bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High Enzyme Promiscuity in Lignin Degradation Mechanisms inRhodopseudomonas palustrisCGA009
Authors: Kathol Mark , Chowdhury Niaz Bahar , Immethun Cheryl , Alsiyabi Adil , Morris Dianna , Naldrett Michael J. , Saha Rajib 
Published: February 2025

AbstractLignin is a universal waste product of the agricultural industry and is currently seen as a potential feedstock for more sustainable manufacturing. While it is the second most abundant biopolymer in the world, most of it is currently burned as it is a very recalcitrant material. Many recent studies, however, have demonstrated the viability of biocatalysis to improve the value of this feedstock and convert it into more useful chemicals, such as polyhydroxybutyrate, and clean fuels like hydrogen and n-butanol.Rhodopseudomonas palustrisis a gram-negative bacterium which demonstrates a plethora of desirable metabolic capabilities, including aromatic catabolism useful for lignin degradation. This study uses a multi-omics approach, including the first usage of CRISPRi inR. palustris, to investigate the lignin consumption mechanisms ofR. palustris, the essentiality of redox homeostasis to lignin consumption, elucidate a potential lignin catabolic superpathway, and enable more economically viable sustainable lignin valorization processes.
Diverse Viral Pathogens in Australian Canines: Limited Geographic Structure and the First Detection of an RNA Virus in Dingoes
Authors: Mifsud Jonathon C.O. , Harvey Erin , Brussel Kate Van , Olsson Annabelle , Pitcher Benjamin J. , Hall Jane , Fenton Heather , Alting Brendan F. , Sadiq Sabrina , Holmes Edward C. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractViruses impose a substantial disease burden on dogs and the close relationship between dogs and humans may facilitate zoonotic disease emergence. Australia’s geographic isolation, strict biosecurity measures and native dingo populations present a unique model for understanding the spread and evolution of canine viruses. However, aside from a few well-characterised pathogens, genomic data are scarce for many common dog viruses, limiting our understanding of their evolution and disease ecology. Using a metatranscriptomic approach we identified the viruses in dogs and dingoes from various geographical locations across mainland Australia and sample types, revealing 86 vertebrate-associated viruses belonging to 16 distinct species, including a new vesivirus-like species. Many of the viruses identified here have not previously been sequenced in Australia. We identified important dog pathogens associated with canine infectious respiratory disease syndrome—such as canine pneumovirus, canine herpesvirus, and canine respiratory coronavirus—and gastroenteritis, including canine parvovirus, canine coronavirus, and rotavirus A. The sequences of Australian canine viruses often occupied multiple distinct clades phylogenetically and had little geographic structure, suggesting multiple virus introductions and subsequent spread across the country. Notably, we identified the first RNA virus – rotavirus A – in a dingo. This virus was phylogenetically distinct from dog-associated rotavirus A sequences and more closely related to viruses found in humans and bats, indicative of the past cross-species transmission of a reassortant virus into dingoes, and shows dingoes and domestic dogs may have distinct viromes. Our findings expand the knowledge of viral diversity in Australian canines, improving our understanding of viral movement into and within Australia, as well as the potential zoonotic risks associated with dogs and dingoes.
Diatom biodiversity response to shrinking glaciers in the Peruvian Andes
Authors: Kerr Nicky R. , Quincey Duncan , Fell Sarah C. , Kelly Martyn , Medina Katy , Loarte Edwin , Brown Lee E. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAlpine river biodiversity is under threat as climate change is driving extensive glacier retreat worldwide, altering aquatic habitats and restructuring biotic communities. However, with the exception of macroinvertebrates, the responses of aquatic groups to deglaciation have received little attention, particularly in tropical ecosystems where species may respond differently owing to additional pressures such as distinct wet and dry seasons, limited snowmelt and extreme high altitude and thus lower oxygen availability. Utilising a continuum of glacier cover across 23 rivers in the Peruvian Andes (Cordilleras Blanca and Vilcanota), we demonstrate that diatoms, abundant primary producers in glacier-fed rivers, show regionally consistent increased α-diversity and density responses with deglaciation. However, β-diversity was found to decline, potentially reflecting the reduction of habitat heterogeneity and niche space both within and between alpine rivers as glaciers are lost. High regional biodiversity, with just 23% of taxa found in both regions, was closely linked to the distinct underlying geologies of the Andes which influence water chemistry. Thirty-eight taxa were found exclusively at sites with glacier cover ≥ 25%, which is considerably higher than numbers recorded in European alpine rivers. However, 31 taxa were identified only at non-glacial sites suggesting deglaciation could open up more habitat for these species. Peruvian rivers overall showed similar responses to glacier retreat as temperate alpine systems, but the large number of taxa found only at mid-high glacial influence sites suggests tropical diatom assemblages may be especially vulnerable to climate change.
Calcite Precipitation by a Nitrogen-Fixing Cyanobacterium
Authors: Brininger Christian M. , Tay Jian Wei , Johnson Evan B. , Espelie Erin , Cameron Jeffrey C. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractMicrobiologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is the process through which the metabolic activity of microorganisms causes the precipitation of calcium carbonate, which can result in solidification of sediment. In cyanobacteria, MICP is thought to occur primarily because cells sequester bicarbonate for the photosynthetic process, thereby lowering the pH of the surrounding media. However, these mechanisms are still poorly understood. Here we show direct evidence of MICP caused by the filamentous cyanobacteriumAnabaena.Anabaenadifferentiates into photosynthetic vegetative cells and nitrogen-fixing heterocysts. Using quantitative microscopy, we show that MICP occurs due to two distinct mechanisms: Firstly, mechanical stress on vegetative cells can cause leakage and/or lysis, releasing sequestered bicarbonate into the environment, resulting in formation of new crystals. Secondly, contact between a heterocyst and a calcite crystal seed appears to cause rapid crystal growth. Our results suggest an evolutionary benefit of contact-mediated precipitation to anchor cyanobacteria growing in tidal regions. By providing greater insight into MICP caused byAnabaena, these results could be used to optimize bio-cement production, thereby enabling a green construction material that could assist with carbon sequestration and reducing the impact of climate change.
Off-target detection of CRISPR-Cas9 nucleasein vitrowith CROFT-Seq
Authors: Toliusis Paulius , Grybauskas Algirdas , Sinkunas Tomas , Karvelis Tautvydas , Sasnauskas Giedrius , Zaremba Mindaugas 
Published: February 2025

