures that include genomic degradation, novel prophage repertoires and multi-drug resistance, but the molecular basis for the enhanced propensity of African

S

.

enterica

Enteritidis to cause bloodstream infection is poorly understood. We used transposon insertion sequencing (TIS) to identify the genetic determinants of the GEC representative strain P125109 and the CEAC representative strain D7795 for growth in three in vitro conditions (LB or minimal NonSPI2 and InSPI2 growth media), and for survival and replication in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. We identified 207 in vitro-required genes that were common to both

S

.

enterica

Enteritidis strains and also required by

S

.

enterica

Typhimurium,

S

.

enterica

Typhi and

Escherichia coli

, and 63 genes that were only required by individual

S

.

enterica

Enteritidis strains. Similar types of genes were required by both P125109 and D7795 for optimal growth in particular media. Screening the transposon libraries during macrophage infection identified 177 P125109 and 201 D7795 genes that contribute to bacterial survival and replication in mammalian cells. The majority of these genes have proven roles in

Salmonella

virulence. Our analysis uncovered candidate strain-specific macrophage fitness genes that could encode novel

Salmonella

virulence factors.
Decoding accuracies as well as ERP amplitudes do not show between-task correlations
Authors: Ehinger Benedikt V. , Bonasch Hannes
Published: May 2023

Abstract1

Some participants consistently show large, and others small activations in Electroencephalography (EEG) and other neuroimaging studies. Similarly, decoding accuracies in Brain-Computer-Interface (BCI) vary between subjects, in extreme cases labelled “BCI-Illiteracy”.

Here, we investigate whether a switch of taskwithinan event-related design could be sufficient to alleviate low performance. We compare event-related-potentials (ERP) component amplitudes, as well as offline balanced decoding-accuracy based on deep convolutional networks, between seven event-related tasks. ERP effect amplitudes and decoding accuracies were correlated within all tasks, but not between any pairwise tasks. Further, 39/40 subjects had above average performance in at least one task.

Two cautious conclusions can be drawn, with the appropriate limitations of power (n=40) and the caveats of interpreting null-findings: 1) The lack of effect amplitude correlations shows that between-subject variability cannot be purely explained by a task-agnostic effects like skull thickness. 2) The lack of decoding accuracy correlations shows promise for ERP-based BCIs: replacing the task could be an effective way to combat “BCI-Illiteracy”.
The alternative splicing generated muscle-specific MEF2Dα2 isoform promotes muscle ketolysis and running capacity in mice
Authors: Kumar Sushil , Iqbal Hina , Xiangnan Guan , Mis Brittany , Dave Devanshi , Kumar Suresh , Besler Jacob , Dash Ranjan , Xia Zheng , Singh Ravi K.
Published: May 2023

Ketone bodies are an alternate fuel source generated by the liver in response to low carbohydrate availability in neonates and after starvation and exhausting exercise in adulthood. The postnatal alternative splicing generates a highly conserved muscle-specific MEF2Dα2 protein isoform of the transcription factor MEF2D. Here, we discovered that compared to WT mice, MEF2Dα2 exon knockout (Eko) mice displayed reduced running capacity and muscle expression of all three ketolytic genes, BDH1, OXCT1, and ACAT1. Consistent with reduced muscle utilization of ketone bodies, MEF2Dα2 Eko mice also showed increased ketone body levels in a tolerance test, after exercise, and upon feeding a ketogenic diet. Lastly, using mitochondria isolated from skeletal muscle, we showed reduced ketone body utilization and respiration in Eko compared to WT mice. Thus, we identified a new role of MEF2Dα2 protein isoform in regulating skeletal muscle ketone body oxidation, exercise capacity, and its effect on systemic ketone body levels.
Rapid local and systemic jasmonate signalling drives initiation and establishment of plant systemic immunity
Authors: Gaikwad Trupti , Breen Susan , Breeze Emily , Hussain Rana M. Fraz , Kulasekaran Satish , de Torres-Zabala Marta , Horsell David , Frigerio Lorenzo , Grant Murray
Published: May 2023

Successful recognition of pathogen effectors by plant disease resistance proteins (effector triggered immunity, ETI) contains the invading pathogen through a localized hypersensitive response (HR). In addition, ETI activates long-range signalling cascades that establish broad spectrum systemic acquired resistance (SAR). Using a novel and sensitive reporter we have been able to image the spatio-temporal dynamics of SAR. We demonstrate that local ETI triggered SAR signal generation, followed by rapid propagation and establishment in systemic responding leaves, is dependent on both jasmonate biosynthesis and perception. Further, ETI initiates calcium- and jasmonate-dependent systemic surface electrical potentials, reminiscent of those activated by herbivory but with slower propagation kinetics. Thus, jasmonate signalling is crucial to the initiation and establishment of systemic defence responses against a diverse range of phytopathogens.
Critical residues of the antibiotic peptide LysMthat inhibits lipid II flipping
Authors: Kohga Hidetaka , Lertpreedakorn Napathip , Miyazaki Ryoji , Tsukazaki Tomoya
Published: May 2023

