bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virome analysis of New Zealand’s bats reveals cross-species viral transmission among theCoronaviridae
Authors: Waller Stephanie J. , Tortosa Pablo , Thurley Tertia , O’Donnell Colin , Jackson Rebecca , Dennis Gillian , Grimwood Rebecca M. , Holmes Edward C. , McInnes Kate , Geoghegan Jemma L.
Published: June 2023

1.

The lesser short-tailed bat (Mystacina tuberculata) and the long-tailed bat (Chalinolobus tuberculatus) are Aotearoa New Zealand’s only native extant terrestrial mammals and are believed to have migrated from Australia. Long-tailed bats arrived in New Zealand an estimated two million years ago and are closely related to other Australian bat species. Lesser short-tailed bats, in contrast, are the only extant species within the Mystacinidae and are estimated to have been living in isolation in New Zealand for the past 16-18 million years. Throughout this period of isolation, lesser short-tailed bats have become one of the most terrestrial bats in the world.

Through a metatranscriptomic analysis of guano samples from eight locations across New Zealand we aimed to characterise the viromes of New Zealand’s bats and determine whether viruses have jumped between these species over the past two million years. High viral richness was observed among long-tailed bats with viruses spanning seven different viral families. In contrast, no bat-specific viruses were identified in lesser short-tailed bats. Both bat species harboured an abundance of likely dietary– and environmental-associated viruses. We also identified alphacoronaviruses in long-tailed bat guano that had previously been identified in lesser short-tailed bats, suggesting that these viruses had jumped the species barrier after long-tailed bats migrated to New Zealand. Of note, an alphacoronavirus species discovered here possessed a complete genome of only 22,416 nucleotides with entire deletions or truncations of several non-structural proteins, thereby representing what is possibly the shortest genome within theCoronaviridaeidentified to date. Overall, this study has revealed a diverse range of novel viruses harboured by New Zealand’s only native terrestrial mammals, in turn expanding our understanding of bat viral dynamics and evolution globally.
The association of neutralizing antibodies with protection against symptomatic dengue virus infection varies by serotype, prior infection history, and assay condition
Authors: Bos Sandra , Graber Aaron L. , Cardona-Ospina Jaime A. , Duarte Elias M. , Zambrana Jose Victor , Ruíz Salinas Jorge A. , Mercado-Hernandez Reinaldo , Singh Tulika , Katzelnick Leah C. , de Silva Aravinda , Kuan Guillermina , Balmaseda Angel , Harris Eva
Published: June 2023

The four dengue virus serotypes (DENV1–4) are the most prevalent arboviruses in humans and a major public health concern worldwide. Understanding immune mechanisms that modulate DENV infection outcome is critical for epidemic preparedness and development of a safe and effective vaccine. Neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) are an essential component of the protective response, yet their measurement often relies on a single cellular substrate and partially mature virions, which do not capture the full breadth of neutralizing activity and may lead to biased estimations of nAb potency. Here, we investigated the characteristics of nAbs associated with protection against dengue cases using samples collected after one or more DENV infections but prior to subsequent symptomatic or inapparent DENV1, DENV2, or DENV3 infections from a long- standing pediatric cohort study in Nicaragua. By assessing nAb responses using Vero cells with or without the attachment factor DC-SIGN and with mature or partially mature virions, we found that nAb potency and the protective NT50cutoff were greatly influenced by cell substrate and virion maturation state. Additionally, the correlation between nAb titer and protection from disease depended on an individual’s prior infection history and the subsequent infecting DENV serotype. Finally, we uncovered variations in nAbs composition that contributed to protection from symptomatic DENV infection differently after primary and secondary prior infection. These findings have important implications for identifying antibody correlates of protection in the context of vaccines and natural infections.
Magnetogenetic cell activation using endogenous ferritin
Authors: Pomeranz Lisa , Li Rosemary , Yu Xiaofei , Kelly Leah , Hassanzadeh Gholamreza , Molina Henrik , Gross Daniel , Brier Matthew , Vaisey George , Wang Putianqi , Jimenez-Gonzalez Maria , Garcia-Ocana Adolfo , Dordick Jonathan , Friedman Jeffrey , Stanley Sarah
Published: June 2023

