bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The chemorepellent, SLIT2, bolsters innate immunity againstStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Bhosle Vikrant K. , Sun Chunxiang , Patel Sajedabanu , Westman Johannes , Ammendolia Dustin A. , Fine Noah , Li Zhubing , Sharma Manraj , Glogauer Judah , Capurro Mariana I. , Jones Nicola L. , Glogauer Michael , Grinstein Sergio , Robinson Lisa A.
Published: November 2022

Neutrophils are essential for host defense againstStaphylococcus aureus(S. aureus). The neuro-repellent, SLIT2, potently inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis, and might therefore be expected to impair antibacterial responses. We report here that, unexpectedly, neutrophils exposed to the N-terminal SLIT2 (N-SLIT2) fragment kill extracellularS. aureusmore efficiently. N-SLIT2 amplifies reactive oxygen species production in response to the bacteria by activating p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase that in turn phosphorylates NCF1, an essential subunit of the NADPH oxidase complex. N-SLIT2 also enhances exocytosis of secondary granules. In a murine model ofS. aureusskin and soft tissue infection (SSTI), local SLIT2 levels fall initially but increase subsequently, peaking ≈ 3 days after infection. Of note, neutralization of endogenous SLIT2 worsens SSTI. Temporal fluctuations in tissue SLIT2 levels may promote neutrophil recruitment and retention at the infection site and hasten bacterial clearance by augmenting neutrophil oxidative burst and degranulation. Collectively, these actions of SLIT2 coordinate innate immune responses to limit susceptibility toS. aureus.

One-sentence summary

SLIT2, a prototypic neuro-repellent, spatiotemporally coordinates host defense againstStaphylococcus aureusinfection.
Combining different CRISPR nucleases for simultaneous knock-in and base editing prevents translocations in multiplex-edited CAR T cells
Authors: Glaser Viktor , Flugel Christian , Kath Jonas , Du Weijie , Drosdek Vanessa , Franke Clemens , Stein Maik , Pruß Axel , Schmueck-Henneresse Michael , Volk Hans-Dieter , Reinke Petra , Wagner Dimitrios L.
Published: November 2022

I.

Multiple genetic modifications may be required to develop potent off-the-shelf chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies. Conventional CRISPR-Cas nucleases install sequence-specific DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), enabling gene knock-out (KO) or targeted transgene knock-in (KI). However, simultaneous DSBs provoke a high rate of genomic rearrangements which may impede the safety of the edited cells. Here, we combine a non-viral CRISPR-Cas9 nuclease-assisted KI and Cas9-derived base editing technology for DSB free KOs within a single intervention. We demonstrate efficient insertion of a CAR into the T cell receptor alpha constant (TRAC) gene, along with two KOs that silence major histocompatibility complexes (MHC) class I and II expression. This approach reduced translocations to 1.5% of edited cells. Small insertions and deletion at the base editing target sites indicated guide RNA exchange between the editors. This was overcome by using CRISPR enzymes of distinct evolutionary origins. Combining Cas12a Ultra for CAR KI and a Cas9-derived base editor enabled the efficient generation of triple-edited CAR T cells with a translocation frequency comparable to unedited T cells. Resulting T cell receptor- (TCR-) and MHC-negative CAR T cells resisted allogeneic T cell targeting in vitro. Thus, we demonstrate a solution for safer multiplex-edited cell products and a path towards off-the-shelf CAR therapeutics.
FAP106 is an interaction hub required for assembly of conserved and lineage-specific microtubule inner proteins at the cilium inner junction
Authors: Shimogawa Michelle M. , Wijono Angeline S. , Wang Hui , Zhang Jiayan , Sha Jihui , Szombathy Natasha , Vadakkan Sabeeca , Pelayo Paula , Jonnalagadda Keya , Wohlschlegel James , Zhou Z. Hong , Hill Kent L.
Published: November 2022

Motility of pathogenic protozoa depends on flagella (synonymous with cilia) with axonemes containing nine doublet microtubules (DMTs) and two singlet microtubules. Microtubule inner proteins (MIPs) within DMTs influence axoneme stability and motility and provide lineage-specific adaptations, but individual MIP functions and assembly mechanisms are mostly unknown. Here, we show in the sleeping sickness parasiteTrypanosoma brucei, that FAP106, a conserved MIP at the DMT inner junction, is required for trypanosome motility and functions as a critical interaction hub, directing assembly of several conserved and lineage-specific MIPs. We further use comparative cryogenic electron tomography (cryoET) and quantitative proteomics to identify novel MIP candidates, and RNAi knockdown plus fitting of AlphaFold models into cryoET maps to demonstrate one of these, MC8, is a trypanosome-specific MIP required for parasite motility. Our work advances understanding of MIP assembly mechanisms and identifies lineage-specific motility proteins that are attractive targets to consider for therapeutic intervention.
Activity profiling of deubiquitinating inhibitors-bound to SARS-CoV-2 papain like protease with antiviral efficacy in murine infection model
Authors: Choudhary Shweta , Nehul Sanketkumar , Nagaraj Santhosh Kambaiah , Narayan Rohan , Verma Shalja , Sharma Swati , Kumari Annu , Rani Ruchi , Saha Ankita , Sircar Debabrata , Kaliappan Abinaya , Tripathi Shashank , Sharma Gaurav Kumar , Kumar Pravindra , Tomar Shailly
Published: November 2022

SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) is a key antiviral target as it plays a dual role in viral replication and in modulation of innate immune responses by deubiquitinating or deISGylating host proteins. Thus, therapeutic targeting of PLpro serves as a two-pronged approach to abate SARS-CoV-2. Interestingly, PLpro shares structural and functional similarities with the cellular deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) and in this study this fact has been exploited to identify DUBs inhibitors that target the Ubiquitin/ISG15 binding site and the known catalytic substrate binding pocket of PLpro. Among these identified compounds, flupenthixol, lithocholic acid, teneligliptin, and linagliptin markedly inhibited the proteolytic activity of purified PLpro and demonstrated potent antiviral efficacies against SARS-CoV-2 infection in a dose dependent manner. Treatment with lithocholic acid and linagliptin suppressed the expression levels of inflammatory mediators, thereby, restoring immune responses. Crystal structures of SARS-CoV-2 PLpro in complex with linagliptin and with lithocholic acid determined in this study, revealed insights into the inhibition mechanism with unique interactions within the Ubiquitin/ISG15 binding site (S2 site; Phe69, His73, Asn128, His175) and the substrate binding cleft. Additionally, oral and intraperitoneal treatments with linagliptin increased survival, reduced lung viral load, and ameliorated histopathological damage in mouse-adapted model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study for the first time demonstrates a two-pronged strategy using DUB inhibitors that target the proteolytic activity of PLpro and simultaneously reinstates the host’s immune response against SARS-CoV-2.
Cyclic dichalcogenides extend the reach of bioreductive prodrugs to harness the thioredoxin system: applications toseco-duocarmycins
Authors: Felber Jan G. , Kitowski Annabel , Zeisel Lukas , Maier Martin S. , Heise Constanze , Thorn-Seshold Julia , Thorn-Seshold Oliver
Published: November 2022

Small molecule prodrug approaches that can activate cancer therapeutics selectively in tumors are urgently needed. Here, we developed the first antitumor prodrugs designed for activation by the thioredoxin (Trx) oxidoreductase system. This critical cellular disulfide redox axis is tightly linked to dysregulated redox/metabolic states in cancer, yet it cannot be addressed by current bioreductive prodrugs, which mainly cluster around oxidised nitrogen species. We instead harnessed Trx/TrxR-specific artificial dichalcogenides to gate the bioactivity of a series of 10 “off-to-on” reduction-activated duocarmycin prodrugs. The prodrugs were tested for cell-free and cellular activity dependent on reducing enzyme systems in 177 cell lines, to establish broad trends for redox-based cellular bioactivity of the dichalcogenides. They were well toleratedin vivoin mice, indicating low systemic release of their duocarmycin cargo, andin vivoanti-tumor efficacy trials in mouse models of breast and pancreatic cancer gave promising initial results indicating effective tumoral drug release, presumably byin situbioreductive activation. This work therefore presents a chemically novel class of bioreductive prodrugs against a previously unaddressed reductase type, validates its ability to accessin vivocompatible small-molecule prodrugs even of potently cumulative toxins, and so introduces carefully tuned dichalcogenides as a platform strategy for specific bioreduction-based release.
Environmental activity-based protein profiling for function-driven enzyme discovery from natural communities
Authors: Ninck Sabrina , Klaus Thomas , Kochetkova Tatiana V. , Esser Sarah P. , Sewald Leonard , Kaschani Farnusch , Bräsen Christopher , Probst Alexander J. , Kublanov Ilya V. , Siebers Bettina , Kaiser Markus
Published: November 2022

Microbial communities are significant drivers of global biogeochemical cycles, yet accurate function prediction of their proteome and discerning their activityin situfor bioprospecting remains challenging. Here, we present environmental activity-based protein profiling (eABPP) as a novel proteomics-based approach bridging the gap between environmental genomics, correct function annotation andin situenzyme activity. As a showcase, we report the successful identification of active thermostable serine hydrolases by combining genome-resolved metagenomics and mass spectrometry-based eABPP of natural microbial communities from two independent hot springs in Kamchatka, Russia. eABPP does not only advance current methodological approaches by providing evidence for enzyme and microbial activityin situbut also represents an alternative approach to sequence homology-guided biocatalyst discovery from environmental ecosystems.
Targeting the host protein G3BP1 for the discovery of novel antiviral inhibitors against Chikungunya virus
Authors: Mahajan Supreeti , Kumar Ravi , Singh Ankur , Pareek Akshay , Kumar Pravindra , Tomar Shailly
Published: November 2022

