bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parkinson’s-linked LRRK2-G2019S derails AMPAR trafficking, mobility and composition in striatum with cell-type and subunit specificity
Authors: Gupta Swati , Guevara Christopher A. , Tielemans Alexander , Huntley George W. , Benson Deanna L.
Published: October 2023

Parkinson’s (PD) is a multi-factorial disease that affects multiple brain systems and circuits. While defined by motor symptoms caused by degeneration of brainstem dopamine neurons, debilitating non-motor abnormalities in fronto-striatal based cognitive function are common, appear early and are initially independent of dopamine. Young adult mice expressing the PD-associated G2019S missense mutation inLrrk2also exhibit deficits in fronto-striatal-based cognitive tasks. In mice and humans, cognitive functions require dynamic adjustments in glutamatergic synapse strength through cell-surface trafficking of AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs), but it is unknown how LRRK2 mutation impacts dynamic features of AMPAR trafficking in striatal projection neurons (SPNs). Here, we usedLrrk2G2019Sknockin mice to show that surface AMPAR subunit stoichiometry is altered biochemically and functionally in mutant SPNs to favor incorporation of GluA1 over GluA2. GluA1-containing AMPARs were resistant to internalization from the cell surface, leaving an excessive accumulation of GluA1 on the surface within and outside synapses. This negatively impacted trafficking dynamics that normally support synapse strengthening, as GluA1-containing AMPARs failed to increase at synapses in response to a potentiating stimulus and showed significantly reduced surface mobility. Surface GluA2-containing AMPARs were expressed at normal levels in synapses, indicating subunit-selective impairment. Abnormal surface accumulation of GluA1 was independent of PKA activity and was limited to D1R SPNs. Since LRRK2 mutation is thought to be part of a common PD pathogenic pathway, our data suggest that sustained, striatal cell-type specific changes in AMPAR composition and trafficking contribute to cognitive or other impairments associated with PD.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Mutations in LRRK2 are common genetic risks for PD.Lrrk2G2019Smice fail to exhibit long-term potentiation at corticostriatal synapses and show significant deficits in frontal-striatal based cognitive tasks. While LRRK2 has been implicated generally in protein trafficking, whether G2019S derails AMPAR trafficking at synapses on striatal neurons (SPNs) is unknown. We show that surface GluA1-AMPARs fail to internalize and instead accumulate excessively within and outside synapses. This effect is selective to D1R SPNs and negatively impacts synapse strengthening as GluA1-AMPARs fail to increase at the surface in response to potentiation and show limited surface mobility. Thus, LRRK2-G2019S narrows the effective range of plasticity mechanisms, supporting the idea that cognitive symptoms reflect an imbalance in AMPAR trafficking mechanisms within cell-type specific projections.
Patterns of presence-absence variation of NLRs across populations ofSolanum chilenseare clade-dependent and mainly shaped by past demographic history
Authors: Silva-Arias Gustavo A. , Gagnon Edeline , Hembrom Surya , Fastner Alexander , Khan Muhammad Ramzan , Stam Remco , Tellier Aurélien
Published: October 2023

Understanding the evolution of pathogen resistance genes (nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeats, also known as NLRs) within a species requires a comprehensive examination of factors that affect gene loss and gain. We present a new reference genome ofSolanum chilense, that leads to an increased number and more accurate annotation of NLRs. Next, using a target-capture approach, we quantify the presence-absence variation (PAV) of NLRlociacross 20 populations from different habitats. We build a rigorous pipeline to validate the identification of PAV of NLRs, then show that PAV is larger within populations than between populations, suggesting that maintenance of NLR diversity is linked to population dynamics. Furthermore, the amount of PAV is not correlated with the NLR presence in gene clusters in the genome, but rather with the past demographic history of the species, with loss of NLRs in diverging populations at the distribution edges and smaller population sizes. Finally, using a redundancy analysis, we find limited evidence of PAV being linked to environmental gradients. Our results contradict the classic assumptions of the important selective role of PAV for NLRs, and suggest that NLRs PAV is driven by random processes (and weak selection) in an outcrossing plant with high nucleotide diversity.
Large-scale causal discovery using interventional data sheds light on the regulatory network architecture of blood traits
Authors: Brown Brielin C. , Morris John A. , Lappalainen Tuuli , Knowles David A.
Published: October 2023

Inference of directed biological networks is an important but notoriously challenging problem. We introduceinversesparseregression (inspre), an approach to learning causal networks that leverages large-scale intervention-response data. Applied to 788 genes from the genome-wide perturb-seq dataset,insprehelps elucidate the network architecture of blood traits.
Deconstructing the Mapper algorithm to extract richer topological and temporal features from functional neuroimaging data
Authors: Haşegan Daniel , Geniesse Caleb , Chowdhury Samir , Saggar Manish
Published: October 2023