The ability to precisely control the activity of defined cell populations enables studies of their physiological roles and may provide therapeutic applications. While prior studies have shown that magnetic activation of ferritin-tagged ion channels allows cell-specific modulation of cellular activity, the large size of the constructs made the use of adeno-associated virus, AAV, the vector of choice for gene therapy, impractical. In addition, simple means for generating magnetic fields of sufficient strength have been lacking. Toward these ends, we first generated a novel anti-ferritin nanobody that when fused to transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1, TRPV1, enables direct binding of the channel to endogenous ferritin in mouse and human cells. This smaller construct can be delivered in a single AAV and we validated that it robustly enables magnetically induced cell activationin vitro. In parallel, we developed a simple benchtop electromagnet capable of gating the nanobody-tagged channelin vivo. Finally, we showed that delivering these new constructs by AAV to pancreatic beta cells in combination with the benchtop magnetic field delivery stimulates glucose-stimulated insulin release to improve glucose tolerance in micein vivo. Together, the novel anti-ferritin nanobody, nanobody-TRPV1 construct and new hardware advance the utility of magnetogenetics in animals and potentially humans.
An aptamer-mediated base editing platform for simultaneous knock-in and multiple gene knockout for allogeneic CAR-T cells generation
Authors: Porreca Immacolata , Blassberg Robert , Harbottle Jennifer , Joubert Bronwyn , Mielczarek Olga , Stombaugh Jesse , Hemphill Kevin , Sumner Jonathan , Pazeraitis Deividas , Touza Julia Liz , Francesatto Margherita , Selmi Tommaso , Collantes Juan Carlos , Strezoska Zaklina , Taylor Benjamin , Jin Shengkan , Wiggins Ceri M , van Brabant Smith Anja , Lambourne John J.
Published: June 2023

Gene editing technologies hold promise for enabling the next generation of adoptive cellular therapies. Conventional gene editing platforms that rely on nuclease activity, such as Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9), allow efficient introduction of genetic modifications; however, these modifications occur via the generation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and can lead to unwanted genomic alterations and genotoxicity. Here, we apply the novel modular RNA aptamer-mediated Pin-point™ base editing platform to simultaneously introduce multiple gene knockouts and site-specific integration of a transgene in human primary T cells. We demonstrate high editing efficiency and purity at all target sites and significantly reduced frequency of chromosomal translocations compared to the conventional CRISPR-Cas9 system. Site-specific knock-in of a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and multiplex gene knockout are achieved within a single intervention and without the requirement for additional sequence-targeting components. The ability to perform complex genome editing efficiently and precisely highlights the potential of the Pin-point platform for application in a range of advanced cell therapies.
Sexual dimorphism in the social behaviour ofCntnap2KO mice correlates with disrupted synaptic connectivity and increased microglial activity in the anterior cingulate cortex of males
Authors: Dawson Matt S. , Gordon-Fleet Kevin , Yan Lingxin , Tardos Vera , He Huanying , Mui Kwong , Nawani Smriti , Asgarian Zeinab , Catani Marco , Fernandes Cathy , Drescher Uwe
Published: June 2023

A biological understanding of the apparent sex bias in autism is lacking. We have identifiedCntnap2KO mice as a model system to help better understand this dimorphism. Using this model, we observed social deficits in juvenile male KO mice only. These male-specific social deficits correlated with reduced spine densities of Layer 2/3 and Layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex, a forebrain region prominently associated with the control of social behaviour. Furthermore, in male KO mice, microglia showed an increased activated morphology and phagocytosis of synaptic structures compared to WT mice, whereas no differences were seen in female KO and WT mice. Our data suggest that sexually dimorphic microglial activity may be involved in the aetiology of ASD, disrupting the development of neural circuits that control social behaviour by overpruning synapses at a developmentally critical period.
The Cystic Fibrosis treatment, Trikafta, affects growth, viability, and cell wall ofAspergillus fumigatusbiofilms
Authors: Jones Jane T. , Morelli Kaesi A. , Vesely Elisa M. , Puerner Charles T.S. , Pavuluri Chetan K. , Ross Brandon S. , van Rhijn Norman , Bromley Michael J. , Cramer Robert A.
Published: June 2023

People with Cystic Fibrosis (pwCF) commonly test positive for the pathogenic fungus,Aspergillus fumigatus,which is associated with a decline in lung function. Trikafta is a recently approved therapy for pwCF that improves quantity and function of the CFTR protein, however, it is not known how Trikafta affects microbial communities in the lung. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether Trikafta directly affectsA. fumigatusgrowth and biology. While Trikafta did not impact the viability ofA. fumigatusconidia, treatment ofA. fumigatusbiofilms with Trikafta reduced overall biofilm biomass. This finding was associated with increased membrane permeability, decreased viability, and reduced metabolic activity following long-term treatment of biofilms. Trikafta-induced membrane permeability and biomass reduction was partially blocked with the calcium channel inhibitor Verapamil and fully blocked by the mammalian CFTR inhibitor GlyH-101. Trikafta-induced biomass reduction and metabolic activity was shown to be regulated by the High Osmolarity Glycerol (HOG) pathway genesakA. Trikafta treatment also induced resistance to the cell wall stressor calcofluor white, susceptibility to the antifungal caspofungin, and decreased inflammatory responses from murine bone marrow cells. Collectively, these results reveal that Trikafta affects infection-relevantA. fumigatusbiology and host-microbial interactions.

