bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Roles of PknB and CslA in cell wall morphogenesis ofStreptomyces
Authors: Derkacz Marta , Watson Andrew , Gajbhiye Akshada , Jakimowicz Dagmara , Trost Matthias , Errington Jeff , Kepplinger Bernhard 
Published: August 2024

AbstractStreptomycesare filamentous bacteria living mostly in the soil and best known for their ability to produce specialised metabolites, including antibiotics. They grow as tip-extending, branching hyphal filaments to form a multicellular mycelium. New branches are established by the formation of a new growth zone on the lateral cell wall. Proteins responsible for this process are organised in complexes called polarisomes, with DivIVA being the best described component. We have developed a genetic screen based on DivIVA overexpression to identify proteins potentially interacting with DivIVA inStreptomyces albus. Among the hits was the morphology controlling proteinrodAand the kinasepknB.We confirmed that deletion ofpknBrescuesS. albusfrom the effects of overexpressing DivIVA. Next, we studied the impact ofpknBdeletion inStreptomyces.A mass spectrometry phosphoproteome analysis indicated that absence of PknB alters the phosphorylation state of CslA, a cellulose synthase-like protein, containing a glycosyltransferase domain. We demonstrate that a phosphoablative mutant of CslA impacts its activity in β-glucan synthesis, as displayed by a hypersensitivity to lysozyme. Our findings highlight the role of PknB in maintaining the cellular structure and integrity of theStreptomycescell wall.ImportanceA thorough understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of cell wall biosynthesis and integrity inStreptomycesis fundamentally important, as these are linked to antibiotic production. This study investigates the role of the kinase PknB, which we identified via a genetic screen. Through a phosphoproteome analysis, we identified that PknB regulates the activity of CslA, a protein crucial for β-glucan synthesis. By demonstrating the impact of PknB, this research provides novel insights into the molecular pathways influencingStreptomycesresilience. This research not only enhances our understanding of cell morphogenesis but also has potential implications for developing new strategies to optimize antibiotic production.
Insertion and Anchoring of HIV-1 Fusion Peptide into Complex Membrane Mimicking Human T-cell
Authors: Zhao Mingfei , Lopes Laura Joana Silva , Sahni Harshita , Yadav Anju , Do Hung N , Reddy Tyler , López Cesar A. , Neale Chris , Gnanakaran S 
Published: August 2024

AbstractA fundamental understanding of how HIV-1 envelope (Env) protein facilitates fusion is still lacking. The HIV-1 fusion peptide, consisting of 15 to 22 residues, is the N-terminus of the gp41 subunit of the Env protein. Further, this peptide, a promising vaccine candidate, initiates viral entry into target cells by inserting and anchoring into human immune cells. The influence of membrane lipid reorganization and the conformational changes of the fusion peptide during the membrane insertion and anchoring processes, which can significantly affect HIV-1 cell entry, remains largely unexplored due to the limitations of experimental measurements. In this work, we investigate the insertion of the fusion peptide into an immune cell membrane mimic through multiscale molecular dynamics simulations. We mimic the native T-cell by constructing a 9-lipid asymmetric membrane, along with geometrical restraints accounting for insertion in the context of gp41. To account for the slow timescale of lipid mixing while enabling conformational changes, we implement a protocol to go back and forth between atomistic and coarse-grained simulations. Our study provides a molecular understanding of the interactions between the HIV-1 fusion peptide and the T-cell membrane, highlighting the importance of conformational flexibility of fusion peptides and local lipid reorganization in stabilizing the anchoring of gp41 into the targeted host membrane during the early events of HIV-1 cell entry. Importantly, we identify a motif within the fusion peptide critical for fusion that can be further manipulated in future immunological studies.Abstract FigureTable of Content.
Unpacking the relationship between cultural diversity and workgroup creativity
Authors: Onyeneke Gechinti Bede , Abe Tomokazu 
Published: August 2024

