bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MtvS Regulates theFrancisellaType V-A CRISPR-Cas System
Authors: Brodmann Maj , Marraffini Luciano A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCRISPR-Cas systems endow bacteria and archaea with adaptive immune systems against mobile genetic elements, playing a fundamental role in shaping microbial communities. Many organisms harbor more than one CRISPR-Cas system, however whether and how these are differentially regulated is not known, in many instances due to the impossibility of studying CRISPR immunity in native hosts. Here we studied the regulation of endogenous type II-B and type V-A CRISPR-Cas systems in opportunistic human pathogenFrancisella novicidaU112. Fluorescence microscopy and transcriptomics experiments revealed that while the type II-B system is constitutively expressed, the type V-A CRISPR-Cas system is differentially expressed at stationary phase and high cell density. Using mass spectrometry and genetics we identified MtvS as a factor required for the differential expression of the type V-A CRISPR-Cas locus. Surprisingly, MtvS-dependent expression of the type V-A CRISPR-Cas system at high cell density is linked quorum sensing like behavior, even thoughF. novicidaU112 lacks canonical quorum sensing genes. Our findings provide an example of how bacteria harboring multiple CRISPR systems regulate their expression.
The Arabidopsis histone H3K4me3-binding ALFIN-like proteins mediate histone H2A ubiquitination and coordinate diverse chromatin modifications
Authors: Su Xiao-Min , Yuan Dan-Yang , Li Lin , Yang Minqi , Chen She , Zhou Yue , He Xin-Jian 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe histone H3K4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) is widely distributed at numerous actively transcribed protein-coding genes throughout the genome. However, the interplay between H3K4me3 and other chromatin modifications remains poorly understood in plants. In this study, we find that theArabidopsis thalianaH3K4me3-binding ALFIN-LIKE (AL) proteins are associated with H3K4me3-enriched genes at the whole-genome level. The AL proteins contain a C-terminal PHD finger, which has a conserved role in recognizing H3K4me3, and a PHD-associated AL (PAL) domain, which is responsible for binding to diverse chromatin-related proteins. We demonstrate that the AL proteins not only act as subunits of the Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) to mediate H2A ubiquitination at H3K4me3-enriched genes but also interact with a variety of other chromatin-related proteins. Furthermore, we elucidate the mechanisms by which AL proteins interact with other chromatin-associated proteins to integrate H3K4me3, H2A ubiquitination, H2A.Z deposition, H3K27 demethylation, and chromatin accessibility across the genome. These findings underscore the critical role of AL proteins in linking H3K4me3 with a variety of other chromatin modifications in plants.
Epigenetic regulation of global proteostasis dynamics by RBBP5 ensures mammalian organismal health
Authors: Kubra Syeda , Sun Michelle , Dion William , Catak Ahmet , Luong Hannah , Wang Haokun , Pan Yinghong , Liu Jia-Jun , Ponna Aishwarya , Sipula Ian , Jurczak Michael J. , Liu Silvia , Zhu Bokai 
Published: September 2024

AbstractProteostasis is vital for cellular health, with disruptions leading to pathologies including aging, neurodegeneration and metabolic disorders. Traditionally, proteotoxic stress responses were studied as acute reactions to various noxious factors; however, recent evidence reveals that many proteostasis stress-response genes exhibit ∼12-hour ultradian rhythms under physiological conditions in mammals. These rhythms, driven by an XBP1s-dependent 12h oscillator, are crucial for managing proteostasis. By exploring the chromatin landscape of the murine 12h hepatic oscillator, we identified RBBP5, a key subunit of the COMPASS complex writing H3K4me3, as an essential epigenetic regulator of proteostasis. RBBP5 is indispensable for regulating both the hepatic 12h oscillator and transcriptional response to acute proteotoxic stress, acting as a co-activator for proteostasis transcription factor XBP1s. RBBP5 ablation leads to increased sensitivity to proteotoxic stress, chronic inflammation, and hepatic steatosis in mice, along with impaired autophagy and reduced cell survivalin vitro. In humans, lowerRBBP5expression is associated with reduced adaptive stress-response gene expression and hepatic steatosis. Our findings establish RBBP5 as a central regulator of proteostasis, essential for maintaining mammalian organismal health.
Population coding of auditory space in the dorsal inferior colliculus persists with altered binaural cues
Authors: Rogalla Meike M. , Quass Gunnar L. , Yardley Harry , Martinez-Voigt Clara , Ford Alexander N. , Wallace Gunseli , Dileepkumar Deepak , Corfas Gabriel , Apostolides Pierre F. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSound localization is critical for real-world hearing, such as segregating overlapping sound streams. For optimal flexibility, central representations of auditory space must adapt to peripheral changes in binaural cue availability, such as following asymmetric hearing loss in adulthood. However, whether the mature auditory system can reliably encode spatial auditory representations upon abrupt changes in binaural input is unclear. Here we use 2-photon Ca2+imaging in awake head-fixed mice to determine how the higher-order "shell" layers of the inferior colliculus (IC) encode sound source location in the frontal azimuth, under binaural conditions and after acute monaural hearing loss induced by an ear plug ipsilateral to the imaged hemisphere. Spatial receptive fields were typically broad and not exclusively contralateral: Neurons responded reliably to multiple positions in the contra- and ipsi-lateral hemifields, with preferred positions tiling the entire frontal azimuth. Ear plugging broadened receptive fields and reduced spatial selectivity in a subset of neurons, in agreement with an inhibitory influence of ipsilateral sounds. However ear plugging also enhanced spatial tuning and/or unmasked receptive fields in other neurons, shifting the distribution of preferred angles ipsilaterally with minimal impact on the neuronal population’s overall spatial resolution; these effects occurred within 2 hours of ear plugging. Consequently, linear classifiers trained on fluorescence data from control and ear-plugged conditions had similar classification accuracy when tested on held out data from within, but not across hearing conditions. Spatially informative neuronal population codes therefore arise rapidly following monaural hearing loss, in absence of overt experience.
RD(*)
and survival of the fittest scalar leptoquark
Authors: Bečirević Damir , Fajfer Svjetlana , Košnik Nejc , Pavičić Lovre 
Published: September 2024

