bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Klebsiella pneumoniaeisolated from the intestines ofTenebrio molitorlarvae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) that consume expanded polystyrene
Authors: Caruajulca-Marin Luis , Huaman-Ventura Katherin , Purihuaman Marilin Sanchez , Caro-Castro Junior , Barturen-Quispe Ada , Vasquez-Llanos Segundo , Carreno-Farfan Carmen 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTPlastics such as polystyrene are resistant to biodegradation, pollute the environment, and negatively impact the health of living organisms. However, several organisms, such as the larvae ofTenebrio molitor(Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and their associated gut microbiome, contribute to its degradation. The aim of this research was to determine the efficiency of expanded polystyrene (EPS) degradation by gut bacteria isolated fromT. molitorlarvae. To achieve this, a set of EPS-degrading bacteria was selected based on the time required to utilize the polymer as a carbon and energy source. Additionally, EPS degradation efficiency was compared, and the most efficient degrading bacterium was identified at the molecular level. Results showed that 95.13% of the bacteria isolated on nutrient agar and 86.57% of those isolated on McConkey agar were able to grow on EPS, with five bacteria being selected that utilized the polymer after 36 hours of incubation. The efficiency of EPS degradation, expressed as the percentage of weight loss by the degrading bacteria, ranged from 5.29% to 12.68%, with a reduction rate of 0.0005 to 0.0013 g per day and a half-life of 533.15 to 1386.20 days. Finally, 16S rRNA gene analysis identified the bacterium asKlebsiella pneumoniae. Cultivable gut bacteria fromT. molitorlarvae have demonstrated potential as candidates for EPS degradation, and biotechnological techniques can further enhance the efficiency of the degradation process.
Microbiome determinants of productivity in whiteleg shrimp aquaculture
Authors: Shan Xiaoyu , Li Kunying , Stadler Patrizia , Borbor Martha , Reyes Guillermo , Solórzano Ramiro , Chamorro Esmeralda , Bayot Bonny , Cordero Otto X. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAquaculture holds immense promise for addressing the food needs of our growing global population. Yet, a quantitative understanding of the factors that control its efficiency and productivity has remained elusive. In this study, we address this knowledge gap by focusing on the microbiome determinants of productivity, more specifically animal survival and growth, for one of the most predominant animal species in global aquaculture, whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). Through analysis of the shrimp-associated microbiome from 610 aquaculture samples across Asia and Latin America, we established the presence of core phylogenetic groups, widely prevalent across aquaculture conditions in disparate geographic locations and including both pathogenic and beneficial microbes. Focusing on early stages of growth (larval hatcheries), we showed that the composition of the microbiome alone can predict approximately 50% of the variation in shrimp larvae survival rates. Taxa associated with high survival rates share recently acquired genes that appear to be specific to aquaculture conditions. These genes are involved in the biosynthesis of growth factors and in protein degradation, underscoring the potential role of beneficial microorganisms in nutrient assimilation. In contrast, the predictability of the microbiome on the adult shrimp weight in grow-out farms is weaker (10-20%), akin to observations in the context of livestock. In conclusion, our study unveils a novel avenue for predicting productivity in shrimp aquaculture based on microbiome analysis. This paves the way for targeted manipulation of the microbiome as a strategic approach to enhancing aquaculture efficiency from the earliest developmental stages.
Biases in population codes with a few active neurons
Authors: Keemink Sander , van Rossum Mark C.W. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThroughout the brain information is coded in the activity of multiple neurons at once, so called population codes. Population codes are a robust and accurate way of coding information. One can evaluate the quality of population coding by trying to read out the code with a decoder, and estimate the encoded stimulus. Coding quality has traditionally been evaluated in terms of the trial-to-trial variation in the estimate. However, codes can also display biases. While most decoders yield unbiased estimators in the limit of many active neurons, we find that when only few neurons are active, biases readily emerge for many decoders. We show that the biases turn out to have a non-trivial dependence on noise and tuning curve properties. We also introduce a technique to estimate the bias and variance of Bayesian decoders. Overall, the work expands our understanding of population coding.