PurposeThis study aimed to illustrate the conditions under which cultural diversity enhances workgroup creativity. It does so by investigating the impact of ethnic diversity on workgroup creativity through the mediating mechanisms of cognitive diversity and information elaboration, while also exploring the role of inclusive leadership in this process.Design/methodology/approachMulti-source data was collected from a sample of 338 employees nested within 56 workgroups across three distinct organizations. Conditional process analysis was used to empirically test the proposed hypotheses.FindingsThe results show that ethnic diversity, a surface-level cultural attribute, contributed to diversity in deep-level cognitive resources, and that workgroups were able to capitalize on these variations in deep-level cognitive resources to enhance their creativity when they engaged in the elaboration of task-relevant information. Results also demonstrated that the effective management of workgroup processes through inclusive leadership helped materialize the performance-promoting effects of cultural diversity. Overall, the findings support the notion that cultural diversity is indeed beneficial to workgroups.Originality/valuePrior research has typically examined cultural diversity in workgroups from the perspective of either surface-level or deep-level cultural attributes, leading to conflicting findings. Our study takes a multifaceted approach to cultural diversity and its influence on workgroup creativity, offering a more nuanced understanding. Additionally, by integrating the concept of inclusive leadership, a relatively new conceptualization of leadership specifically relevant to diverse workgroups, we clarified strategies for fostering positive workgroup performance.
A novel smart textiles to reflect emotion
Authors: Ye Fangyu , Dai Jingyu , Duan Ling 
Published: August 2024

PurposeThe device, amplifies and sub-regionally transmits the current generated by the body temperature thermoelectric generator through a smart body temperature sensor.Design/methodology/approachThe present study designs a wearable smart device regarding the relationship between temperature and emotion.FindingsExperimental results show that the device can accurately detect changes in human body temperature under hilarious, fearful, soothing and angry emotions, so as to achieve changes in clothing colors, namely blue, red, green and brown.Originality/valueDifferent areas of clothing produce controllable and intelligent color, so that adult emotions can be understood through changes in clothing colors, which is conducive to judging their moods and promoting social interaction.
The high costs of freedom: subjective well-being and mental health in prisoners in Chile
Authors: Valdebenito Victoria , Benjumeda Isabel , Hadler Valentina , Guzmán Sofía 
Published: August 2024

Purpose
Although our understanding of mental health and well-being is continually evolving, certain populations such as individuals deprived of liberty remain understudied and stigmatized. Despite ongoing research in various countries, mental health exploration in Chile lags behind nations like the USA. Recognizing this gap, this study aims to address this disparity by analyzing subjective well-being and mental health levels within a Chilean prison setting in the postpandemic context.

Design/methodology/approach
Design was nonexperimental, cross-sectional, descriptive and relational using quantitative techniques. Data was collected using Ryff and brief DASS-21 scales into three different sections of the studied prison. In total, 97 people participated. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis.

Findings
Levels of subjective well-being range from mild to low, with best scores in environmental mastery and worst in autonomy. Women obtained best scores on purpose in life and positive relations with others. Mental health levels measured in terms of anxiety, depression and stress showed worst levels in males. A positive correlation was observed between mental health and substance use and between mental health and violence.

Research limitations/implications
Answers depend on the victim's report, which is biased by its interpretation, along with fearing consequences from the answers and distrust in authorities. This can lead to altered (unrealistic) values in relation to substance use, violence suffered and levels of subjective well-being, among others. Another limitation is the number of participants of this study, along with the fact that it was carried out in only one penitentiary center in Chile.

Practical implications
A challenge and a practical implication of this study is the need to do more work to promote mental health and well-being. Specifically, within this limited context where survey can send bias responses, a challenge is to work and promote mental health from a gender a perspective.