Motivated by the long-standing discrepancy in lepton flavor universality ratios RD and RD* we assess the status of scalar leptoquark states R2, R˜2 and S1 which can in principle provide a desired enhancement of B(B→D(*)τν) in a minimal setup with two Yukawa couplings only. We consider unavoidable low-energy constraints, Z-pole measurements as well as high-pT constraints. After setting the mass of each leptoquark to 1.5 TeV we find that of all considered states only S1 leptoquark, coupled to both chiralities of leptons and quarks, is still a completely viable solution while the scenario with R2 is in growing tension with Γ(Z→ττ) and with the LHC constraints on the ditau tails at high-pT. We comment on the future experimental tests of the S1 scenario.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystal structure of guanosine 5′-monophosphate synthetase from the thermophilic bacterium Thermus thermophilus HB8
Authors: Nemoto Naoki , Baba Seiki , Kawai Gota , Sampei Gen-ichi 
Published: September 2024

Guanosine 5′-monophosphate (GMP) synthetase (GuaA) catalyzes the last step of GMP synthesis in the purine nucleotide biosynthetic pathway. This enzyme catalyzes a reaction in which xanthine 5′-monophosphate (XMP) is converted to GMP in the presence of Gln and ATP through an adenyl-XMP intermediate. A structure of an XMP-bound form of GuaA from the domain Bacteria has not yet been determined. In this study, the crystal structure of an XMP-bound form of GuaA from the thermophilic bacterium Thermus thermophilus HB8 (TtGuaA) was determined at a resolution of 2.20 Å and that of an apo form of TtGuaA was determined at 2.10 Å resolution. TtGuaA forms a homodimer, and the monomer is composed of three domains, which is a typical structure for GuaA. Disordered regions in the crystal structure were obtained from the AlphaFold2-predicted model structure, and a model with substrates (Gln, XMP and ATP) was constructed for molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations. The structural fluctuations of the TtGuaA dimer as well as the interactions between the active-site residues were analyzed by MD simulations.
Ways of not seeing: visibility, blindness, and the transparency game
Authors: Tweedie Jonathan , Ronzani Matteo 
Published: September 2024

PurposeTo advance understanding of transparency by problematising the motivations and strategies of a so far underexplored group: its users.Design/methodology/approachWe explore the relationship between blindness, visibility, and transparency by drawing on our analysis of Max Frisch’s experimental novel Gantenbein (1964), in which the protagonist lives a life of feigned blindness.FindingsThe accounting scholarly debate on transparency has neglected the users of transparency. We address this through a novel theorisation of transparency as a game, highlighting some of its distinctive features and paradoxes.Originality/valueBy theorising the transparency game we move beyond concerns with what transparency reveals or conceals and conceptualise the motivations and strategies of the players engaged in this game. We show how different players have something to gain from the transparency game and warn of its emancipatory limits.
Effect of graphene on mechanical and anti-corrosion properties of TiO2-SiO2 sol-gel coating
Authors: Kovalenko Dmitry Leonidovich , Uong Van Vy , Mac Van Phuc , Nguyen Thien Vuong , Pham Thi Lan , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Gaishun Vladimir Evgenevich , Vaskevich Vasili Vasilievich , Tran Dai Lam 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to explore how graphene can improve the mechanical and anti-corrosion properties of TiO2-SiO2 sol-gel coating. This sol-gel coating has been prepared on aluminum alloy substrate using graphene as both nano-filler and corrosion inhibitor.