An intrinsically disordered RNA-binding region provides local target selectivity and is essential for LARP6 function
Authors: Capraro Federica , Abis Giancarlo , Karimzadeh Mehran , Masino Laura , Barley Alexander , Bui Tam T.T. , Goodarzi Hani , Conte Maria R. , Mardakheh Faraz K. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn addition to structured RNA-binding domains (RBDs), most RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) contain intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), which are thought to possess additional RNA-binding activities. Despite their prevalence, the specific RNA-binding functions of IDRs in RBPs have remained largely uncharacterised. Here we examined the ordered and disordered RNA-binding activities of LARP6, an RBP known for its diverse RNA-binding repertoire. Using mass spectrometry-based mapping of RNA-protein interaction sites, we showed that both the La-module RBD and the two IDRs of LARP6 directly interact with RNA in living cells. Mutagenesis coupled with individual-nucleotide resolution UV crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (iCLIP) revealed the La-module to be indispensable for LARP6 binding to RNA. Deletion of the IDRs did not diminish the RNA-binding capability of LARP6, but instead broadened its interaction footprints on the target RNAs, and impaired LARP6 function in promoting cancer cell viability and invasion.In vitrobiophysical analysis corroborated the iCLIP-based findings, demonstrating that rather than independently binding to RNA, IDRs can modulate the RNA-binding patterns of the tethered RBD. Based on these findings, we propose a previously unknown role for IDRs in fine-tuning RNA-RBD interactions through modulating local RNA-binding selectivity, resulting in highly specific RNA-protein interaction patterns that are critical for RBP functions.
Evidence that Dmrta2 acts as a transcriptional repressor ofPax6in murine cortical progenitors and identification of a mutation crucial for DNA recognition associated with microcephaly in human
Authors: Shen Xueyi , Anirudhan Jithu , Fatima Ambrin , Szemes Tünde , Keruzore Marc , Plant Estelle , San José Alba Sabaté , Kricha Sadia , Delhaye Louis-Paul , Mian Bilal Ahmad , Khalid Lubaba Bintee , Ali Farhan , Zahra Hijab , Ali Asmat , Toft Mathias , Dieu Marc , Lint Carine Van , Achouri Younes , Renard Patricia , Iqbal Zafar , Bellefroid Eric 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTDmrta2 (also designated Dmrt5) is a transcriptional regulator expressed in cortical progenitors in a caudomedialhigh/rostrolaterallowgradient with important roles at different steps of cortical development. Dmrta2 has been suggested to act in cortex development mainly by differential suppression of Pax6 and other homeobox transcription factors such as the ventral telencephalic regulator Gsx2, which remains to be fully demonstrated. Here we have addressed the epistatic relation betweenPax6andDmrta2by comparing phenotypes in mutant embryos or embryos overexpressing both genes in various allelic combinations. We showed that Dmrta2 cooperates with Pax6 in the maintenance of cortical identity in dorsal telencephalic progenitors and that it acts as a transcriptional repressor ofPax6to control cortical patterning. Mechanistically, we show that in P19 cells, Dmrta2 can act as a DNA-binding dependent repressor on thePax6 E60enhancer and that a point mutation that affects its DNA binding properties leads to agenesis of the corpus callosum, pachygyria, and the absence of the cingulate gyrus. Finally, we provide evidence that Dmrta2 binds to the Zfp423 zinc finger protein and that it enhances its ability to recruit the NurD repressor complex. Together, our results highlight the importance and conserved function of Dmrta2 in cortical development and provide novel insights into its mechanism of action.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTCorticogenesis is controlled by an array of transcription factors that coordinate neural progenitor self-renewal and differentiation to generate correct cortical cell number and diversity. However, how this complex array of transcription factors works in concert to regulate this delicate process remains largely unknown. Here we provide important insights into the mechanism of action of Dmrta2 by demonstrating that it cooperates with the transcription factorPax6to define the pallium-subpallium boundary and that it acts by repressing it, likely via the recruitment of Zfp423 and the NurD repressor complex, to control cortical patterning. Our data also reveal that a point mutation that affects its DNA binding causes cortical abnormalities in human, further highlighting its importance in cortex development.
