bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MolClustPy: A Python Package to Characterize Multivalent Biomolecular Clusters
Authors: Chattaraj Aniruddha , Nalagandla Indivar , Loew Leslie M. , Blinov Michael L
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Summary

Low-affinity interactions among multivalent biomolecules may lead to the formation of molecular complexes that undergo phase transitions to become extra-large clusters. Characterizing the physical properties of these clusters is important in recent biophysical research. Due to weak interactions such clusters are highly stochastic, demonstrating a wide range of sizes and compositions. We have developed a Python package to perform multiple stochastic simulation runs using NFsim (Network-Free stochastic simulator), characterize and visualize the distribution of cluster sizes, molecular composition, and bonds across molecular clusters and individual molecules of different types.

Availability and implementation

The software is implemented in Python. A detailed Jupyter notebook is provided to enable convenient running. Code, user guide and examples are freely available athttps://molclustpy.github.io/

Contact

achattaraj007@gmail.com,blinov@uchc.edu

Supplementary information

Available athttps://molclustpy.github.io/
Regulatable assembly of synthetic microtubule architectures using engineered MAP-IDR condensates
Authors: Chang Chih-Chia , Coyle Scott M.
Published: March 2023

Microtubules filaments are assembled into higher-order structures and machines critical for cellular processes using microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). However, the design of synthetic MAPs that direct the formation of new structures in cells is challenging, as nanoscale biochemical activities must be organized across micron length-scales. Here we develop synthetic MAP-IDR condensates (synMAPs) that provide tunable and regulatable assembly of higher-order microtubule structuresin vitroand in mammalian cells. synMAPs harness a small microtubule-binding domain from oligodendrocytes (TPPP) whose activity can be synthetically rewired by interaction with condensate-forming IDR sequences. This combination allows synMAPs to self-organize multivalent structures that bind and bridge microtubules into synthetic architectures. Regulating the connection between the microtubule-binding and condensate-forming components allows synMAPs to act as nodes in more complex cytoskeletal circuits in which the formation and dynamics of the microtubule structure can be controlled by small molecules or cell-signaling inputs. By systematically testing a panel of synMAP circuit designs, we define a two-level control scheme for dynamic assembly of microtubule architectures at the nanoscale (via microtubule-binding) and microscale (via condensate formation). synMAPs provide a compact and rationally engineerable starting point for the design of more complex microtubule architectures and cellular machines.
Therapeutic immune cell engineering with an mRNA : AAV-Sleeping Beautycomposite system
Authors: Ye Lupeng , Lam Stanley Z. , Yang Luojia , Suzuki Kazushi , Zou Yongji , Lin Qianqian , Zhang Yueqi , Clark Paul , Peng Lei , Chen Sidi
Published: March 2023

Adoptive cell therapy has shown clinical success in patients with hematological malignancies. Immune cell engineering is critical for production, research, and development of cell therapy; however, current approaches for generation of therapeutic immune cells face various limitations. Here, we establish a composite gene delivery system for the highly efficient engineering of therapeutic immune cells. This system, termed MAJESTIC (mRNAAAV-Sleeping-BeautyJointEngineering ofStableTherapeuticImmuneCells), combines the merits of mRNA, AAV vector, and transposon into one composite system. In MAJESTIC, the transient mRNA component encodes a transposase that mediates permanent genomic integration of theSleeping Beauty(SB) transposon, which carries the gene-of-interest and is embedded within the AAV vector. This system can transduce diverse immune cell types with low cellular toxicity and achieve highly efficient and stable therapeutic cargo delivery. Compared with conventional gene delivery systems, such as lentiviral vector, DNA transposon plasmid, or minicircle electroporation, MAJESTIC shows higher cell viability, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) transgene expression, therapeutic cell yield, as well as prolonged transgene expression. CAR-T cells generated by MAJESTIC are functional and have strong anti-tumor activityin vivo. This system also demonstrates versatility for engineering different cell therapy constructs such as canonical CAR, bi-specific CAR, kill switch CAR, and synthetic TCR; and for CAR delivery into various immune cells, including T cells, natural killer cells, myeloid cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells.
Perturbomics of tumor-infiltrating NK cells
Authors: Peng Lei , Renauer Paul A. , Ye Lupeng , Yang Luojia , Park Jonathan J. , Chow Ryan D. , Zhang Yueqi , Lin Qianqian , Bai Meizhu , Sanchez Angelica , Zhang Yongzhan , Lam Stanley Z. , Chen Sidi
Published: March 2023