Small single-strand DNA/RNA phages that infect gram-negative bacteria encode lysis proteins that induce cell lysis without directly degrading the cell wall. One such protein, the 37-residue LysMprotein derived from a lysis gene ofLevivirusphage M (lysM), completely blocks the lipid II transport activity mediated byEscherichia coliMurJ, which is essential for peptidoglycan biosynthesis. LysMwas proposed to be a single α-helical transmembrane protein that binds to MurJ and prevents its conformational transition during lipid II transport. Although LysMpossibly interacts with MurJ, the inhibition mechanism remains unclear. Here, we identified the crucial residues for LysMfunction via comprehensive alanine-scanning mutagenesis. These residues were located on two surfaces in an α-helix model, probably providing surfaces interacting with MurJ in the membrane. This study provides fundamental information regarding the mechanism of LysMinhibition.
Akt Drives TGF-β-induced Over-secretion of DKK1 and Impairment of Cystic Fibrosis Airway Epithelium Polarity
Authors: Idris Tahir , Bachmann Michaël , Bacchetta Marc , Bernhard Wehrle-Haller , Chanson Marc , Badaoui Mehdi
Published: May 2023

Epithelial polarity is fundamental in maintaining barrier integrity and tissue protection. In cystic fibrosis (CF), apicobasal polarity of the airway epithelium is lost, resulting in increased apical fibronectin deposition and enhanced susceptibility to bacterial infections. Here we show thatCFTRmutation in primary human airway epithelial cells (HAECs) andCFTRknockdown in a HAEC line promote the overexpression and over-secretion of TGF-β1 and DKK1 when cultured at air-liquid interface (ALI). These dynamic changes result in hyperactivation of the TGF-β pathway and inhibition of the Wnt pathway through degradation of β-catenin leading to imbalanced proliferation and polarization. The abnormal interplay between TGF-β and Wnt signaling pathways is further enhanced by aberrant Akt signaling. Pharmacological manipulation of TGF-β, Wnt, and Akt pathways restored polarization of the CF epithelium. Our data shed new insights into the signaling pathways that fine-tune apicobasal polarization and also highlight new therapeutic strategies in preventing infections in CF HAECs.
An intrinsically Disordered RNA Binding Protein Modulates mRNA Translation and Storage
Authors: Chowdhury Mashiat N. , Chen Xin , Jin Hong
Published: May 2023

Many proteins with intrinsically disordered regions interact with cytoplasmic ribosomes. However, many of the molecular functions related to these interactions are unclear. In this study, using an abundant RNA-binding protein with a structurally well-defined RNA recognition motif and an intrinsically disordered RGG domain as a model system, we investigated how this protein modulates mRNA storage and translation. Using genomic and molecular approaches, we show that the presence of Sbp1 slows ribosome movement on cellular mRNAs and promotes polysome stalling. Sbp1-associated polysomes display a ring-shaped structure in addition to a beads-on-string morphology visualized under electron microscope. Moreover, post-translational modifications at the RGG motif play important roles in directing cellular mRNAs to either translation or storage. Finally, binding of Sbp1 to the 5’UTRs of mRNAs represses both cap-dependent and cap-independent translation initiation of proteins functionally important for general protein synthesis in the cell. Taken together, our study demonstrates an intrinsically disordered RNA binding protein regulates mRNA translation and storage via distinctive mechanisms under physiological conditions and establishes a framework with which functions of important RGG-proteins can be investigated and defined.
Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase III alpha governs cytoskeletal organization for invasiveness of liver cancer cells
Authors: Tran Cong Si , Kersten Julia , Breinig Marco , Yan Jingyi , Poth Tanja , Colasanti Ombretta , Riedl Tobias , Faure-Dupuy Suzanne , Diehl Stefan , Verhoye Lieven , Li Teng- Feng , Lingemann Marit , Schult Philipp , Ahlén Gustaf , Frelin Lars , Kühnel Florian , Breuhahn Kai , Vondran Florian W. R. , Meuleman Philip , Heikenwälder Mathias , Schirmacher Peter , Sällberg Matti , Bartenschlager Ralf , Laketa Vibor , Tschaharganeh Darjus Felix , Lohmann Volker
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims

High expression of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase III alpha (PI4KIIIα) correlates with poor survival rates in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections activate PI4KIIIα and contribute to HCC progression. We aimed at mechanistically understanding the impact of PI4KIIIα on the progression of liver cancer and the potential contribution of HCV in this process.

