bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivodetection of HIV-1 antisense transcripts in untreated and ART-treated individuals
Authors: Capoferri Adam A. , Sklutuis Rachel , Famuyiwa Toluleke O. , Pathak Sachi , Li Rui , Rausch Jason W. , Luke Brian T. , Hoh Rebecca , Deeks Steven G. , Mellors John W. , Coffin John M. , Groebner Jennifer L. , Romerio Fabio , Kearney Mary F. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractNatural antisense transcripts are expressed in eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and viruses and can possess regulatory functions at the transcriptional and/or post-transcriptional levels.In vitrostudies have shown that HIV-1 antisense transcripts (AST) promote viral latency through epigenetic silencing of the proviral 5′ long terminal repeat (LTR). However, expression of HIV-1 ASTin vivohave not been convincingly demonstrated. Here, we used single RNA template amplification, detection, and sequencing to demonstrate expression of AST in unstimulated PBMC collected from people with HIV-1 (PWH). We found that AST had high genetic diversity that matched proviruses in cells from blood and lymph nodes. We measured a median of 26 copies of AST per 100 infected cells in PWH on ART and a median of 2 copies per 100 infected cells in PWH not on ART. The expression of HIV-1 ASTin vivois consistent with a potential regulatory role in regulation of HIV-1 expression.
A direct interaction between the Chd1 CHCT domain and Rtf1 controls Chd1 distribution and nucleosome positioning on active genes
Authors: Tripplehorn Sarah A. , Shirra Margaret K. , Lardo Santana M. , Marvil Hannah G. , Hainer Sarah J. , Arndt Karen M. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe nucleosome remodeler Chd1 is required for the re-establishment of nucleosome positioning in the wake of transcription elongation by RNA Polymerase II. Previously, we found that Chd1 occupancy on gene bodies depends on the Rtf1 subunit of the Paf1 complex in yeast. Here, we identify an N-terminal region of Rtf1 and the CHCT domain of Chd1 as sufficient for their interaction and demonstrate that this interaction is direct. Mutations that disrupt the Rtf1-Chd1 interaction result in an accumulation of Chd1 at the 5’ ends of Chd1-occupied genes, increased cryptic transcription, altered nucleosome positioning, and concordant shifts in histone modification profiles. We show that a homologous region within mouse RTF1 interacts with the CHCT domains of mouse CHD1 and CHD2. This work supports a conserved mechanism for coupling Chd1 family proteins to the transcription elongation complex and identifies a cellular function for a domain within Chd1 about which little is known.
Predictable modulation of plant root development using engineered cytokinin regulators
Authors: Rattan Rohan , Alamos Simon , Szarzanowicz Matthew , Markel Kasey , Shih Patrick M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAchieving precise control over quantitative developmental phenotypes is a key objective in plant biology. Recent advances in synthetic biology have enabled tools to reprogram entire developmental pathways; however, the complexity of designing synthetic genetic programs and the inherent interactions between various signaling processes remains a critical challenge. Here, we leverage Type-B response regulators to modulate the expression of genes involved in cytokinin-dependent growth and development processes. We rationally engineered these regulators to modulate their transcriptional activity (i.e., repression or activation), potency, and sensitivity to cytokinin. By localizing the expression of these engineered TFs using tissue-specific promoters, we can precisely tune cytokinin-regulated traits. As a proof of principle, we deployed this synthetic system inArabidopsis thalianato either decrease or increase the number of lateral roots. The simplicity and modularity of our approach makes it an ideal system for controlling other developmental phenotypes of agronomic interest in plants.
Diversity and prevalence of amino acid decarboxylase enzymes in the human gut microbiome – a bioinformatics investigation
Authors: Sandoval Matthew , Shah Dhara D. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBiogenic amines play numerous biological functions that include neuromodulation, maintenance of the gut health and motility, gastric acid secretion, regulation of immune response, cell growth, and gene expression. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the potential modulation of these molecules by the human gut microbiota. A primary pathway for the generation of these molecules involves the decarboxylation of amino acids, a process facilitated by enzymes known as amino acid decarboxylases (AADCs). Here, we conducted a bioinformatic analysis to understand diversity and prevalence of AADCs from the most prevalent members of the human gut microbiome. This study aims to understand how human gut microbes generate metabolites that influence health and disease, through specific enzyme activities, with a focus on recognizing the potential role of gut microbiota in neuromodulation, gastrointestinal dysfunctions, immune response regulation, and other critical biological functions. Our results indicate that AADCs are most abundant in the prominent gut microbial genera, namelyBacteroides,Parabacteroides,Alistipes, andEnterococcus. Furthermore, among AADCs, arginine decarboxylases are the most common, present in approximately 60% of the frequently found members of the human gut microbiome, followed by aspartate 1-decarboxylases and glutamate decarboxylases. We also found thatEnterococcus faecalisharbors the most variety of amino acid decarboxylases, potentially playing an important role in driving decarboxylation chemistry in the human gut. In addition, our sequence analyses of various AADCs demonstrated that a tetrad of amino acids in the PLP binding motif can provide functional identification for AADCs. We hypothesize that the diversity in AADCs and the microbes that harbor them has the potential to alter host metabolic outputs. This could provide a mechanism to use specific changes in microbial genera or species to understand possible metabolite modulations that might influence biological functions. Such studies could lay the groundwork for developing future disease markers or therapeutic interventions.
