bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of the antiparallel double-stranded filament form of FtsA in activating theEscherichia colidivisome
Authors: Perkins Abbigale , Mounange-Badimi Mwidy Sava , Margolin William 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTThe actin-like FtsA protein is essential for function of the cell division machinery, or divisome, in many bacteria includingEscherichia coli. Previousin vitrostudies demonstrated that purified wild-type FtsA assembles into closed mini-rings on lipid membranes, but oligomeric variants of FtsA such as FtsAR286Wand FtsAG50Ecan bypass certain divisome defects and form arc and double-stranded (DS) oligomeric states, respectively, which may reflect conversion of an inactive to an active form of FtsA. Yet, it remains unproven which oligomeric forms of FtsA are responsible for assembling and activating the divisome. Here we used an in vivo crosslinking assay for FtsA DS filaments to show that they largely depend on proper divisome assembly and are prevalent at later stages of cell division. We also used a previously reported variant that fails to assemble DS filaments, FtsAM96E R153D, to investigate the roles of FtsA oligomeric states in divisome assembly and activation. We show that FtsAM96E R153Dcannot form DS filamentsin vivo, fails to replace native FtsA, and confers a dominant negative phenotype, underscoring the importance of the DS filament stage for FtsA function. Surprisingly, however, activation of the divisome through theftsL* orftsW* superfission alleles suppressed the dominant negative phenotype and rescued the functionallity of FtsAM96E R153D. Our results suggest that FtsA DS filaments are needed for divisome activation once it is assembled, but they are not essential for divisome assembly or guiding septum synthesis.IMPORTANCECell division is fundamental for cellular duplication. In simple cells likeEscherichia colibacteria, the actin homolog FtsA is essential for cell division and assembles into a variety of protein filaments at the cytoplasmic membrane. These filaments help to tether polymers of the tubulin-like FtsZ to the membrane at early stages of cell division, but also play crucial roles in recruiting other cell division proteins to a complex called the divisome. Once assembled, theE. colidivisome subsequently activates synthesis of the division septum that splits the cell in two. One recently discovered oligomeric conformation of FtsA is an antiparallel double stranded filament. Using a combination of in vivo crosslinking and genetics, we provide evidence suggesting that these FtsA double filaments have a crucial role in activating the septum synthesis enzymes.
The evolutionarily conserved PhLP3 is essential for sperm development inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Petit Christopher , Kojak Elizabeth , Webster Samantha , Marra Michela , Sweeney Brendan , Chaikin Claire , Jemc Jennifer C. , Kanzok Stefan M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPhosducin-like proteins (PhLP) are thioredoxin domain-containing proteins that are highly-conserved across unicellular and multicellular organisms. PhLP family proteins are hypothesized to function as co-chaperones in the folding of cytoskeletal proteins. Here, we present the initial molecular, biochemical, and functional characterization ofCG4511asDrosophila melanogaster PhLP3. We cloned the gene into a bacterial expression vector and produced enzymatically active recombinant PhLP3, which showed similar kinetics to previously characterized orthologues. A fly strain homozygous for a P-element insertion in the 5’ UTR of thePhLP3gene exhibited significant downregulation ofPhLP3expression. We found these male flies to be sterile. Microscopic analysis revealed altered testes morphology and impairment of spermiogenesis, leading to a lack of mature sperm. Among the most significant observations was the lack of actin cones during sperm maturation. Excision of the P-element insertion inPhLP3restored male fertility, spermiogenesis, and seminal vesicle size. Given the high level of conservation of PhLP3, our data suggests PhLP3 may be an important regulator of sperm development across species.
Evaluation of suitable reference genes for qPCR normalisation of gene expression in a Achilles tendon injury model