IMPORTANCE

People with Cystic Fibrosis (pwCF) commonly test positive for the pathogenic fungus,Aspergillus fumigatus, which is associated with a decline in lung function. Trikafta is a recently approved therapy for pwCF that improves quantity and function of the CFTR protein, however, it is not known how Trikafta affects microbial communities in the CF lung. Here we report that Trikafta has anti-fungal activity against the infection relevant form ofA. fumigatus, termed biofilms. When exposed to TrikaftaA. fumigatusbiofilms lose their viability. In addition, exposure to Trikafta enhances the susceptibility ofA. fumigatusbiofilms to the clinically utilized anti-fungal drug caspofungin. These data suggest Trikafta impacts the cell wall of A. fumigatus and suggests the potential for using Trikafta to augment existing anti-fungal therapy.
Chemical inhibition of histidine biosynthesis curtailsM. tuberculosisinfection
Authors: Tiwari Satish , Ahmad Mohammed , Kumar Varun , Kar Deepsikha , Kumari Swati , Dwivedy Abhisek , Pal Ravi Kant , Mohapatra Amit Kumar , Nain Vaibhav Kumar , Barik Vishawjeet , Pal Rahul , Nanda Ranjan Kumar , Pandey Amit Kumar , Biswal Bichitra Kumar
Published: June 2023

To overcome the drug resistance crisis and shorten the current duration of human tuberculosis (TB) therapy, new anti-TB molecules is required. In an earlier study, we have shown thatMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb), the causative agent of TB, with a fractured de novo histidine biosynthesis fails to mount TB infection in mouse model, emboldening that disrupting the function of this pathway may constitute a novel strategy to curtailing TB infection. In this study, through a target based approach we have designed a number of triazole scaffold molecules specific to imidazole glycerol phosphate dehydratase (IGPD; HisB) of this pathway and have delineated atomic level interactions between the enzyme and inhibitors which pinpointed the specificity and the inhibitory mechanism. Importantly, these molecules exhibited significant potency against free as well as macrophage-internalized wild-type and drug-resistant clinical isolates in culture medium. Notably, a couple of these compounds showed efficacy in reducing the bacterial burden inMtb-infected mouse model. The chemical inhibition of IGPD induces histidine auxotrophy inMtband brings in new prospects to the area of anti-TB drug discovery.
Resistance towards and biotransformation ofPseudomonas-produced secondary metabolites during community invasion
Authors: Hansen Morten L. , Dénes Zsófia , Jarmusch Scott A. , Wibowo Mario , Lozano-Andrade Carlos N. , Kovács Ákos T. , Strube Mikael L. , Andersen Aaron J. C. , Jelsbak Lars
Published: June 2023

The role of antagonistic secondary metabolites produced byPseudomonas protegensin suppression of soil-borne phytopathogens has been clearly documented. However, their contribution to the ability ofP. protegensto establish in soil and rhizosphere microbiomes remains ambiguous. Here, we use a four-species synthetic community to determine how antibiotic production contributes toP. protegenscommunity invasion and identify community traits that alter the abundance of keyP. protegensantimicrobial metabolites (DAPG, pyoluteorin and orfamide A). Surprisingly, mutants deficient in antimicrobial production caused similar perturbations in community composition compared to invasion by wildtypeP. protegens. Intriguingly, while pyoluteorin and orfamide A are secreted at levels toxic to individual bacterial strains, community-level resistance circumvents toxicity. Here, we identify the underlying mechanism by which the cyclic lipopeptide, orfamide A, is inactivated and degraded byRhodococcus globerulusD757 andStenotrophomonas indicatrixD763. Altogether, the demonstration that the synthetic community constrainsP. protegensinvasion by detoxifying its antibiotics may provide a mechanistic explanation to inconsistencies in biocontrol effectivenessin situ.
Divergence of TORC1-mediated Stress Response Leads to Novel Acquired Stress Resistance in a Pathogenic Yeast
Authors: Liang Jinye , Tang Hanxi , Snyder Lindsey F. , Youngstrom Christopher E. , He Bin Z.
Published: June 2023

Acquired stress resistance (ASR) enables organisms to prepare for environmental changes that occur after an initial stressor. However, the genetic basis for ASR and how the underlying network evolved remain poorly understood. In this study, we discovered that a short phosphate starvation induces oxidative stress response (OSR) genes in the pathogenic yeastC. glabrataand protects it against a severe H2O2stress; the same treatment, however, provides little benefit in the low pathogenic-potential relative,S. cerevisiae. This ASR involves the same transcription factors (TFs) as the OSR, but with different combinatorial logics. We show that Target-of- Rapamycin Complex 1 (TORC1) is differentially inhibited by phosphate starvation in the two species and contributes to the ASR via its proximal effector, Sch9. Therefore, evolution of the phosphate starvation-induced ASR involves the rewiring of TORC1’s response to phosphate limitation and the repurposing of TF-target gene networks for the OSR using new regulatory logics.
Ultrastructural details of resistance factors of the bacterial spore revealed by in situ cryo-electron tomography
Authors: Bauda Elda , Gallet Benoit , Moravcova Jana , Effantin Gregory , Chan Helena , Novacek Jiri , Jouneau Pierre-Henri , Rodrigues Christopher D.A. , Schoehn Guy , Moriscot Christine , Morlot Cecile
Published: June 2023