Capturing and tracking large-scale brain activity dynamics holds the potential to deepen our understanding of cognition. Previously, tools from Topological Data Analysis, especially Mapper, have been successfully used to mine brain activity dynamics at the highest spatiotemporal resolutions. Even though it is a relatively established tool within the field of Topological Data Analysis, Mapper results are highly impacted by parameter selection. Given that non-invasive human neuroimaging data (e.g., from fMRI) is typically fraught with artifacts and no gold standards exist regarding “true” state transitions, we argue for a thorough examination of Mapper parameter choices to better reveal their impact. Using synthetic data (with known transition structure) and real fMRI data, we explore a variety of parameter choices for each Mapper step, thereby providing guidance and heuristics for the field. We also release our parameter-exploration toolbox as a software package to make it easier for scientists to investigate and apply Mapper on any dataset.
Medicago truncatulaSOBIR1 controls specificity in the Rhizobium-legume symbiosis
Authors: Sarrette Baptiste , Luu Thi-Bich , Johansson Alexander , Fliegmann Judith , Pouzet Cécile , Le Ru Aurélie , Pichereaux Carole , Remblière Céline , Sauviac Laurent , Carles Noémie , Amblard Emilie , Guyot Valentin , Bonhomme Maxime , Cullimore Julie , Gough Clare , Jacquet Christophe , Pauly Nicolas
Published: October 2023

Medicago truncatulaNod Factor Perception (MtNFP) is a lysin-domain Receptor-Like Kinase (LysM-RLK) that plays a key role in the Rhizobium-legume symbiosis, and is involved in plant immunity. MtNFP also has an inactive kinase domain, suggesting that the protein is involved in different receptor complexes. Using the MtNFP pseudo-kinase domain as a bait in a Yeast two Hybrid screen, we identifiedM. truncatulaSUPPRESSOR OF BIR1 (MtSOBIR1) as a new interactor of MtNFP. We showed that an interaction between the two RLKs can occurin plantaand that the kinase domain of MtSOBIR1 is active and can transphosphorylate the pseudo-kinase domain of MtNFP. Like in other plants, our data suggest a positive role of MtSOBIR1 in immunity;MtSOBIR1could functionally complement anAtsobir1mutant for defence activation, and aMtsobir1mutant was defective in pathogen-induced defence gene expression. We also showed thatMtSOBIR1has a symbiotic role withMtsobir1mutants showing a strong symbiotic phenotype in a plant genotype- and rhizobial strain-specific manner. The symbiotic role was apparent both at an early stage of rhizobial infection and in nodules. Together, these data suggest that, like MtNFP, MtSOBIR1 has a dual role, and can control immunity in both pathogenic and beneficial situations, with positive or negative roles, respectively.
The rotavirus VP5*/VP8* conformational transition permeabilizes membranes to Ca2+
Authors: De Sautu Marilina , Herrmann Tobias , Jenni Simon , Harrison Stephen C.
Published: October 2023

Rotaviruses infect cells by delivering into the cytosol a transcriptionally active inner capsid particle (a "double-layer particle": DLP). Delivery is the function of a third, outer layer, which drives uptake from the cell surface into small vesicles from which the DLPs escape. In published work, we followed stages of rhesus rotavirus (RRV) entry by live-cell imaging and correlated them with structures from cryogenic electron microscopy and tomography (cryo-EM and cryo-ET). The virus appears to wrap itself in membrane, leading to complete engulfment and loss of Ca2+from the vesicle produced by the wrapping. One of the outer-layer proteins, VP7, is a Ca2+-stabilized trimer; loss of Ca2+releases both outer-layer proteins from the particle. The other outer-layer protein, VP4, activated by cleavage into VP8* and VP5*, is a trimer that undergoes a large-scale conformational rearrangement, reminiscent of the transition that viral fusion proteins undergo to penetrate a membrane. The rearrangement of VP5* thrusts a 250-residue, C-terminal segment of each of the three subunits outward, while allowing the protein to remain attached to the virus particle and to the cell being infected. We proposed that this segment inserts into the membrane of the target cell, enabling Ca2+to cross. In the work reported here, we show the validity of key aspects of this proposed sequence. By cryo-EM studies of liposome-attached virions ("triple-layer particles": TLPs) and single-particle fluorescence imaging of liposome-attached TLPs, we confirm insertion of the VP4 C-terminal segment into the membrane and ensuing generation of a Ca2+"leak". The results allow us to formulate a molecular description of early events in entry. We also discuss our observations in the context of other work on double-strand RNA virus entry.
Genetic relationship between the immune system and autism spectrum disorder and traits
Authors: Arenella Martina , Fanelli Giuseppe , Kiemeney Lambertus A. , McAlonan Grainne , Murphy Declan G. , Bralten Janita
Published: October 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common and complex neurodevelopmental condition. The pathophysiology of ASD is poorly defined; however, it includes a strong genetic component and there is increasing evidence to support a role of immune dysregulation. Nonetheless, it is unclear which immune phenotypes link to ASD through genetics. Hence, we investigated the genetic correlation between ASD and diverse classes of immune conditions and markers; and if these immune-related genetic factors link to specific autistic- like traits in the population.