Authors: Marr Neil , Meeson Richard , Piercy Richard J. , Hildyard John C. W. , Thorpe Chavaunne T. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTTendons are one of the major load-bearing tissues in the body; subjected to enormous peak stresses, and thus vulnerable to injury. Cellular responses to tendon injury are complex, involving inflammatory and repair components, with the latter employing both resident and recruited exogenous cell populations. Gene expression analyses are valuable tools for investigating tendon injury, allowing assessment of repair processes and pathological responses such as fibrosis, and permitting evaluation of therapeutic pharmacological interventions. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is a commonly used approach for such studies, but data obtained by this method must be normalised to reference genes: genes known to be stably expressed between the experimental conditions investigated. Establishing suitable tendon injury reference genes is thus essential. Accordingly we investigated mRNA expression stability in a rat model of tendon injury, comparing both injured and uninjured tendons, and the effects of rapamycin treatment, at 1 and 3 weeks post injury. We used 11 candidate genes (18S, ACTB, AP3D1, B2M, CSNK2A2, GAPDH, HPRT1, PAK1IP1, RPL13a, SDHA, UBC) and assessed stability via four complementary algorithms (Bestkeeper, deltaCt, geNorm, Normfinder). Our results suggests thatACTB,CSNK2A2,HPRT1andPAK1IP1are all stably expressed in tendon, regardless of injury or drug treatment: any three of these would serve as universally suitable reference gene panel for normalizing qPCR expression data in the rat tendon injury model. We also reveal18S,UBC,GAPDH, andSDHAas consistently poor scoring candidates (with the latter two exhibiting rapamycin- and injury-associated changes, respectively): these genes should be avoided.
Fermentation and its effect on the physicochemical and sensory attributes of cocoa beans in the Colombian Amazon
Authors: Ramírez González Andrés Felipe , Gutiérrez García Gustavo Adolfo , Polanía-Hincapié Paola Andrea , López Luis Javier , Suárez Juan Carlos 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCocoa (Theobroma cacaoL.) is the basic raw material to produce chocolate and other derivatives such as cocoa butter, cocoa powder and cocoa liquor (cocoa paste), which requires a fermentation process that affects its chemical composition and sensory profile. The objective of this study was to monitor the biochemical, physical and sensory changes during fermentation of cocoa beans in cocoa bean processing plants in the department of Caquetá, Colombia. During fermentation, the temperature of the mass and the pH of the pulp and beans were monitored at the different cocoa processing plants (sites ASOACASAN ASA, COMICACAO CMI, COMCAP COC). Also, at two points during fermentation (days 4 and 7), physical properties of the bean were determined, such as variables related to bromatological composition, polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity as sensory attributes at the different sites. An increase in dough temperature was found, however the pH of the cotyledon decreased during the fermentation process and the fat and moisture content varied with fermentation time. At the site level, total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoids (TF), DPPH and FRAP contents were statistically different, with COC being different from the other sites. The TPC was higher at the COC site (507 mg GAE/g Cocoa) with respect to the other sites (< 360 mg GAE/g Cocoa). The TF content followed a similar behavior to TPC, with significant differences between sites and differences between fermentation times for ASA. The TF was higher in COC (309.1 mg Catechin/g cocoa) with respect to CMI (215.6 mg Catechin/g cocoa) and ASA (185.7 mg Catechin/g cocoa). Values in DPPH ranged from 5869.3 to 7781.8 𝜇mol Trolox/g cocoa and for the FRAP assay ranged from 369.8 to 606.7 mg AA/g cocoa among the sites.
Linalool’s Multifaceted Antimicrobial Potential: Unveiling its Antimicrobial Efficacy and Immunomodulatory Role AgainstSaprolegnia parasitica