The bacterial spore owes its incredible resistance capacities to various molecular structures that protect the cell content from external aggressions. Among the determinants of resistance are the quaternary structure of the chromosome and an extracellular shell made of proteinaceous layers (the coat), the assembly of which remains poorly understood. Here, in situ cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) on bacteria lamellae generated by cryo-focused ion beam micromachining (cryo-FIBM) provides insights into the ultrastructural organization ofBacillus subtilissporangia, including that of the DNA and nascent coat layers. Analysis of the reconstructed tomograms reveal that rather early during sporulation, the chromosome in the developing spore (the forespore) adopts a toroidal structure harboring 5.5-nm thick fibers. At the same stage, coat proteins at the surface of the forespore form a complex stack of amorphous or structured layers with distinct electron density, dimensions and organization. We investigated the nature of the nascent coat layers in various mutant strains using cryo-FIBM/ET and transmission electron microscopy on resin sections of freeze-substituted bacteria. Combining these two cellular electron microscopy approaches, we distinguish seven nascent coat regions with different molecular properties, and propose a model for the contribution of the morphogenetic proteins SpoIVA, SpoVID, SafA and/or CotE.

Significance statement

Bacterial spores are dormant cells that can resist to multiple stresses, including antibiotics, detergents, irradiation and high temperatures. Such resilience is an asset when spores are used for the benefit of humans, as in the case of probiotics, or a major problem for public health, food safety or biowarfare when it comes to spores of pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we combined state-of-the-art cryo-electron tomography and conventional cellular electron microscopy to provide insights into intermediate stages of spore development. Our data reveal the intracellular reorganization of the chromosome into a toroidal fibrillar structure and the complex assembly of the multi-protein, multilayered extracellular coat, shedding light on the mechanisms by which the spore acquires its incredible resistance capacities.
Activity modulation in anaerobic ribonucleotide reductases: nucleotide binding to the ATP-cone allosterically mediates substrate binding to the active site
Authors: Bimaï Ornella , Banerjee Ipsita , Grinberg Inna Rozman , Huang Ping , Hultgren Lucas , Ekström Simon , Lundin Daniel , Sjöberg Britt-Marie , Logan Derek T.
Published: June 2023

A small, nucleotide-binding domain, the ATP-cone, is found at the N-terminus of most ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) catalytic subunits. By binding ATP or dATP it regulates the enzyme activity of all classes of RNR. Functional and structural work on aerobic RNRs has revealed a plethora of ways in which dATP inhibits activity by inducing oligomerization and preventing a productive radical transfer from one subunit to the active site in the other. Anaerobic RNRs, on the other hand, store a stable glycyl radical next to the active site and the basis for their dATP-dependent inhibition is completely unknown. We present biochemical, biophysical and structural information on the effects of ATP and dATP binding to the anaerobic RNR fromPrevotella copri. The enzyme exists in a dimer-tetramer equilibrium biased towards dimers when two ATP molecules are bound to the ATP-cone and tetramers when two dATP molecules are bound. In the presence of ATP,P. copriNrdD is active and has a fully ordered glycyl radical domain (GRD) in one monomer of the dimer. Binding of dATP to the ATP-cone results in loss of activity and increased dynamics of the GRD, such that it can not be detected in the cryo-EM structures. The glycyl radical is formed even in the dATP-bound form, but the substrate does not bind. The structures implicate a complex network of interactions in activity regulation that involve the GRD more than 30 Å away from the dATP molecules, the allosteric substrate specificity site and a conserved but previously unseen flap over the active site. Taken together, the results suggest that dATP inhibition in anaerobic RNRs acts by increasing the flexibility of the flap and GRD, thereby preventing both substrate binding and radical mobilisation.
Mutational analysis of LtgC, a lytic transglycosylase required for cell separation inNeisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Schaub Ryan E. , Perez-Medina Krizia , Tomberg Joshua , Nicholas Robert A. , Dillard Joseph P.
Published: June 2023

Lytic transglycosylases function to degrade peptidoglycan strands that comprise the bacterial cell wall. Degradation of peptidoglycan at the septum following cell division is necessary for cell separation, and a deletion ofltgCinNeisseria gonorrhoeaeresults in growth in clusters of around 6-20 cells rather than as normal diplococci or monococci.N. gonorrhoeaeLtgC is a homolog ofEscherichia coliMltA, and comparison of the two proteins shows that LtgC has an extra domain not found in MltA, referred to as domain 3. To better understand the function of LtgC, we characterizedN. gonorrhoeaemutants with substitutions in amino acids predicted to be necessary for enzymatic activity or amino acids predicted to be on the surface of domain 3, and we characterized a mutant lacking domain 3. All the mutants showed defects in cell separation, and the bacteria failed to release peptidoglycan-derived disaccharides into the medium. Purified LtgC proteins with the amino acid substitutions had reduced peptidoglycan degradation activity. LtgC was found to bind AmiC in bacterial 2-hybrid assays, and domain 3 mutations reduced binding. In human blood, anltgCmutant showed decreased survival, suggesting the cell wall defects in the mutant make the bacteria more sensitive to innate immune system components.