We estimated global and local genetic correlations between ASD (n=55,420) and 11 immune phenotypes (n=14,256–755,406) using genome-wide association study summary statistics. Subsequently, polygenic scores (PGS) for these immune phenotypes were calculated in a population-based sample (n=2,487) and associated to five autistic-like traits (i.e., attention to detail, childhood behaviour, imagination, rigidity, social skills), and a total autistic-like traits score. Sex-stratified PGS analyses were also performed.

At the genome-wide level, ASD was positively correlated with allergic diseases (ALG), and negatively correlated with lymphocyte count, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (FDR-p=0.01-0.02). At the local genetic level, ASD was correlated with RA, C-reactive protein, and granulocytes and lymphocyte counts (p=5.8x10-6–0.002). In the general population sample, increased genetic liability for SLE, RA, ALG, and lymphocyte levels, captured by PGS, was associated with the total autistic score and with rigidity and childhood behaviour (FDR-p=0.03).

In conclusion, we demonstrated a genetic relationship between ASD and immunity that depends on the type of immune phenotype considered; some increase likelihood whereas others may potentially help build resilience. Also, this relationship may be restricted to specific genetic loci and link to specific autistic dimensions (e.g., rigidity).

Highlights

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and diseases and traits linked to the immune system share genetic variability

Positive genetic correlation is observed between ASD and atopic diseases

Negative genetic correlation is observed between ASD and autoimmune diseases

Shared genetic loci between ASD and immune-related phenotypes influence gene expression in immune-related tissues and in the developing brain

Immunogenetic factors associate with rigidity and childhood behaviour in the population
Genome-wide association study identifiesAPOEandZMIZ1variants as mitophagy modifiers in Lewy body disease
Authors: Hou Xu , Heckman Michael G. , Fiesel Fabienne C. , Koga Shunsuke , Soto-Beasley Alexandra I. , Watzlawik Jens O. , Zhao Jing , Valentino Rebecca R. , Johnson Patrick W. , White Launia J. , Quicksall Zachary S. , Reddy Joseph S. , Bras Jose , Guerreiro Rita , Zhao Na , Bu Guojun , Dickson Dennis W. , Ross Owen A. , Springer Wolfdieter
Published: October 2023

The PINK1-PRKN pathway mediates a critical quality control to maintain mitochondrial health and function. Together the kinase-ligase pair identifies and decorate damaged mitochondria with phosphorylated ubiquitin (p-S65-Ub). This selective label serves as the mitophagy tag and facilitates their degradation via autophagy-lysosome system. While complete loss of PINK1 or PRKN function causes early-onset Parkinson disease, much broader mitophagy impairments are emerging across neurodegenerative disorders. We previously found age- and disease-dependent accumulation of p-S65-Ub signal in the hippocampus of autopsy brains with Lewy body disease (LBD). However, the contribution of genetic variation to mitochondrial damage and p-S65-Ub levels remains unknown in LBD cases. To identify novel regulators of PINK1-PRKN mitophagy in LBD, we performed an unbiased genome-wide association study of hippocampal p-S65-Ub level with 1,012 autopsy confirmed LBD samples. Using an established, mostly automated workflow, hippocampal sections were immunostained for p-S65-Ub, scanned, and quantified with unbiased algorithms. Functional validation of the significant hit was performed in animal model and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs).

We identified a strong association with p-S65-Ub forAPOE4(rs429358;β: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.69;p=8.67x10-25) and a genome-wide significant association forZMIZ1(rs6480922;β: -0.33, 95% CI: -0.45 to -0.22;p=1.42x10-8). The increased p-S65-Ub levels inAPOE4-carrier may be mediated by both co-pathology-dependent and -independent mechanisms, which was confirmed in Apoe-targeted replacement mice and hiPSC-derived astrocytes. Intriguingly,ZMIZ1rs6480922 also significantly associated with increased brain weight and reduced neuropathological burden indicating a potential role as a resilience factor. Our findings nominate novel mitophagy regulators in LBD brain (ZMIZ1locus) and highlight a strong association ofAPOE4with mitophagy alteration. WithAPOE4being the strongest known risk factor for clinical Alzheimer’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, our findings suggest a common mechanistic link underscoring the importance of mitochondrial quality control.
Regulated Cleavage and Relocation of FERONIA Control Immunity in Arabidopsis Roots
Authors: Chen Jia , Qiang Xiaonan , Liu Hongbin , Xu Fan , Wang Long , Jiang Lingli , Li Chiyu , Wang Bingqian , Luan Sheng , Wu Dousheng , Zhou Feng , Yu Feng
Published: October 2023

Plant roots exhibit localized immunity (LI) specifically in the root cap and transition/elongation zone (TZ/EZ). Such immunity relies on receptor-like kinases localized at the plasma membrane (PM), which are essential for plant response to bacteria in the rhizosphere. Here, we identified a new mechanism of action for receptor kinase FERONIA (FER) in LI. In the absence of bacterial stimuli, FER is localized to the PM, maintaining plant growth. When confronted with bacterial colonization, RALF23 peptide hyper-accumulates in TZ/EZ cells and activates a metalloproteinase that cleaves FER and transfer the cytosolic kinase domain into the nucleus. The nucleus-localized kinase domain of FER contributes to LI by reducing bacterial abundance at TZ/EZ. Thus, this work uncovered a unique mechanism by which a single receptor kinase acts in two molecular forms and two distinct subcellular locations to balance growth and immunity.

