bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanics ofE. colicell width homeostasis and bulging dynamics from MreB and septum inhibition
Authors: Kale Tanvi , Dasgupta Ryth , Inamdar Mandar M. , Athale Chaitanya A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe mechanobiology of cytoskeleton and cell envelope play a vital role in cell shape homeostasis. In the gram-negative model rod-shaped bacteriumEscherichia coliantibiotics that weaken the cell envelope are seen to result in bulges that eventually lead to lysis. Here, we quantify the shape dynamics ofE. colitreated with cephalexin, a PBP3 inhibitor and A22, an MreB polymerization inhibitor from single cell microscopy. We find low concentrations of both inhibitors result in bulge formation with multiple cell shapes observed: rugby, large bacilli and rods with two and three bulges. We quantify the parameters of cell envelope rigidity, pressure and fluidity obtained from fitting a computational model of shell-mechanics to length and width dynamics from experiment. Using this optimized model we estimate the turgor and growth pressures of untreated growing cells as ≈0.15 MPa and ≈0.4 MPa. The bulge expansion dynamics correlate most prominently with a change in bending rigidity of the cell wall and cytoskeleton. Simulations predict a threshold behavior in response to envelope bending rigidity that is validated by comparison with experiments ofE. colitreated with A22 either in isolation or in combination, resulting in loss of width control and cell shape change.
In situMembrane Protein Expression by Efficient Recruitment of mRNA to the Membranes of Synthetic Cells
Authors: Fu Hang , Ma Lijuan , Xu Chunhua , Li Jinghua , Sun Yunhai , Tao Yuanxiao , Wang Hao , Hu Shuxin , Fu Meifang , Zheng Hai , Liu Chenli , Ye Fangfu , Qiao Yan , Li Ming , Lu Ying 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe synthesis of artificial cells is crucial for understanding the origins of life. In synthetic cells, however, the absence of membrane-bound organelles and auxiliary proteins severely limits the efficient expression and precise localization of membrane proteins using cell-free expression systems. Here we introduce a robust method that significantly enhances membrane protein synthesis by recruiting mRNA to phospholipid membranes. This is achieved through the use of cholesterol-modified, single-stranded DNA that anchors to the membrane and pairs with the mRNA’s untranslated region. This strategic placement facilitates the assembly of protein expression machinery, promoting direct co-translational folding at the membrane. Our approach not only ensures correct protein topology and functionality but also demonstrates broad applicability for thein situexpression of various membrane proteins. It effectively addresses the challenges of membrane protein localization and assembly in synthetic cells, showcasing its versatility for synthesizing a wide array of membrane proteins.
Mapping enhancer-gene regulatory interactions from single-cell data
Authors: Sheth Maya U. , Qiu Wei-Lin , Rosa Ma X. , Gschwind Andreas R. , Jagoda Evelyn , Tan Anthony S. , Einarsson Hjörleifur , Gorissen Bram L. , Dubocanin Danilo , McGinnis Christopher S. , Amgalan Dulguun , Satpathy Ansuman T. , Jones Thouis R. , Steinmetz Lars M. , Kundaje Anshul , Ustun Berk , Engreitz Jesse M. , Andersson Robin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMapping enhancers and their target genes in specific cell types is crucial for understanding gene regulation and human disease genetics. However, accurately predicting enhancer-gene regulatory interactions from single-cell datasets has been challenging. Here, we introduce a new family of classification models, scE2G, to predict enhancer-gene regulation. These models use features from single-cell ATAC-seq or multiomic RNA and ATAC-seq data and are trained on a CRISPR perturbation dataset including >10,000 evaluated element-gene pairs. We benchmark scE2G models against CRISPR perturbations, fine-mapped eQTLs, and GWAS variant-gene associations and demonstrate state-of-the-art performance at prediction tasks across multiple cell types and categories of perturbations. We apply scE2G to build maps of enhancer-gene regulatory interactions in heterogeneous tissues and interpret noncoding variants associated with complex traits, nominating regulatory interactions linkingINPP4BandIL15to lymphocyte counts. The scE2G models will enable accurate mapping of enhancer-gene regulatory interactions across thousands of diverse human cell types.
The dark side of fluorescent protein tagging – the impact of protein tags on biomolecular condensation
Authors: Fatti Edoardo , Khawaja Sarah , Weis Karsten 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBiomolecular condensation has emerged as an important mechanism to control various cellular processes through the formation of membraneless organelles. Fluorescent protein tags have been extensively used to study the formation and the properties of condensatesin vitroandin vivo, but there is evidence that tags may perturb the condensation properties of proteins. In this study, we carefully assess the effects of protein tags on the yeast DEAD-box ATPase Dhh1, a central regulator of processing bodies (P-bodies), which are biomolecular condensates involved in mRNA metabolism. We show that fluorescent tags as well as a poly-histidine tag greatly affect Dhh1 condensationin vitroand lead to condensates with different dynamic properties. Tagging of Dhh1 with various fluorescent proteinsin vivoalters the number of P-bodies upon glucose starvation and some tags even show constitutive P-bodies in non-stressed cells. These data raise concerns about the accuracy of tagged protein condensation experiments, highlighting the need for caution when interpreting the results.Significance StatementFluorescent tags are extensively used in protein condensation studies although their effect in condensate dynamics has not been carefully investigated.Tags affect the condensation propensity and dynamics of Dhh1in vitroand P-body numbersin vivo.Tags may generally alter the behavior of proteins in biomolecular condensates and their use needs to be carefully evaluated and controlled.
Measuring regulatory network inheritance in dividing yeast cells using ordinary differential equations
Authors: Wu Wenbin , Kennedy Taylor , Arguello-Miranda Orlando , Lin Kevin Z. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractQuantifying the inheritance of regulatory networks among proteins during asymmetric cell division remains a challenge due to the complexity of these systems and the lack of robust mathematical definitions for inheritance. We propose a novel statistical framework called ODEinherit to measure how much a mother cell’s regulatory network explains its daughter’s trajectories, addressing this gap. Using time-lapse microscopy, we tracked the expression dynamics of six proteins across 85 dividingS. cerevisiaecells, observed over eight hours at 12-minute intervals. Our framework employs a two-step approach. First, we estimate an ordinary differential equation (ODE) system for each cell to characterize protein interactions, introducing novel adjustments for non-oscillatory time series and leveraging multi-cell data. Second, we assess inheritance by clustering cells based on cycling markers and quantifying how well a mother’s regulatory network predicts her daughter’s. Preliminary findings suggest stage-dependent differences in inheritance rates, paving the way for applications in cellular stress response and cell-fate prediction studies across generations.
The 1.3 Å resolution structure of the truncated group Ia type IV pilin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain P1
Authors: Bragagnolo Nicholas , Audette Gerald F. 
Published: November 2024