Importance

Neisseria gonorrhoeaeuses a smaller set of proteins for peptidoglycan breakdown compared toEscherichia colior other model systems. The peptidoglycan breakdown that occurs at the septum following cell division inN. gonorrhoeaerequires three proteins, amidase AmiC, amidase activator NlpD, and lytic transglycosylase LtgC. LtgC has an unusual structure that includes a third domain not found in related proteins. Using mutants that lacked LtgC activity or had amino acid changes in the third domain, we found that the extra domain is involved in interaction of LtgC with AmiC and that it is required for LtgC function for cell separation. All of theltgCmutants examined showed reduced survival in blood, indicating the importance of LtgC activity for infection.
Structure-guided design and optimization of covalent VHL-targeted sulfonyl fluoride PROTACs
Authors: Shah Rishi R. , De Vita Elena , Conole Daniel , Sathyamurthi Preethi S. , Zhang Xinyue , Fellows Elliot , Fleites Carlos M. , Queisser Markus A. , Harling John D. , Tate Edward W.
Published: June 2023

Abstract Figure

Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional molecules that have emerged as a therapeutic modality to induce targeted protein degradation (TPD) by harnessing cellular proteolytic degradation machinery. PROTACs which ligand the E3 ligase in a covalent manner have attracted intense interest, however, covalent PROTACs with a broad protein of interest (POI) scope have proven challenging to discover by design. Here, we report structure-guided design and optimization of Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) protein-targeted sulfonyl fluorides which covalently bind Ser110 in the HIF1α binding site. We demonstrate that their incorporation in bifunctional degraders induces targeted protein degradation of BRD4 or androgen receptor (AR) without further linker optimization. Our study discloses the first covalent VHL ligands which can be implemented directly in bifunctional degrader design expanding the substrate scope of covalent E3 ligase PROTACs.
Acute targeted induction of gut-microbial metabolism affects host clock genes and nocturnal feeding
Authors: Greter Giorgia , Moresi Claudia , Oswald Stefanie , de Wouters d’Oplinter Alice , Künzli Daria , Cappio Barazzone Elisa , Lan Jiayi , Slack Emma , Arnoldini Markus
Published: June 2023

The gut microbiota and host circadian clock mutually influence each other, and microbiota metabolism has been shown to play a role in regulating host circadian function via secretion of fermentation products. Microbial metabolism is dependent on the availability of nutrients for the microbiota, typically through the host’s food intake, making it challenging to disentangle the effect of host and microbiota metabolism. In this study, we acutely induced gut microbial metabolic activity without inducing host metabolism in mice. We found that increasing microbial metabolism in the gut altered circadian clock gene expression locally. Actuating microbiota metabolism also reduced host food intake beyond the calories provided by the microbiota, suggesting a systemic signaling effect of microbial metabolism on the host.
Novel hydrogen- and iron-oxidizing sheath-producing Zetaproteobacteria thrive at the Fåvne deep-sea hydrothermal vent field
Authors: Hribovšek Petra , Denny Emily Olesin , Dahle Håkon , Mall Achim , Viflot Thomas Øfstegaard , Boonnawa Chanakan , Reeves Eoghan P. , Steen Ida Helene , Stokke Runar
Published: June 2023

Iron oxidizing Zetaproteobacteria are well-known to colonize deep-sea hydrothermal vent fields around the world where iron-rich fluids are discharged into oxic seawater. How inter-field and intra-field differences in geochemistry influence the diversity of Zetaproteobacteria, however, remains largely unknown. Here, we characterize Zetaproteobacteria phylogenomic diversity, metabolic potential, and morphologies of the iron oxides they form, with a focus on the recently discovered Fåvne vent field. Located along the Mohns ridge in the Arctic, this vent field is a unique study site with vent fluids containing both iron and hydrogen with thick iron microbial mats (Fe mats) covering porously venting high-temperature (227-267 °C) black smoker chimneys. Through genome-resolved metagenomics and microscopy, we demonstrate that the Fe mats at Fåvne are dominated by tubular iron oxide sheaths, likely produced by Zetaproteobacteria of genusGhiorsea. With these structures,Ghiorseamay provide a surface area for members of other abundant taxa such as Campylobacterota, Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria. Furthermore,Ghiorsealikely oxidizes both iron and hydrogen present in the fluids, with severalGhiorseapopulations co-existing in the same niche. Homologues of Zetaproteobacteria Ni,Fe hydrogenases and iron oxidation genecyc2were found in genomes of other community members, suggesting exchange of these genes could have happened in similar environments. Our study provides new insights into Zetaproteobacteria in hydrothermal vents, their diversity, energy metabolism and niche formation.