Methods

Several hepatic cell culture and mouse models were used to study functional importance of PI4KIIIα on liver pathogenesis. Antibody arrays, gene silencing and PI4KIIIα specific inhibitor were applied to identify the involved signaling pathways. The contribution of HCV was examined by using HCV infection or overexpression of its nonstructural protein.

Results

High PI4KIIIα expression and/or activity induced cytoskeletal rearrangements via increased-phosphorylation of paxillin and cofilin. This led to morphological alterations and higher migratory and invasive properties of liver cancer cells. We further identified the liver specific lipid kinase phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase C2 domain-containing subunit gamma (PIK3C2γ) working downstream of PI4KIIIα in regulation of the cytoskeleton. PIK3C2γ generates plasma membrane (PM) phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate [PI(3,4)P2]- enriched, invadopodia-like structures which regulate cytoskeletal reorganization by promoting Akt2 phosphorylation.

Conclusions

PI4KIIIα regulates cytoskeleton organization via PIK3C2γ/Akt2/paxillin-cofilin to favor migration and invasion of liver cancer cells. These findings provide mechanistic insight into the contribution of PI4KIIIα and HCV to progression of liver cancer and identify promising targets for therapeutic intervention.

IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS

Understanding mechanistically how high PI4KIIIα expression are associated with poor clinical outcomes of liver cancer is important to develop pharmaceutical interventions. Our study sheds light on the importance of the two lipid kinases PI4KIIIα and PIK3C2γ as well as the contribution of HCV on liver cancer progression, unraveling the signaling pathway governing this process. This preclinical study contributes to better understanding the complex connection of phospholipids, cytoskeleton and liver cancer and suggests strategies to improve therapeutic outcomes by targeting important signaling molecules.

Graphical abstract
Bacterial deamidases modulate ubiquitin structure and dynamics to dysregulate ubiquitin signaling
Authors: Agrata Rashmi , Mohanty Priyesh , Ravichandran Aravind , Kumari Sanju , Varshney Nishant , Arun GS , Chauhan Kanchan , Li Jess , Chakrabarti Kalyan S. , Byrd R. Andrew , Das Ranabir
Published: May 2023

The deamidases secreted byBurkholderia pseudomalleiandEnteropathogenic Ecolimodify the residue 40 in ubiquitin from a Glutamine (Q) to Glutamate (E), triggering several downstream processes to cause cell cycle arrest and activate immune responses. Deamidation hampers the activity of ubiquitin and its interaction with ubiquitin chain receptors by an unknown mechanism. Here, we study the effect of deamidation on ubiquitin structure and dynamics. We report the crystal structure of the deamidated ubiquitin, supported by NMR and molecular dynamics simulations. The structure reveals a new intra-molecular salt bridge between the deamidated region and the C-terminal tail of ubiquitin. The salt bridge perturbs the dynamics of the ubiquitin tail to reduce affinity for ubiquitin receptors like the p62 ubiquitin-associated domain. The salt bridge disrupts the transition to catalytically active E2~Ub closed conformation. Consequently, RING E3s fail to interact with E2~Ub, reducing ubiquitination activity. Our findings reveal that deamidation-induced intramolecular salt bridges in ubiquitin modulate conformational ensembles to inactivate ubiquitination.
Dynamic enhancer interactome promotes senescence and aging
Authors: Wang Lu , Donahue Gregory , Zhang Chen , Havas Aaron , Lei Xue , Xu Caiyue , Wang Wenliang , Vahedi Golnaz , Adams Peter D. , Berger Shelley L.
Published: May 2023

Gene expression programs are regulated by enhancers which act in a context-specific manner, and can reside at great distances from their target genes. Extensive three-dimensional (3D) genome reorganization occurs in senescence, but how enhancer interactomes are reconfigured during this process is just beginning to be understood. Here we generated high-resolution contact maps of active enhancers and their target genes, assessed chromatin accessibility, and established one-dimensional maps of various histone modifications and transcription factors to comprehensively understand the regulation of enhancer configuration during senescence. Hyper-connected enhancer communities/cliques formed around genes that are highly expressed and within essential gene pathways in each cell state. In addition, motif analysis indicates the involvement of specific transcription factors in hyper-connected regulatory elements in each condition; importantly, MafK, a bZIP family transcription factor, was upregulated in senescence, and reduced expression of MafK ameliorated the senescence phenotypes. Because the accumulation of senescent cells is a key feature of aging, we further investigated enhancer connectomes in the liver of young and aged mice. Hyper-connected enhancer communities were identified during aging, which regulate essential genes that maintain cell differentiation and homeostasis. These findings reveal that hyper-connected enhancer communities correlate with high gene expression in senescence and aging and provide potential hotspots for therapeutic intervention in aging and age-associated diseases.
An inducible tricolor reporter mouse for simultaneous imaging of lysosomes, mitochondria and microtubules
Authors: Hutchison Vera , Lynch Anne , Gutierrez Gamez Andrés Mauricio , Chen Jichao
Published: May 2023