AbstractProgrammable CRISPR-Cas9 nucleases have become invaluable tools for genome editing. However, off-target cleavage by these nucleases could lead to unintended changes in the edited genome. Detection of off-target sites is critical to make genome editing technology safe and predictable. Although currentin vitromethods for off-target detection can identify these sites, they are time-consuming, complex, and relatively costly. Here, we present CROFT-Seq (CRISPR nucleaseoff-target detection bysequencing), a sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective assay for the genome-wide detection of Cas9 off-target sitesin vitro. CROFT-Seq performs comparably to the common currently usedin vitromethods and serves as a valuable and efficient tool for the rapid assessment of genome-editing nuclease specificity. Notably, a high proportion of the top-ranked off-targets identified by CROFT-Seq were validated in cells, highlighting its effectiveness as a predictor of off-target sites.
A new structural paradigm for outer membrane protein biogenesis in the Bacteroidota
Authors: Liu Xiaolong , Tapia Luis Orenday , Deme Justin C. , Lea Susan M. , Berks Ben C. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIn Gram-negative bacteria the outer membrane (OM) is the first line of defence against antimicrobial agents and immunological attacks. A key part of OM biogenesis is insertion of OM proteins (OMPs) by the β-barrel–assembly machinery (BAM). Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) structure of a BAM complex isolated fromFlavobacterium johnsoniae, a member of the phylum Bacteroidota that includes key human commensals and major anaerobic pathogens. This BAM complex is radically different from the canonicalEscherichia colisystem and includes an extensive extracellular canopy that overhangs the substrate folding site and a subunit that inserts into the BAM pore. We find that two of the novel subunits involved in forming the extracellular canopy are essential for BAM function. For one of these subunits isolation of a suppressor mutation allows the separation of their essential and non-essential functions. The need for a highly remodelled and enhanced BAM complex reflects the unusually complex membrane proteins found in the OM of the Bacteroidota.
The nuclear pore complex connects energy sensing to transcriptional plasticity in longevity
Authors: Zhou Yifei , Ahsan Fasih M , Soukas Alexander A 
Published: February 2025