Natural killer (NK) cells are an innate immune cell type that serves at the first level of defense against pathogens and cancer. NK cells have clinical potential, however, multiple current limitations exist that naturally hinder the successful implementation of NK cell therapy against cancer, including their effector function, persistence, and tumor infiltration. To unbiasedly reveal the functional genetic landscape underlying critical NK cell characteristics against cancer, we perform perturbomics mapping of tumor infiltrating NK cells by jointin vivoAAV-CRISPR screens and single cell sequencing. We establish a strategy with AAV-SleepingBeauty(SB)- CRISPR screening leveraging a custom high-density sgRNA library targeting cell surface genes, and perform four independentin vivotumor infiltration screens in mouse models of melanoma, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and glioblastoma. In parallel, we characterize single-cell transcriptomic landscapes of tumor-infiltrating NK cells, which identifies previously unexplored sub-populations of NK cells with distinct expression profiles, a shift from immature to mature NK (mNK) cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and decreased expression of mature marker genes in mNK cells.CALHM2,a calcium homeostasis modulator that emerges from both screen and single cell analyses, shows bothin vitroandin vivoefficacy enhancement when perturbed in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells. Differential gene expression analysis reveals thatCALHM2knockout reshapes cytokine production, cell adhesion, and signaling pathways in CAR- NKs. These data directly and systematically map out endogenous factors that naturally limit NK cell function in the TME to offer a broad range of cellular genetic checkpoints as candidates for future engineering to enhance NK cell-based immunotherapies.
CTLA-4 tail fusion enhances CAR-T anti-tumor immunity
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyu , Cao Hanbing , Fang Shao-Yu , Chow Ryan D. , Tang Kaiyuan , Majety Medha , Bai Meizhu , Dong Matthew B. , Renauer Paul A. , Shang Xingbo , Suzuki Kazushi , Levchenko Andre , Chen Sidi
Published: March 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are powerful therapeutics; however, their efficacy is often hindered by critical hurdles. Here, utilizing the endocytic feature of the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) cytoplasmic tail (CT), we reprogram CAR function and substantially enhance CAR-T efficacyin vivo. CAR-T cells with monomeric, duplex, or triplex CTLA-4 CTs (CCTs) fused to the C-terminus of CAR exhibit a progressive increase in cytotoxicity under repeated stimulation, accompanied by reduced activation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Further characterization reveals that CARs with increasing CCT fusion show a progressively lower surface expression, regulated by their constant endocytosis, recycling and degradation under steady state. The molecular dynamics of reengineered CAR with CCT fusion results in reduced CAR-mediated trogocytosis, loss of tumor antigen, and improved CAR-T survival. CARs with either monomeric (CAR-1CCT) or duplex CCTs (CAR-2CCT) have superior anti-tumor efficacy in a relapsed leukemia model. Single-cell RNA sequencing and flow cytometry analysis reveal that CAR-2CCT cells retain a stronger central memory phenotype and exhibit increased persistence. These findings illuminate a unique strategy for engineering therapeutic T cells and improving CAR-T function through synthetic CCT fusion, which is orthogonal to other cell engineering techniques.
In vivotracking of adenoviral-transduced iron oxide-labeled bone marrow-derived dendritic cells using magnetic particle imaging
Authors: Fink Corby , Gevaert Julia J. , Barrett John W. , Dikeakos Jimmy D. , Foster Paula J. , Dekaban Gregory A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Despite widespread study of dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer immunotherapies, thein vivopost-injection fate of DC remains largely unknown. Due in part to a lack of quantifiable imaging modalities, this is troubling as the amount of DC migration to secondary lymphoid organs correlates with therapeutic efficacy. Preliminary studies have identified magnetic particle imaging (MPI) as a suitable modality to quantifyin vivomigration of superparamagnetic iron oxide-(SPIO)-labeled DC. Herein, we describe a lymph node- (LN)-focused MPI scan to quantify DCin vivomigration accurately and consistently.

Methods

Both adenovirus (Ad)-transduced SPIO+(Ad SPIO+) and SPIO+C57BL/6 bone marrow-derived DC were generated and assessed for viability and phenotype using flow cytometry. Ad SPIO+and SPIO+DC were fluorescently-labeled and injected into C57BL/6 mouse hind footpads (n=6). Two days later,in vivoDC migration was quantified using whole animal, popliteal LN- (pLN)-focused, andex vivopLN MPI scans.

Results

No significant differences in viability, phenotype andin vivopLN migration were noted for Ad SPIO+and SPIO+DC. Day 2 pLN-focused MPI successfully quantified DC migration in all instances while whole animal MPI only quantified pLN migration in 75% of cases.Ex vivoMPI and fluorescence microscopy confirmed MPI signal was pLN-localized and due to originally-injected Ad SPIO+and SPIO+DC.

Conclusions

We overcame a reported limitation of MPI by using a pLN-focused MPI scan to quantify pLN-migrated Ad SPIO+and SPIO+DC in 100% of cases. With this improved method, we detected as few as 1000 DC (4.4 ng Fe)in vivo. MPI is a suitable pre-clinical imaging modality to assess DC-based cancer immunotherapeutic efficacy.
TheHaemophilus influenzaein vivo gene expression reveals major clues about bacterial central metabolism, acquisition of trace elements, and other essential pathways during infection of the human lung
Authors: Polland Linnea , Su Yi , Paulsson Magnus
Published: March 2023