Cell-type-specific use of the same DNA blueprint generates diverse cell types. Such diversity must also be executed via differential deployment of the same subcellular machinery. However, our understanding of the size, distribution, and dynamics of subcellular machinery in native tissues, and their connection to cellular diversity, remain limited. We generate and characterize an inducible tricolor reporter mouse, dubbed “kaleidoscope”, for simultaneous imaging of lysosomes, mitochondria and microtubules in any cell type and at a single cell resolution. The expected subcellular compartments are labeled in culture and in tissues with no impact on cellular and organismal viability. Quantitative and live imaging of the tricolor reporter captures cell-type-specific organelle features and kinetics in the lung, as well as their changes after Sendai virus infection.Yap/Tazmutant lung epithelial cells undergo accelerated lamellar body maturation, a subcellular manifestation of their molecular defects. A comprehensive toolbox of reporters for all subcellular structures is expected to transform our understanding of cell biology in tissues.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

Our understanding of subcellular machinery is often inferred from that in cultured cells. Hutchison et al. have generated a tricolor tunable reporter mouse for simultaneous imaging of lysosomes, mitochondria and microtubules in the native tissues at a single-cell resolution.
Anophelessalivary apyrase regulates blood meal hemostasis and drives malaria parasite transmission
Authors: Pala Zarna Rajeshkumar , Alves e Silva Thiago Luiz , Minai Mahnaz , Crews Benjamin , Patino-Martinez Eduardo , Carmona-Rivera Carmelo , Valenzuela-Leon Paola Carolina , Martin-Martin Ines , Flores-Garcia Yevel , Cachau Raul E. , Srivastava Naman , Moore Ian N. , Alves Derron A. , Kaplan Mariana J , Fischer Elizabeth , Calvo Eric , Vega-Rodriguez Joel
Published: May 2023

Mosquito salivary proteins play a crucial role in regulating hemostatic responses at the bite site during blood feeding. In this study, we investigate the function ofAnopheles gambiaesalivary apyrase (AgApyrase) inPlasmodiumtransmission. Our results demonstrate that salivary apyrase interacts with and activates tissue plasminogen activator, facilitating the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, a human protein previously shown to be required forPlasmodiumtransmission. Microscopy imaging shows that mosquitoes ingest a substantial amount of apyrase during blood feeding which reduces coagulation in the blood meal by enhancing fibrin degradation and inhibiting platelet aggregation. Supplementation ofPlasmodiuminfected blood with apyrase significantly enhancedPlasmodiuminfection in the mosquito midgut. In contrast, AgApyrase immunization inhibitedPlasmodiummosquito infection and sporozoite transmission. This study highlights a pivotal role for mosquito salivary apyrase for regulation of hemostasis in the mosquito blood meal and forPlasmodiumtransmission to mosquitoes and to the mammal host, underscoring the potential for new strategies to prevent malaria transmission.
ROP GTPase regulates polarised cell growth and cell division orientation during tissue development and organogenesis inMarchantia polymorpha
Authors: Mulvey Hugh , Dolan Liam
Published: May 2023

Cell polarity – broadly defined as the asymmetric distribution of cellular activities and or subcellular components within a cell – determines the geometry of cell growth and division during development. RHO GTPase proteins regulate the establishment of cell polarity and are conserved among eukaryotes. RHO Of Plant (ROP) proteins are a subgroup of RHO GTPases that are required for cellular morphogenesis in plants. However, how ROP proteins modulate the geometry of cell growth and division during the morphogenesis of plant tissues and organs is not well understood. To investigate how ROP proteins function during tissue development and organogenesis, we characterised the function of the single copyROPgene of the liverwortMarchantia polymorpha.M. polymorphadevelops morphologically complex three-dimensional tissues and organs exemplified by air chambers and gemmae, respectively. Mproploss of function mutants form defective air chambers and gemmae, indicating ROP function is required for tissue development and organogenesis. During air chamber and gemma development in wild-type, the MpROP protein is enriched to sites of polarised growth at the cell surface and accumulates at the expanding cell plate of dividing cells. Consistent with these observations, polarised cell growth is lost, and cell divisions are misoriented in Mpropmutants. We propose that ROP regulates both polarised cell growth and cell division orientation in a coordinated manner to orchestrate tissue development and organogenesis in land plants.
A redox switch allows binding of Fe(II) and Fe(III) ions in the cyanobacterial iron binding protein FutA fromProchlorococcus
Authors: Bolton Rachel , Machelett Moritz M. , Stubbs Jack , Axford Danny , Caramello Nicolas , Catapano Lucrezia , Malý Martin , Rodrigues Matthew J. , Cordery Charlotte , Tizzard Graham J. , MacMillan Fraser , Engilberge Sylvain , von Stetten David , Tosha Takehiko , Sugimoto Hiroshi , Worrall Jonathan A.R. , Webb Jeremy S. , Zubkov Mike , Coles Simon , Mathieu Eric , Steiner Roberto A. , Murshudov Garib , Schrader Tobias E. , Orville Allen M. , Royant Antoine , Evans Gwyndaf , Hough Michael A. , Owen Robin L. , Tews Ivo
Published: May 2023