Molecular interactions of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) nsP3 with the host G3BP1 stress granule (SG) protein is crucial for CHIKV replication. NsP3 binds to the nuclear transport factor 2 (NTF2)-like domain of G3BP1 via its two FGDF motifs, unsettling SGs formation. The present study identified seven small molecules targeting the FGDF binding pocket of G3BP1 using structure-based computer-aided drug discovery. All seven molecules exhibited good binding affinities in the range of ∼3.4 to ∼98μM towards NTF2-like G3BP1 domain. Furthermore, identified molecules demonstrate dose-dependent inhibition in CHIKV infected Vero cells (EC50: 0.40 to 7.39µM), and reduced SGs formation in these cells. These results highlight G3BP1 protein as a potential CHIKV therapeutic target and offer potential prospective for developing treatment for CHIKV disease.
Evolutionary analysis of Quinone Reductases 1 and 2 suggest that NQO2 evolved to function as a pseudoenzyme
Authors: Islam Faiza , Basilone Nicoletta , Ball Eric , Shilton Brian
Published: November 2022

Quinone reductases 1 and 2 (NQO1 and NQO2) are paralogous FAD-linked enzymes found in all amniotes. NQO1 and NQO2 have similar structures and can both catalyze reduction of quinones and other electrophiles. The two enzymes differ in their cosubstrate specificity, with NQO1 using cellular redox couples NAD(H) and NADP(H), while NQO2 is almost completely inactive with these cosubstrates, and instead uses dihydronicotinamide riboside (NRH) and small synthetic cosubstrates such asN-benzyl-dihydronicotinamide (BNAH). We used ancestral sequence reconstruction to investigate the catalytic properties of a predicted common ancestor and 2 additional ancestors from each of the evolutionary pathways to extant NQO1 and NQO2. In all cases, the small nicotinamide cosubstrates NRH and BNAH were good cosubstrates for the common ancestor and the enzymes along the NQO1 and NQO2 lineages. In the case of NADH, however, extant NQO1 evolved to a catalytic efficiency 100x higher than the common ancestor, while NQO2 has evolved to a catalytic efficiency 1000x lower than the common ancestor. In addition, 13 chimeric enzymes were created to investigate the molecular basis of cosubstrate specificity, which was further elaborated by site-directed mutagenesis of the ancestral NQO2. Overall, the results suggest a selective pressure for evolution of NQO1 towards greater efficiency with NADH, and for NQO2 towards extremely low efficiency with NADH. These divergent trajectories have implications for the cellular functions of both enzymes, but particularly for NQO2 whose cellular functions are only beginning to be uncovered.
Genetic encoding of 3-nitro-tyrosine reveals the impacts of 14-3-3 nitration on client binding and dephosphorylation
Authors: Zhu Phillip , Nguyen Kyle T. , Estelle Aidan B. , Sluchanko Nikolai N. , Mehl Ryan A. , Cooley Richard B.
Published: November 2022

14-3-3 proteins are central hub regulators of hundreds of phosphorylated “client” proteins. They are subject to over 60 post-translational modifications (PTMs), yet little is known how these PTMs alter 14-3-3 function and its ability to regulate downstream signaling pathways. An often neglected, but well documented 14-3-3 PTM found under physiological and immune-stimulatory conditions is the conversion of tyrosine to 3-nitro-tyrosine at several Tyr sites, two of which are located at sites considered important for 14-3-3 function: Y130 (β-isoform numbering) is located in the primary phospho-client peptide binding groove, while Y213 is found on a secondary binding site that engages with clients for full 14-3-3/client complex formation and client regulation. By genetically encoding 3-nitro-tyrosine, we sought to understand if nitration at Y130 and Y213 effectively modulated 14-3-3 structure, function, and client complexation. The 1.5 Å resolution crystal structure of 14-3-3 nitrated at Y130 showed the nitro group altered the conformation of key residues in the primary binding site, while functional studies confirmed client proteins failed to bind this variant of 14-3-3. But, in contrast to other client-binding deficient variants, it did not localize to the nucleus. The 1.9 Å resolution structure of 14-3-3 nitrated at Y213 revealed unusual flexibility of its C-terminal α-helix resulting in domain swapping, suggesting additional structural plasticity though its relevance is not clear as this nitrated form retained its ability to bind clients. Collectively, our data suggest nitration of 14-3-3 will alter downstream signaling systems, and if uncontrolled could result in global dysregulation of the 14-3-3 interactome.
The rVSV-EBOV vaccine provides limited cross-protection against Sudan virus in guinea pigs
Authors: Cao Wenguang , He Shihua , Liu Guodong , Schulz Helene , Emeterio Karla , Chan Michael , Tierney Kevin , Azaransky Kim , Soule Geoff , Tailor Nikesh , Salawudeen Abdjeleel , Nichols Rick , Fusco Joan , Safronetz David , Banadyga Logan
Published: November 2022