The type IV pilus is a diverse molecular machine capable of conferring a variety of functions and is produced by a wide range of bacterial species. The ability of the pilus to perform host-cell adherence makes it a viable target for the development of vaccines against infection by human pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Here, the 1.3 Å resolution crystal structure of the N-terminally truncated type IV pilin from P. aeruginosa strain P1 (ΔP1) is reported, the first structure of its phylogenetically linked group (group I) to be discussed in the literature. The structure was solved from X-ray diffraction data that were collected 20 years ago with a molecular-replacement search model generated using AlphaFold; the effectiveness of other search models was analyzed. Examination of the high-resolution ΔP1 structure revealed a solvent network that aids in maintaining the fold of the protein. On comparing the sequence and structure of P1 with a variety of type IV pilins, it was observed that there are cases of higher structural similarities between the phylogenetic groups of P. aeruginosa than there are between the same phylogenetic group, indicating that a structural grouping of pilins may be necessary in developing antivirulence drugs and vaccines. These analyses also identified the α–β loop as the most structurally diverse domain of the pilins, which could allow it to serve a role in pilus recognition. Studies of ΔP1 in vitro polymerization demonstrate that the optimal hydrophobic catalyst for the oligomerization of the pilus from strain K122 is not conducive for pilus formation of ΔP1; a model of a three-start helical assembly using the ΔP1 structure indicates that the α–β loop and the D-loop prevent in vitro polymerization.
Management excellence practices in small- and medium-sized industries: proposition of an evaluation approach and application in an emerging country
Authors: Pacheco Junior Marco Antonio , Sigahi Tiago F.A.C. , Rampasso Izabela Simon , Zanon Lucas Gabriel , Leal Filho Walter , Anholon Rosley 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis paper proposes an evaluation approach for analyzing excellence management practices at a regional level based on experts’ assessment.Design/methodology/approachUsing the National Quality Foundation’s Management Excellence Model (MEG), 19 management excellence practices were identified and tailored for small- and medium-sized industries (SMIs). Data were collected through a survey with 25 experts who assessed these practices in the context of Brazilian manufacturing SMIs. The analysis utilized Fuzzy TOPSIS Class (FTC), and a sensitivity analysis was also conducted.FindingsThe proposed evaluation approach integrates a reference model for management excellence (MEG), an analysis method incorporating uncertainty (FTC), and results that enable decision-makers to make well-informed choices. Of the 19 practices assessed, 15 were classified as “unacceptable,” while four were rated as “regular,” and none as “expected.” Key challenges relate to practices in information security, knowledge, innovation and change management.Research limitations/implicationsThe study’s primary limitation is the use of non-probabilistic sampling and its focus on the Brazilian context. However, the extensive knowledge and experience of the experts in manufacturing SMIs and the need for studies addressing specific regional contexts should be noted.Practical implicationsThe findings reveal a significant gap between ideal management practices and the actual state of SMIs, especially in emerging markets.Originality/valueThis research introduces a novel approach that combines a reference model tailored for SMIs with a multicriteria decision-making method, offering valuable insights for decision-makers and guiding future research.
Digitization and radical innovation: the serial mediation effect of absorptive capacity
Authors: Liu Yexin , Gao Bohan , Wu Weiwei 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
Radical innovation involves significant technological advances that have a critical impact on both firm growth and society development. Therefore, there is a growing need to understand how to achieve radical innovation. While previous studies have examined the direct effect of digitization on firm innovation, there is still limited knowledge of how digitization affects radical innovation. This paper aims to contribute to further exploring the underlying mechanism of how digitization affects radical innovation by incorporating the serial mediation effect of absorptive capacity.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper collected data from Chinese-listed manufacturing firms from 2015 to 2021 and analyzed the data using bootstrap analysis.

