bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RNAi-mediated HBV antigen shutdown enhances the antiviral immune effects of PEGIFNα via altering T and B cell crosstalk
Authors: Zai Wenjing , Hu Kongying , He Mengying , Song Ziyang , Luo Chen , Xie Minxiang , Ashuo Asha , Chen Jieliang , Yuan Zhenghong 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPEGylated interferon-α (PEGIFNα) demonstrates promising therapeutic outcomes against chronic hepatitis B (CHB), whereas patient response to PEGIFNα therapy remains unsatisfied. Shutdown of hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigens by RNA interference (RNAi) could enhance PEGIFNα efficacy in CHB patients, whereas the underlying immunological mechanisms remain obscure. We performed studies by utilizing our newly established extracellular humanized IFNAR (IFNAR-hEC) mice. An in-house constructed small interfering RNAs (GalNac-siHBV) was administrated to mice either alone or in combination with PEGIFNα. The phenotypic and functional characteristics of peripheral and organ-specific immune cells were assessed by flow cytometry, ELISpot, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) analysis. Our results demonstrated that combined treatment with PEGIFNα and RNAi exerted a synergistic and prolonged inhibition of HBsAg (∼4log10IU/mL, vs PBS) and induced a higher incidence of HBsAg seroconversion (∼30%), comparing with either monotreatment. Mechanistically, combined therapy improved the functionality of global T and B cells, triggered increased anti-HBs producing B cells, and enhanced IFNγ-producing T cells. scRNA-seq analysis revealed that the combined therapy reduced inhibitory B cell-B cell interaction, enhanced MHC-I signaling mediated T cell-T cell communication, and improved T cell-B cell crosstalk, thus improving the functionality of T and B cells. Enhanced MHC-II signaling networks across B cells and hepatocytes/Cd8+T cells further promoted HBsAg seroconversion in the combined treatment groups. These results together provided scientific rationale and lessons for the combination of the two towards better therapeutic efficacy.Graphical AbstractHighlightsShutting down HBsAg through RNA interference augmented the antiviral immune effects of PEGIFNα in chronic HBV-carrier IFNAR-hEC mice.Combined RNAi plus PEGIFNα augmented the functionality of T cells, promoted B cell activation and class switch, but also exerted some suppressive effects on B cells.Reduced inhibitory B cell-B cell interaction, enhanced MHC-I signaling between T cells and T cells, and improved T cell-B cell crosstalk, improved the functionality of T cells and B cells.Enhanced MHC-II signaling networks across B cells and hepatocytes/ Cd8+T cells further promoted HBsAg seroconversion in RNAi plus PEGIFNα combined treatment groups.
Multifunctional Roles of Sec13 Paralogues in the EuglenozoanTrypanosoma brucei
Authors: Sharif Mohamed , Greenberg Lydia , Bangs James 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTSecretory cargos are exported from the ER via COPII coated vesicles that have an inner matrix of Sec23/Sec24 heterotetramers and an outer cage of Sec13/Sec31 heterotetramers. In addition to COPII, Sec13 is part of the nuclear pore complex (NPC) and the regulatory SEA/GATOR complex in eukaryotes, which typically have one Sec13 orthologue. The kinetoplastid parasiteTrypanosoma bruceihas two paralogues: TbSec13.1, an accepted component of both COPII and the NPC, and TbSec13.2. Little is known about TbSec13.2, but others have proposed that it, and its orthologue in the distantly related diplonemidParadiplonema papillatum, operate exclusively in the SEA/GATOR complex, and that this represents an evolutionary diversification of function unique to the euglenozoan protists (doi.org/10.1098/rsob.220364). Using RNAi silencing in trypanosomes we show both TbSec13s are essential. Knockdown of each dramatically and equally delays transport of GPI-anchored secretory cargo, indicating roles for both in COPII-mediated trafficking from the ER. Immunofluorescence and proximity labeling studies confirm that both TbSec13.1 and TbSec13.2 co-localize with TbSec24.1 to ER exit sites, and thus are functional components of the COPII machinery. Our findings indicate that TbSec13.2 function is not restricted to the SEA/GATOR complex in trypanosomes.