Recombinant vesicular stomatitis viruses (rVSVs) engineered to express heterologous viral glycoproteins have proven to be remarkably effective vaccines. Indeed, rVSV-EBOV, which expresses the Ebola virus (EBOV) glycoprotein, recently received clinical approval in the United States and Europe for its ability to prevent EBOV disease. Analogous rVSV vaccines expressing the glycoproteins of different human-pathogenic filoviruses have also been developed and shown to be effective in pre-clinical evaluations, yet these vaccine candidates have not progressed far beyond research laboratories. As the current outbreak of Sudan virus (SUDV) intensifies in Uganda, the need for proven countermeasures is rendered even more acute. Here we demonstrate that an rVSV-based vaccine expressing the SUDV glycoprotein (rVSV-SUDV) generates a potent humoral immune response that completely protects guinea pigs from SUDV disease and death. Although the cross-protection generated by rVSV vaccines for different filoviruses is thought to be limited, we wondered whether rVSV-EBOV might also provide protection against SUDV, which is closely related to EBOV. Surprisingly, nearly 60% of guinea pigs that were vaccinated with rVSV-EBOV and challenged with SUDV survived, suggesting that rVSV-EBOV offers limited protection against SUDV, at least in the guinea pig model. These results were confirmed by a back-challenge experiment in which animals that had been vaccinated with rVSV-EBOV and survived EBOV challenge were inoculated with SUDV and survived. Whether these data are applicable to the efficacy of rVSV-EBOV in humans is unknown, and they should therefore be interpreted cautiously. Nevertheless, this study confirms the potency of the rVSV-SUDV vaccine, and it highlights the potential for rVSV-EBOV to elicit a cross-protective immune response.
Core Defense Hotspots withinPseudomonas aeruginosaare a consistent and rich source of anti-phage defense systems
Authors: Johnson Matthew C. , Laderman Eric , Huiting Erin , Zhang Charles , Davidson Alan , Bondy-Denomy Joseph
Published: November 2022

Bacteria use a diverse arsenal of anti-phage immune systems, including CRISPR-Cas and restriction enzymes. Identifying the full defense repertoire of a given species is still challenging, however. Here, we developed a computational tool to broadly identify anti-phage systems, which was applied to >180,000 genomes available on NCBI, revealingPseudomonas aeruginosato possess the most diverse anti-phage arsenal of any species with >200 sequenced genomes. Using network analysis to identify the common neighbors of anti-phage systems, we surprisingly identified two highly conserved core defense hotspot loci (cDHS1 and cDHS2). Across more than 1,000P. aeruginosastrains, cDHS1 is up to 224 kb (mean: 34 kb) with varied arrangements of at least 31 immune systems while cDHS2 has 24 distinct systems (mean: 15.4 kb). cDHS1/2 are present in mostP. aeruginosaisolates, in contrast to highly variable mobile DHSs. Most cDHS genes are of unknown function potentially representing new anti-phage systems, which we validated by identifying a novel anti-phage system (Shango) commonly encoded in cDHS1. Identification of core gene markers that flank immune islands could be a simple approach for immune system discovery and may represent popular landing spots for diverse MGEs carrying anti-phage systems.
Auditory cortex encodes lipreading information through spatially distributed activity
Authors: Karthik Ganesan , Cao Cody Zhewei , Demidenko Michael I. , Jahn Andrew , Stacey William C. , Wasade Vibhangini S. , Brang David
Published: November 2022

Watching a speaker’s face improves speech perception accuracy. These benefits are owed, in part, to implicit lipreading abilities present in the general population. While it is established that lipreading can alter the perception of a heard word, it is unknown how information that is extracted from lipread words is transformed into a neural code that the auditory system can use. One influential, but untested, hypothesis is that visual speech modulates the population coded representations of phonetic and phonemic features in the auditory system. This model is largely supported by data showing that silent lipreading evokes activity in auditory cortex, but these activations could alternatively reflect general effects of arousal or attention, or the encoding of non-linguistic features such as visual timing information. This gap limits our understanding of how vision supports speech perception processes. To test the hypothesis that the auditory system encodes visual speech information, we acquired fMRI data from healthy adults and intracranial recordings from electrodes implanted in patients with epilepsy during auditory and visual speech perception tasks. Across both methods, linear classifiers successfully decoded the identity of silently lipread words using the spatial pattern of auditory cortex responses. Examining the time-course of classification using intracranial recordings, lipread words were classified at significantly earlier time-points relative to heard words, suggesting a predictive mechanism for facilitating speech. These results support a model in which the auditory system combines the joint neural distributions evoked by heard and lipread words to generate a more precise estimate of what was said.