Chain Termination Effects of Chemically Modified Nucleoside Analogs on SARS-CoV-2 RNA Polymerase
Authors: Yang Lin , Xu Xinzhou , Liang Zhibin , Zhang Buyu , Tse Ka Man , Cheung Peter 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn the current scenario, the available drugs for SARS-CoV-2 are extremely limited. Among the potential therapeutic targets, the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) complex, essential for viral replication and transcription, presents a promising focal point for drug design. This study explores the mechanistic effects of chemically modified nucleoside analogs on the activity of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp and the subsequent chain termination of viral RNA synthesis. We investigate a range of modifications, including 2’-fluoro (2’-F), 2’-O-methyl, and 3’-deoxy substitutions on the sugar as well as base component changes, to ascertain their incorporation by RdRp and resistance to proofreading by the nsp14/nsp10 exonuclease complex. Through a combination of enzymatic experiments, we elucidate the influence of these modifications on RdRp efficiency. Our findings demonstrate that 2’-OMe-NTP, 3’-dNTP, 6-Aza-UTP can enhance the likelihood of chain termination, offering insights into the design of nucleoside analogs with potent antiviral activities. The study’s comprehensive analysis not only furthers our understanding of SARS-CoV-2’s molecular biology but also contributes to the strategic development of antiviral agents with the potential to combat the current pandemic and prepare for future coronavirus outbreaks.
BrainUnit: Integrating Physical Units into High-Performance AI-Driven Scientific Computing
Authors: Wang Chaoming , He Sichao , Luo Shouwei , Huan Yuxiang , Wu Si 
Published: September 2024

AbstractArtificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing scientific research across various disciplines. The foundation of scientific research lies in rigorous scientific computing based on standardized physical units. However, current mainstream high-performance numerical computing libraries for AI generally lack native support for physical units, significantly impeding the integration of AI methodologies into scientific research. To fill this gap, we introduceBrainUnit, a unit system designed to seamlessly integrate physical units into AI libraries, with a focus on compatibility with JAX.BrainUnitoffers a comprehensive library of over 2000 physical units and more than 300 unit-aware mathematical functions. It is fully compatible with JAX transformations, allowing for automatic differentiation, just-in-time compilation, vectorization, and parallelization while maintaining unit consistency. We demonstrateBrainUnit’s efficacy through several use cases in brain dynamics modeling, including detailed biophysical neuron simulations, multiscale brain network modeling, neuronal activity fitting, and cognitive task training. Our results show thatBrainUnitenhances the accuracy, reliability, and interpretability of scientific computations across scales, from ion channels to whole-brain networks, without impacting performance. By bridging the gap between abstract computational frameworks and physical units,BrainUnitrepresents a crucial step towards more robust and physically grounded AI-driven scientific computing.