Soil microbes prefer organic acids over sugars in simulated root exudation
Authors: Wiesenbauer Julia , Gorka Stefan , Jenab Kian , Schuster Raphael , Kumar Naresh , Rottensteiner Cornelia , König Alexander , Kraemer Stephan , Inselsbacher Erich , Kaiser Christina 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSugars and organic acids, primary components in plant root exudates, are thought to enhance microbial decomposition of organic matter in the rhizosphere. However, their specific impacts on microbial activity and nutrient mobilisation remain poorly understood. Here, we simulated passive root exudation to investigate the distinct effects of sugars and organic acids on microbial metabolism in the rhizosphere. We released13C- labelled sugars and/or organic acids via reverse microdialysis into intact meadow and forest soils over 6-hours. We measured substrate-induced microbial respiration, soil organic matter mineralization, metabolite concentrations, and substrate incorporation into lipid-derived fatty acids. Our results reveal a pronounced microbial preference for organic acids over sugars, with organic acids being removed faster from the exudation spot and preferentially respired by microbes. Unlike sugars, organic acids increased concentrations of microbial metabolic byproducts and cations (K, Ca, Mg) near the exudation spot. Our results challenge the prevailing assumption that sugars are the most readily available and rapidly consumed substrates for soil microbes. Microbial preference for organic acids indicates a trade-off between rapid biomass growth and ATP yield. Our findings underscore the significant role of exudate composition in influencing microbial dynamics and nutrient availability, and emphasize the importance of biotic and abiotic feedback mechanisms in the rhizosphere in regulating root exudation.
Common mycelial network mediated inter-plant signals modulate plant biotic stress responses and defence against foliar pathogens
Authors: Orlovskis Zigmunds , Voroņins Ēriks , Kotova Annija , Pugačevskis Daniels , Blūms Kārlis Trevors , Nakurte Ilva , Silamiķelis Ivars , Lee Soon-Jae 
Published: December 2024

SummaryArbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonize multiple plant hosts and form common mycelial networks (CMNs) that link multiple plants in nature. CMNs are hypothesised to function as a highway for inter-plant information exchange to modulate plant biotic and abiotic stress responses.Here we used AMFRhizophagus irregularisto inter-connect twoMedicago truncatulaplants and explored the effect of known plant defence elicitor on pathogen tolerance of AMF-connected inter-plant signal receivers. We analysedMedicagoleaf metabolites and emitted volatiles together with transcriptome data to compare responses of the inter-plant signal receivers with intact and cut CMN.The integrity of CMN significantly affected inter-plant signal receiver responses. Plant defence and signalling pathways were enriched with receiver transcripts that are uniquely changing in the intact vs interrupted CMN along with distinct production of plant isoprenoids – volatile monoterpenes and triterpene saponins. Furthermore, receivers of CMN-mediated signals from stressed senders display increased resistance toFusarium sporotrichoidesand susceptibility toBotrytis cinerea.Our results highlight CMN contribution to receiver plant responses which may encode susceptibility and resistance factors to different plant pathogens. Future dissection of the mechanisms involved in inter-plant signal decoding will yield novel discoveries on genetic regulation of inter-plant defence priming under pathogen attack.