Design/methodology/approach
To examine the effect of graphene on mechanical properties of sol-gel coating, the abrasion resistance, adhesion strength and scratch resistance of coating have been evaluated. To reveal the effect of graphene on the anti-corrosion property of coating for aluminum alloy, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has been conducted in 3.5 Wt.% NaCl medium.

Findings
Scanning electron microscopy images indicate that graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) have been homogeneously dispersed into the sol-gel coating matrices (at the contents from 0.1 to 0.5 Wt.%). Mechanical tests of coatings indicate that the graphene content of 0.5 Wt.% provides highest values of adhesion strength (1.48 MPa), scratch resistance (850 N) and abrasion strength (812 L./mil.) for the sol-gel coating. The EIS data show that the higher content of GNPs improve both R1 (coating) and R2 (coating/Al interface) resistances. In addition to enhancing the coating barrier performance (graphene acts as nanofiller/nano-reinforcer for coating matrix), other mechanism can be at work to account for the role of the graphene inhibitor in improving the anticorrosive performance at the coating/Al interface.

Originality/value
Application of graphene-based sol-gel coating for protection of aluminum and its alloy is very promising.
Reflexivity and interdisciplinarity: the reflexive journey of an interdisciplinary research team in disaster risk reduction
Authors: Forino Giuseppe , Barclay Jenni , Armijos M. Teresa , Phillips Jeremy , Córdova Marco , Sevilla Elisa , Filippi Maria Evangelina , Apgar Marina , Snijder Mieke , Andrade S. Daniel , Mejia Adriana , Bedoya María Elena 
Published: September 2024

PurposeReflexivity supports research teams in developing and implementing interdisciplinarity perspectives, but there is still limited literature on this topic. To fill this gap, we explore how reflexivity can support a research team in its interdisciplinary efforts to create new knowledge for disaster risk reduction.Design/methodology/approachWe present the reflexive journey of our interdisciplinary research team consisting of Ecuador- and UK-based researchers from the social sciences, physical sciences and the arts and humanities and conducting multi-hazard research on Quito. By triangulating data obtained from different material collected during the reflexive journey, we discuss examples of how our team employed reflexivity towards interdisciplinarity.FindingsThe reflexive journey allowed our interdisciplinary team to acknowledge and give value to its diversity; to discuss disciplinary language differences, and to gradually develop interdisciplinary working practices and conversations. The journey demonstrates how reflexive practices within research teams allow researchers to overcome disciplinary differences and promote interdisciplinarity to reach research outcomes.Originality/valueOur reflexive experience shows that adopting reflexivity can be effective in both enhancing interdisciplinarity and addressing the complex nature of risk.
Universities as cities of flows: decoding cross-regional university partnerships for sustainable development in China
Authors: Zhong Zhou , Zong Jing 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThe study conceptualises universities as “cities of flows” to examine the East-West University Partnership (EWUP) in China, which is a pioneering initiative of cross-regional university collaboration linking over 220 institutions across China since 2001. The study explores the strategic enhancement of connective and collaborative capacity of universities to facilitate diverse flows of talent, knowledge and other resources within the broader context of China's sustainable development in higher education.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a qualitative single-case study design to investigate the EWUP within its real-life context using participant observation and documentary research. As an analogical inquiry, the study merges the insider and outsider perspectives of the researchers to identify patterns between theoretical constructs and empirical evidence.FindingsThe EWUP as a policy entrepreneurship has significantly contributes to coordinated, inclusive and sustainable development. Its spatial dynamics consists of structural, temporal and collaborative dynamics. They are characterised by centrality, connectivity and adaptability which are generated through the interplay among the nodes, linkages and fields of influence within the EWUP network. These dynamics showcase EWUP as a novel approach to managing long-term university partnerships between more and less developed regions.Originality/valueThe study reimagines universities and higher education systems through vivid analogies of cities and transportation networks and elucidates connectivity as a pivotal dimension of sustainability. It advocates for reexamining spatial theories in higher education, deepens insights into the dynamics of cross-regional university partnerships in coordinating educational and territorial development, and enriches discussions on Higher Education for Sustainable Development (HESD).
The effect of minimum wage increases on the labor productivity of star-rated hotels: evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Jun , Pan Ting 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
This study aims to explore the spatial impact of an increase in the minimum wage on the labor productivity of star-rated hotels in China.

Design/methodology/approach
The impact is analyzed by using the dynamic spatial Durbin model.

