bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An emerging PB2-627 polymorphism increases the pandemic potential of avian influenza virus by breaking through ANP32 host restriction in mammalian and avian hosts
Authors: Guo Yuxin , Shu Sicheng , Zhou Yong , Peng Wenjing , Jiang Zhimin , Li Yudong , Li Tian , Du Fanshu , Wang Linlin , Chen Xue , Dong Jinze , Zhao Chuankuo , Wang Maggie Haitian , Sun Yipeng , Sun Honglei , Lu Lu , Digard Paul , Chang Kin-Chow , Yen Hui-Ling , Liu Jinhua. , Pu Juan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAlterations in the PB2-627 domain could substantially increase the risk of an avian influenza virus (AIV) pandemic. So far, a well-known mammalian mutation PB2-E627K has not been maintained in AIV in poultry, which limits the spread of AIVs from avian to humans. Here, we discovered a variant, PB2-627V, which combines the properties of avian-like PB2-627E and human-like PB2-627K, overcoming host restrictions and posing a risk for human pandemics. Specifically, by screening the global PB2 sequences, we discovered a new independent cluster with PB2-627V emerged in the 2010s, which is prevalent in various avian, mammalian, and human isolates of AIVs, including H9N2, H7N9, H3N8, 2.3.4.4b H5N1, and other subtypes. And, the increasing prevalence of PB2-627V in poultry is accompanied by a rise in human infection cases with this variant. Then we systematically assessed its host adaptation, fitness, and transmissibility across three subtypes of AIVs (H9N2, H7N9, and H3N8) in different host models, including avian and human cells, chickens, mice, and ferrets where infections naturally occur. We found that PB2-627V facilitates AIVs to efficiently infect and replicate in chickens and mice by utilizing both avian- and human-origin ANP32A proteins. Importantly, and like PB2-627K, PB2-627V promotes efficient transmission between ferrets through respiratory droplets. Deep sequencing in passaged chicken samples and transmitted ferret samples indicates that PB2-627V remains stable across the two distinct hosts and has a high potential for long-term prevalence in avian species. Therefore, the mutation has the ability to continue spreading among poultry and can also overcome the barrier between birds and humans, greatly enhancing the likelihood of AIVs infecting humans. Given the escalating global spread of AIVs, it is crucial to closely monitor influenza viruses carrying PB2-627V to prevent a pandemic.
Structurally diverse calloses/β-1,3-glucans in plant cell wall microdomains
Authors: Amsbury Sam , Marcus Susan E. , Yeshvekar Richa , Barber Jenny , German Liam , Ross James F. , Lelenaite Ieva , de Souza Moraes Tatiana , Wickramanayake Janithri , Klebanovych Anastasiya , Czymmek Kirk , Burch-Smith Tessa M. , Bayer Emmanuelle M. , Willats William , Manfield Iain W. , Knox Paul , Benitez-Alfonso Yoselin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCell walls underpin the mechanics of cell growth, intercellular signalling, and defence against pathogenic organisms. β-(1,3)-glucans (also known as callose) are polysaccharides found in plants, fungi, and some bacterial species. In developing plant organs, callose accumulates around intercellular channels (plasmodesmata) controlling cell-to-cell communication. We developed monoclonal antibodies for the detection of β-(1,3)-glucans and using these identified distinct populations of callose differing in size and secondary structure. Callose sub-populations were in proximal but not overlapping cell wall microdomains implying distinct spatial and functional microenvironments. We also unveiled callose interaction with xyloglucan; another plant glycan regulating cell wall functions. This work challenges previous views demonstrating structural heterogeneity in plant callose and supporting interactions between glycans with roles in the regulation of cell wall properties and functions.