SummaryAs the only gateway governing nucleocytoplasmic transport, the nuclear pore complex (NPC) maintains fundamental cellular processes and deteriorates with age. However, the study of age-related roles of single NPC components remains challenging owing to the complexity of NPC composition. Here we demonstrate that the master energy sensor, AMPK, post-translationally regulates the abundance of the nucleoporin NPP-16/NUP50 in response to nutrient availability and energetic stress. In turn, NPP-16/NUP50 promotes transcriptomic activation of lipid catabolism to extend the lifespan ofCaenorhabditis elegansindependently of its role in nuclear transport. Rather, the intrinsically disordered region (IDR) of NPP-16/NUP50, through direct interaction with the transcriptional machinery, transactivates the promoters of catabolic genes. Remarkably, elevated NPP-16/NUP50 levels are sufficient to promote longevity and metabolic stress defenses. AMPK-NUP50 signaling is conserved to human, indicating that bridging energy sensing to metabolic adaptation is an ancient role of this signaling axis.
Loyalty to amateur sellers in the online second-hand market
Authors: Tari Kasnakoglu Berna , Kalender Yunus 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThis study develops a scale to measure loyalty to second-hand sellers in online markets. The potential marketing outcomes are discussed based on the tested model.Design/methodology/approachA scale measuring loyalty to unprofessional second-hand sellers was developed in five stages. An experimental model was also developed using data from four different countries, where the level of product information was manipulated to observe its effects on loyalty dimensions.FindingsThe developed scale has two sub-dimensions: purchase loyalty and person loyalty. The results validate the use of a loyalty scale and conclude that a second-hand seller should provide sufficient information about the product, which would increase loyalty and generate repurchase intention.Practical implicationsIt is recommended that second-hand sellers follow potentially profitable customers and provide sufficient product information to enhance loyalty sales. Consumers may be able to establish regular streams of income through online second-hand sales.Social implicationsThe system potentially enables the creation of a consistent and systematic used-product and revenue cycle, maintaining an environment-friendly circulation of second-hand items.Originality/valueMost studies have focused on buyer behavior, largely ignoring the amateur seller’s perspective. The absence of deliberate branding by second-hand sellers creates an interesting research opportunity to investigate the factors contributing to buyer loyalty.
A framework for sustainable tropical design: converging circular economy into passive design strategies
Authors: Kalu Arachchi K.A.C.S. , Perera B.A.K.S. , Raigama Acharige Dinithi Piyumra , Jayasuriya Sajani 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
The escalation in demand for buildings in tropical zones has risen resulting from global population growth. Moreover, the construction industry is under growing pressure to adapt sustainable practices. Hence, this research aims to investigate how Circular Economy (CE) principles can be converged with Tropical Design Strategies (TDS) to enhance sustainability within the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative approach was employed with three rounds of Delphi technique, following semi-structured expert interviews. Collected data were analysed through content analysis.

Findings
Four passive design strategies were explored as the most suitable strategies for building designs in the tropical regions. To amalgamate passive design strategies of Tropical Designs (TD) with the most practicable CE R principles, 23 number of methods were proposed to each passive design strategy. Furthermore, 11 enablers were revealed in converging TD with CE. Among them, green building design, advanced design software and bioclimatic designs are the enablers which are applicable for all the design strategies.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first kind of research which was done converging three concepts of CE, TD and sustainability. Moreover, this research defined various approaches on how to integrate CE R principles with each identified passive design strategy as an influential approach for ameliorating sustainability. This research contributes to the practice by proposing methods to building designers and architects on how to design buildings in tropical regions following CE principles while ensuring sustainability.
A continuous adjoint cut‐cell formulation for topology optimization of bi‐fluid heat exchangers
Authors: Galanos Nikolaos , Papoutsis-Kiachagias Evangelos , Giannakoglou Kyriakos 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
This paper aims to present a topology optimization (TopO) method for designing heat exchangers (HEx) with two working fluids to be kept apart. The introduction of cut–cells gives rise to the cut-cell TopO method, which computes the optimal distribution of an artificial impermeability field and successfully overcomes the weaknesses of the standard density-based TopO (denTopO) by computing the fluid–solid interface (FSI) at each cycle. This allows to accurately solve the flow and conjugate heat transfer (CHT) problem by imposing exact boundary conditions on the computed FSI and results to correct performances computed without the need to re-evaluate the optimized solutions on a body-fitted grid.

Design/methodology/approach
The elements of an artificial impermeability distribution field defined on a background grid act as the design variables and allow topological changes to take place. Post-processing them yields two fields indicating the location of the two flow streams inside the HEx. At each TopO cycle, the FSIs computed based on these two fields are used as the cutting surfaces of the cut-cell grid. On the so-computed grid, the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations, coupled with the Spalart–Allmaras turbulence model, and the temperature equation are solved. The derivatives of the objective and constraint functions with respect to the design variables of TopO are computed by the continuous adjoint method, using consistent discretization schemes devised thanks to the “Think Discrete – Do Continuous” (TDDC) adjoint methodology.

Findings
The effectiveness of the cut-cell–based TopO method for designing HEx is demonstrated in 2D parallel/counter flow and 3D counter flow HEx operating under both laminar and turbulent flow conditions. Compared to the standard denTopO, its ability to compute FSIs along which accurate boundary conditions are imposed, increases the accuracy of the flow solver, which usually leads to optimal, rather than sub-optimal, solutions that truly satisfy the imposed constraints.