One Sentence Summary

Bacteria induces the cleavage of FER via At2-MMP to trigger a localized immunity around TZ and EZ of Arabidopsis roots.
The interplay between miRNAs and chromatin regulators underpins premature differentiation within neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs)
Authors: Wood Jamie S , Alsaqati Mouhamed , Harwood Adrian J
Published: October 2023

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as Schizophrenia, Autism and Intellectual disability (ID) possess a wide range of neurological and physiological phenotypes, often showing significant overlap. Epigenetic regulators, including miRNAs and chromatin modifiers, have long been proposed as a possible cause of the broad range of symptoms associated with NDDs. However, the inherent complexity within miRNA regulatory networks has made it challenging to identify the key miRNAs and their mRNA targets and how they lead to the molecular deficits seen in NDDs. Here we investigate a regulatory pathway that connects the epigenetic repressor EHMT1 to the miRNA network to control REST/NRSF protein expression and show that it controls the timing of neurodevelopment. By use of a novel strategy utilising multi-miR sponges we identify key miRNAs that regulate REST/NRSF in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and demonstrate that they control unidirectional developmental progression from the pluripotent stage into early neurodevelopment and then neuronal differentiation. These results demonstrate a highly regulated interaction between epigenetic regulators and miRNAs that is crucial to control the timing neurodevelopment and impacts on the origins of NDDs.
Hundreds of antimicrobial peptides create a selective barrier for insect gut symbionts
Authors: Lachat Joy , Lextrait Gaëlle , Jouan Romain , Boukherissa Amira , Yokota Aya , Jang Seonghan , Ishigami Kota , Futahashi Ryo , Cossard Raynald , Naquin Delphine , Costache Vlad , Augusto Luis , Tissières Pierre , Biondi Emanuele G. , Alunni Benoît , Timchenko Tatiana , Ohbayashi Tsubasa , Kikuchi Yoshitomo , Mergaert Peter
Published: October 2023

The spatial organization of gut microbiota is crucial for the functioning of the gut ecosystem, although the mechanisms that organize gut bacterial communities in microhabitats are only partially understood. The gut of the insectRiptortus pedestrishas a characteristic microbiota biogeography with a multispecies community in the anterior midgut and a mono-specific bacterial population in the posterior midgut. We show that the posterior midgut region produces massively hundreds of specific antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), the Crypt-specific Cysteine-Rich peptides (CCRs) that have membrane-damaging antimicrobial activity against diverse bacteria but posterior midgut symbionts have elevated resistance. We determined by transposon-sequencing the genetic repertoire in the symbiontCaballeronia insecticolato manage CCR stress, identifying different independent pathways, including novel AMP-resistance pathways unrelated to known membrane homeostasis functions as well as cell envelope functions. Mutants in the corresponding genes have reduced capacity to colonize the posterior midgut, demonstrating that CCRs create a selective barrier and resistance is crucial in gut symbionts. Moreover, once established in the gut, the bacteria differentiate into a CCR-sensitive state, suggesting a second function of the CCR peptide arsenal in protecting the gut epithelia or mediating metabolic exchanges between the host and the gut symbionts. Our study highlights the evolution of an extreme diverse AMP family that contributes to establish and control the gut microbiota.
Prevalence and diversity of TAL effector-like proteins in fungal endosymbiotic Mycetohabitans spp.
Authors: Carpenter Sara C. D. , Bogdanove Adam J. , Abbot Bhuwan , Stajich Jason Eric , Uehling Jessie , Lovett Brian , Kasson Matt T , Carter Morgan E
Published: October 2023

Endofungal Mycetohabitans (formerly Burkholderia) spp. rely on a type III secretion system to deliver mostly unidentified effector proteins when colonizing their host fungus, Rhizopus microsporus. The one known secreted effector family from Mycetohabitans consists of homologs of transcription activator-like (TAL) effectors, which are used by plant pathogenic Xanthomonas and Ralstonia spp. to activate host genes that promote disease. These Burkholderia TAL-like (Btl) proteins bind corresponding specific DNA sequences in a predictable manner, but their genomic target(s) and impact on transcription in the fungus are unknown. Recent phenotyping of Btl mutants of two Mycetohabitans strains revealed that the single Btl in one M. endofungorum strain enhances fungal membrane stress tolerance, while others in a M. rhizoxinica strain promote bacterial colonization of the fungus. The phenotypic diversity underscores the need to assess the sequence diversity and, given that sequence diversity translates to DNA targeting specificity, the functional diversity of Btl proteins. Using a dual approach to maximize capture of Btl protein sequences for our analysis, we sequenced and assembled nine Mycetohabitans spp. genomes using long-read PacBio technology and also mined available short-read Illumina fungal-bacterial metagenomes. We show that btl genes are present across diverse Mycetohabitans strains from Mucoromycota fungal hosts yet vary in sequences and predicted DNA binding specificity. Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct clades of Btl proteins and suggested that Mycetohabitans might contain more species than previously recognized. Within our data set, Btl proteins were more conserved across Mycetohabitans rhizoxinica strains than across Mycetohabitans endofungorum, but there was also evidence of greater overall strain diversity within the latter clade. Overall, the results suggest that Btl proteins contribute to bacterial-fungal symbioses in myriad ways.
Physiological characterization of single gene lysis proteins
Authors: Antillon S. Francesca , Bernhardt Thomas G. , Chamakura Karthik , Young Ry
Published: October 2023