Hexokinase 1-mediated plant immunity under abiotic stress depends on chloroplast positioning
Authors: Bagshaw Sophia Bianca , Kitashova Anastasia , Özmen Beyza , Yip Chun Kwan , Süling Bianca Emily , Schröder Laura , Kleine Tatjana , Nägele Thomas 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMolecular networks involved in the responses of plants towards environmental changes are multifaceted and affect diverse metabolic and signalling pathways. Under challenging environmental conditions, such as low temperatures and high light intensities, plants need to immediately adjust their metabolism to prevent irreversible tissue damage, e.g., caused by reactive oxygen species. Regulation of photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism plays a crucial role in this stress response. Here, we analysed mutants ofArabidopsis thaliana, which were affected in either central enzymatic activities of carbohydrate metabolism, in chloroplast positioning or in a combination of both. Plants were exposed to a treatment of combined cold and elevated light. While mutants with deficiencies in sucrose (spsa1) or starch (pgm1) metabolism showed affected metabolic pathway regulation under abiotic stress, Hexokinase 1 mutants (hxk1) showed a severe growth phenotype with lesions and pale areas on leaf tissue. In a double mutant, which combined deficiencies in Chloroplast Unusual Positioning 1 (CHUP1)-mediated chloroplast positioning and HXK1 (chup1 x hxk1), this growth phenotype vanished resulting in wild type-like plants. Transcriptome analysis revealed a significantly affected immune response ofhxk1plants, which was suppressed in the double mutants. Our findings provide evidence for a role of HXK1 as a positive regulator of the plant immune response. Finally, we suggest that, due to its potential role as a negative regulator of plant immunity, CHUP1 deficiency counteracted the reduced immunity ofhxk1in the double mutant which rescued the plants. Future studies might now reveal whether deficiencies in CHUP1 function and/or transcription represent a conserved strategy to increase plant immunity under abiotic stress.
Transition path time over a barrier of a colloidal particle in a viscoelastic bath
Authors: Ferrer Brandon R. , Arzola Alejandro V. , Boyer Denis , Gomez-Solano Juan Ruben 
Published: December 2024

We experimentally study the statistics of the transition path time taken by a submicron bead to successfully traverse an energy barrier created by two optical tweezers in two prototypical viscoelastic fluids, namely, aqueous polymer and micellar solutions. We find a very good agreement between our experimental distributions and a theoretical expression derived from the generalized Langevin equation for the particle motion. Our results reveal that the mean transition path times measured in such viscoelastic fluids have a nontrivial dependence on the barrier curvature and they can be significantly reduced when compared with those determined in Newtonian fluids of the same zero-shear viscosity. We verify that the decrease of the mean transition path time can be described in terms of an effective viscosity that quantitatively coincides with that measured by linear microrheology at a frequency determined by the reactive mode that gives rise to the unstable motion over the barrier. Therefore our results uncover the linear response of the particle during its thermally activated escape from a metastable state even when taking place in a non-Markovian bath.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Can government subsidies for the digital economy promote corporate innovation?
Authors: Wan Xiangli , Ding Haidong 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to empirically explore the impact of government subsidies for the digital economy on corporate innovation. It aims to determine whether these subsidies promote innovation, and to examine the specific ways in which they inspire corporate innovation.Design/methodology/approachThis study selects Chinese A-share listed companies during the period from 2007 to 2019 as the research object. It employs panel data to empirically examine the impact of government subsidies in the digital economy on corporate innovation.FindingsThe findings reveal that government subsidies for the digital economy effectively promote corporate innovation. They significantly increase the number and share of invention patents and improve the quality of corporate innovation. Moreover, it is noted that the positive impact is largely confined to non-state-owned enterprises, small firms and those in highly competitive markets.Originality/valueThe contribution of this paper lies in focusing on government subsidies in the digital economy, which is distinct from the general government subsidies in a broad sense.
Interaction and collision of moral and legal norms in the process of anti-corruption measures implementation: natural and actual aspects
Authors: Maletova Olha , Utkina Maryna 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This paper explores the dynamics between moral and legal frameworks in the context of anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine, particularly under martial law. This study aims to provide a detailed characterisation of how these norms interact and sometimes conflict during the implementation of anti-corruption measures, examining both theoretical and practical aspects.

Design/methodology/approach
Selecting an appropriate and objective methodology is pivotal to the success of scholarly research. Indeed, it is not merely the choice of specific methods that prove crucial, but rather their skilful integration and systematic application sequence that determines the quality of investigation. To achieve the stated objectives, this research employs a comprehensive system of scientific inquiry methods, applied in a precise sequence aligned with the logic of academic exploration.