Haemophilus influenzaeis a major cause of community and hospital acquired pneumonia. While extensively studied in various laboratory models, less is known about how this species persists and causes infection inside the human lung. We present the first study on the H. influenzae in vivo transcriptome during pneumonia, and contrast this with isolates cultured in vitro under standard laboratory conditions. Patients with pneumonia were recruited from emergency departments and intensive care units in a Swedish referral hospital during 2018-2020 (n=102). Duplicates of lower respiratory samples were collected for bacterial culture and RNA-extraction. Patient samples withH. influenzae(n=18) from which bacterial mRNA of adequate quantity and quality could be extracted (n=8) underwent RNA-sequencing, along with duplicates of lab-cultured counterparts (n=7). The transcripts were aligned to core and pan genomes created from 15 reference strains. While in vitro bacteria clustered tightly in principal component analyses of core genome (n=1067) expression, the in vivo samples displayed diverse transcriptomic signatures and did not group with their lab-grown counterparts. In total, 328 core genes were significantly differentially expressed between in vitro and in vivo conditions. The most upregulated genes in vivo included the transferrin-acquisition genes tbp1 and fbpA and the reductase gene msrAB involved in stress response pathways. Biosynthesis of nucleotides/purines, response-to-heat systems, and molybdopterin-scavenging processes were also significantly upregulated in vivo. Major metabolic pathways and iron-sequestering processes were downregulated in vivo. In conclusion, extensive transcriptomic differences were found between bacteria collected in the human lung during pneumonia and isogenic bacteria cultured in vitro.
School performance and mortality in young adulthood: a register-based population study
Authors: Reme Bjørn-Atle , Torvik Fartein Ask
Published: March 2023

Background

The social gradient in mortality among young adults is well-documented, but poorly understood. This study contrasts the role of parental income and education versus own school performance as predictors of early death.

Methods

We estimated the prospective association between grade point average from lower secondary education and mortality between age 16 and 30 for the Norwegian birth cohorts 1985-2002 (N = 986,573). This association was compared to the associations between measures of family socioeconomic status and young adult mortality in the offspring. We also estimated hazard ratios in models including both school performance, parental income, and education. Sibling comparison analyses were also estimated to assess the importance of within-family variation. Last, we used the cause of death register to estimate the hazard ratio of different causes of death among individuals with poor school performance.

Findings

During the observational period, we observed 1300 deaths in the lowest quartile of school performance (0·06%) and 413 deaths in the highest quartile of school performance (0·02%). The risk of early death among boys in the lowest quartile of school performance compared to the highest quartile was larger for boys [HR = 3·68, 95% CI 3·54-3·81] than for girls [HR = 2·82, 95% CI 2·62-3·01]. The corresponding hazard ratios across parental income quartiles were 1·79 [95% CI 1·67-1·1·91] for boys, and 1·63 [95% CI 1·43-1·82] for girls. Across parental education level, the hazard ratio was 2·03 [95% CI 1·85-2·21] for boys, and 1·64 [95% CI 1·35-1·93] for girls. When jointly including school performance, parental income and education in the same model, parental income and education were insignificant, while the association school performance remained strong: HR = 3·57 [95% CI 3·44-3·71] for boys, and 2·98 [95% CI 2·78-3·18] for girls. With regards to causes of death, the highest hazard ratio among those in the lowest quartile of school performance was for drug-related poisoning, with 6·47 [95% CI 2·78-3·18] for boys and 7·3 [95% CI 4·93-10·80] for girls. The results were consistent in sibling comparison analyses.

Interpretation

School performance is a substantially stronger predictor of early death than common measures of socioeconomic background. School performance absorbs the social gradient in early death.

Funding

This work was supported by the Research Council of Norway (grant number 273659). This work was partly supported by the Research Council of Norway through its Centers of Excellence funding scheme (grant number 262700).
Post-COVID-19 syndrome and related dysautonomia affect patients’ life and work productivity
Authors: Galanis Petros , Katsiroumpa Aglaia , Vraka Irene , Kosiara Katerina , Siskou Olga , Konstantakopoulou Olympia , Katsoulas Theodoros , Gallos Parisis , Kaitelidou Daphne
Published: March 2023

Background

A significant percentage of COVID-19 patients experience post-COVID-19 symptoms and signs. Post-COVID-19 syndrome affects physical and mental health of patients in several ways.

Aim

To investigate the impact of post-COVID-19 syndrome and related dysautonomia on patients’ life and work productivity.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in Greece using an online questionnaire. Study population included 108 workers over 18 years old that have been diagnosed with post-COVID-19 syndrome. Patients were recruited from the Long COVID Greece patients’ society. We measured demographic and clinical characteristics of patients, resilience, and social support.

Results

Among patients, 68.5% stated that post-COVID-19 syndrome affected their daily life to a great extent, 25% to a moderate level, and 6.5% to a small extent. Moreover, 56.5% stated that post-COVID-19 syndrome affected their work productivity to a great extent, 27.8% to a moderate level, and 15.7% to a small extent. Multivariable analysis identified that females and patients with post-COVID-19 dysautonomia had more problems in their daily life. Moreover, increased duration of COVID-19 symptoms was associated with increased daily problems. Increased resilience was related with fewer problems in daily life. Also, we found that patients with post-COVID-19 dysautonomia had less work productivity. Moreover, increased duration of COVID-19 symptoms was associated with more problems in work. Resilience was related with increased work productivity.