The marine cyanobacteriumProchlorococcusis a main contributor to global photosynthesis, whilst being limited by iron availability. Cyanobacterial genomes typically encode two different types of FutA iron binding proteins: periplasmic FutA2 ABC transporter subunits bind Fe(III), while cytosolic FutA1 binds Fe(II). Owing to their small size and their economized genomeProchlorococcusecotypes typically possess a singlefutAgene. How the encoded FutA protein might bind different Fe oxidation states was previously unknown. Here we use structural biology techniques at room temperature to probe the dynamic behavior of FutA. Neutron diffraction confirmed four negatively charged tyrosinates, that together with a neutral water molecule coordinate iron in trigonal bipyramidal geometry. Positioning of the positively charged Arg103 side chain in the second coordination shell yields an overall charge-neutral Fe(III) binding state in structures determined by neutron diffraction and serial femtosecond crystallography. Conventional rotation X-ray crystallography using a home source revealed X-ray induced photoreduction of the iron center with observation of the Fe(II) binding state; here, an additional positioning of the Arg203 side chain in the second coordination shell maintained an overall charge neutral Fe(II) binding site. Dose series using serial synchrotron crystallography and an XFEL X-ray pump-probe approach capture the transition between Fe(III) and Fe(II) states, revealing how Arg203 operates as a switch to accommodate the different iron oxidation states. This switching ability of theProchlorococcusFutA protein may reflect ecological adaptation by genome streamlining and loss of specialized FutA proteins.

Significance Statement

Oceanic primary production by marine cyanobacteria is a main contributor to carbon and nitrogen fixation.Prochlorococcusis the most abundant photosynthetic organism on Earth, with an annual carbon fixation comparable to the net global primary production from agriculture. Its remarkable ecological success is based on the ability to thrive in low nutrient waters. To manage iron limitation,Prochlorococcuspossesses the FutA protein for iron uptake and homeostasis. We reveal a molecular switch in the FutA protein that allows it to accommodate binding of iron in either the Fe(III) or Fe(II) state using structural biology techniques at room temperature and provide a plausible mechanism for iron binding promiscuity.
Implementation of grain mapping by diffraction contrast tomography on a conventional laboratory tomography setup with various detectors
Authors: Fang Haixing , Ludwig Wolfgang , Lhuissier Pierre
Published: May 2023

Laboratory-based diffraction contrast tomography (LabDCT) is a novel technique used to resolve grain orientations and shapes in three dimensions at the micrometre scale using laboratory X-ray sources, allowing the user to overcome the constraint of limited access to synchrotron facilities. To foster the development of this technique, the implementation of LabDCT is illustrated in detail using a conventional laboratory-based X-ray tomography setup, and it is shown that such implementation is possible with the two most common types of detectors: CCD and flat panel. As a benchmark, LabDCT projections were acquired on an AlCu alloy sample using the two types of detectors at different exposure times. Grain maps were subsequently reconstructed using the open-source grain reconstruction method reported in the authors' previous work. To characterize the detection limit and the spatial resolution for the current implementation, the reconstructed LabDCT grain maps were compared with the map obtained from a synchrotron measurement, which is considered as ground truth. The results show that the final grain maps from measurements by the CCD and flat panel detector are similar and show comparable quality, while the CCD gives a much better contrast-to-noise ratio than the flat panel. The analysis of the grain maps reconstructed from measurements with different exposure times suggests that a grain map of comparable quality could be obtained in less than 1 h total acquisition time without a significant loss of grain reconstruction quality and indicates a clear potential for time-lapse LabDCT experiments. The current implementation is suggested to promote the generic use of the LabDCT technique for grain mapping on conventional tomography setups.
Crystal structure of thermostable acetaldehyde dehydrogenase from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus tokodaii
Authors: Mine Shohei , Nakabayashi Makoto , Ishikawa Kazuhiko
Published: May 2023

Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) is widely distributed in nature and its characteristics have been examined. ALDH plays an important role in aldehyde detoxification. Sources of aldehydes include incomplete combustion and emissions from paints, linoleum and varnishes in the living environment. Acetaldehyde is also considered to be carcinogenic and toxic. Thermostable ALDH from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus tokodaii exhibits high activity towards acetaldehyde and has potential applications as a biosensor for acetaldehyde. Thermostable ALDH displays a unique and wide adaptability. Therefore, its crystal structure can provide new insights into the catalytic mechanism and potential applications of ALDHs. However, a crystal structure of a thermostable ALDH exhibiting high activity towards acetaldehyde has not been reported to date. In this study, crystals of recombinant thermostable ALDH from S. tokodaii were prepared and the crystal structure of its holo form was determined. A crystal of the enzyme was prepared and its structure in complex with NADP was determined at a resolution of 2.2 Å. This structural analysis may facilitate further studies on catalytic mechanisms and applications.
Between street and digital capital? A qualitative study of judicial sentencing of persons convicted of online drug dealing in Sweden
Authors: Nordgren Johan , Tiberg Fredrik
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Drug sales facilitated through digital communication on the surface web and on darknet cryptomarkets have increased during the past two decades. This has resulted in an increase in drug law enforcement efforts to combat these markets and a subsequent increase in judicial sentencing of people selling drugs online. The aim of this study was to analyze how Swedish courts describe sentenced sellers and how the courts apply case law.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical material consists of 71 sentencing documents produced by Swedish courts in cases of online drug selling between January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2020. In total, 99 sentenced persons occur in the documents. Using a qualitative research design, the authors analyzed the material through thematic text analysis.

Findings

Overall, in their descriptions of online drug sale operations, the courts’ characterizations of the concepts of street capital and digital capital show a dichotomy. These forms of capital are situationally described as both aggravating and mitigating aspects in the application of case law, indicating that it may be fruitful to view both street and digital capital as resources used on contemporary drug markets in general.

Originality/value

Very little research exists into how judicial systems describe and perceive the developing phenomenon of online drug sales. Using a relatively large sample from a decade of sentencing, the authors provide an analysis of how Swedish courts view and valuate capital forms in the online drugs trade.
Person-organization fit, person-job fit and organizational commitment among hotel employees: the roles of positive affect and calling
Authors: Park In-Jo , Hai Shenyang
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Drawing on affective events theory, the purpose of this study is to examine the mediation effect of positive affect on the association between fit (e.g. person-organization fit and person-job fit) and organizational commitment in the hospitality industry. The secondary aim is to investigate the moderated mediation effect of hospitality employees’ calling on these associations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data from 248 hotel employees in China at three different time points. A moderated mediation model was examined by using the bias-corrected bootstrapping method.

Findings

Results revealed that person-organization fit and person-job fit indirectly influenced organizational commitment via positive affect. Calling was found to moderate the indirect influences of person-organization and person-job fit on organizational commitment via positive affect.

Practical implications

Managing employees’ affective experiences in the hospitality industry and promoting their organizational commitment are key strategies for hospitality organizations to promote service quality and retain their employees. This study suggests that hospitality organizations should actively attempt to improve employees’ fit perceptions and promote their sense of calling.

Originality/value

By theorizing and investigating the mediating role of positive affect and the moderating role of calling in the association between fit and employee commitment, this research extends existing knowledge on the association between fit–job attitudes and makes notable contributions to the hospitality literature on fit, affect, calling and job attitudes.
Employee and customer perspectives in discovering the antecedent and output relationships for hotel branding development
Authors: Liu Chih-Hsing
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose and develop an antecedent model from star hotel employee viewpoint and a consequence model for star hotel customers’ evaluation of the brand equity development process.

Design/methodology/approach

In terms of the study setting, structural equation modelling was conducted. Study 1 used the views of 323 star hotels’ employees on the mutual relationships among employee-based brand equity, and Study 2 used 516 star hotels’ customer perspectives concerning the mutual relationships among customer-based brand equity.

Findings

In the antecedent model of Study 1 from an employee viewpoint, service quality is a foundational attribute of the indirect influences of brand equity development through brand promise, values and message. A moderating role of brand identity is also found. In the consequence model of Study 2 from the perspective of customers’ evaluation, mutual relationships of brand equity are identified, and social interactions are established that enhance the positive relationships among the different critical attributes of brand equity.

Originality/value

Although numerous hotel branding studies have identified the consequences of hotels for employees, few have simultaneously considered employees and customer feedback in terms of star hotel branding. This research considers the bidirectional effects of such a comprehensive perspective.
Using theory of mind to understand the impact of Covid-19 fear on healthcare workers’ withdrawal intentions
Authors: Saini Garima , Dash Sanket Sunand , Tiwari Anurag
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Healthcare workers’ (HCWs’) job-related high exposure to Covid-19 virus arouses fear of Covid-19 among them. Based on the Theory of Mind (ToM), the study predicts that fears will lead to negative psychological (psychological distress) and behavioral (withdrawal intentions) outcomes. ToM is also used to identify social intelligence as a means to counter fear of Covid-19 on heightened psychological distress and increased withdrawal intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the study design, a sample of 262 HCWs, including doctors, nurses and technicians, were surveyed using standardized questionnaires.