Joyful living labs – pedagogical approach for urban design thinking soft skills
Authors: Zahran Rehab Mostafa , Bahgat Hisham Amr , Abdel Aziz Tamer Mohamed , Khalil Heba Allah Essam E. 
Published: December 2024

PurposeUrban design professionals face the challenge of creating responsive human settlements amidst complex, ever-evolving interactions between numerous factors, which makes each project a “wicked problem,” requiring designers with specific skills to solve them effectively. This paper explores how integrating “Living Labs” and “Learning Playing techniques” equips urban design students with the needed competencies to address these challenges.Design/methodology/approachThe research employed a literature review focusing on urban design theories related to “wicked problems,” design thinking and soft skills. Through this review, the authors developed the “Urban Design Thinking Soft Skills (UDTS) matrix” and identified pedagogical approaches using Living Labs and Learning Playing Techniques. An award-winning community design studio at Cairo University served as a case study to test and validate the UDTS matrix. Interviews were conducted to further investigate the effectiveness of incorporating these approaches.FindingsThe study found that integrating Living Labs principles and Learning Playing Techniques (termed “Joyful Living Labs” in this context) are effective pedagogical methods. Interviews provided evidence supporting their value within urban design curricula for the Egyptian context.Originality/valueThis paper proposes the UDTS matrix as a framework to equip students with the necessary soft skills for tackling complex urban design challenges. Furthermore, it introduces the concept of “Joyful Living Labs” as a potential pedagogical approach specifically suited for the Egyptian context.
Social sustainability in architectural practice: examining experiences of architectural offices in B-Corp certification in the United Kingdom
Authors: Keser Kurşun Elif , Albadra Dima , Emmitt Stephen 
Published: December 2024

PurposeSocial sustainability (SS) is one of the key pillars of sustainability along with environmental and economic sustainability. Several impact assessment frameworks (IAF) exist to evaluate sustainability in the built environment, yet SS is often neglected. This paper is the first to investigate the effectiveness of the B-Corp certification scheme as an IAF to promote SS in architectural practice. With almost 3.5 folds increase in the number of B-Corp-certified UK-based architectural offices, in the last two years, and the neglect of the social dimension of sustainability in IAF application; the key question of this research is “What roles does B-Corp play in architectural practice to promote SS in the UK?”Design/methodology/approachThis research is based on qualitative data collection and thematic analysis. Eight semi-structured online interviews were conducted with B-Corp-certified architectural offices in the UK. The interview questions focused on understanding the offices' B-Corp experiences around three categories: motivations, challenges and changes. Through a coding process, the interviews were analysed to find the similarities and differences between the offices' approaches to SS and their experiences as B-Corps. Keywords were identified and themes with an inductive approach, applying the research question as a lens.FindingsData was analysed to understand how B-Corp and its IAF relate to the architectural offices. The study concluded that B-Corp can make it easier to establish inter-actor relationships and B-Corp’s IAF can provide a holistic approach in which architectural offices can better measure their sustainable values by switching the evaluation scale from “building” to “business” unlike common IFAs in the built environment; with these two roles, it can effectively contribute to social sustainability.Originality/valueIt is the first research to introduce the B-Corp certification to the architectural literature. Even though over 90 publications are covering B-Corp in other domains, there has yet to be any research looking at B-Corp-certified architectural offices, its merits as an IAF and limitations. This paper presents novel contributions to the knowledge concerning the assessment of social sustainability in architecture.