Conclusions

Post-COVID-19 syndrome and related dysautonomia affect significantly patients’ daily and work life. Also, resilience is an important preventive factor improving patients’ life. Policy makers should develop and implement educational programs to improve patients’ life. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the post-COVID-19 syndrome and its consequences in order to understand post-COVID-19 patients and their problems.
Repurposing The Dark Genome. I - Antisense Proteins
Authors: Garg Mohit , Dhar Pawan K.
Published: March 2023

From the functional standpoint, the genome may be considered a collection of three types of sequences: protein encoding, RNA encoding, and non-expressing. Based on the standard sequencing and annotation work, it is now well accepted that a small proportion of the genome has been allocated the job of encoding proteins, while most of the genome encodes RNA, and some DNA sequences are not used for expression. The exact ratio among these three types of sequences varies based on the organism. We asked: Is it possible to artificially encode protein and peptide sequences from naturally non-expressing (dark genome) sequences? This led to proof of the concept of making functional proteins from the intergenic sequences of E.coli (Dhar et al 2009). This study is an extension of the original concept and has been organized around antisense DNA sequences. The full-length antisense gene equivalents in forward and reverse orientations were computationally studied for their structural, cellular location, and functional properties, leading to many interesting observations. The current study points to a huge untapped genomic space that needs to be examined from cell physiology, evolutionary, and application perspectives.
An ancestral SARS-CoV-2 vaccine induces anti-Omicron variants antibodies by hypermutation
Authors: Park Seoryeong , Choi Jaewon , Lee Yonghee , Noh Jinsung , Kim Namphil , Lee JinAh , Cho Geummi , Kim Sujeong , Yoo Duck Kyun , Kang Chang Kyung , Choe Pyoeng Gyun , Kim Nam Joong , Park Wan Beom , Kim Seungtaek , Oh Myoung-don , Kwon Sunghoon , Chung Junho
Published: March 2023

The immune escape of Omicron variants significantly subsides by the third dose of an mRNA vaccine. However, it is unclear how Omicron variant-neutralizing antibodies develop under repeated vaccination. We analyzed blood samples from 41 BNT162b2 vaccinees following the course of three injections and analyzed their B-cell receptor (BCR) repertoires at six time points in total. The concomitant reactivity to both ancestral and Omicron receptor-binding domain (RBD) was achieved by a limited number of BCR clonotypes depending on the accumulation of somatic hypermutation (SHM) after the third dose. Our findings suggest that SHM accumulation in the BCR space to broaden its specificity for unseen antigens is a counter protective mechanism against virus variant immune escape.
Role of theEscherichia coliubiquinone-synthesizing UbiUVT pathway in adaptation to changing respiratory conditions
Authors: Rodrigo Arias-Cartin , Katayoun Kazemzadeh Ferizhendi , Emmanuel Séchet , Ludovic Pelosi , Corinne Loeuillet , Fabien Pierrel , Frédéric Barras , Emmanuelle Bouveret
Published: March 2023

Isoprenoid quinones are essential for cellular physiology. They act as electron and proton shuttles in respiratory chains and in various biological processes.Escherichia coliand many α, β, and γ proteobacteria possess two types of isoprenoid quinones: ubiquinone (UQ) is mainly used under aerobiosis, while (demethyl)menaquinones ((D)MK) are mostly used under anaerobiosis. Yet, we recently established the existence of an anaerobic O2- independent UQ biosynthesis pathway controlled byubiT, ubiU,andubiVgenes. Here, we characterize the regulation ofubiTUVgenes inE. coli.We show that the three genes are transcribed as two divergent operons that are both under the control of the O2sensing Fnr transcriptional regulator. Phenotypic analyses using amenAmutant devoid of (D)MK revealed that UbiUV-dependent UQ synthesis is essential for nitrate respiration and for uracil biosynthesis under anaerobiosis, while it contributes, though modestly, to bacterial multiplication in the mouse gut. Moreover, we showed by genetic study and18O2labelling that UbiUV contribute to hydroxylation of ubiquinone precursors through a unique O2- independent process. Last, we report a crucial role ofubiTin allowingE. colito shift efficiently from anaerobic to aerobic conditions. Overall, this study uncovers a new facet of the strategy used byE. colito adjust its metabolism upon changing O2levels and respiratory conditions. This work links respiratory mechanisms to phenotypic adaptation, a major driver in the capacity ofE. colito multiply in gut microbiota, and of facultative anaerobic pathogens to multiply in their host.