Originality/value
This work proposes a new/complete methodology for the TopO of two-fluid systems including CHT that relies on the cut-cell method. This successfully combines aspects from both TopO and Shape Optimization (ShpO) in a single framework thus overcoming the well-known downsides of standard denTopO regarding its accuracy or the need for a follow-up ShpO after TopO. Instead of adding the well-known Brinkman penalization terms into the flow equations, it computes the FSIs at each optimization cycle allowing the solution of the CHT problem on a cut-cell grid.
Fostering STEM career intentions in university students: the influential roles of parents, teachers, peers and career decision self-efficacy
Authors: Yean Tan Fee , Chin Tay Lee 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThe present research aims to examine the effect of parents, teachers, and peers on university students’ career intentions for STEM jobs and how these relationships are mediated by their career decision self-efficacy (CDSE).Design/methodology/approachData were collected using standardised questionnaires administered to 523 final-year university students within STEM disciplines. Partial least squares path modelling (PLS-PM) via SmartPLS 3.0 was used to analyse the data.FindingsThe results of this study validate the assertions of social cognitive career theory (SCCT) by demonstrating that consistent information sharing and support from parents, teachers and peers significantly influence university students’ career intentions in STEM fields. Furthermore, the effect of parents, teachers and peers on university students’ STEM career intentions is mediated by their CDSE.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study offer practical insights for education policymakers and human resource development practitioners while also providing valuable direction for future research in STEM education and career development.Originality/valueThis research has contributed to the literature on SCCT and career development, providing valuable insights into the impact of parents, peers, teachers and CDSE on fostering university students’ career intentions for STEM jobs, which have received scant attention from educational researchers.
Technology acceptance and SAMR in metaverse education: professors’ willingness to engage in immersive classes in higher education
Authors: Mehta Kush , Nayak Keyurkumar M. , Qureshi Riyaz Ahmed , N Abhishek , Parveen Shareena 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThe primary objective of this study is to combine the technology acceptance model with the substitution, augmentation, modification and redefinition (SAMR) model to investigate and assess professors’ willingness to engage in teaching in metaverse classrooms.Design/methodology/approachThe study collected survey data from 240 qualified respondents who were actively involved in teaching and knowledgeable about immersive teaching environments using the snowball sampling method. To validate our hypotheses concerning the conceptual model, this study employed the bootstrapping method in Smart PLS 4.0.FindingsOur findings reveal that several key factors significantly influence the attitudes and intentions of professors to teach in metaverse classrooms (MVCs). These factors include the perceived level of knowledge integration related to metaverse, perceived ease of using metaverse technologies and perceived usefulness of these technologies for both professors and learners. Studying professors’ intention to teach in metaverse offers practical benefits.Practical implicationsThe research findings provide essential information for educational institutions by identifying factors that impact professors’ readiness to teach in metaverse classrooms. By comprehending these factors, educational institutions can make informed decisions about resource distribution, faculty training and the development of strategies for adopting metaverse technology. Moreover, this study offers valuable insights to policymakers and professors, enabling them to improve preparedness and facilitate efficient incorporation of immersive technologies into the educational system.Originality/valueThe findings of this study help higher education institutions understand faculty readiness, allocate resources and monitor the adoption of metaverse tools in their teaching-learning process. This awareness can be further examined in metaverse education research and can inform the public about its potential.
Firm performance and dividend risk: testing the moderating role of corporate governance
Authors: Nadar Diwahar Sunder , Deb Soumya Guha 
Published: February 2025

PurposeGrounded in agency and signalling theory, the research posits that smoothened dividends are a function of fiscal and governance quality. The study tests this premise by exploring the role of firm performance and strong governance on dividend risk, which is the chance of a cut or omission of dividend payment. The motivation for this research is driven by the growth in dividend-centric investment strategy, for which the stability of dividend is paramount.Design/methodology/approachBy developing a nuanced model, the research aims to quantify the joint influence of governance quality and firm performance in mitigating dividend risk. Leveraging a comprehensive dataset of 2,900 global firms from 2009 to 2023, the study offers empirical analysis, incorporating robustness checks and sub-sample analysis to ensure the validity of the findings.FindingsThe results confirm that stronger governance ensures stable dividends to the investors, indicating a strong presence of agency theory. A similar positive effect was observed for firm performance in the reduction of dividend risk. The moderation model further uncovered the presence of adverse effects of catering, indicated by an increase in dividend risk due to the joint presence of strong governance and firm performance. In highly profitable companies, governance may shift focus towards satisfying shareholders through increased payouts to reduce agency concerns associated with excess free cash flow.Originality/valueThe study is the first of its kind to research dividend risk and the moderating role of corporate governance in it.