Authors: Tang Tao , Zhong Weiming , Tang Puyu , Dai Rongsi , Guo Jiajing , Gao Zhipeng 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSaprolegnia parasitica(S.parasitica) is one of the most virulent oomycete species in freshwater aquatic environments, causing severe saprolegniasis and leading to significant economic losses in the aquaculture industry. Thus far, the prevention and control of saprolegniasis face a shortage of medications. Linalool, a natural antibiotic alternative found in various essential oils, exhibits promising antimicrobial activity against a wide range of pathogens. In this study, the specific role of linalool in protectingS.parasiticainfection at bothin vitroandin vivolevels was investigated. Linalool showed multifaceted anti-oomycetes potential by both of antimicrobial efficacy and immunomodulatory efficacy. Forin vitrotest, linalool exhibited strong anti-oomycetes activity and mode of action included: (1) Linalool disrupted the cell membrane of the mycelium, causing the intracellular components leak out; (2) Linalool prohibited ribosome function, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis and ultimately affecting mycelium growth. Surprisingly, meanwhile we found the potential immune protective mechanism of linalool in thein vivotest: (1) Linalool enhanced the complement and coagulation system which in turn activated host immune defense and lysateS.parasiticacells; (2) Linalool promoted wound healing, tissue repair, and phagocytosis to cope withS.parasiticainfection; (3) Linalool positively modulated the immune response by increasing the abundance of beneficial Actinobacteriota; (4) Linalool stimulated the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines to lyseS.parasiticacells. In all, our findings showed that linalool possessed multifaceted anti-oomycetes potential which would be a promising natural antibiotic alternative to cope withS.parasiticainfection in the aquaculture industry.
Structure of the E3 ligase CRL2-ZYG11B with substrates reveals the molecular basis for N-degron recognition and ubiquitination
Authors: Liu Xi , Li Yang , Castro Lennice , Yu Zanlin , Cheng Yifan , Daugherty Matthew D. , Gross John D. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTZYG11B is a substrate specificity factor for Cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase (CRL2) involved in many biological processes, including Gly/N-degron pathways. Yet how the binding of ZYG11B with CRL2 is coupled to substrate recognition and ubiquitination is unknown. We present the Cryo-EM structures of the CRL2-ZYG11B holoenzyme alone and in complex with a Gly/N-peptide from the inflammasome-forming pathogen sensor NLRP1. The structures indicate ZYG11B folds into a Leucine-Rich Repeat followed by two armadillo repeat domains that promote assembly with CRL2 and recognition of NLRP1 Gly/N-degron. ZYG11B promotes activation of the NLRP1 inflammasome through recognition and subsequent ubiquitination of the NLRP1 Gly/N-degron revealed by viral protease cleavage. Our structural and functional data indicate that blocking ZYG11B recognition of the NLRP1 Gly/N-degron inhibits NLRP1 inflammasome activation by a viral protease. Overall, we show how the CRL2-ZYG11B E3 ligase complex recognizes Gly/N-degron substrates, including those that are involved in viral protease-mediated activation of the NLRP1 inflammasome.
The Influence of Ionic Environment on Nucleosome-Mica Interactions Revealed via Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Kariyawasam Nilusha L. , Wereszczynski Jeff 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMica serves as a crucial substrate in Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) studies for visualizing and characterizing nucleosomes. Nucleosomes interact with the negatively charged mica surface via adsorbed cations. However, the specific influences of monovalent and divalent cations on nucleosome adsorption to the mica surface remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the binding of nucleosomes to the mica surface in the presence of monovalent potassium ions and divalent magnesium ions using molecular dynamics simulations. We also explored the impact of pre-treated mica surfaces on nucleosome binding and structure. Our findings reveal that nucleosome-mica interactions vary depending on the cations present, resulting in distinct effects on nucleosome structure. Notably, nucleosomes bind effectively to a mica surface in the presence of potassium ions with minimal structural perturbations.
Evaluation of a program of social intervention for adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (PROSEAR)
Authors: Cardelle-Pérez Federico , Díaz-Caneja María Ángeles , Martín-Pérez Ángela de Lourdes , Andrés-Espallardo Sonia , Ortega-García María Dolores , Horcajo-Marrupe Belén 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) surpasses 2% in some regions. However, there is a lack of manualized programs targeting the social skills of adolescents with these disorders, particularly in the Spanish language context. This study aims to introduce PROSEAR, an innovative social skills program for adolescents with ASD implemented in a Day Hospital setting.