Until recently only 11 distinct Sgls (singlegene lysis proteins) have been experimentally identified. Of these, three have been shown to be specific inhibitors of different steps in the pathway that supplies Lipid II to the peptidoglycan (PG) biosynthesis machinery: Qβ A2inhibits MurA, ϕX174 E inhibits MraY, and Lys from coliphage M inhibits MurJ. These Sgls have been called “protein antibiotics” because the lytic event is a septal catastrophe indistinguishable from that caused by cell wall antibiotics. Here we propose to designate these as members of type I Sgls, to distinguish them from another Sgl, the L protein of the paradigm ssRNA phage MS2. Although none of the other distinct Sgls have significant sequence similarity to L, alignments suggested the presence of four domains distinguished by hydrophobic and polar character. The simplest notion is that these other Sgls have the same autolytic mechanism and, based on this, constitute type II.

Although the number of experimentally confirmed Sgls has not changed, recent environmental metagenomes and metatranscriptomes have revealed thousands of new ssRNA phage genomes, each of which presumably has at least one Sgl gene. Here we report on methods to distinguish type I and type II Sgls. Using phase-contrast microscopy, we show that both classes of Sgls cause the formation of blebs prior to lysis, but the location of the blebs differs significantly. In addition, we show that L and other type II Sgls do not inhibit net synthesis of PG, as measured by incorporation of3[H]-diaminopimelic acid. Finally, we provide support for the unexpected finding by Adler and colleagues that the Sgl from Pseudomonas phage PP7 is a type I Sgl, as determined by the two methods. This shows that the sharing the putative 4-domain structure suggested for L is not a reliable discriminator for operational characterization of Sgls. Overall, this study establishes new ways to rapidly classify novel Sgls and thus may facilitate the identification of new cell envelope targets that will help generate new antibiotics.
Genetic transformation of the frog-killing chytrid fungusBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Authors: Kalinka Erik , Brody Stephanie M. , Swafford Andrew J. M. , Medina Edgar M. , Fritz-Laylin Lillian K.
Published: October 2023

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis(Bd), a causative agent of chytridiomycosis, is decimating amphibian populations around the world.Bdbelongs to the chytrid lineage, a group of early-diverging fungi that are widely used to study fungal evolution. Like all chytrids,Bddevelops from a motile form into a sessile, growth form, a transition that involves drastic changes in its cytoskeletal architecture. Efforts to studyBdcell biology, development, and pathogenicity have been limited by the lack of genetic tools with which to test hypotheses about underlying molecular mechanisms. Here, we report the development of a transient genetic transformation system forBd. We used electroporation to deliver exogenous DNA intoBdcells and detected transgene expression for up to three generations under both heterologous and native promoters. We also adapted the transformation protocol for selection using an antibiotic resistance marker. Finally, we used this system to express fluorescent protein fusions and, as a proof of concept, expressed a genetically encoded probe for the actin cytoskeleton. Using live-cell imaging, we visualized the distribution and dynamics of polymerized actin at each stage of theBdlife cycle, as well as during key developmental transitions. This transformation system allows, for the first time, direct testing of key hypotheses regarding mechanisms ofBdpathogenesis. This technology also paves the way for answering fundamental questions of chytrid cell, developmental, and evolutionary biology.
Crystal structure of (μ-hydrogen disulfato)-μ-oxido-bis[(4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine)oxidovanadium(IV/V)] acetonitrile monosolvate
Authors: Kodama Shintaro , Hashiguchi Terushi , Nomoto Akihiro
Published: October 2023

The dinuclear oxidovanadium(IV/V) complex, [V2(HS2O8)O3(C18H24N2)2]·CH3CN or [V2O2(μ-O)(μ-H(SO4)2)(4,4′-
t
Bubpy)2]·CH3CN (4,4′-
t
Bubpy = 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine), has crystallographic C
2 symmetry and exhibits a distorted octahedral geometry around the vanadium center, where the two 4,4′-
t
Bubpy ligands are nearly orthogonal to each other. The two vanadium ions are linked by an oxo anion and a unique protonated sulfate anion [H(SO4)2
3−]. In the crystal, intermolecular C—H...π and π–π interactions between the 4,4′-
t
Bubpy ligands are present, leading to a three-dimensional network.
Rerefinement of the crystal structure of α-ThBr4
Authors: Graubner Tim , Kraus Florian
Published: October 2023