Significance Statement

When we listen to someone speak in a noisy environment, watching their face can help us understand them better, largely due to automatic lipreading abilities. However, it unknown how lipreading information is transformed into a neural code that the auditory system can use. We used fMRI and intracranial recordings in patients to study how the brain processes silently lipread words and found that the auditory system encodes the identity of lipread words through spatially distributed activity. These results suggest that the auditory system combines information from both lipreading and hearing to generate more precise estimates of what is said, potentially by both activating the corresponding representation of the heard word and suppressing incorrect phonemic representations.
Combinatorial interpretation of BMP and WNT allows BMP to act as a morphogen in time but not in concentration
Authors: Camacho-Aguilar Elena , Yoon Sumin , Ortiz-Salazar Miguel A. , Warmflash Aryeh
Published: November 2022

Secreted morphogen signals play a key role in the determination of cell fates during embryonic development. BMP signaling is essential for mammalian gastrulation, as it initiates a cascade of signals that controls the self-organized patterning of the three germ layers. Although morphogen signals are typically thought to induce cell fates in a concentration-dependent manner, development is a highly dynamic process, so it is crucial to understand how time-dependent signaling affects cellular differentiation. Here we show that varying the duration of BMP signaling in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) leads to either cells remaining pluripotent, or differentiating to mesodermal or extraembryonic states, while varying the concentration does not cause efficient mesodermal differentiation at any dose. Thus, there is a morphogen effect in time but not in concentration, and an appropriately timed pulse of BMP induces hPSCs to a mesodermal fate more efficiently than sustained signaling at any concentration. Using live cell imaging of signaling and cell fate reporters together with a simple mathematical model, we show that this effect is due to a combinatorial interpretation of the applied BMP signal and induced endogenous WNT signaling. Our findings have implications for how signaling pathways control the landscape of early human development.
Inflammation-Responsive Micellar Nanoparticles from Degradable Polyphosphoramidates for Targeted Delivery to Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Liang Yifei , Sullivan Holly L. , Carrow Kendal , Korpanty Joanna , Worthington Kendra , Luo Colin , Christman Karen L. , Gianneschi Nathan C.
Published: November 2022

Nanoparticles that undergo a localized morphology change to target areas of inflammation have been previously developed but are limited by their lack of biodegradability. In this paper, we describe a low ring strain cyclic olefin monomer, 1,3-dimethyl-2-phenoxy-1,3,4,7-tetrahydro-1,3,2-diazaphosphepine 2-oxide (MePTDO), that rapidly polymerizes via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) at room temperature to generate well-defined degradable polyphosphoramidates with high monomer conversion (>84%). Efficient MePTDO copolymerizations with norbornene-based monomers are demonstrated, including a norbornenyl monomer functionalized with a peptide substrate for inflammation-associated matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The resulting amphiphilic peptide brush copolymers self-assembled in aqueous solution to generate micellar nanoparticles (30 nm in diameter) which exhibit excellent cyto- and hemocompatibility and undergo MMP-induced assembly into micron scale aggregates. As MMPs are upregulated in the heart post-myocardial infarction (MI), the MMP-responsive micelles were applied to target and accumulate in the infarcted heart following intravenous administration in a rat model of MI. These particles displayed a distinct biodistribution and clearance pattern in comparison to non-degradable analogues. Specifically, accumulation at the site of MI, competed with elimination predominantly through the kidney rather than the liver. Together, these results suggest this as a promising new biodegradable platform for inflammation targeted delivery.
Diversity within olfactory sensory derivatives revealed by the contribution of Dbx1 lineages
Authors: Causeret Frédéric , Fayon Maxime , Moreau Matthieu X. , Ne Enrico , Oleari Roberto , Parras Carlos , Cariboni Anna , Pierani Alessandra
Published: November 2022

In vertebrates, the embryonic olfactory epithelium contains progenitors that will give rise to distinct classes of neurons, including olfactory sensory neurons (OSN, involved in odor detection), vomeronasal sensory neurons (VSN, responsible for pheromone sensing) and GnRH neurons that control the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Currently, these three neuronal lineages are usually believed to emerge from uniform pools of progenitors. Here we found that the homeodomain transcription factor Dbx1 is expressed by neurogenic progenitors in the developing and adult mouse olfactory epithelium. We demonstrate that Dbx1 itself is dispensable for neuronal fate specification and global organization of the olfactory sensory system. Using lineage tracing we characterize the contribution of Dbx1 lineages to OSN, VSN and GnRH neuron populations and reveal an unexpected degree of diversity. Furthermore, we demonstrate thatDbx1-expressing progenitors remain neurogenic in the absence of the proneural geneAscl1. Our work therefore points to the existence of distinct neurogenic programs in Dbx1-derived and other olfactory lineages.
One ranking method of interval grey number based on generalised greyness
Authors: Li Xican , Li Li
Published: November 2022

Purpose

In order to reflect the essential characteristics of interval grey number and study the ranking method of interval grey number as a whole, this paper aims to establish a ranking method of interval grey number.

Design/methodology/approach

First, based on the generalised greyness of interval grey number, the definitions of referenced grey number and proximity degree are given. Second, based on the greyness distance of interval grey number, the proximity degree model is constructed and its properties are analysed. Finally, some examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proximity degree model.

Findings

The results show that the index of proximity degree can better reflect the degree that the interval grey number is relatively close to the referenced grey number in different cases. The proximity degree model used to compare interval grey numbers is an extension of the model used to compare real numbers. The examples show that the proximity degree model of interval grey number proposed in this paper is feasible and effective.