Findings

As predicted, Covid-19 fear led to increased withdrawal intentions with heightened psychological distress partially mediating the relationship. The alleviating role of social intelligence on the effects of Covid-19 was supported as high social intelligence reduced HCWs’ turnover intentions, with decreased psychological distress partially mediating the relationship.

Originality/value

Given the universality of the Theory of Mind (ToM), the findings of this study are likely to be generalizable to all pandemics. The study results support the increased application of ToM in organizational settings and have both theoretical and practical implications for health administrators. Based on study results, health administrators are exhorted to develop ToM-based mental models to understand and deal with the fear of contagious diseases. Health administrators can also increase HCWs’ social intelligence to deal with the negative perceptual and behavioral outcomes arising from the emotions aroused by the nature of their work.
Do globalised economies benefit more from export sophistication? Evidence from advanced and developing economies
Authors: Haini Hazwan , Pang Wei Loon
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study examines whether the gains from export sophistication is conditional on the level of globalisation. Previous studies have shown that the impact of export sophistication on growth varies depending on the level of a country's economic development. The authors argue that globalisation plays an important role in influencing the gains from export sophistication, mainly through the competition and scale effects. The competition effect disincentivises domestic firms to engage in export markets, while the scale effect incentivises knowledge accumulation and innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ data from 163 economies from 1995 to 2018. The authors re-estimate values for export sophistication using ordinary goods from 1995 to 2018 and estimate a growth model using the generalised method of moments (GMM) to control for endogeneity and simultaneity issues.

Findings

The results show that the gains from export sophistication and globalisation is greater for economies with higher levels of economic development compared to economies with low levels of economic development. Moreover, the authors find that the gains from export sophistication are conditional on the level of globalisation. The authors’ results show that the marginal impact of export sophistication diminishes as developing economies become more globalised, while advanced economies gain more from export sophistication when globalisation precedes at a higher level.

Originality/value

Previous studies have generally examined the conditional growth effects of export sophistication on trade, economic development and other structural factors. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the impact of globalisation, and the authors exploit the multidimensional concept of globalisation to test the hypothesis.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-01-2023-0001.
Antecedents of team alignment for team performance: length of relationship as a moderator
Authors: Jadhav Dhananjay , Fatima Johra Kayeser , Quazi Ali
Published: May 2023

Purpose

While scholarly attention has mainly focused on team-level or relational constructs for the success of team performance, understanding the inter-play between these two streams of research remains limited in digital transformation projects. Borrowing from social exchange theory, this study aims to explore the antecedents of team alignment leading to team performance with mediation effects of trust, commitment and customer–service provider relationship. The moderating role of relationship length was also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected using a survey of 180 employees working on digital projects in B2B context, mostly in the Indo-Pacific region, specifically Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and India. Partial least squares method with multi-group analyses and bootstrapping method were used to analyze the data.

Findings

Findings show that customer control and team capability are the strongest antecedents of team alignment, and inter-play between the customer–provider relationship with team-level constructs is also significant. Relationship length has higher level of moderation impact on trust–team performance link compared to commitment–team performance relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The study considers moderation impact of relationship length on trust, commitment and team performance but not other constructs. Also, gender ratio is skewed in the data set.

Practical implications

Digital transformation practitioners need to be aware of relational constructs (not only team-level constructs) when designing successful long-term digitalization strategies for organizations.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to document the inter-play between team alignment and relational constructs (such as trust, commitment, and customer–service provider relationship), with moderation impact of relationship length leading to team performance in digital transformation projects.
A study of workplace bullying and coping strategies in hospitality sector: role of moral injury and inclusive leadership
Authors: Srivastava Shalini , Khan Muskan , Kumari Arpana , Jain Ajay Kumar
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Based on the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) model and Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, the current study aims to investigate the direct effects of workplace bullying (WPB) on internal whistleblowing (IW) and workplace withdrawal (WW), as well as the indirect effects, including the mediating role of moral injury (MI) and moderating role of inclusive leadership (IL) in the hospitality sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Three-waves approach was used to collect data from 266 hotel employees in India. AMOS 21 and Macro-PROCESS were used to analyse the hypothesised relationships.

Findings

WPB has a direct effect on IW and workplace withdrawal. MI mediated the relationship between WPB and IW and WPB and WW. Further, IL moderated the relationship between WPB and MI.