Single crystals of α-ThBr4, thorium(IV) tetrabromide, were obtained as a side product from the reaction of CuBr with β-ThBr4 at 753 K. In the crystal structure, the Th atom (site symmetry \overline{4}..) is surrounded by eight Br atoms in the form of a tetragonal-disphenoidal coordination polyhedron. The connectivity of these polyhedra is 3
∞[ThBr4/2Br4/2]. In comparison with the previous crystal structure refinement [Mason et al. (1974). J. Less-Common Met.
35, 331–338], the current rerefinement resulted in much higher preciscion of the lattice parameters and the atomic coordinates.
Combating quiet quitting: implications for future research and practices for talent management
Authors: Liu-Lastres Bingjie , Karatepe Osman M. , Okumus Fevzi
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to offer viewpoints on the emergence of Quiet Quitting. Particularly, this paper reviews the reasons behind the phenomenon and analyzes its potential influences on the hospitality workforce. This study also proposes theory-driven solutions addressing this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the relevant literature, industry reports and a critical reflection of the authors’ experiences, research and insights.

Findings

This paper reveals that Quiet Quitting can be a major obstacle for the hospitality business to reach service excellence. This paper also finds that Quiet Quitting is driven by several antecedents and correlates and affects employees, customers and various businesses in the hospitality and tourism industries.

Practical implications

This paper proposes several suggestions to properly address this issue, including enhancing the person–organization fit, work flexibility and employee well-being.

Originality/value

Quiet Quitting emerged as a new trend among the young workforce shortly after the pandemic. Despite the popularity of such odd terminology, academic discussions surrounding this issue have been limited. As one of the early attempts, this paper offers a critical analysis of the phenomenon and actional insights to respond to this ongoing challenge.
The impact of cryptocurrencies capitalization on banking deposits variability in the UAE: evidence from the NARDL approach
Authors: Adela Hatem Ahmed
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the effect of cryptocurrency capitalization market development on bank deposits variability in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) spanning the period 2005M1–2020M4 using the novel nonlinear autoregressive distributive lag (NARDL).

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the NARDL recently developed by Shin et al. (2014) to estimate the long and short-run relationships between the variables rather than the widely known ARDL (Pesaran et al., 2001), which suffers from a complex structure in the estimation equation that usually includes lags and differences in both short and long terms. The implementation of NARDL required several proceedings after plotting the descriptive data, commencing with unit root tests, selection of lag length, estimating the long-and-short variables coefficients, heteroscedasticity test and Wald test for symmetries.

Findings

The long-run estimations of the positive and negative asymmetric coefficients indicate that cryptocurrencies capitalization has a negative impact on bank deposits in the UAE. Further, the short-run estimations coefficients exhibit that both significant positive and negative partial sum squares of cryptocurrencies decrease bank deposits.

Research limitations/implications

The study has applied to the UAE spanning the period 2005M1–2020M4 using the NARDL.

Practical implications

The short-run estimations coefficients exhibit that both significant positive and negative partial sum squares of cryptocurrencies decreases bank deposits, which means that the increase in the magnitude of cryptocurrencies capitalization stimulates depositors and speculators to adjust their portfolios towards contracting their deposits in banks to invest partially in cryptocurrencies, on the other hand, the decline in cryptocurrencies capitalization process spur depositors and speculators to reduce their deposits for purchasing cryptocurrencies at lower prices.

Social implications

The study infers that individuals and businesses are cautious when investing in cryptocurrencies, and they need more certainty and trust to include these types of assets in their portfolios. The fluctuation in cryptocurrencies capitalization prompts speculators to change their deposits according to the cryptocurrencies' prices.

Originality/value

This study explores the short-and long-run asymmetric impacts of cryptocurrencies capitalization development on bank deposits volatility in the UAE, based on a NARDL, for providing a manifest depiction of whether the cryptocurrencies industry might be a threat to conventional banking system performance in the potential future.
Nigerian prisoners’ experience: prison circumstances, family support and sleep quality
Authors: Fakorede Omokehinde Olubunmi , Onifade Peter Olutunde , Majekodunmi Oluyinka Emmanuel , DadeMatthews Adefunke Omosefe
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to determine the association between prison circumstances, perceived family support and sleep quality among male inmates at the Ibara prison, Ogun State.

Design/methodology/approach

It was a cross-sectional study of 300 male inmates interviewed with socio-demographic proforma and Pittsburgh sleep quality index.

Findings

While all respondents described the prison as being overcrowded, half of them used inappropriate sleeping materials daily and 41.4% decried a very noisy environment at night. Twenty-seven percent of the respondents described poor family support while 47.3% experienced poor sleep quality. Though nature of sleeping material and self-awareness of sleep problem were associated with poor sleep quality, no predictor of the latter was identified.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted among males only because of the relative dominance of the male gender in the prison population. This makes analysis of gender difference impossible. Furthermore, sleep studies may be preferred over reports by some sleep experts.