Practical implications

The research studies show that the proximity degree model can be used for the ranking of interval grey numbers or real numbers and also for the ranking of numbers where interval grey numbers coexist with real numbers. In addition, the proximity degree model provides a theoretical basis for the establishment of grey comprehensive evaluation model.

Originality/value

The paper succeeds in putting forward the conceptions of referenced grey number and proximity degree based on the generalised greyness of interval grey number and constructing the proximity degree model for the ranking of interval grey number.
“A time for noble enthusiasms”: schools and Anzac commemoration, 1916–1918
Authors: Cryle Mark
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine Anzac Day commemoration in schools during World War 1.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical research from newspapers and education department publications is used to illustrate key themes in these commemorations.

Findings

Despite claims made at the time that school commemorations did not promote militarism, the available evidence proves the fallacy of these assertions. Moreover, schools became very significant sites for the institutionalising of Anzac Day and shaping it in quite specific ways.

Originality/value

While other authors have examined the militarisation of schools in Australia in the early decades of the 20th century, no study has focussed on schools specifically in relation to Anzac Day.
How to prevent incivility from women employees? The role of psychological contract violation, aggressive reciprocal attitude and conscientiousness
Authors: Gervasi Deborah , Faldetta Guglielmo , Zollo Lamberto
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The present work investigates the micro-mechanisms underlying the link between psychological contract violation (PCV) and incivility in women employees. Building on social exchange theory (SET) and the norm of reciprocity, the authors utilized a multi-dimensional variable, labeled “Aggressive Reciprocal Attitude” (ARA), composed of three sub-constructs, namely anger, hostility and negative reciprocity, to explain negative women's uncivil behaviors. Further, the effect of conscientiousness is hypothesized to restrain the mechanism of ARA.

Design/methodology/approach

Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Covariance-based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM) were used on a sample of 194 women from 4 different organizations to empirically validate the proposed conceptual model and test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

Women's ARA is shown as a partial mediator of the relationship between PCV and incivility. Conscientiousness significantly moderates the link between ARA and incivility.

Practical implications

Managers should avoid stereotyping women as more compliant and submissive. Based on women's tendency to reciprocate negatively, this study’s findings suggest that reducing the negative reciprocity attitude is advisable by demonstrating that negative responses are an unsuccessful strategy and encouraging other forms of reaction.

Originality/value

By introducing the negative reciprocity attitude in the construction of the variable ARA, the authors overcome the contradiction between the social role theory, according to which women avoid unsociable behaviors, and studies demonstrating a remarkable presence of conflicts among women.
Barbarians inside the gates: how private equity firms create value
Authors: Krysta Peter M. , Jauch-Degenkolb Janina , Kanbach Dominik K.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Facing increased asset prices and growing competition, private equity firms needed to innovate their established business model and shift from focusing on financial engineering to creating operating value. Yet, the authors understand little about how private equity firms increase the value of companies in their portfolios. This paper aims to shed light on organizational strategies, activities and governance principles that private equity firms use to create value.

Design/methodology/approach

This investigation combines several qualitative research approaches. Using in-depth interviews with executives in 35 private equity firms, the authors define industry-specific design principles for value creation using a Gioia methodology. They then use the Eisenhardt methodology to make in-depth case comparisons among sample firms.

Findings

Private equity firms employ one of four strategies – labeled “Infiltrator,” “Consultant,” “Organizer” or “Investor” – to create value in portfolio companies, each with a different organizational structure, level of cooperation between investor and portfolio firm and specific configuration of design elements.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to focus on private equity value creation strategies from an organizational perspective. To their knowledge, no other publication has tapped this deeply into the interface between the private equity firm and the portfolio company to define the exact approach taken by the firm. This study contributes to the emerging discussion around the nonfinancial inputs to value creation. In addition, this qualitative research design is underrepresented in private equity research.
Legacies of post-colonial internal migration in coastal India-the case of Udupi
Authors: Rao Vidya , Nandineni Rama Devi
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Mainstream narratives in Indian history do not delve into the checkered history of the west coast. The reasons for this are many, including a predominantly center-outwards viewpoint of historians. West coast has always been open to sea route influences aiding its diversity. However, the lack of natural defense against colonizers from the sea destroyed indigenous and personal heritage. Small town narratives include uprooting, lack of access to past heritage and new settlement creation. The heritage of this everyday landscape shaped by human grit is the subject of the study.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative ethnographic study includes document analysis, transect walking, architectural built form study, open interviews and participatory observations.

Findings

The motivations for heritage management can be grouped into economic, cultural and technological. From a financial point of view, the urban core studied is still relevant and sustainable. Likewise, the Krishna temple dominates the cultural discussion and architectural documentation as a religious center. However, the cultural heritage of business streets and the third motivation of building technology have been largely ignored. This disregard is evident from neglect and the pastiche use of monumental or ornamental styles alien to the region for restoration efforts.