E3 ligase recruitment by UBQLN2 protects substrates from proteasomal degradation
Authors: Scheutzow Ashley , Thanthirige Sachini , Siffer Gracie , Wohlever Matthew L. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractUbiquilins are a family of proteins critical to cellular proteostasis that are also linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, with specific mutations in UBQLN2 causing dominant, X-linked ALS. Despite an initial characterization as proteasomal shuttle factors, Ubiquilins have paradoxically been reported to stabilize numerous substrates. The basis of this triage decision remains enigmatic. Many other fundamental aspects of Ubiquilin function are unclear at the mechanistic level, such as the physiological significance of Ubiquilin phase separation, the unique role of each Ubiquilin paralog, and the mechanistic defects of ALS mutants. To address these questions, we utilized a library of triple knockout (TKO) rescue cell lines with physiological expression of single Ubiquilin paralogs or disease mutants in an isogenic background. Our findings reveal that UBQLN2 has a unique ability to protect substrates from degradation and that substrate stabilization correlates with the recruitment of multiple E3 ligases, including SCFbxo7. Substrate stabilization is diminished in ALS mutants and this defect is exacerbated upon overexpression. We propose that UBQLN2 is a molecular chaperone that recruits multiple E3 ligases to modulate substrate stability. This proposal unifies many existing observations in the field and presents a new paradigm for understanding Ubiquilin function in health and disease.
Development of a highly active engineered PETase enzyme for polyester degradation
Authors: Bhattacharya Shapla , Castagna Rossella , Estiri Hajar , Upmanis Toms , Ricci Andrea , Gautieri Alfonso , Parisini Emilio 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPolyethylene terephthalate (PET) accounts for ≈6% of global plastic production, contributing considerably to the global solid waste stream and environmental plastic pollution. Since the discovery of PET-depolymerizing enzymes, enzymatic PET recycling has been regarded as a promising method for plastic disposal, particularly in the context of a circular economy strategy. However, as the PET degrading enzymes developed so far suffer from relatively limited thermostability, low catalytic efficiency, as well as degradation intermediate-induced inhibition, their large scale industrial applications are still largely hampered. To overcome these limitations, we usedin silicoprotein design methods to develop an engineered Leaf-branch Compost Cutinase (LCC), named DRK3, that features enhanced thermal stability and PETase activity relative to the current gold standard LCC enzyme (LCC-ICCG). DRK3 features a 4.1°C increase in melting temperature relative to the LCC-ICCG enzyme. Under optimal reaction conditions (68°C), the DRK3 enzyme hydrolyzes amorphous PET material into TPA with a 2-fold higher efficiency compared to LCC-ICCG. Owing to its enhanced properties, DRK3 may be a promising candidate for future applications in industrial PET recycling processes.Graphical abstract
Linking functional and structural brain organisation with behaviour in healthy adults
Authors: Forde Natalie J , Llera Alberto , Beckmann Christian 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMultimodal data integration approaches, such as Linked Independent Component Analysis (LICA), increase sensitivity to brain-behaviour relationships and allow us to probe the relationship between modalities. Here we focus on inter-regional functional and structural organisation to determine if organisational patterns persist across modalities and if investigating multi-modality organisations provides increased sensitivity to brain-behaviour associations.We utilised multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; T1w, resting-state functional [fMRI] and diffusion weighted [DWI]) and behavioural data from the Human Connectome Project (HCP, n=676; 51% female). Unimodal features were extracted to produce individual grey matter density maps, probabilistic tractography connectivity matrices and connectopic maps from the T1w, DWI and fMRI data, respectively. DWI and fMRI analyses were restricted to subcortical regions for computational reasons. LICA was then used to integrate features, generating 100 novel independent components. Associations between these components and demographic/behavioural (n=308) variables were examined.15 components were significantly associated with various demographic/behavioural measures. 2 components were strongly related to various measures of intoxication, driven by DWI and resemble components previously identified. Another component was driven by striatal functional data and related to working memory. A small number of components showed shared variance between structure and function but none of these displayed any significant behavioural associations.Our working memory findings provide support for the use of fMRI connectopic mapping in future research of working memory. Given the lack of behaviourally relevant shared variance between functional and structural organisation, as indexed here, we question the utility of integrating connectopic maps and tractography data.