Importance

Knowledge on microbial iron oxidation is important for understanding the cycling of iron, carbon, nitrogen, nutrients, and metals. The current study yields important insights into the niche sharing, diversification, and Fe(III) oxyhydroxide morphology ofGhiorsea, an iron- and hydrogen oxidizing Zetaproteobacteria representative belonging to ZetaOTU9. The study proposes thatGhiorseaexhibits a more extensive morphology of Fe(III) oxyhydroxide than previously observed. Overall, the results increase our knowledge on potential drivers of Zetaproteobacteria diversity in iron microbial mats and can eventually be used to develop strategies for the cultivation of sheath-forming Zetaproteobacteria.
Body size shapes song in honeyeaters
Authors: Hay Eleanor M. , McGee Matthew D. , White Craig R. , Chown Steven L.
Published: June 2023

Birdsongs are among the most distinctive animal signals. Their evolution is thought to be shaped simultaneously by habitat structure and by the constraints of morphology. Habitat structure affects song transmission and detectability, thus influencing song (the acoustic adaptation hypothesis), while body size and beak size and shape necessarily constrain song characteristics (the morphological constraint hypothesis). Yet, support for the acoustic adaptation and morphological constraint hypotheses remains equivocal, and their simultaneous examination is infrequent. Using a phenotypically diverse Australasian bird clade, the honeyeaters (Aves: Meliphagidae), we compile a dataset consisting of song, environmental, and morphological variables for 163 species and jointly examine predictions of these two hypotheses. Overall, we find that body size constrains song frequency and pace in honeyeaters. Although habitat type and environmental temperature influence aspects of song, that influence is indirect, likely via effects of environmental variation on body size, with some evidence that elevation constrains the evolution of song peak frequency. Our results demonstrate that morphology has an overwhelming influence on birdsong, in support of the morphological constraint hypothesis, with the environment playing a secondary role generally via body size rather than habitat structure. These results suggest that changing body size, a consequence of both global effects such as climate change, and local effects such as habitat transformation, will substantially influence the nature of birdsong.
Kir2.1 modulation in macrophages sensitises dorsal root ganglion neurons through TNF secretion after nerve injury
Authors: Konnova Elena A. , Deftu Alexandru-Florian , Chu Sin Chung Paul , Kirschmann Guylène , Decosterd Isabelle , Suter Marc R.
Published: June 2023

Macrophages and satellite glial cells are found between injured and uninjured neurons in the lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRG). We explored the mechanism of neuro-immune and neuron–glia crosstalk leading to hyperexcitability of DRG neurons. After spared nerve injury (SNI), CX3CR1+resident macrophages became activated, proliferated and increased inward-rectifying potassium channel Kir2.1 currents. Conditioned medium (CM) by macrophages, obtained from DRG of SNI mice, sensitised small DRG neurons from naïve mice. However, treatment with CM from GFAP+glial cells did not affect neuronal excitability. When subjected to this macrophage-derived CM, DRG neurons had increased spontaneous activity, current-evoked responses and voltage-gated NaV1.7 and NaV1.8 currents. Silencing Kir2.1 in macrophages after SNI prevented the induction of neuronal hyperexcitability from their CM. Blocking vesicular exocytosis or soluble tumour necrosis factor (TNF) in CM or interfering with the downstream intracellular p38 pathway in neurons, also prevented neuronal hyperexcitability. Blocking protein trafficking in neurons reduced the effect of CM, suggesting that the hyperexcitable state resulted from changes in NaVchannel trafficking. These results suggest that DRG macrophages, primed by peripheral nerve injury, contribute to neuron–glia crosstalk, NaVchannel dysregulation and neuronal hyperexcitability implicated in the development of neuropathic pain.

Graphical abstract
The impact of industrial Internet of things on sustainable performance: the indirect effect of supply chain visibility
Authors: Al-Khatib Ayman Wael
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Sustainable management has become a strategic and popular requirement for stakeholders, as the ability to create competitive advantages in the current dynamic business environment and the pressures of digital transformation need to be increased attention in achieving the highest level of sustainable performance. The main objective of this paper is to explore the direct effects of the industrial Internet of things and supply chain visibility on sustainable performance (economic performance, environmental performance and social performance), in addition to evaluating the indirect effects that supply chain visibility plays in these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the purposes and objectives of this work, a conceptual model was developed by referring to the current works in the literature, and the theoretical model was developed, and then data were collected through the questionnaire and by the snowball sampling method, as 380 questionnaires were used. In the data analysis, the multivariate analysis technique was used via Covariance-based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM), as hypothesized relationships were evaluated through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and then the hypotheses were tested through a structural model.