Practical implications

The results of the current study have significant policy-related, academic and practical implications. Executives must be aware of WPB incidents and take prompt action to completely stop them.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by analysing the role of MI as a mediator for the relationship between WPB and WPB's coping strategies like IW and workplace withdrawal. This study also answers repeated calls for more research on MI and MI's consequences.
Exploring the influence of risk management on the performance of industry–university collaborative projects: the moderating role of knowledge management capabilities
Authors: Daradkeh Mohammad
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Effective management of risk and knowledge is critical to ensure the success of industry–university collaboration (IUC) projects. However, the intricate dynamics through which these factors influence the performance of IUC projects have yet to be fully investigated. The purpose of this study is to explore the interplay between risk management and knowledge management capabilities and their impact on IUC project performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A model was constructed and evaluated through the examination of a sample of 188 collaborative innovation projects located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), utilizing structural equation models (SEM) and hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate that social system risk, technical system risk and project management risk have a negative impact on the performance of university–industry collaboration (UIC) projects, while cultural, technical and structural knowledge management capabilities can mitigate the negative impact of these risks on the performance of IUC projects.

Practical implications

The study concludes with three recommendations aimed at improving the management of UIC projects, including the establishment of a distinct and precise management strategy, the deployment of a comprehensive and systematized management methodology and the adoption of a balanced management framework.

Originality/value

The originality and value of this study lie in its exploration of the interplay between risk management and knowledge management capabilities in IUC projects. While previous studies have examined either risk management or knowledge management in IUC projects separately, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of both factors and their combined impact on project performance. The study also contributes to the literature by highlighting the specific risks and knowledge management capabilities that are most relevant to the context of IUC projects in the UAE. The practical recommendations offered by the study can help project managers and stakeholders to improve the success of collaborative innovation projects.
Bridging the power gap: the impact of pedagogical strategies and relationship-building on student success
Authors: Marmet Matthew D.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study was designed to assess the efficacy of pedagogical and relationship-building strategies employed to foster student engagement and success. Also, it was meant to demonstrate the importance of faculty to engagement and success, and emphasize a faculty member's role in lessening the power divide that can exist in classrooms.

Design/methodology/approach

First, archival survey data were explored that provide a baseline for student perceptions of the interactions with faculty that have been shown to impact student engagement. Second, an in-depth description of the course taught by this author is provided, along with the relationship-building and pedagogical strategies employed to promote student engagement and learning. Finally, a mixed-methods approach was utilized to capture whether improved engagement and learning occurred. Both qualitative data, in the form of student opinionnaires, and quantitative data gathered from the institution's assessment instrument were reviewed.

Findings

A review of the qualitative survey data found that students believe faculty should be very intentional about building relationships with them. Student opinionnaires confirmed the efficacy of the relationship-building tactics employed by the instructor. Additionally, data analysis of the learning assessment tool yielded an 18% increase in performance, lending further support to the classroom strategies utilized during this time.

Originality/value

The results of this study add to the body of literature addressing the impact faculty have on student engagement. Additionally, these results can be used to help inform institutional strategies, such as faculty development seminars, to improve retention as a result of an engaged student body.
Analyzing the role of ICT in bridging the digital divide: a transitional analytical framework for ICT access to impact
Authors: Hussain Hadi , Wen Jun , Jiang Renai , Waheed Junaid , Ali Waheed , Khan Nadeem Akhtar
Published: May 2023

Purpose

In light of the shift in focus from information communication technology (ICT) access (access divide) and skills (skills divide) to the tangible impacts of ICT use (impact divide), a growing number of scholars have called for further investigation into the inter-territorial and multi-dimensional aspects of the digital divide in China. This study aims to address these gaps by examining the disparities across 31 provinces, particularly emphasizing the transition from the traditional access and skills divides to the impact divide.

Design/methodology/approach

Multivariate regression analysis extensively investigates the transition from the access and skills divides to the impact divide across 31 provinces. Additionally, ArcGIS software is used to analyze spatial agglomeration and the auto-correlation (Moran-i) and predict mapping patterns in the data corresponding to all three levels of the digital divide.

Findings

According to the study's findings, poverty is a significant factor in the digital divide between different regions in China. The research shows that provinces with advanced administrative systems, such as Guangdong, Shanghai, Beijing, Jiangsu, Shandon and Zhejiang, have high scores on the digital development index (DDI). However, regions with poverty-ridden and rural areas, primarily located in southwest, central and western China, tend to have lower DDI scores.

Originality/value

This study offers a novel contribution to the literature by presenting an innovative conceptual framework that explores the impact divide within China's provinces. The authors also address this lacuna in the literature by developing and testing two dimensions to examine the relationships statistically under a wide range of socioeconomic and ICT indicators.