Findings
The authors find a U-shaped link between the increase in minimum wage and labor productivity of star-rated hotels. The long-term impact of a minimum wage increase has a greater influence on labor productivity than its short-term effects. While there is no notable spatial spillover impact observed in the sample of 31 provinces in China, the authors do identify a spatial spillover effect of the minimum wage rises on the labor productivity of star-rated hotels in the central area. Furthermore, they observe heterogeneity across China. The eastern and western regions exhibit a U-shaped relationship, whereas the central region exhibits an inverted U-shaped relationship.

Practical implications
The findings of this study allow government agencies to get a more comprehensive comprehension of the actual consequences of minimum wage hikes on the tourism and hospitality sector, thereby establishing a solid basis for them to develop appropriate policies. Moreover, it offers a variety of suggestions aimed at enhancing the quality and efficiency of hotel management.

Originality/value
Research on the effects of minimum wage standards is scant in the hospitality industry. Based on human capital investment theory, this study examines the effect of the minimum wage standard hikes on labor productivity of star-rated hotels from the spatial perspective, filling the existing research gap.
Does board gender diversity moderate the impact of ESG on firms' economic value added? Evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Makhija Harnesh , Raghukumari P.S. , Sethiya Anuja 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis study explores the moderating effect of board gender diversity (BGD) between a firm's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance and Economic value added (EVA) using NSE-listed 331 companies' data from 2015 to 2020, forming 1986 firm-year observations.Design/methodology/approachOur study is based on panel data; hence, we use a system GMM panel regression model to confirm whether the BGD moderates ESG and EVA. We also address the endogeneity issues.FindingsOverall, our study reported a positive moderating effect of BGD between ESG and EVA. Similar results were observed across the chemical and financial services industries. However, in the case of the healthcare and consumer goods industries, we did not find support for the moderating effect.Practical implicationsThe implications of our results are considerable and relevant for regulators, governing bodies, and corporate managers. It helps them understand how BGD plays a vital role in influencing the effect of ESG on a firm's EVA.Originality/valueNo existing research has explored the moderating effect of BGD between ESG and EVA, to the authors' best knowledge. Therefore, our study extends the existing literature and further supports resource dependency, agency, and stakeholder theories of corporate governance.
Understanding the influencing factors on firms’ social media marketing strategies development: a cross-country investigation
Authors: Li Fangfang , Silva Susana C. , Larimo Jorma 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing the development of social media marketing strategy in an international context. We specifically look at the potential drivers and barriers throughout the social media marketing strategy development process and how cultural differences shape social media marketing strategy decision-making among firms in international markets.Design/methodology/approachThe study is conducted with an inductive research approach involving in-depth interviews with 32 firms from Finland, China and Brazil. Using inductive data analysis, we identify both internal and external factors that drive and hinder the development of firms’ social media marketing strategies. Moreover, we explore the essential elements in social media marketing strategy development based on the key practices observed among these firms, which enables us to conduct a comparative analysis of how cultural values influence the development of social media marketing strategies.FindingsOur findings underscore the importance of both internal (i.e. resources and capabilities) and external (i.e. market-level and country-level) factors that influence the development of social media marketing strategy. Our analysis also unveiled four key practices throughout the social media marketing strategy development process: social selling, content marketing, risk management and relationship management. Additionally, we identified three distinct mindsets regarding firms’ social media selling objectives across companies in the three countries.Originality/valueThe comparative approach provides novel insight into firms' international social media marketing strategy. Our proposed conceptual model shows the development process of social media marketing strategy in the international context. The research propositions highlight the role of cultural values and open up new avenues for future research.
The underpricing and long-term performance of Chinese IPOs listed on the Hong Kong exchange
Authors: Deng Hua , Liu Wendong 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis study aims to inform prospective listing firms, investors and regulators of the unique drivers of Chinese initial public offering (IPO) pricing on the Hong Kong Exchange.Design/methodology/approachUsing a hand-collected IPO dataset, we investigate whether information uncertainty or investor exuberance drives underpricing and Chinese IPOs’ performance from 2002 to 2015, including 114 state-owned enterprises (SOEs).FindingsContrasting with the “listing bubble” in the China domestic stock market, generated by the overoptimism of retail investors, we highlight a “placing bubble” among Chinese firms listed in Hong Kong. This is driven by institutional investors’ buoyant demand for Chinese IPO shares, particularly those of SOEs. Chinese listing firms employ discreet earnings management strategies with their working capital accounts to smooth pre-IPO earnings, which becomes apparent to the market only in the long term.Originality/valueThis study is the first to examine the pricing of sought-after Chinese IPOs among international investors, who face various restrictions when investing in the Chinese domestic stock market. Additionally, it is the first study to measure earnings management using hand-collected pre-IPO data in IPO underpricing studies.