Findings
This paper endeavours to elucidate the fundamental nature of corruption, scrutinises the intrinsic characteristics of moral and legal norms and evaluates their consequential impact on the efficacy of anti-corruption reforms. The research has identified their intricate interrelationships and emergent conflicting attributes through a rigorous comparative analysis of moral and legal norms. The authors conducted research contemporaneously with the implementation of anti-corruption reforms and ongoing military operations in Ukraine. It proposes to harness specific ramifications of the conflict to foster enhanced legal cognisance and cultural awareness, aiming to augment their practical application within the framework of extant anti-corruption initiatives.

Originality/value
The research’s novel contribution lies in its juxtaposition of moral and legal norms, elucidating their complex interplay and points of contention. It subsequently proposes juridical measures designed to recalibrate individual moral paradigms, whereby the collective welfare of the state assumes precedence over personal interests. Specifically, the research advocates for leveraging the phenomenon of national cohesion precipitated by the conflict to facilitate the implementation and execution of anti-corruption measures, instituting systematic and enduring anti-corruption educational programmes and broadening the conceptualisation of leadership through the assimilation of the “Tone at the top” approach.
The effect of family members’ communication mode choice on the family’s perceptions of care
Authors: Gerblich Adi , Rubin Eran , Kennedy Kathleen 
Published: December 2024

PurposeFamily-centered rounds (FCR) are a multidisciplinary process in which patients and/or family members are present and actively participate in medical rounds. While research has shown that FCR may enhance collaborative information exchange and reduce family anxiety, the impact of the information exchange modality on the experience has been largely unexplored. Medical rounds are typically assumed to be carried out in person at the bedside. In this research, we challenge this perception. We ask whether FCR communication is best conducted at the bedside or if similar communication outcomes are obtained when family members choose the communication mode according to their preferences.Design/methodology/approachUsing a field experiment in which participants choose the communication mode, we empirically analyze perceptions of the resulting communication in terms of information exchange. Three communication modes are available for participants to choose from (i.e. patients’ families): face-to-face (FtF), phone and video conferencing. A questionnaire is distributed, and the responses of the patients’ family members are analyzed. ANOVA tests are carried out to analyze the effect of communication mode on family perceptions.FindingsPerceptions following video conferencing or FtF interaction were significantly higher than perceptions following the use of a phone. Thus, our results show clear superiority of video and FtF communication modes as facilitators of effective communication perceptions. There is also marginal evidence that FtF communication is perceived as superior than video conferencing in supporting the receipt of information and understanding but not in the ability to convey information and input to the care team. These results suggest that allowing family members to choose their communication preferences does not always support effective communication. A case can be made for motivating patient family members to use face-to-face or video communication rather than phone if possible.Originality/valueThe possible ramifications of allowing family members to choose communication mode with the care team have been largely unexplored. Medical rounds are typically assumed to be carried out in person at the bedside. In this research, we challenge this perception. We ask whether communication is best conducted at the bedside or whether similar communication outcomes are obtained when family members choose the communication mode according to their preferences.
Transforming performance: how agility, response, resilience and support shape success in digital strategies
Authors: Goraya Muhammad Awais Shakir , Yaqub Muhammad Zafar , Khan Muhammad Asif , Akram Muhammad Shakaib , Alofaysan Hind 
Published: December 2024

PurposeEvolving business landscapes have highlighted the crucial role of innovative digital transformation strategies (DTSs) in reimagining organisational operations and responses to optimise performance, regardless of organisational size or employee composition. The study suggests that DTS is a process that occurs continuously, rather than being a one-time event. It also underscores the critical role of personal resilience and organisational support in achieving job performance goals.Design/methodology/approachUsing a survey analysis, this study examines the impact of organisational response and agility, as fundamental components of DTS, on employees' job performance. In addition, it investigates how boundary conditions of personal resilience and organisational support moderates the relationship between (1) organisational agility and job performance, and (2) organisational response and job performance.FindingsThe research findings demonstrate the impact of DTS on job performance. It highlights the mediating roles of organisational support and agility in improving employees' performance. The study also discusses the critical role of personal resilience and organisational support in navigating the insightful impacts of organisational agility and organisational response on the job performance.Originality/valueThis paper presents a theoretical framework that integrates the dynamic capabilities of employees and organisations, providing academics and practitioners with a comprehensive perspective on the growth of employees' dynamic capabilities. By offering insightful discussions, the study highlights that, while creating new DTS, organisations not only improve their dynamic capabilities but also enhances the people’s dynamic capabilities and make them more resilient.