Findings

The results reached the acceptance of all hypotheses, and this means that all hypothesized relationships were positive, as the impact of the industrial Internet of things was positive on each of the supply chain visibility and economic performance, environmental performance and social performance, and also the supply chain visibility mediated the relationship between each of the industrial Internet of things and economic performance, environmental performance and social performance.

Originality/value

The current paper reported a range of theoretical and practical contributions, as this study is the first to examine these hypothesized relationships together in this way and thus helped this study to develop new perceptions about Industry 4.0 technologies and their potential impacts on supply chain and sustainable performance. Also, this study had a variety of management recommendations that allow managers of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies operating in Jordan to develop their technological capabilities and use them to enhance sustainable performance.
A hybrid enrichment strategy for the efficient construction of reduced order models by the proper generalized decomposition
Authors: Müller Fabian , Baumanns Paul , Hameyer Kay
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The calculation of electromagnetic fields can involve many degrees of freedom (DOFs) to achieve accurate results. The DOFs are directly related to the computational effort of the simulation. The effort is decreased by using the proper generalized decomposition (PGD) and proper orthogonalized decomposition (POD). The purpose of this study is to combine the advantages of both methods. Therefore, a hybrid enrichment strategy is proposed and applied to different electromagnetic formulations.

Design/methodology/approach

The POD is an a-priori method, which exploits the solution space by decomposing reference solutions of the field problem. The disadvantage of this method is given by the unknown number of solutions necessary to reconstruct an accurate field representation. The PGD is an a-priori approach, which does not rely on reference solutions, but require much more computational effort than the POD. A hybrid enrichment strategy is proposed, based on building a small POD model and using it as a starting point of the PGD enrichment process.

Findings

The hybrid enrichment process is able to accurately approximate the reference system with a smaller computational effort compared to POD and PGD models. The hybrid enrichment process can be combined with the magneto-dynamic T-Ω formulation and the magnetic vector potential formulation to solve eddy current or non-linear problems.

Originality/value

The PGD enrichment process is improved by exploiting a POD. A linear eddy current problem and a non-linear electrical machine simulation are analyzed in terms of accuracy and computational effort. Further the PGD-AV formulation is derived and compared to the PGD-T-Ω reduced order model.
Utilization of electronic resources: an analysis of awareness and perception of users of Kashmir University
Authors: Wagay Javaid Ahmad , Dutta Saurabh
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper focuses on the use of e-resources by research scholars and post-graduate students at Kashmir University. The main aim is to determine the use of e-resources, users skills in handling e-resources and the purpose of their use. Further, this paper aims to highlight the problems faced by research scholars and post-graduate students in accessing e-resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey was conducted through a structured questionnaire circulated among 250 research scholars, both (M.Phil./Ph.D.) and post-graduate students, from different departments of Kashmir University, and the response rate was 80%. Random sample method was used for the selection of respondents and interacting with them. The responses received from the research scholars to 14 questions are presented in the form of tables.

Findings

Major findings of the study reveal that the majority of the students reported using electronic journal resources for various purposes including working on assignments, research proposal writing, literature review writing, research report writing, current awareness and leisurely exploration of ongoing scientific debates through peer-reviewed papers. The challenges encountered in the use of electronic journal resources include a power outage, inadequate bandwidth, slow download speed, inability to access the resources from home, lack of training, lack of awareness, limited access to computers and difficulty in searching. The paper concludes that electronic resources have become an integral part of the information needs of research scholars’ post-graduate students at Kashmir University. Further, it finds that e-resources can be good substitutes for conventional resources, if the access is fast, and more computer terminals are installed to provide fast access to e-resources. Finally, recommendations for improving the use of electronic journal resources are provided.

Practical implications

The paper restrains the study exclusively to use of e-resources by the research scholars and post-graduate students of Kashmir University.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the use of e-resources by research scholars and post-graduate students of Kashmir University and makes some constructive suggestions for the improvement of electronic resources and services. This is the first time an effort has been made to assess the use of electronic resources by post-graduate students at Kashmir University. The study could be used to assess the post-graduate students’ needs for electronic resources at the Kashmir University and other users in higher learning institutions.
The role of renewable energy on life expectancy: evidence from method of moments quantile regression based on G-7 countries data
Authors: Karimi Alavijeh Nooshin , Ahmadi Shadmehri Mohammad Taher , Dehdar Fatemeh , Zangoei Samane , Nazeer Nazia
Published: June 2023

Purpose

While science has researched the impact of air pollution on human health, the economic dimension of it has been less researched so far. Renewable energy consumption is an important factor in determining the level of life expectancy and reducing health expenditure. Thus, this study aims to investigate the impact of renewable energy, carbon emissions, health expenditure and urbanization on life expectancy in G-7 countries over the period of 2000–2019.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has adopted a novel Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR). Furthermore, as a robustness check for MMQR, the fully modified ordinary least square, dynamic ordinary least squares and fixed effect ordinary least square estimators have been used.