Findings
The research results show that digitization has a positive impact on radical innovation. Furthermore, digitization can influence radical innovation through potential absorptive capacity and realized absorptive capacity, and the mediation effect of potential absorptive capacity and realized absorptive capacity can occur sequentially. These research results are validated by a range of robustness tests.

Originality/value
This paper contributes to the literature on digitization and radical innovation by validating a model that links digitization through absorptive capacity to radical innovation. This model helps to explain the relationship between digitization and radical innovation, which has previously been a topic of debate. This paper also contributes to the absorptive capacity literature by unpacking the asymmetric roles of the potential absorptive capacity and the realized absorptive capacity. This paper also provides valuable implications for practices.
Identifying leadership competencies for Indian public health leaders using LEADS framework
Authors: Panchamia Jallavi , Iyer Veena , Bhakare Shilpa , Sharma Bharati 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
There are few studies exploring leadership competencies for public health leaders in low-middle-income countries, including India. The purpose of this study is to discern the leadership competencies the public health leaders might need by adapting the LEADS framework of leadership competencies and understanding the characteristics of the Indian public health system that influence the practice of these competencies.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors followed a sequential multiphase mixed-method design. Phase I included a concurrent literature review and in-depth interviews of senior public health leaders in western India. Phase II was an online leadership competency survey (10 statements each for knowledge, skills and behaviors) of 88 district-level public health leaders. Phase III included focus group discussions with 33 district-level public health leaders to better understand survey results.

Findings
The practice of leadership competencies was determined by health system characteristics, governance and managerial processes, health system culture and sociopolitical environment in which the health system shared an interface. In total, 20 out of 30 competencies were categorized under the first two LEADS domains of “Leading self” and “Engaging others.” “Achieving results” was affected by the centralized nature of health programs’ planning and monitoring. The health systems context provided limited scope to practice competencies under the “Developing coalitions” and “Systems transformation” domains.

Practical implications
Findings from this study can help address gaps in leadership competencies and tailor leadership development programs.

Originality/value
Past research on leadership competencies in India has used Western frameworks without adaptation. Through this study, the authors tried to conceptualize and contextualize competencies for Indian public health leaders adapting the LEADS framework.
Sustaining the best and the brightest: empowering new early childhood teachers through mentoring
Authors: Andrews Rebecca , Hadley Fay , Waniganayake Manjula , Hay Iain , Jones Catherine , Liang Xinyun Meg 
Published: November 2024

PurposeRetention of early childhood teachers in Australia is a critical issue, particularly for new teachers. The demanding nature of new teachers’ everyday work and high rates of stress and burnout have resulted in teachers leaving the sector. By designing a formal mentoring project, our aim was to support teachers to stay and flourish as respected professionals. This paper presents findings from the perspective of the mentees – new teachers in their first five years of employment in the sector.Design/methodology/approachWe designed and offered a two-phase multi-layered mentoring project to 145 new teachers (mentees) matched with 51 experienced teachers (mentors). It began with a mentor training course implemented by three experienced early childhood education academics and utilised a community of practice approach (Lave and Wenger, 1991). Data collected throughout the project included a pre- and post-survey and a needs satisfaction and frustration scale.FindingsAnalysis of survey data shows that mentee new teachers gained a better understanding of their role and built connections with peers and leaders. Survey data also demonstrates that effective mentoring can successfully contribute to addressing workforce challenges faced by early childhood teachers.Originality/valueThe project makes an original contribution through the design, implementation and evaluation of an innovative online mentoring project for teachers employed across the state of New South Wales, Australia.
How does supplier digitalization improve customer resource allocation efficiency? The role of supply chain entrainment
Authors: Ding Qian , Chen Jinyu 
Published: November 2024