ABSTRACT IMPORTANCE

Enterobacteria multiplication in the gastrointestinal tract is linked to microaerobic respiration and associated to various inflammatory bowel diseases. Our study focuses on biosynthesis of ubiquinone (UQ), a key player in respiratory chains, under anaerobiosis. The importance of this study stems from the fact that UQ usage was for long considered to be restricted to aerobic conditions. Here we investigated the molecular mechanism allowing UQ synthesis in the absence of O2 and searched for the anaerobic processes that UQ is fueling in such conditions. We found that UQ biosynthesis involves anaerobic hydroxylases, i.e. enzymes able to insert a O atom in the absence of O2. We also found that anaerobically synthesized UQ can be used for respiration on nitrate and synthesis of pyrimidine. Our findings are likely to be applicable to most facultative anaerobes, which count many pathogens (Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio) and will help in unravelling microbiota dynamics.
Orpinolide disrupts a leukemic dependency on cholesterol transport by inhibiting the oxysterol-binding protein OSBP
Authors: Cigler Marko , Imrichova Hana , Frommelt Fabian , Depta Laura , Rukavina Andrea , Kagiou Chrysanthi , Hannich J. Thomas , Mayor-Ruiz Cristina , Superti-Furga Giulio , Sievers Sonja , Laraia Luca , Waldmann Herbert , Winter Georg E.
Published: March 2023

Metabolic alterations in cancer precipitate in associated dependencies that can be therapeutically exploited. To meet this goal, natural product inspired small molecules can provide a resource of invaluable chemotypes. Here, we identify orpinolide, a synthetic withanolide analog with pronounced anti-leukemic properties via orthogonal chemical screening. Through multi-omics profiling and genome-scale CRISPR/Cas9 screens, we identify that orpinolide disrupts Golgi homeostasis via a mechanism that requires active phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) signaling at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-Golgi membrane interface. Thermal proteome profiling and genetic validation studies reveal the oxysterol-binding protein OSBP as the direct and phenotypically relevant target of orpinolide. Collectively, these data reaffirm sterol transport as a therapeutically actionable dependency in leukemia and motivate ensuing translational investigation via the probe-like compound orpinolide.
Mature microRNA-binding protein QKI promotes microRNA-mediated gene silencing
Authors: Min Kyung-Won , Jo Myung Hyun , Song Minsuk , Ko Seungbeom , Lee Ji Won , Shim Min Ji , Kim Kyungmin , Park Hyun Bong , Ha Shinwon , Mun Hyejin , Polash Ahsan , Hafner Markus , Cho Jung-Hyun , Kim Dong-San , Hohng Sungchul , Kang Sung-Ung , Yoon Je-Hyun
Published: March 2023

Although Argonaute (AGO) proteins have been the focus of microRNA (miRNA) studies, we observed AGO-free mature miRNAs directly interacting with RNA-binding proteins, implying the sophisticated nature of fine-tuning gene regulation by miRNAs. To investigate microRNA-binding proteins (miRBPs) globally, we analyzed PAR-CLIP data sets to identify RBP quaking (QKI) as a novel miRBP for let-7b. Potential existence of AGO-free miRNAs were further verified in genetically engineered AGO-depleted human and mouse cells. We have shown that QKI serves as an auxiliary factor empowering AGO2/let-7b-mediated gene silencing. Depletion of QKI decreases interaction of AGO2 with let-7b and target mRNA, consequently controlling target mRNA decay. QKI, however, also suppresses the dissociation of let-7b from AGO2, and slows assembly of AGO2/miRNA/target mRNA complexes at the single-molecule level. We also revealed that QKI suppresses cMYC expression at post-transcriptional level, and decreases proliferation and migration of HeLa cells, demonstrating that QKI is a tumor suppressor gene by in part augmenting let-7b activity. Our data show that QKI is a new type of RBP implicated in the versatile regulation of miRNA-mediated gene silencing.
Sleep disruption by memory cues selectively weakens reactivated memories
Authors: Whitmore Nathan W. , Paller Ken A.
Published: March 2023

A widely accepted view in memory research is that recently stored information can be reactivated during sleep, leading to memory strengthening. Two recent studies have shown that this effect can be reversed in participants with highly disrupted sleep. To test whether weakening of reactivated memories can result directly from sleep disruption, in this experiment we varied the intensity of memory reactivation cues such that some produced sleep arousals. Prior to sleep, participants (local community members) learned the locations of 75 objects, each accompanied by a sound naturally associated with that object. Location recall was tested before and after sleep, and a subset of the sounds was presented during sleep to provoke reactivation of the corresponding locations. Reactivation with sleep arousal weakened memories, unlike the improvement typically found after reactivation without sleep arousal. We conclude that reactivated memories can be selectively weakened during sleep, and that memory reactivation may strengthen or weaken memories depending on additional factors such as concurrent sleep disruption.
Differential effects of emotional valence on mnemonic performance with greater hippocampal maturity
Authors: Kimbler Adam , McMakin Dana L. , Tustison Nicholas J. , Mattfeld Aaron T.
Published: March 2023