Social implications

“Heritage is personal and individual as well as collective and universal” (Mire, 2016). The Pete heritage is not just crucial for the communities they house but the town as a whole. Their nonimpervious nature means that they hold collective memories for everyone. Attention to memories and monuments will increase the possibilities of shared responsibility between various stakeholders (Swenson et al., 2012). Therefore, they should be seen as a part of the larger whole.

Originality/value

This paper argues for the recent global bottom-up approach in heritage management rather than the conventional established practices. Established heritage management focuses on the mainstream, royal or specific ethnic heritage in the Indian subcontinent. The heritage of the common person rarely has the grandeur of monumental architecture taken up for preservation by the state. As a result, societies' individual and collective heritage are at risk of rapid erasure under the pressures of modernization. Built forms are repositories of cultural information; therefore, a sustainable instrument for the preservation of everyday heritage can be created with culture as an actuator. This study looks at the narrative of the historical coastal small-town business core created by internal mass migration due to colonization.
Access to educated workforce and the choice of external audit: international evidence from small and medium enterprises
Authors: Farooq Omar , Bakhadirov Mukhammadfoik
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to document the effect of educated workforce on the decision of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to use external auditors to verify their financial statements.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the probit regression models and the data from 141 developing countries to test the arguments presented in this paper. The data is provided by the World Bank’s Enterprise Surveys and is collected during the period between 2006 and 2020.

Findings

The paper shows that SMEs with inadequate access to educated workforce are more likely to use external auditors to verify their financial statements. The findings are robust to the comprehensive inclusion of relevant controls and to a number of sensitivity tests. The sensitivity tests include dividing samples based on SME’s size, country’s gross domestic product and country’s location. The results also remain qualitatively the same after correcting for potential endogeneity concerns. Furthermore, the paper shows that the relationship between access to educated workforce and the choice of external audit is moderated by several SME-specific characteristics, such as its size, ownership concentration, managerial experience and tax-related problems.

Originality/value

This is an initial attempt to highlight the role played by the quality of workforce on the choice of external audit among SMEs in an international context. Most of prior literature on this topic focuses on the publicly listed firms.
Italian and British therapeutic communities: common threads from the 1960s to the 2010s
Authors: Haigh Rex , Lees Jan
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to describe Italian and UK therapeutic community developments during 1960–2021.

Design/methodology/approach

Historical review and personal experience.

Findings

After significant divergence in the nature of “therapeutic communities”, mostly based on the different sociopolitical contexts in the two countries, areas of formal rapprochement have been emerging in the past 20 years.

Research limitations/implications

The details of how therapeutic communities developed in Italy, particularly in the wake of Law 180, deserves investigation and comparison to the UK and other countries.

Practical implications

The recent collaborative work in quality, training and research could support the future use of therapeutic communities and enabling environments.

Social implications

The underlying principle of “relational practice”, which underlies the therapeutic community approach, could have wider implication in public services beyond mental health.

Originality/value

Much has been written about the progressive intentions of Italian mental health with Law 180, but not with a specific focus on therapeutic communities – which were an important initial impetus for Basaglia and his equipé.
Rock physics modelling‐based characterization of deep and tight mixed sedimentary (clastic and carbonate) reservoirs: A case study from North Potwar Basin of Pakistan
Authors: Durrani Muhammad Zahid A. , Rahman Syed Atif , Talib Maryam , Subhani Ghulam , Sarosh Bakhtawer
Published: November 2022

Rock physics modelling in deeply buried tight carbonate reservoirs is more challenging than the clastic reservoir because of its complex pore systems. Therefore, modelling complex pore geometries in carbonates reservoir plays an important role in the geophysical measurements to infer pore‐type distribution and their volume fraction, which control the fluid flow properties governed by their complex geological history. This paper presents the use of a robust and practical integrated and iterative seismic petrophysics, and rock physics modelling workflow for the characterization of a deep tight mixed (carbonate and clastic) sedimentary reservoir of a recently discovered oil field located in the Potwar Basin onshore Pakistan. The case study incorporates a careful assessment of well‐log data quality, workflow used for well data conditioning and consequent improvement in data quality, seismic petrophysics and rock physics modelling results. Rock physics diagnostics identified data quality issues and rectified them using appropriate measures to ensure that the rock physics modelling scheme reliably predicts elastic logs honouring different pore types (reference, soft, stiff and cracks) distribution validating from the well observations. Two inclusion‐based rock physics models (Xu and Payne for carbonate and Keys and Xu for clastic) are used to predict rock elastic (P‐sonic, S‐sonic and density) properties responses. Utmost care is exercised to integrate all available data/information, such as Formation Micro‐Imager, mud‐log, testing data and calibrated pore‐type inversion results from well‐log data with the pore geometry revealed by Formation Micro‐Imager and core information. The rock physics modelling provided consistency between elastic and petrophysical properties by calibrating the estimated properties with the measure logs and improved understanding in terms of lithology and fluid separation in the tight carbonate interval. Finally, rock physics‐modelled elastic logs (P‐sonic, S‐sonic and density) are used along with seismic data (partial stacks) and horizons interpretation model to compute pre‐stack synthetic seismograms to calibrate with the preconditioned seismic data. A significant improvement in the well‐to‐seismic calibration is achieved from rock physics modelled logs compared with the original (measured) elastic logs at well location using pre‐stack seismic data, which, further, can help produce reliable reservoir rock properties of interest from the inversion of seismic data.
Experimental evidence that leaf litter decomposability and flammability are decoupled across gymnosperm species
Authors: Zhang Shudong , Cornwell William K. , Zhao Weiwei , van Logtestijn Richard S. P. , Krab Eveline J. , Aerts Rien , Cornelissen Johannes H. C.
Published: November 2022