Social implications
Results presented here also highlight the relevance of studying in depth prisoners’ mental health, considering gender differences across well-being and mental health variables. Moreover, it shows the importance and urgence to advance in respecting human rights, as democratic and diverse societies, and in terms of ethical aspects linked to research of this type in vulnerable populations like prisoners.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the understanding on the intricated interplay between subjective well-being, mental health and various factors within prison environments, offering valuable insights for targeted interventions and policy considerations.
Does macroprudential policy have any side effects on the shadow economy?
Authors: Nguyen Dinh Trung , Luu Nguyen Hanh 
Published: August 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the impacts of macroprudential policy on the shadow economy worldwide.

Design/methodology/approach
We compile a panel dataset covering 125 countries from 1990 to 2018. This paper mitigates potential endogeneity issues via two-stage least squares and the two-step generalized method of moments (GMM).

Findings
The robust results show that the overall tightening of macroprudential policies exerts an expansion impact on the shadow economy. Further examination of the 16 individual macroprudential policy instruments finds that loan restrictions, countercyclical buffers, surcharges for systemically important financial institutions and capital conservation buffers have positive and statistically significant effect on the shadow economy. This relationship is only present during tightening episodes of macroprudential policy as loosening episodes do not exhibit any significant impact. Finally, this paper documents the nonlinear effects of macroprudential policy.

Practical implications
The results suggest that the supervisory authorities may need to consider another parameter, which is the development of the shadow economy, when devising the optimal macroprudential policy responses.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is likely the first to empirically document the impact of macroprudential policy on the shadow economy. It contributes to the growing literature on the potential side effects of macroprudential policy on the macro-economy.
Does the chairman’s political and royal authority matter? Evidence from ESG disclosure in Gulf Cooperation Council
Authors: Abdelgawad Hesham Nagdy Mohammed , Liu Guangqiang 
Published: August 2024

Purpose
This study aims to explore the influence of the chairman’s political and royal authority on environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure within the context of nonfinancial companies listed in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Design/methodology/approach
The authors adopt a mixed-methods approach, analyzing a data set of 262 nonfinancial GCC companies from 2016 to 2021. The authors use content analysis to collect the ESG disclosure data based on the ESG Disclosure Guidance provided by the GCC Financial Markets Committee. Quantitative methods are applied to investigate the effect of the chairman’s political and royal authority on ESG disclosure. The credibility of the findings is fortified through rigorous robustness and endogeneity tests.

Findings
Consistent with the resource-based view and servant leadership theory, the authors found a positive impact of the chairman’s political and royal authority on ESG disclosure.

Practical implications
The findings of this study insight investors to consider the complex relationship between political affiliations and governance practices to align investments with sustainability and ethical criteria, thereby improving investment strategies in these contexts. This research offers a solid foundation for regulatory craft governance frameworks that acknowledge and incorporate the unique influence of royal family members and politically connected individuals within corporate boards.