IGF-1 and insulin receptors in LepRb neurons jointly regulate body growth, bone mass, reproduction, and metabolism
Authors: Wang Mengjie , Czernik Piotr J. , Lecka-Czernik Beata , Xu Yong , Hill Jennifer W. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTLeptin receptor (LepRb)-expressing neurons are known to link body growth and reproduction, but whether these functions are mediated via insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) signaling is unknown. IGF-1 and insulin can bind to each other’s receptors, permitting IGF-1 signaling in the absence of IGF1R. Therefore, we created mice lacking IGF1R exclusively in LepRb neurons (IGF1RLepRbmice) and simultaneously lacking IGF1R and insulin receptor (IR) in LepRb neurons (IGF1R/IRLepRbmice) and then characterized their body growth, bone morphology, reproductive and metabolic functions. We found that IGF1R and IR in LepRb neurons were required for normal timing of pubertal onset, while IGF1R in LepRb neurons played a predominant role in regulating adult fertility and exerted protective effects against reproductive aging. Accompanying these reproductive deficits, IGF1RLepRbmice and IGF1R/IRLepRbmice had transient growth retardation. Notably, IGF1R in LepRb neurons was indispensable for normal trabecular and cortical bone mass accrual in both sexes. These findings suggest that IGF1R in LepRb neurons is involved in the interaction among body growth, bone development, and reproduction. Though only mild changes in body weight were detected, simultaneous deletion of IGF1R and IR in LepRb neurons caused dramatically increased fat mass composition, decreased lean mass composition, lower energy expenditure, and locomotor activity in both sexes. Male IGF1R/IRLepRbmice exhibited impaired insulin sensitivity. These findings suggest that IGF1R and IR in LepRb neurons jointly regulated body composition, energy balance, and glucose homeostasis. Taken together, our studies identified the sex-dependent complex roles of IGF1R and IR in LepRb neurons in regulating body growth, reproduction, and metabolism.
Dynamic spatial–temporal conflict quantification of construction machinery for pouring blocks in arch dams
Authors: Liang Zhipeng , Zhao Chunju , Zhou Huawei , Zhou Yihong , Liu Quan , Fang Tao , Wang Fang 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThe spatial–temporal conflicts in the construction process of concrete arch dams are related to the construction quality and duration, especially for pouring blocks with a continuous high-strength and high-density construction process. Furthermore, the complicated construction technology and limited space resources aggravate the spatial–temporal conflicts in the process of space resource allocation and utilization, directly affecting the pouring quality and progress of concrete. To promote the high-strength, quality-preserving and rapid construction of dams and to clarify the explosion moment and influence degree of the spatial–temporal conflicts of construction machinery during the pouring process, a quantification method and algorithm for a “Conflict Bubble” (CB) between construction machines is proposed based on the “Time–Space Microelement” (TSM).Design/methodology/approachFirst, the concept of a CB is proposed, which is defined as the spatial overlap of different entities in the movement process. The subsidiary space of the entity is divided into three layered spaces: the physical space, safe space and efficiency space from the inside to the outside. Second, the processes of “creation,” “transition” and “disappearance” of the CB at different levels with the movement of the entity are defined as the evolution of the spatial–temporal state of the entity. The mapping relationship between the spatial variation and the running time of the layered space during the movement process is defined as “Time–Space” (TS), which is intended to be processed by a microelement.FindingsThe quantification method and algorithm of the CB between construction machinery are proposed based on the TSM, which realizes the quantification of the physical collision accident rate, security risk rate and efficiency loss rate of the construction machinery at any time point or time period. The risk rate of spatial–temporal conflicts in the construction process was calculated, and the outbreak condition of spatial–temporal conflict in the pouring process was simulated and rehearsed. The quantitative calculation results show that the physical collision accident rate, security risk rate and efficiency loss rate of construction machinery at any time point or time period can be quantified.Originality/valueThis study provides theoretical support for the quantitative evaluation and analysis of the spatial–temporal conflict risk in the pouring construction process. It also serves as a reference for the rational organization and scientific decision-making for pouring blocks and provides new ideas and methods for the safe and efficient construction and the scientific and refined management of dams.
Effects of autonomy support on innovation: resolving the dilemma of participation in innovation with trust
Authors: Park Rhokeun , Kang Saehee 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis study aims to integrate the componential model of creativity and innovation with a participative safety perspective to investigate the association between autonomy support and innovation as well as the organizational factors that strengthen this association. Specifically, the study suggests that autonomy support is more effective in fostering innovation in organizations characterized by higher levels of trust, strong organizational fairness and effective communication.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed hypotheses were investigated using moderated mediation models with panel data collected over four waves.FindingsThis study found that autonomy support positively contributes to organizational innovation. Moderation analyses demonstrated that trust, perceptions of fairness and communication strengthen the effect of autonomy support on innovation.Originality/valueThis study is the first to demonstrate the moderating roles of various organizational contexts (i.e. trust, fairness perception and communication) in the association between autonomy support and innovation and to investigate the role of trust as a mediating moderator.