Biological decomposition and wildfire are two predominant and alternative processes that can mineralize organic C in forest litter. Currently, the relationships between decomposition and fire are still poorly understood.

We provide an empirical test of the hypothesized decoupling of surface litter bed decomposability and flammability, and the underlying traits and trait spectra.

We employed a 41‐species set of gymnosperms of very broad evolutionary and geographic spread, because of the wide range of (absent to frequent) fire regimes they are associated with.

We found that the interspecific pattern of mass loss proportions in a “common garden” decomposition experiment was not correlated with any of the flammability parameters and an RDA analysis also showed that the decomposability and flammability of leaf litter in litter layers were decoupled across species. This decoupling originates from the former depending mostly on size and shape spectrum traits and the latter on PES traits and those trait spectra being virtually uncorrelated.

Synthesis: Our results show that, indeed, leaf litter decomposability and flammability parameters are decoupled across species, and this decoupling can be explained by their different drivers in terms of trait spectra: chemical traits for decomposability and size‐shape traits for litter layer flammability.
Lianas have a faster resource acquisition strategy than trees: Below‐ground evidence from root traits, phylogeny and the root economics space
Authors: Wang Siyuan , Wang Wenna , Gu Jiacun , Li Zhongyue , Wang Yan , Yang Lixue
Published: November 2022

The competitive advantage of lianas over trees has been widely documented in studies of their leaf functional traits across diverse habitats; however, the relative contribution of root functional traits to the competitive superiority of lianas over trees has not yet been evaluated. The aim of this study was to explore the root functional traits, phylogenetic structure of these traits and root trait dimensions of lianas to clarify why lianas can outperform trees.

We sampled 69 liana species from tropical and temperate forests in China and measured nine key functional traits of first‐order roots of each species, including morphological, architectural, anatomical and chemical traits, as well as the percentage of mycorrhizal colonization. Data on these traits were then compared with similar data of 127 tree species from the same biome obtained from the Global Root Traits (GRooT) database and our previous studies.

Liana roots had lower construction costs and could acquire resources more rapidly compared with tree roots. Significant differences were observed in most tree root traits between tropical and temperate sites. However, no significant differences were observed in any of the liana root traits between tropical and temperate sites, apart from the root branching ratio.

Lianas showed much weaker phylogenetic conservatism in their root traits than trees when species were pooled across sites. Phylogenetic constraint was lower for nearly all root traits of both temperate lianas and trees compared with those of tropical lianas and trees.

The root economics space of lianas and trees had two orthogonal dimensions with ‘conservation’ and ‘collaboration’ axes. However, lianas occupied the trait space with higher root nitrogen concentration and greater specific root length, showing ‘fast’ resource acquisition strategy, while trees placed opposite space and exhibited relatively ‘slow’ strategy.

Synthesis. The ability of lianas to outcompete trees in harsh environments might be explained by their faster resource acquisition strategy and the lower phylogenetic constraint in root traits. Generally, lianas might play an increasingly important role in the structure and function of forest ecosystems in the future with ongoing habitat fragmentation and climate change.
The Dignity Project Framework: An extreme citizen science framework in occupational therapy and rehabilitation research
Authors: Chapman Kelsey , Dixon Angel , Cocks Kevin , Ehrlich Carolyn , Kendall Elizabeth
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Engaging citizens and patients as research partners is receiving increasing emphasis across disciplines, because citizens are untapped resources for solving complex problems. Occupational therapists are engaging in inclusive research, but not always in equitable partnership. Moving beyond inclusive research to a dignified framework for research prioritises lived experience and human rights in health research.

Methods

Using nominal group technique over a series of three working group meetings, eight experts, including three with lived experience of disability and research, prioritised principles and steps for conducting dignified rehabilitation research in partnership with citizens with disability.

Findings

Embedding transparency, accessibility and inclusion, dignified language, and authenticity throughout research were integral to maintaining dignity and safety for citizens with disability engaged in research. The Dignity Project Framework encompasses five phases, namely, (1) vision, (2) uncover, (3) discuss, (4) critical reflection, and (5) change, which address the prominent criticisms of the disability community about research and embed the principles of importance into research practice.

Conclusion

The framework builds on inclusive research frameworks to a human rights‐based, dignified framework for extreme citizen science. Grounding disability in contemporary conceptualisations and providing a method for democratising knowledge production provide occupational therapists with a method for dignified partnership with citizens with disability.