Argumentation strategies in lobbying: the discursive struggle over proposals to regulate Big Tech
Authors: Davidson Scott , Lock Irina 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis study investigates, through a case study where organisations held opposing lobbying objectives, the argumentation strategies employed by organisations in their lobbying. Big Tech companies lobbied against proposed online harm regulations in the UK, with their objectives clashing with public interest groups with a health focus, who advocated for broader regulations. The research explores the functional relationship between these argumentation strategies and the lobbying objectives of the organisations involved. Additionally, it examines the extent to which organisations with similar lobbying objectives converge in the argumentation strategies they deploy.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative content analysis of N = 13 submissions in response to the UK Online Safety Bill from seven public interest groups and six Big Tech companies was conducted. It captured both the public affairs objectives and argumentation strategies submitted in response to the regulatory proposal.FindingsOur findings suggest Big Tech use argumentation strategies that emphasise cost implications, threats to freedom of speech and claim proposed regulations are impractical, while at the same time seeking to align their objectives with public interest norms. Public interest groups continuously stress the costs and risks for mental health if regulations are not widened in scope or rigorously enforced.Originality/valueSituating lobbying within communication management, the study contributes to theorising language strategies. It reveals the argumentation strategies with which both powerful corporations and public interest groups attempt to influence public policy. Both theoretically and practically, it will contribute to developing analytical frameworks for understanding the influence intent in lobbying argumentation.
Impact of mobile money adoption on financial inclusion in Sri Lanka: mediating impact of hedonism
Authors: Dewasiri Narayanage Jayantha , Kumara Patikiri Koralalage Asanka , Lakmini Walakumbura Simbiya Hevage Madu , Rathnasiri Mananage Shanika Hansini , Jayarathne Potupitiya Gamaathige Sanjeewani Amila 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis study uses hedonism as a mediating variable to examine the relationship between mobile money adoption and financial inclusion in Sri Lankan small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachWe conducted a quantitative research study utilizing a survey strategy and distributing standardized questionnaires to 150 SMEs in Sri Lanka using a simple random sampling technique.FindingsAccording to our analysis, a significant relationship exists between mobile money adoption and financial inclusion in SMEs in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, we found that this relationship is mediated by hedonism, offering insights into the phenomenon.Practical implicationsThis study’s findings significantly impact Sri Lankan policymakers, financial institutions, and SMEs. Policymakers can use this research to create plans encouraging mobile money usage, potentially improving financial inclusion among SMEs. When SMEs adopt mobile money, financial institutions can adjust their services to match their demands. It is advantageous for SMEs to understand how adopting mobile money can enhance their financial inclusion and overall business stability.Originality/valueOur study contributes to existing literature in two key ways. Firstly, it addresses a significant research gap by examining the impact of mobile money use on financial inclusion among SMEs in Sri Lanka. Secondly, we introduce the concept of hedonism as a potential mediator, providing a fresh perspective on the complex dynamics that shape the relationship between mobile money adoption and financial inclusion in this context.
A multi-period model for assessing the reinforcing dependence between climate transition and physical risks of non-life insurers
Authors: Özdil Onur 
Published: December 2024

PurposeClimate risks are crucial for non-life insurers due to their significant exposure to both transition and physical risks. The aim of this study is to develop a multi-period model that represents climate risks in non-life insurance, encompassing the impacts of both physical and transition risks as well as their reinforcing dependence. Literature suggests that as physical climate risks increase, the urgency for climate policies intensifies, leading to higher climate transition risks.Design/methodology/approachOur model includes a stochastic transition process affecting assets based on their exposure in climate policy-relevant sectors (green and brown investments) and a dependence structure between this process and liabilities, where the physical risks manifest as an increase in claims.FindingsOur simulation indicates that the choice of the transition process, as well as the consideration of dependencies, has a significant influence on the insurers’ profit, but even more on the probability of ruin. The impact of green versus brown investment strategies varies considerably based on whether dependencies are taken into account or not.Originality/valueThe results of this study are intended to deepen the understanding of the effects of climate risks on non-life insurers and provide a quantitative analysis of the impact of green and brown investing within this framework.
Efficiency of advanced materials in strengthening of CFST columns: finite elements and artificial neural networks
Authors: Selmi Abdellatif , Raza Ali 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThe aim of the current study is to recommend and compare the estimates of finite element model (FEM), analytical model, and artificial neural networks (ANN) model for capturing the LCC of FCSC members. A database comprising 325 FCSC columns was constructed from previous studies to propose FEM and ANN models while the analytical model was proposed based on a database of 712 samples and encasing mechanics of steel tube and FRP wraps. The concrete damage plastic model was used for concrete along with bilinear and linear elastic models for steel tube and FRP wraps, respectively. Analytical and ANN models effectively considered the lateral encasing mechanism of FCSC columns for accurate predictions.Design/methodology/approachThe study aimed to compare the prediction accuracy of finite element (FEM), analytical, and artificial neural network (ANN) models for the load-carrying capacity (LCC) of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)-encased concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) compression members (FCSC). A database of 325 FCSC columns was developed for FEM and ANN models, while the analytical model was based on 712 samples, utilizing encasing mechanics of steel tube and FRP wraps. FEM used a concrete damage plastic model, bilinear steel tube, and linear elastic FRP models. Statistical accuracy was evaluated using MAE, MAPE, R², RMSE, and a 20-index across all models.FindingsBased on the experimental database, the FEM presented the accuracies in the form of statistical parameters MAE = 223.76, MAPE = 285.32, R2 = 0.94, RMSE = 210.43 and a20-index = 0.83. The analytical model showed the statistics of MAE = 427.229, MAPE = 283.649, R2 = 0.8149, RMSE = 275.428 and a20-index = 0.73 while ANN models portrayed the predictions with MAE = 195, MAPE = 229.67, R2 = 0.981, RMSE = 174 and a20-index = 0.89 for the LCC of FCSC columns.Originality/valueAlthough various investigations have already been performed on the prediction of the load-carrying capacity (LCC) of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)-encased concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) compression members (FCSC) using small and noisy data, none of them compared the accuracy of prediction of different modeling techniques based on a refined large database.