The hippocampal formation (HF) facilitates declarative memory, with subfields providing unique contributions to memory performance. Maturational differences across subfields facilitate a shift toward increased memory specificity, with peripuberty sitting at the inflection point. Peripuberty is also a sensitive period in the development of anxiety disorders. We believe HF development during puberty is critical to negative overgeneralization, a common feature of anxiety disorders. To investigate this claim, we examined the relationship between mnemonic generalization and a cross-sectional pubertal maturity index (PMI) derived from partial least squares correlation (PLSC) analyses of subfield volumes and structural connectivity from T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted scans, respectively. Participants aged 9–14 yr, from clinical and community sources, performed a recognition task with emotionally valent (positive, negative, and neutral) images. HF volumetric PMI was positively associated with generalization for negative images. Hippocampal–medial prefrontal cortex connectivity PMI evidenced a behavioral relationship similar to that of the HF volumetric approach. These findings reflect a novel developmentally related balance between generalization behavior supported by the hippocampus and its connections with other regions, with maturational differences in this balance potentially contributing to negative overgeneralization during peripuberty.
Synthesis and crystal structure of N-(5-acetyl-4-methylpyrimidin-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide
Authors: Mohamed-Ezzat Reham A. , Kariuki Benson M. , Azzam Rasha A.
Published: March 2023

N-(5-Acetyl-4-methylpyrimidin-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide, C13H13N3O3S, was sythesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In the crystal, π–π interactions between the phenyl and pyrimidine groups of neighbouring molecules form molecular chains parallel to [010]. Adjacent molecular chains are linked by N—H...N hydrogen-bonding interactions between the pyrimidine and amine groups of neighbouring molecules, resulting in a three-dimensional network.
Crystal structure of trimethyl({tris[(phenylsulfanyl)methyl]silyl}methoxy)silane and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 3-bromo-2,2-bis(bromomethyl)propan-1-ol
Authors: Wappelhorst Jan Frederick , Wattenberg Jonathan , Strohmann Carsten
Published: March 2023

Trimethyl({tris[(phenylsulfanyl)methyl]silyl}methoxy)silane (3), C26H32OS3Si, is a new ligand for transition-metal coordination chemistry derived from 3-bromo-2,2-bis(bromomethyl)propan-1-ol (1), C5H9Br3O, through silylation and following exchange of bromine groups with NaSPh. Silylated thioether ligand 3 crystallizes in the centrosymmetric space group C2/c. Bromomethylalcohol 1 crystallizes in the space group P\overline{1} in the triclinic crystal system with four molecules in the asymmetric unit. Analysis of the Hirshfeld surface shows structure-defining interactions for bromomethylalcohol 1, resulting in intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups along the a-axis direction.
Measuring the intention-behavior gap in service failure and recovery: the moderating roles of failure severity and service recovery satisfaction
Authors: de Mesquita Jose Marcos Carvalho , Shin Hyunju , Urdan Andre Torres , Pimenta Marco Tulio Campos
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The intention-behavior gap that occurs when one’s actions do not align with their intentions has been the topic of interest of many researchers. However, the effects of the various constructs that influence the intention-behavior gap in service failure and recovery remain under-explored to date. To fill this gap, this study aims to examine the relationship between switching intention (i.e. intention) and customer exit (i.e. behavior) and the moderating roles of failure severity and service recovery satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the proposed hypotheses, the authors used a longitudinal panel involving 821 customers who actually experienced a service failure and recovery in 38 fitness centers in Brazil. The data analysis is composed of logistic regression and cross-tabulation.

Findings

The results confirmed the significant role of switching intention on customer exit and the moderating effect of failure severity (but not service recovery satisfaction) in the relationship between switching intention and customer exit. Most of all, switching intention had low explanatory power for customer exit, confirming the presence of the intention-behavior gap. The authors further identified a weaker presence of the intention-behavior gap for female (vs male) customers and for those who experienced process failure (vs outcome failure).

Research limitations/implications

Although the authors confirmed the intention-behavior gap, the biggest proportion of the variance remains unexplained. Thus, it is important to explore the roles of other possible drivers, moderators and mediators.

Practical implications

As switching intention is not a strong predictor of customer exit, managers should not assume that those who appear to be on the verge of switching will immediately exit the service provider.

Originality/value

As researchers question the explanatory power of intention for actual behavior, this paper confirms that there is an intention-behavior gap in service failure and recovery. Moreover, given that most researchers have focused on the positive outcomes of service recovery efforts, such as customer loyalty and commitment, studying negative outcomes, including switching intention and customer exit, is a key contribution of this research.
Impact of crude prices shock on GDP growth: using a linear, nonlinear and extreme value framework
Authors: Bhadury Soumya , Das Satadru , Ghosh Saurabh , Gopalakrishnan Pawan
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Rising crude oil prices are likely to have an asymmetric and nonlinear negative impact on GDP growth. The purpose of this paper is to ask the following questions: Does the effect of a crude price shock depend on the position of crude price cycle, i.e. is the effect of price shock larger/smaller in periods of already elevated crude price? And, does the effect of crude price shock depend on the position of the economy in the business cycle, i.e. does the crude price shock affect growth differentially in periods of low/high growth?

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a local linear projection (LLP) model to examine the asymmetric impact of crude price on GDP growth in an environment of high crude price. Next, a quantile regression model is used to account for differential impact on growth around high and low growth periods.