Originality/value
This study enhances the discourse on ESG disclosure by focusing on the underrepresented GCC region. This research breaks new ground by focusing on the impact of the chairman’s political and royal authority on ESG disclosure. In addition, it addresses previous methodological limitations by incorporating more comprehensive ESG data for the GCC market.
Chinese consumers’ valuation for prepared plant‐based meat products: Does environmental information matter?
Authors: Jiang Xue , Chen Xiujuan , Wu Linhai 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDespite the growing interest in innovative nonanimal protein‐prepared foods, knowledge about consumer demand for these newly prepared foods and their potential scope in the market could be improved. This study reports the results of a discrete choice experiment on consumers’ (n = 1245) willingness to pay (WTP) for prepared plant‐based meat (PPBM) in the context of Chinese food culture. Consumers were randomly assigned to a treated group with additional environmental information about PPBM. The estimation results of the random parameter logit model showed that when environmental information was provided, consumer preferences and WTP for frozen meatballs with mixed meat (beef‐based and soy protein–based meat) and PBM (pure soy protein–based meat) significantly increased. However, their preference and WTP for food quality and safety attributes of meatballs decreased. Simultaneously, the availability of information reveals the heterogeneity of preferences. This study found that positive WTP for PPBM was limited to consumers with a low degree of food technology neophobia (FTN) and that consumers with a high degree of FTN may avoid purchasing meatballs made from PBM. In contrast, consumers with a higher time preference (i.e., impatient consumers) were likelier to pay for PPBM meatballs.Practical ApplicationPPBM is especially valuable in developing innovative nonanimal protein‐prepared foods, and China has the potential to become the largest PPBM food market. Understanding consumers’ preference for PPBM products and the impact of information provision on their WTP will assist food companies in devising suitable strategies for the development of new PPBM products. The findings of this study provide targeted market insights for the food industry to help guide the development of plant‐based meat products more effectively.
Phages produce persisters
Authors: Fernández‐García Laura , Kirigo Joy , Huelgas‐Méndez Daniel , Benedik Michael J. , Tomás María , García‐Contreras Rodolfo , Wood Thomas K. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractArguably, the greatest threat to bacteria is phages. It is often assumed that those bacteria that escape phage infection have mutated or utilized phage‐defence systems; however, another possibility is that a subpopulation forms the dormant persister state in a manner similar to that demonstrated for bacterial cells undergoing nutritive, oxidative, and antibiotic stress. Persister cells do not undergo mutation and survive lethal conditions by ceasing growth transiently. Slower growth and dormancy play a key physiological role as they allow host phage defence systems more time to clear the phage infection. Here, we investigated how bacteria survive lytic phage infection by isolating surviving cells from the plaques of T2, T4, and lambda (cI mutant) virulent phages and sequencing their genomes. We found that bacteria in plaques can escape phage attack both by mutation (i.e. become resistant) and without mutation (i.e. become persistent). Specifically, whereas T4‐resistant and lambda‐resistant bacteria with over a 100,000‐fold less sensitivity were isolated from plaques with obvious genetic mutations (e.g. causing mucoidy), cells were also found after T2 infection that undergo no significant mutation, retain wild‐type phage sensitivity, and survive lethal doses of antibiotics. Corroborating this, adding T2 phage to persister cells resulted in 137,000‐fold more survival compared to that of addition to exponentially growing cells. Furthermore, our results seem general in that phage treatments with Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa also generated persister cells. Hence, along with resistant strains, bacteria also form persister cells during phage infection.
State inequities: Gaps in planned treatment for criminal legal referrals with opioid use disorder across two decades of US treatment admissions
Authors: Bormann Nicholas L. , Weber Andrea N. , Oesterle Tyler S. , Miskle Benjamin , Lynch Alison C. , Arndt Stephan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesCriminal‐legal (CL) referrals to addiction treatment have historically had low utilization of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). While state differences have been reported, an in‐depth longitudinal analysis of state‐by‐state differences is lacking.MethodsThe Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Treatment Episode Dataset‐Admissions 2000–2020 provided data for individuals entering their initial treatment with an opioid as their primary substance. Outcome was planned use of MOUD, assessing odds ratio (OR) of CL referrals relative to non‐CL referrals cumulatively over the 21‐year period and as incremental change (change in relative disparity) using effect sizes, stratified by each state.Results2,187,447 cases met the criteria. Planned MOUD occurred in 37.7% of non‐CL clients versus 6.5% of CL clients (OR = 0.11, 95% confidence interval = 0.11–0.12). For all clients, planned MOUD increased from 2000 (33.9%) to 2020 (44.8%). This increase was blunted within CL clients, increasing from 2000 (6.4%) to 2020 (13.3%). Rhode Island saw the greatest improvements in equity.Discussion and ConclusionsWhile rates of planned MOUD increased over the 21 years, a significant disparity persisted among CL clients in most states. As opioid use disorders and opioid‐related overdoses are more prevalent among those involved with the CL system, improving this has high impact.Scientific SignificanceProvides the most comprehensive analysis of state‐by‐state inequities in MOUD access for CL relative to non‐CL referrals over a 21‐year period through use of a national data set. Positive outliers are used as case examples for others to follow in pursuit of more equitable care.