Filling the void: the underlying processes of CEO post-retirement role identity reformation
Authors: Lamberti Mark J. , Lew Charlene 
Published: December 2024

PurposeFollowing identity theory from a symbolic-interactionist perspective, we explore the post-retirement role identity reformation of public company CEOs to uncover the process elements through which role identities reform after retirement from highly salient roles.Design/methodology/approachWe applied a self-relevant qualitative exploration based on 30 in-depth interviews and employed an interpretative phenomenological analysis.FindingsThe findings reveal six interrelated, contemporaneous and contiguous underlying process elements within post-retirement liminality and emergence clusters, which shape work and nonwork role identities that contribute to retirement stability and well-being.Practical implicationsThe research provides a basis for organizations and human resource specialists to guide retiring senior executives on the psychological effects, cognitive processes and practical considerations of the retirement transition.Originality/valueThe study provides a framework for understanding how the post-retirement void evokes novel appraisals of self, others and context. These appraisals act as stimuli of an integrated cognitive, social and behavioral work role identity reformation process.
MEGA‐REAL ESTATE SPECULATION AND RACIALIZED DISPOSSESSION: Miami's Little Haiti
Authors: Tardanico Richard 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis article contributes to research on racialized dispossession through the lens of popular responses to local/global conjunctures of urban financial speculation. How has a predominantly Black immigrant community, Little Haiti, confronted a surging variant of Miami's history of racialized dispossession—corporate mega‐real estate speculation—since 2008's global financial crisis? I examine Little Haiti's confrontation with the proposed Magic City Innovation District, which is, in fact, no more than a large‐scale, mixed‐use commercial venture. Greater Miami's conjuncture undermined the community's capacity to resist or effectively negotiate with Magic City's partnership in three ways: a real estate hegemonic metropolis devoid of potent allies; the near absence of neighborhood‐resident resistance leadership in a working‐poor immigrant community; and a political fracture within Greater Miami's Haitian collective responses over the politics of patronage and accommodative versus contentious bargaining. By enveloping patronage practices within speculative imaginaries of inclusive, tech‐led neighborhood and metropolitan prosperity, Magic City's partnership and local government reinforced that fracture and politically marginalized both the accommodative and contentious factions. I conclude by considering the dilemma of disenfranchised communities today when confronting racialized speculative intrusions. The article's empirical content draws primarily on my collaborative‐community activism, city commission planning sessions and official documentation.
Do donors value volunteer commitment in assessing nonprofit effectiveness?
Authors: Beck Amanda W. , Garven Sarah A. , Yetman Michelle Higgins 
Published: December 2024

AbstractEvaluating organizational effectiveness is a significant challenge for nonprofit donors making donation allocation decisions. Donations may be misallocated if organizational effectiveness is inadequately assessed, and donors, who are often organizational outsiders, rely on nonprofit disclosures on IRS Form 990 to make such assessments. We examine whether donors value volunteer commitment, as measured by the number of volunteers that nonprofits disclose on Form 990, alongside financial and governance disclosures in assessing organizational effectiveness. Donors and volunteers prefer to make respective gifts of money and time to nonprofits that are effective in furthering their missions. Based on the premise that volunteers, as organizational insiders, are better positioned than donors to judge the impact of their contributions, we hypothesize that volunteer commitment provides value‐relevant information to donors for use in assessing imprecise effectiveness signals—namely, the program ratio and corporate governance disclosures. Consistent with this, we find that the value relevance of the program ratio and corporate governance disclosures to donors is increasing with the level of volunteer commitment. These results suggest that donors view volunteer commitment as a signal of effectiveness, useful in interpreting other signals of effectiveness. The evidence is more pronounced among nonprofits that report more credible volunteer disclosures, have a larger proportion of sophisticated donors, and are more complex. These findings have implications for regulators considering nonprofit disclosure policies, as well as nonprofit managers and directors engaging volunteers.