Practical implications

Findings from this study may culminate in taking steps to improve the Nigerian prison conditions as well as the prisoner’s welfare.

Social implications

Developing support group for relatives of inmates may be a focus of social intervention for these inmates. Also, inmates with good sleep quality are likely to partake effectively in the prison reformation programmes and may not self-medicate with sedatives.

Originality/value

This study provides a scholarly documentation of the state of Nigerian prisons; inmates’ perception of family support; prevalence and correlates of poor sleep quality among a group of male inmates.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and human capital: the case of Azerbaijan
Authors: Sabbaghi Omid
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This article aims to relate investments in human capital to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), and examine the spending levels necessary to achieve high performance in related SDG sectors for Azerbaijan.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing data from the World Bank, the empirical approach undertaken in this study relies on peer analysis by examining spending levels for nations exhibiting similar income levels and geographical proximity to Azerbaijan.

Findings

This study estimates that total spending in education would need to increase by 0.4 percentage points of GDP by 2030, while total spending in health would need to increase by 5.9 percentage points of GDP by 2030 for Azerbaijan.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by conducting an empirical analysis in which other nations can emulate in measuring their relative progress on human capital investments and related UN SDGs.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2023-0137
Exploring the antecedents of “deep” eWOM providing behaviour in mobile shopping: a multi-country study
Authors: Sahadev Sunil , Chung Sean , Zaman Mustafeed , Handoko Indria , Vo-Thanh Tan , Phong Nguyen Nguyen , Kumra Rajeev
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The study aims to look at deep eWOM providing behaviour in m-commerce and attempts to explore its antecedents. Personalisation is proposed as an indirect antecedent of deep eWOM providing behaviour mediated by hedonic and utilitarian value perceptions and personal identification.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on social-exchange theory, the conceptual model links the study antecedents to deep eWOM providing behaviour. The conceptual model was validated through a multi-country study. A large sample of m-commerce users in the UK (n = 505), India (n = 422) and Vietnam (n = 618) were contacted to collect the data. Data were analysed through structural equations modelling procedure with invariance analysis conducted to ensure that the results from the three samples could be compared. The authors also conducted post-hoc analysis to explore the mediation paths between variables.

Findings

The study finds support to the conceptual model across the samples from the three countries. Personalisation is found to increase value perceptions – both utilitarian and hedonic – and personal identification which leads to “deep” eWOM providing behaviour across all the three countries. The serial mediation also provides comparable results across the three countries.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the understanding of deep eWOM providing behaviour – a construct with high practical relevance which has however not been explored sufficiently in current literature. The study also contributes to the literature that analyses the consequences of personalisation in m-commerce.
Cognitive appraisals and information-seeking achievement emotions: a qualitative study of Swedish primary teacher students
Authors: Dahlqvist Claes , Persson Christel
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Primary teachers play a vital role in fostering pupils' successful futures. Therefore, gaining knowledge of primary teacher students' learning processes, including the achievement of information-seeking skills, is crucial. The aim of this paper is to understand better the interplay between cognitive appraisals and emotions in the constructivist process of learning and achieving information-seeking skills.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with six Swedish primary teacher students. The analysis of qualitative data was deductive and theory-driven, guided by Kuhlthau's information search process model, Scherer's semantic space of emotions and Pekrun's control-value theory of achievement emotions.

Findings

Anger/frustration, enjoyment and boredom were identified as activity emotions and anxiety, hopelessness and hope as prospective outcome emotions. The retrospective outcome emotions found were pride, joy, gratitude, surprise and relief. The appraisals eliciting the achievement emotions were the control appraisals uncertainty/certainty (activity and prospective outcome) and oneself/other (retrospective), and value appraisals negative/positive intrinsic motivation (activity) and failure/success (prospective and retrospective). The interplay between appraisals and emotions was complex and dynamic. The processes were individually unique, non-linear and iterative, and the appraisals did not always elicit emotions.

Originality/value

The study has theoretical and methodological implications for information behaviour research in its application of appraisal theories and the Geneva affect label coder. In addition, it has practical implications for academic librarians teaching information-seeking skills.
Factors affecting accounting students’ misuse of chatgpt: an application of the fraud triangle theory
Authors: Alshurafat Hashem , Al Shbail Mohannad Obeid , Hamdan Allam , Al-Dmour Ahmad , Ensour Waed
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the factors that contribute to student academic dishonesty through an examination of the misuse of AI language models. Using the fraud triangle theory, which posits that opportunity, rationalization and pressure are key factors for fraudulent behavior, this study investigates how these elements interact and contribute to academic dishonesty among students.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, data on how accounting students used ChatGPT to cheat was acquired from 279 accounting students in Jordanian public universities over the course of two months, from January 2023 to March 2023, through previously tested and validated questionnaires. The main tool for gathering data was a questionnaire distributed online using Microsoft Forms.