Design/methodology/approach
The evaluation used the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Social Skills Scale (EHS) as measures, administering pre- and postintervention tests for each patient.

Findings
SDQ exhibited the most significant improvement in the domain of peer problems. In terms of EHS, it demonstrated beneficial effects across all evaluated domains, with statistically significant improvements observed specifically in the expression of anger or disagreement. Limitations include a small sample size and lack of a randomized control group.

Originality/value
The outcomes align with existing literature supporting the intervention as positive in clinical practice. Overall, the PROSEAR intervention shows promise for enhancing social skills in adolescents with ASD. Further research is needed to improve therapeutic approaches for this population.
Intellectual capital and subscription rate: an empirical investigation in the Indian initial public offering market
Authors: Wadhwa Sukanya , Sahoo Seshadev 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the impact of intellectual capital (IC) on investor demand (i.e. subscription rate). The rise of the knowledge economy motivates us to investigate how the value added by the IC of the issuing firms affects potential investors’ responses.

Design/methodology/approach
This study investigates the impact of IC on initial public offering (IPO) subscription rates using 234 IPOs from March 31, 2010 to March 31, 2021. This study uses multivariate regression, including year and industry dummies, and conduct robustness tests with industry subsamples. Additionally, this paper uses an alternative demand proxy (i.e. listing day returns) and two-staged least squares to address endogeneity.

Findings
This paper documents an inverse relationship between investor demand and human capital efficiency alongside a positive correlation between investor demand and structural capital efficiency. Additionally, IC efficiency positively affects listing day returns, with individual investor demand significantly driven by institutional investors.

Originality/value
This study uses Pulic’s (2000) methodology for measuring IC and examines whether it reduces information asymmetry in the IPO market and encourages investors to subscribe to an issue. This study holds significant implications for IPO issuing firms, investors and regulators regarding the IC disclosure in the prospectus.
Dynamics of corporate governance and dividend policy alliance: a meta-analytical approach
Authors: Narang Naina , Gupta Seema , Tripathy Naliniprava 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
The present study uses a meta-analysis technique to explore the association between corporate governance and dividend policy. The extant literature delivers inconclusive findings on the relationship between corporate governance and dividend policy. Therefore, this study aims to resolve the issues and deliver comprehensive results.

Design/methodology/approach
The study involves a meta-analysis of 53 research studies using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses and population, intervention, comparison, outcome and study design approaches. The paper examines the impact of moderators: corporate governance structure (Anglo-American, communitarian or emerging system) and dividend distribution metrics (dividend over net income, dividend over total assets and absolute amount of dividend/dividend per share). The study involves subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis to examine the impact of moderators.

Findings
The study’s results specify that board size and percentage of female directors significantly impact the dividend decisions of the company. In addition, subgroup analysis and meta-regression results demonstrate that dividend measurement proxy moderates the association between corporate governance and dividend policy.

Originality/value
Based on the existing literature surveyed, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the current study is the first to conduct a meta-analysis on the relationship between corporate governance and dividend policy. This paper is unique and the first one of its kind (to the best of the authors’ knowledge) to cover all these moderating variables under an umbrella and consolidate the results to understand the existing knowledge and direct future research in the area of corporate governance and dividend decisions.
Conversing in the shadow of echoes – a scale development and validation of the dark side of organizational internal communication
Authors: Anand Amitabh , Sinitsyna Elena , Takács Sándor , Kazakov Sergey 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
This study aims to develop and validate the scales on the dark side of internal communication (IC) that capture a more nuanced perception of ineffectiveness, manipulation and miscommunication from the employee perspective. This study also examines this scale's effects on employee outcomes (such as employee loyalty and quiet quitting).