Findings

Results from the LLP model show that when oil price is above $70, each additional percentage point of increase in oil price results in a 20 basis point (bps) drop in quarterly GDP growth rate on average. The impact is felt between the third and sixth quarters. When oil prices rise above $80, the impact is similar, with a sharper drop in growth (30 bps). The exercise with quantile regression shows that the impact of an increase in crude prices on growth is almost double at lowest quantiles of growth compared with the median.

Originality/value

There is a growing literature that evaluates the impact of oil price in developing economies. However, nonlinearities in crude price-GDP growth dynamics have not received enough attention, especially during phases of elevated crude price or a growth downcycle. The authors believe that accounting for such effects is especially relevant in the present economic scenario of high oil prices because of geopolitical crises and a period of vulnerable growth because of supply chain issues arising out of the pandemic. Using recent data from oil-importing emerging market economies such as India, this paper fills a crucial gap in the literature.
Using social exchange and equity theory to explore postgraduate student mentoring initiatives and academic faculty participation
Authors: Bordogna Claudia M.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Student welfare and wellbeing is crucial to successful postgraduate study, regardless of the global location in which the study is taking place, making it an international issue. This study sought to add to the conversations occurring globally on this topic, focusing particularly on exploring academic faculty participation in higher education postgraduate taught (PGT) student mentoring initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

By applying two theories, social exchange theory (SET) and equity theory (ET), faculty participation in postgraduate mentoring was explored and examined. A qualitative methodology, comprising 19 semi-structured interviews with faculty participating as mentors, was conducted. Data was analysed using template analysis, with SET and ET used to create thematic templates.

Findings

The application of SET and ET enabled faculty participation to be understood in terms of the perceived equity, costs and rewards of mentoring. Costs can be significant, sometimes outweighing the benefits, thus endangering the viability and sustainability of the PGT mentoring initiative. Analysis suggested two distinct types of “mentor mindsets” exist, which influence the perception of investments, equity, costs and rewards.

Originality/value

As higher education institutions face increasing pressure to support student welfare, it is imperative that personalised support is put under scrutiny so management practices can be established that support and encourage academic faculty participation in these support initiatives. This paper recommends how institutions can allay the costs of mentoring by considering mentor recruitment, selection, training and other supportive measures.
Addressing employee turnover in retail through CSR and transformational leadership
Authors: Chandra Snehal , Ghosh Piyali , Sinha Saitab
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Employee turnover, a reality that Indian retail organizations cannot ignore, is the central theme of this paper. The authors have aimed to empirically establish corporate social responsibility initiatives (CSRI) and transformational leadership (TL) as rather unconventional predictors that can potentially influence retail employees’ intention to stay (ITS) through sequential mediation by employer branding (EB) and organizational identification (OI).

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected using a structured questionnaire from three hundred and five frontline employees working with twenty-nine Indian retail outlets in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) region was tested using structural equation modelling.

Findings

Findings confirmed the impact of both CSRI and TL on ITS, with sequential mediation by EB and OI. While OI partially mediated the effect of EB on ITS, TL exerted more influence than CSRI in enhancing EB.

Originality/value

This study enhances retail literature by empirically testing a unique fusion of organization and individual-level predictors that influence ITS as an individual-level outcome. Having TL and a firm corporate philosophy of CSR spending can enhance a retailer’s image as a preferred employer brand and generate OI to successfully address employee turnover
Effect of boundary slip on elastohydrodynamic lubrication with arbitrary entrainment angle in elliptical contacts
Authors: Cao Lei , Cai Jianlin , Wang Cheng , Yang Tianyou , Zhou Wei , Wang Liwu
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe and observe the influence of boundary slip associated with an arbitrary entrainment angle on the contact lubrication properties of ellipses.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the modified Reynolds equation, the boundary slip of any angle is considered in the elliptic contact, and numerical simulation is carried out. In the above calculation, the progressive mesh densification method is used, which greatly reduces the computation time.

Findings

The results indicate that the variation of film thickness corresponding to different entrainment angles is distinct from those without considering boundary slip. In addition, boundary slip reduces the central film thickness and minimum film thickness, which makes the hydrodynamic pressure distribution smoother.

Originality/value

The present study focuses on the specific condition with the arbitrary direction of rolling and sliding velocity found in hypoid gears and worm, and some other components. The influence of boundary slip associated with arbitrary entrainment angle on the lubrication film thickness in elliptical contacts is first revealed, which improves a good understanding of elastohydrodynamic lubrication characteristics.
Technical accounting resources as performative topoi for sustainability
Authors: Caron Marie-Andrée , Fortin Anne
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the potential for technical accounting resources to help professional accountants exercise their performative agency.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors combine the integrative learning theory of truth and the concept of performativity, including two approaches to sustainability education and interventions, to construct a grid for coding the technical resources provided by the UK's Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, a pioneer in sustainability advocacy.

Findings

The findings suggest the dominance of the “predetermined and expert-determined” approach. They also reveal the emergence of three levels of performative topoi based on the relative presence of the “predetermined and expert-determined” and “process-of-seeking” approaches to professional interventions toward sustainability. The results show the profession's evolving contribution to the construction of actionable knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this research is that it draws on a limited corpus. In addition, the use of a binary code to represent the presence/absence of a code does not convey the code's quantitative importance.