Findings

The results show that all of the fraud triangle factors are significant determinants of student academic dishonesty and student misuse of ChatGPT. The findings of this research can be used to guide the development of technology-based preventative measures.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable insights into the motivations and factors that drive students to engage in academic dishonesty and sheds light on the broader issue of technology-assisted academic dishonesty and its impact on the educational system. This study’s contribution is significant, as it sheds light on a pressing issue in education and provides valuable information for educators and policymakers to address the problem and improve academic standards.
How the police conceptualise and view the relevance of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) for policing: a qualitative investigation
Authors: Goodall Karen , Brodie Zara P. , Deacon Kirsty , Collins Kimberly , Gillespie-Smith Karri
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Knowledge about the prevalence and impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is pivotal to trauma-informed approaches, yet the impact of ACEs training is rarely investigated. This study reports a qualitative investigation of police perceptions of ACEs training in relation to conceptualisations of ACEs and trauma-informed working, practical applications of ACE knowledge and service-level support.

Design/methodology/approach

Four focus groups were conducted with 29 police officers, who had participated in an ACEs-awareness training. Based on the qualitative data, themes were generated using reflexive thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2019).

Findings

Analysis generated seven themes, conceptualised into three domains of conceptual understanding, police culture and operationalising ACEs.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is limited to Scottish police officers and is ethnically non-diverse. Further evaluation of higher quality interventions is warranted.

Practical implications

The study highlighted that a lack of conceptual framework, officer concerns and police culture may present barriers to officers incorporating ACEs knowledge into their day-to-day work. Future trainings should address these issues to achieve maximum benefits.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first in-depth qualitative study of police officers' perceptions of ACEs training. Focus groups facilitated the expression of cultural norms. The results provide insight into tailoring trauma-informed interventions in police in future, as well as raising broader service-level issues.
Towards a higher-order knowledge of law in the built environment: Delphi analysis of a quantity surveyor's scenario-based legal advice
Authors: Amadi Alolote
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study is carried out to evaluate how well legal knowledge can be demonstrated by a built environment professional via the scenario-based approach to the learning of law modules.

Design/methodology/approach

A Delphi analysis of the advice provided by an MSC quantity surveying student, on a scenario-based legal problem arising due to a property contract, is carried out. The tendered legal advice was submitted as part of the assessment requirements for an MSc law module, following the university criteria, after the teaching of a law module. The student report, which attained an A-grade, and the assessment criteria used for marking/grading by the university were subsequently sent to 18 practicing lawyers, who were selected to constitute an expert panel, to independently judge the extent of legal knowledge demonstrated in the student report.

Findings

The Delphi analysis outcome showed that the expert panel holds a similar consensus view to the university on the level of legal knowledge demonstrated and by extension the effectiveness of the law module in imparting legal knowledge to a non-lawyer. The study outcome shows how well legal knowledge can be acquired and applied by a non-lawyer, within the context of the built environment, via scenario-based teaching of a law module.

Originality/value

This study serves as a preliminary step necessary to arouse further research toward empirically profiling the current outlook of a wider range of graduating students receiving scenario-based legal education in the built environment.
Assessment of the bearing‐down manoeuvre in pregnancy and detection of paradoxical levator ani muscle contraction using 2D transperineal ultrasound and vaginal palpation: a concurrent validity and inter‐rater reliability study
Authors: Murdoch‐Ward Joelene , Nahon Irmina , De‐Vitry Smith Sally , Bernardi Eliza , Woods Tamara
Published: October 2023

Objective

To examine the concurrent validity and inter‐rater reliability of vaginal palpation as a measure of the quality of the bearing‐down manoeuvre (BDM) and the detection of a paradoxical levator ani muscle contraction (LAM) in pregnant women, compared with 2D transperineal ultrasound (TPUS).

Design

Concurrent validity and inter‐rater reliability study.

Setting

Physiotherapy clinic.

Population

Twenty pregnant women in their third trimester.

Methods

The anterior posterior diameter (APD) was measured during the BDM using TPUS by one experienced physiotherapist. An APD that shortened by >2 mm from rest was described as LAM shortening, an APD that moved by 0–2 mm was described as no change and an APD that lengthened by >2 mm was described as LAM lengthening. Vaginal palpation described the LAM during the BDM as no movement, shortening or lengthening. Participants were allowed two attempts and the best attempt was measured.

Main outcome measures

APD using TPUS and the assessor's subjective description of LAM during the BDM using vaginal palpation.

Results

TPUS detected more paradoxical LAM contractions during the BDM than palpation. Agreement between vaginal palpation and TPUS assessment for BDM was poor. The Fleiss kappa coefficients were 0.457 (90% CI 0.16–0.71) between TPUS and one assessor and 0.326 (90% CI 0.01–0.6) between TPUS and the other assessor. In addition, inter‐rater reliability was poor between observers palpating the BDM, with a Fleiss kappa coefficient of 0.375 (90% CI 0.13–0.64).

Conclusions

This study did not find vaginal palpation of the BDM in pregnant women to have concurrent validity or inter‐rater reliability. Clinicians should be aware of potential inaccuracies when palpating the BDM, and, where possible, seek an assessment via TPUS.