PurposeCustomer resource allocation efficiency (RAE) refers to the ability of customers to use, allocate and manage their available resource inputs to produce valuable outputs. This study draws on organizational entrainment theory (OET) to examine how the implementation of supplier digitalization affects customer RAE through supply chain entrainment.Design/methodology/approachBased on supplier and customer data disclosed by Chinese A-share listed firms from 2009 to 2022, this study uses fixed effects panel data models to empirically examine the impact of supplier digitalization on customer RAE and the mechanistic role of supply chain entrainment.FindingsThe results show that supplier digitalization significantly increases customer RAE. It improves RAE by influencing the three dimensions of supply chain entrainment (the bullwhip effect, inventory management coordination and risk management coordination).Practical implicationsThis study provides important insights into how managers can adapt the external digital environments and maintain synchronous operations with their supply partners. Our findings demonstrate how managers can fully leverage the advantages of digitalization of their suppliers to improve their own RAE through supply chain entrainment strategies.Originality/valueThis study introduces the concept of supply chain entrainment to reveal how firms optimize their own resource allocation strategies and achieve efficient operations. Our research enriches the understanding of supply chain governance in the digital age and contributes to the literature on supply chain digitalization.
International trade war - Spice Road against Silk Road
Authors: Oh Joon Seok 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the international political economy of Korea and its effects due to geopolitical tension between China and the USA.Design/methodology/approachEconomic war between China and the USA has prolonged longer than expected. Aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, reforming the supply chain has been the centre of economic tension between China and the USA. Quite recently, with the rapid expansion of Chinese e-commerce platforms, distribution channels come upon a new economic tension between the two. And now is the time to pivot its pattern of conflict from competition into cooperation. In this end, economic diplomacy could be a useful means to give a signal of cooperation. From the view of economic diplomacy, this paper tries to analyse the projected transition of economic war between China and the USA with its implication on the trade policy of Korea.FindingsAs an implementation of economic diplomacy, China suggested the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), enhancing trade logistics among related countries to gain competitiveness. In 2023, the Biden administration suggested the India-Middle East and Europe Economic Corridor as a counter to BRI, which will be a threshold for changing trade policy from economic war into economic diplomacy. As a result, it is expected China and the USA will expand their economic diplomacy in a way to promote economic cooperation among allied states, while the distribution channel war would continue to accelerate the economic tension between China and the USA. Korea has to prepare for and provide measures handling this geopolitical location in its trade policy or economic diplomacy.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the awareness and understanding of trade environments from the perspective of economic diplomacy.
Financial market structure and capital controls in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Bondzie Afful Kofi , Gwatidzo Tendai , Mlilo Mthokozisi 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis study investigates the influence of capital controls on financial market structure in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This is especially relevant as the former restrictions are relatively common on the sub-continent. At the same time, the sub-region’s financial markets are highly bank-based and focused on the short term, with stock markets being illiquid and stunted.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve its research objectives, the study posits an original model and uses comparative statics to analyze the relation between the aforestated phenomena in a representative SSA economy. Key hypothesized conclusions derived therefrom are tested using panel econometrics.FindingsThe comparative static analysis illustrates that capital controls favor banks, making them monopolistic and inefficient. This is confirmed by the empirical investigation, as the said market restriction skews financial market structure towards a bank-dominated system.Research limitations/implicationsThe study limits itself to capital controls and their effects on financial market structure. It does not particularly investigate the influence of different types of these restrictions. Specifically, it dichotomizes the influence of the examined controls on bank and stock markets.Practical implicationsThe dissimilar influence of capital controls on banks relative to stock markets is critical for decision and policymakers. This paper highlights that capital controls may have unintended adverse effects on domestic financial markets. Also, they may not be the most appropriate policy to deepen markets and enhance domestic resource retention. There is, consequently, a need to determine fitting policies that attract rather than repel financial flows. Furthermore, capital controls may engender rather than address macroeconomic misalignment.Social implicationsAs a social imperative, it is necessary to analyze SSA’s framework of capital restrictions to better understand how they distort market incentives and mechanisms. This would help identify adverse effects that retard social development.Originality/valueThis study extends existing literature by developing a novel analytical framework incorporating key characteristics of SSA economies. This helps to better understand the nature of the capital controls–financial market structure relation in imperfect market conditions.