Practical implications

The results are useful for those wanting to produce technical accounting resources that are more likely to help professionals build actionable knowledge and contribute to accountants' interventions toward sustainability.

Social implications

Findings suggest the need for reflection on how the accounting profession can best contribute to implementing sustainability in organizations.

Originality/value

Few studies deconstruct professional technical resources to see how a profession can contribute to a process of societal change.
Identifying total defense logistics concepts: a comparative study of the Swedish pandemic response
Authors: Antai Imoh , Hellberg Roland
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The total defence (TD) concept constitutes a joint endeavour between the military forces and civil defence structures within a TD state. Logistics is essential for such joint collaboration to work; however, the mismatch between military and civil defence logistics structures poses challenges for such joint collaboration. The purpose of this paper is to identify logistics concept areas within the TD framework that allow for military and civil defence collaborations from a logistics operations perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Pattern-matching analysis is used to compare patterns found in the investigated case with those prescribed from the literature and predicted to occur. The study seeks to identify logistics concepts within TD from the literature and from the events describing the Swedish response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Pattern matching thus allows for the reconciliation of logistics concepts from the literature to descriptions of how the response was handled, albeit under a TD framework.

Findings

Findings show quite distinct foci between the theoretical and observational realms in terms of logistics applications. While the theoretical realm identifies four main logistics concepts, the observational realm identifies five logistics conceptual themes. This goes on to show an incongruence between the military and civil parts of the TD.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides basis for further research into the applications and management of logistics activity within TD and emergency response.

Originality/value

Logistics applications within TD have not, until now, received much attention in the literature. Given this knowledge gap, this study is of original value.
The landscape of public procurement research: a bibliometric analysis and topic modelling based on Scopus
Authors: Rejeb Abderahman , Rejeb Karim , Appolloni Andrea , Kayikci Yasanur , Iranmanesh Mohammad
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the structure and dynamics of academic articles relating to public procurement (PP) in the period 1984–2022 (up to May). The researchers also intend to analyse how this knowledge domain has grown since 1984.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric analysis was carried out to examine the existing state of PP research. Based on 640 journal articles indexed in the Scopus database and written by 1,247 authors over nearly four decades, a bibliometric analysis was conducted to reveal the intellectual structure of academic works pertaining to PP.

Findings

Findings reveal that PP research from Scopus has significantly increased in the past decade. Major journals publishing PP research are International Journal of Procurement Management, Journal of Cleaner Production, Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management and Public Money and Management. Results also indicate that authors’ cooperation network is fragmented, showing limited collaboration among PP researchers. In addition, results suggest that the institutional collaboration network in PP research mirrors what is commonly referred to as the North–South divide, signifying insufficient research collaboration between developed and developing countries’ institutions. According to the co-occurrence keyword network and topic modelling, PP revolves around five main themes, including innovation, corruption, sustainable and green PP, PP contracts and small and medium enterprises. Based on these results, several directions for future research are suggested.

Social implications

This paper provides an increased understanding of the entire PP field and the potential research directions.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first-ever application of bibliometric techniques and topic modelling to examine the development of PP research since 1984 based on scholarly publications extracted from the Scopus database.
Facilitating a culture of sustainable innovation: a cooperative advantage perspective
Authors: Prieto Leon C. , Phipps Simone T.A. , Reynolds Stacey D. , Hannah Anthony Lenard
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide advice on how organizations can facilitate a culture of sustainable innovation from a cooperative advantage perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is written for practitioners and academics focused on sustainable innovation. It includes specific advice for production & operations and accounting & finance functions and how they can contribute to sustainable innovation from a cooperative advantage perspective.

Findings

By emphasizing the importance of stakeholder wellbeing, creating opportunities for collaboration and empowering employees, human resources (HR) departments can help organizations cultivate a culture of sustainable innovation and navigate the complex challenges of addressing environmental concerns to build a more sustainable future.

Originality/value

This paper offers HR practitioners a unique approach to encourage a culture that promotes care and community, intentional dialogue and action-oriented consensus-building among employees in different departments to facilitate sustainable innovation from a cooperative advantage perspective within their respective organizations.
The effect of the informal economy on bilateral exports from sub‐Saharan African countries
Authors: Poumie Boker , Noubissi Domguia Edmond , Augustin Ngounou Borice , Messie Pondie Thierry , Nzomo Tcheuta Joseph
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study is to analyse the impact of the informal economy on bilateral exports in sub‐Saharan African countries. We use a gravity model, to which we add indicators of the informal economy and indicator variables for different economic regions. The study used Pseudo‐Poisson Maximum Likelihood (PPML) and Heckman estimation techniques on data from the period 2002–2018. The results show that the informal economy has a negative impact on bilateral inter‐community exports and a positive impact on bilateral intra‐community exports. These results thus support the idea that the informal economy can accelerate the integration of regional economic communities and ultimately facilitate the establishment of bilateral export free trade areas at the continental level.