Findings

The results indicated that renewable energy consumption, health expenditure and urbanization lead to an increase in life expectancy across all quantiles (5th to 95th), whereas higher carbon dioxide emissions reduce life expectancy at birth across all the quantiles (5th to 95th).

Practical implications

The empirical findings conclude that governments should recognize their potential in renewable energy sources and devise policies such as tax-related regulations, or relevant incentives to encourage further investments in this field.

Originality/value

This paper in comparison to the other research studies used MMQR to investigate the impact of factors affecting life expectancy. Also, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, so far no study has investigated the impact of renewable energy on life expectancy in G-7 countries.
The role of financial inclusion in moderating the incidence of entrepreneurship on energy poverty in Ghana
Authors: Asongu Simplice , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to assess the role of financial inclusion (FI) in moderating the incidence of entrepreneurship on energy poverty in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The assessment is made by using pooled data and two-stage least squares. The exposition builds from the 7th (GLSS7) and 6th (GLSS6) rounds focusing on the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GSS, 2014, 2019) that is collected by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) from 10 principal regions in the country.

Findings

The findings show that entrepreneurship has an unconditional positive incidence on energy poverty while the interactive incidence between entrepreneurship and FI on energy poverty is negative. The corresponding FI policy thresholds that should be exceeded in order for FI to effectively moderate entrepreneurship for negative outcomes in energy poverty are between 0.154 and 0.280 index for the full sample; 0.187 index for the rural subsample; 0.200 and 0.333 index for the male sample. Thresholds are not computed for the rural and female subsamples because at least one estimated coefficient that is needed for the computation of such thresholds is not significant. Policy implications are discussed.

Originality/value

This study has complemented the existing literature by assessing how FI can be used to influence the nexus between entrepreneurship and poverty in Ghana.
Investigating the level of effectiveness of the anti-fraud technologies employed by the South African banking industry for cyberfraud mitigation
Authors: Akinbowale Oluwatoyin Esther , Klingelhöfer Heinz Eckart , Zerihun Mulatu Fekadu
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the level of effectiveness of the anti-fraud technologies employed by the South African banking industry for cyberfraud mitigation.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employed a qualitative research design involving a purposive sampling method. Primary data was collected from the key organisational staff across the 17 licensed commercial banks in South Africa via the use of structured questionnaires. In particular, these were experts involved in combating fraud and taking managerial decisions regarding the use of anti-fraud technologies for cyberfraud mitigation. Non-parametric statistical analyses were carried out from the responses obtained.

Findings

The results obtained indicated that the combination of internal and external anti-fraud technologies such as filtering software, firewalls, encryption, continuous auditing, discovery sampling, virus protection, financial ratios, digital analysis and data mining may have a positive effect on cyberfraud mitigation. These technologies are employed mostly to ensure effective internal control systems capable of minimising cyberfraud. In addition, the anti-fraud technologies employed in the South African banking industry may also be effective in the mitigation of cyberfraud, although significant cases of cyberattacks were reported by the respondents.

Practical implications

The study recommends investment in more digital and emerging technologies and the development of human capacities to effectively deploy them in the combat against cybercrime.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study lies in the identification of the type of anti-fraud technologies/software employed by the South African banking industry and their level of effectiveness or success rate.
The moderating effect of adaptability on the relationship between cognitive social capital and innovation capacity
Authors: Zirena-Bejarano Patricia Pilar , Tancayllo Yana Graci , Caryt Málaga Andrea Karina
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the moderating effect of adaptability on the relationship between cognitive social capital and innovation capacity in companies in the tourism sector. The study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the direct and indirect linkage generated between these variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was designed under the quantitative approach, and an empirical study was carried out by applying a questionnaire to 300 companies located in Arequipa, Perú. Data processing was conducted using partial least squares structural equation modeling using Smart PLS software.

Findings

The results demonstrate the existence of a positive and significant direct relationship between cognitive social capital and innovation capacity. Furthermore, it was found that adaptability moderates this relationship, improving the results. The study shows that shared goals and culture facilitate the transfer of knowledge, which allows the exploration of new opportunities, and that the accommodation of business resources enables companies to respond quickly to new market requirements, promoting the capacity for innovation.

Practical implications

Organizations operate in an environment of intense competition. Therefore, developing the capacity for innovation is essential to stay competitive. Managers must strengthen cognitive relationships by sharing objectives and culture with their contacts, in addition to developing the ability to respond to market changes. This will stimulate the creation of new products and services.

Originality/value

This document adds value to the literature on social capital and innovation, demonstrating the importance of adaptability and its moderating effect on the relationship between cognitive social capital and innovation capacity. This has not been explored before. The research shows how these three variables act synergistically in a model, improving results, which is essential to achieve the competitiveness of companies in the tourism sector of an emerging country.