Design/methodology/approach
The authors developed the dark side of the IC scale through qualitative interviews and a review of relevant literature. Statistical techniques such as exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, convergent validity and nomological validity were performed on the newly produced scales. The authors also examined the predictive validity effects of these scales on employee loyalty and quiet quitting using participants from Hungary.

Findings
The scale development resulted in a 15-item measuring three dimensions of the dark side of IC. After several statistical examinations, the scale exhibited robust psychometric properties and is reliable and valid.

Originality/value
This study empirically supported the new phenomenon of studying the dark side of IC, and the scale can be used to measure employee outcomes, the effectiveness of organizational communication, etc.
A measure of pedagogical self-efficacy that predicts course evaluations for an international sample of management education faculty
Authors: Ladd Ted , Bachnik Katarzyna , Nimon-Peters Amanda , Scrocchi Sonia 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThis study examined the relationship between pedagogical self-efficacy and student course evaluations among an international sample of management education faculty. We also investigated gender’s moderating role in this relationship and its impact on the development of pedagogical self-efficacy.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 professors at an international business school, identifying three subdomains of pedagogical self-efficacy: course design, classroom management, and feedback provision. We designed a 25-question faculty survey to measure pedagogical self-efficacy, administered it to 84 faculty members, and analyzed the data alongside 20,000 student course evaluations.FindingsAll three pedagogical self-efficacy domains significantly predicted student course evaluations. The self-efficacy of female faculty had a positive relationship with course evaluations across all subdomains. In contrast, the self-efficacy of male faculty had a negative relationship with course evaluations on the course design subdomain. Student evaluations of courses taught by women were 10% lower than those taught by males and male faculty had significantly higher self-efficacy ratings than their female counterparts.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that interventions designed to boost pedagogical self-efficacy can enhance student learning, irrespective of faculty gender. However, given biases in how students perceive female faculty, it is likely that female and male faculty members develop self-efficacy differently.Originality/valueThis study is the first to examine how pedagogical self-efficacy affects course evaluations, focusing on gender as a potential moderator. We also added an international higher education perspective to self-efficacy theories.
Does energy poverty contribute to gender inequality and environmental degradation in Africa?
Authors: Butty Oliver N. , Seraj Mehdi , Özdeşer Hüseyin 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
This study aims to examine whether energy poverty impacts gender inequality and CO2 emissions in African countries with the biggest economies by gross domestic product (GDP) per capita from 1996 to 2020. Additionally, this study examines the existence of the gender Kuznets curve (GKC) and the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) theories. Furthermore, it evaluates the connection between economic development and carbon emissions, on the one hand, and economic development and gender inequality on the other.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses the augmented Dickey–Fuller and Phillip–Perron unit root tests to determine the degree of integration between the variables. It also uses the Pedroni and Fisher–Combine Johansen cointegration tests to assess a long-run relationship between the variables. The authors adopted the pooled mean group (PMG)-autoregressive distributed lag model and used the E-Views 12 software to run the analysis.

Findings
The empirical analysis approves the long-run correlation among the variables used in this study. Increased energy poverty and GDP increase CO2 emissions, whereas income square hurts CO2 emissions. These results are consistent with the EKC hypothesis, which proposes a non-linear relationship between CO2 emissions and economic growth in the studied areas (similar to an inverted U shape). Long-term foreign direct investment (FDI) has a negative correlation with CO2 emissions. On the contrary, energy poverty, GDPsq and FDI find a positive relationship with gender inequality, whereas GDP finds a negative association with gender inequality. The negative relationship between GDPsq and gender inequality establishes a “U”-shaped connection between income and gender inequality. Thus, it supports the hypothesis of the GKC. Therefore, this study proposes that decreasing energy poverty is vital for promoting a clean environment and mitigating gender inequality.

Originality/value
This study supports the hypothesis of the GKC. Therefore, this study proposes that decreasing energy poverty is vital for promoting a clean environment and mitigating gender inequality.