A Novel Liver Fibrosis Marker FIB‐5 Index Predicted Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy and Prognostic Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Iwawaki Tomoya , Inden Yasuya , Yanagisawa Satoshi , Goto Takayuki , Kondo Shun , Tachi Masaya , Hiramatsu Kei , Yamauchi Ryota , Shimojo Masafumi , Tsuji Yukiomi , Murohara Toyoaki 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe fibrosis‐5 (FIB‐5) index is a noninvasive marker for assessing the progression of liver fibrosis and predictor in patients with heart failure (HF). This study investigated the association between the FIB‐5 index and response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and evaluated its predictive value for prognosis.MethodsIn total, 203 patients who underwent CRT/CRT‐defibrillator (CRT‐D) implantation were retrospectively included. The FIB‐5 index was calculated using blood samples obtained before and after CRT/CRT‐D. Response to CRT was defined as a relative reduction in left ventricular end‐systolic volume of ≥15% 6 months after CRT/CRT‐D. We compared the prognosis after CRT/CRT‐D between the groups according to the FIB‐5 index.ResultsOne hundred and twenty‐three patients (61%) responded to CRT. The responder group demonstrated a significantly higher FIB‐5 index than the nonresponder group (−2.76 ± 3.85 vs. −4.67 ± 3.29, p < 0.001). Receiver‐operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that the area under the curve of the FIB‐5 index was 0.660 with a cutoff value of −4.00 for responders. In multivariate analysis, FIB‐5 index ≥ −4.00 was an independent predictor for CRT response (odds ratio: 3.665, p = 0.003), in addition to QRS duration ≥ 150 ms and echocardiographic dysynchrony. The FIB‐5 index increased significantly after 6 months in the responder group but not in the nonresponder group. The FIB‐5 index ≥ −4.00 group showed a significantly better prognosis for cardiac death, HF hospitalization, and composite endpoint than the FIB‐5 index < −4.00 group.ConclusionThe FIB‐5 index in addition to classical predictors may be a useful marker for predicting response to CRT.
The genetic consequences of population marginality: A case study in maritime pine
Authors: Theraroz Adélaïde , Guadaño‐Peyrot Carlos , Archambeau Juliette , Pinosio Sara , Bagnoli Francesca , Piotti Andrea , Avanzi Camilla , Vendramin Giovanni G. , Alía Ricardo , Grivet Delphine , Westergren Marjana , González‐Martínez Santiago C. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimMarginal tree populations, either those located at the edges of the species' range or in suboptimal environments, are often a valuable genetic resource for biological conservation. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the genetic consequences of population marginality, estimated across entire species' ranges. Our study addresses this gap by providing information about several genetic indicators and their variability in marginal and core populations identified using quantitative marginality indices.LocationSouthwestern Europe and North Africa.MethodsUsing 10,185 SNPs across 82 populations of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.), a widespread conifer characterised by a fragmented range, we modelled the relationship of seven genetic indicators potentially related to population evolutionary resilience, namely genetic diversity (based on both all SNPs and outlier SNPs), inbreeding, genetic differentiation, recessive genetic load and genomic offset, with population geographical, demo‐historical and ecological marginality (as estimated by nine quantitative indices). Models were constructed for both regional (introducing gene pool as a random factor) and range‐wide spatial scales.ResultsWe showed a trend towards decreasing overall genetic diversity and increasing differentiation with geographic marginality, supporting the centre‐periphery hypothesis (CPH). However, we found no correlation between population inbreeding and marginality, while geographically marginal populations had a lower recessive genetic load (only models without the gene pool effect). Ecologically marginal populations had a higher genomic offset, suggesting higher maladaptation to future climate, albeit some of these populations also had high genetic diversity for climate outliers.Main ConclusionsOverall genetic diversity (but not outlier‐based estimates) and differentiation patterns support the CPH. Ecologically marginal populations and those at the southern edge could be more vulnerable to climate change due to higher climate maladaptation, as predicted by genomic offsets, and/or lower potentially adaptive genetic diversity. This risk is exacerbated by typically small effective population sizes and increasing human impact in marginal populations.