Antecedents and performance outcomes of exporters’ use of internet B2B platforms
Authors: Jean Ruey Jer Bryan , Kim Daekwan , Cadogan John W. 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis study aims to develop and test a framework of the antecedents to and performance outcomes of exporters’ use of different services offered by Internet-based Business-to-Business (I-B2B) platforms.Design/methodology/approachWe test the model based on a unique survey dataset of 350 Chinese exporters who subscribed to Alibaba.com, a major I-B2B platform.FindingsDrawing on the signaling theory, export and I-B2B platform literature, we develop a typology of exporters’ use of services offered by I-B2B platforms. We find that the extent to which firms have cost efficiency advantages, adopt an export diversity strategy, operate under high levels of psychic distance and experience high levels of domestic regulatory uncertainty are all positively related to exporters’ use of I-B2B platform services. The use of those services is either positively or negatively related to export success depending on the services in question. The magnitudes of these performance relationships are contingent on the exporters’ transparency strategies.Originality/valueThis is the first study to examine the antecedents to and consequences of exporters’ use of the services offered by I-B2B platforms.
Do job crafting and leisure crafting enhance job embeddedness: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Teng Hsiu-Yu , Chen Chien-Yu 
Published: September 2024

PurposeRecognition of the complexity of job embeddedness in the work environment has grown, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to this phenomenon. This study analyzed how and when job crafting and leisure crafting are linked to job embeddedness by investigating employee resilience as a mediator and employee adaptivity as a moderator.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered from 568 Taiwanese hotel employees. The PROCESS macro was used to verify all hypotheses.FindingsBoth job crafting and leisure crafting increased job embeddedness. Employee resilience mediated the impacts of job and leisure crafting on job embeddedness. The positive relationship between employee resilience and job embeddedness was stronger when employee adaptivity was high. Employee adaptivity moderated the indirect impacts of job and leisure crafting on job embeddedness through employee resilience.Practical implicationsHotel managers should foster a workplace culture that encourages employees to engage in job crafting. Additionally, managers can offer employee assistance programs to proactively encourage workers to participate in leisure crafting. Providing training and wellness programs to strengthen employee resilience, along with allocating resources and designing learning programs to enhance employee adaptability, can further promote job embeddedness.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the literature through the construction of a moderated mediation model that explored how and when job and leisure crafting affect job embeddedness.
Teaching a doctoral-level, interdisciplinary social studies course on critical social justice
Authors: Simola Sheldene 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis article discusses the underlying teaching framework of relational cultural theory (RCT), as well as additional teaching practices used within a doctoral-level, interdisciplinary social studies course on critical social justice. Areas for future development are identified.Design/methodology/approachA research-engaged, conceptual report on practice was used to identify and integrate relevant scholarship for the purpose of formulating and analyzing teaching practices for this type of course, and to iteratively identify possible directions for future development.FindingsRCT is a generative, underlying teaching framework for the interdisciplinary social study of critical social justice. Additional teaching practices including a community agreement to guide challenging discussions; participant-led presencing activities at the outset of classes; and, co-creation by participants of the content topics can be fruitfully embedded within RCT. Potential future development could include team-based, community-engaged, experiential term projects aimed at further deepening interdisciplinarity and civic engagement skills.Practical implicationsPractical guidance is provided on the use of RCT, community agreements, co-creation, presencing activities and Indigenous land acknowledgments or contemplations on Indigenous works.Social implicationsRCT can be used across different educational levels or contexts. Practices of co-creation, presencing and contemplation of Indigenous works are receiving increased consideration in diverse contexts. However, conventional grading procedures can be inconsistent with critical social justice, suggesting the need for research-engaged policy review.Originality/valueThis article responds to recent scholarly calls for discussion of teaching practices in the interdisciplinary, social study of critical social justice in post-secondary education.