Online public opinion prediction based on a novel conformable fractional discrete grey model
Authors: Feng Feng , Ge Xiaoxiao , Tomasiello Stefania , Zhang Jianke 
Published: December 2024

PurposeAs social networks have developed to be a ubiquitous platform of public opinion spreading, it becomes more and more crucial for maintaining social security and stability by accurately predicting various trends of public opinion dissemination in social networks. Considering the fact that the dissemination of online public opinion is a dynamic process full of uncertainty and complexity, this study establishes a novel conformable fractional discrete grey model with linear time-varying parameters, namely the CFTDGM(1,1) model, for more accurate prediction of online public opinion trends.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the conformable fractional accumulation and difference operators are employed to build the CFTDGM(1,1) model for enhancing the traditional integer-order discrete grey model with linear time-varying parameters. Then, to improve forecasting accuracy, a base value correction term is introduced to optimize the iterative base value of the CFTDGM(1,1) model. Next, the differential evolution algorithm is selected to determine the optimal order of the proposed model through a comparison with the whale optimization algorithm and the particle swarm optimization algorithm. The least squares method is utilized to estimate the parameter values of the CFTDGM(1,1) model. In addition, the effectiveness of the CFTDGM(1,1) model is tested through a public opinion event about “IG team winning the championship”. Finally, we conduct empirical analysis on two hot online public opinion events regarding “Chengdu toddler mauled by Rottweiler” and “Mayday band suspected of lip-syncing,” to further assess the prediction ability and applicability of the CFTDGM(1,1) model by comparison with seven other existing grey models.FindingsThe test case and empirical analysis on two recent hot events reveal that the CFTDGM(1,1) model outperforms most of the existing grey models in terms of prediction performance. Therefore, the CFTDGM(1,1) model is chosen to forecast the development trends of these two hot events. The prediction results indicate that public attention to both events will decline slowly over the next three days.Originality/valueA conformable fractional discrete grey model is proposed with the help of conformable fractional operators and a base value correction term to improve the traditional discrete grey model. The test case and empirical analysis on two recent hot events indicate that this novel model has higher accuracy and feasibility in online public opinion trend prediction.
The impact of users’ experience and satisfaction on users’ intention to use digital library resources
Authors: Kaba Abdoulaye , Aburezeq Ibtehal Mahmoud , Dweikat Fawzi , ElRefae Ghaleb Awad 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of user experience and user satisfaction on users' continued intention to use digital library resources. It also aimed to find out how user expectation and user satisfaction predict continued intention.Design/methodology/approachThis study used the expectation confirmation theory (ECT) to understand the relationship between independent variables and dependent variables. The study is based on data collected from 164 faculty members and students of Al Ain University (AAU) using a survey questionnaire. Data were analyzed using factor analysis, linear regression and the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test and validate the stated models and hypotheses.FindingsThe findings suggested the impact of gender, status and age on the continued intention, perceived usefulness and accessibility of digital library resources. On the other hand, the results revealed that both user experience and user satisfaction predict and explain 55–67% variations of continued intention to use digital library resources.Originality/valueThis study is one of the few studies that used ECT theory to predict the impact of user experience and user satisfaction on continued intention to use digital library resources. The paper contributes to the expanding body of library literature and offers valued insights into practical strategies to improve the delivery of digital library resources.