Challenges for error-correction coding in DNA data storage: photolithographic synthesis and DNA decay
Authors: Gimpel Andreas L. , Stark Wendelin J. , Heckel Reinhard , Grass Robert N. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractEfficient error-correction codes are crucial for realizing DNA’s potential as a long-lasting, high-density storage medium for digital data. At the same time, new workflows promising low-cost, resilient DNA data storage are challenging their design and error-correcting capabilities. This study characterizes the errors and biases in two new additions to the state-of-the-art workflow in DNA data storage: photolithographic synthesis and DNA decay. Photolithographic synthesis offers low-cost, scalable oligonucleotide synthesis but suffers from high error rates, necessitating sophisticated error-correction schemes, for example codes introducing within-sequence redundancy combined with clustering and alignment techniques for retrieval. On the other hand, the decoding of oligo fragments after DNA decay promises unprecedented storage densities, but complicates data recovery by requiring the reassembly of full-length sequences or the use of partial sequences for decoding. Our analysis provides a detailed account of the error patterns and biases present in photolithographic synthesis and DNA decay, and identifies considerable bias stemming from sequencing workflows. We implement our findings into a digital twin of the two workflows, offering a tool for developing error-correction codes and providing benchmarks for the evaluation of codec performance.
Retrospective Analysis of the Effects of BWF Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral to Faculty Transition Awards on Future Funding Success
Authors: Sekhon Mandeep K. , Scott Melanie , Green Cynthia L. , Rose Miquella C. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractEstablished by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF) in 2001, the Career Award at the Scientific Interface (CASI) is a career development award for scientists with doctoral training in the physical/mathematical/computational sciences or engineering conducting postdoctoral research in the biological sciences. The goal of the program is to support early career scientists interested in pursuing an independent research career with an interdisciplinary focus. In order to assess the benefit of the CASI award on recipients, the authors undertook a retrospective analysis of the funding data for CASI recipients to evaluate success against matching cohorts. These cohorts included applicants who succeeded to the final interview stage but were ultimately unsuccessful (interviewed), applicants who submitted proposals but did not make it to the final interview stage (proposal declined), and a randomly selected dataset of researchers from a comparable program, the highly competitive Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The results indicate that CASI recipients outperformed unsuccessful applicants and their K99/R00 counterparts in federal grant rates and overall grant dollars. The authors’ conclusion affirms that the CASI mechanism and BWF support successfully achieve the objective of invigorating the careers of young investigators, resulting in tangible downstream long-term effects.
The welfare effects of degrowth as a decarbonization strategy
Authors: Andrés Javier , Boscá José E. , Doménech Rafael , Ferri Javier 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to asses the welfare and macroeconomic implications of three distinct degrowth strategies designed to reduce carbon emissions: penalizing fossil fuel demand, substituting aggregate consumption with leisure and disincentivizing total factor productivity (TFP) growth.

Design/methodology/approach
Using an environmental dynamic general equilibrium (eDGE) model that incorporates both green renewable technologies and fossil fuels in the production process, this study sets an emissions reduction target aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement by 2050.

Findings
The results reveal that the conventional degrowth strategy, wherein a reduction in the consumption of goods and services is compensated with an increase in leisure, may entail significant economic consequences, leading to a notable decline in welfare. In particular, a degrowth scenario resulting from a decline in TFP yields the most pronounced reduction in welfare. Conversely, inducing a reduction in fossil fuel demand by fiscally inflating the price of the imported commodity, despite potential social backlash, exhibits noticeably less detrimental welfare effects compared to other degrowth policies. Furthermore, under this degrowth strategy, the findings suggest that a globally coordinated strategy could result in long-term welfare gain.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first contribution that uses an eDGE model to evaluate the welfare implications of an additional degrowth strategy amidst the ongoing inertial reduction of carbon emissions.
Academic leadership and job performance: the effects of organizational citizenship behavior and informal institutional leadership
Authors: Ludwikowska Kamila , Zakkariya K.A. , Aboobaker Nimitha 
Published: July 2024

PurposeGrounded on the distributed theory and the social exchange theory, the current study investigates the determinants that positively influence job performance among educators within the realm of higher education in India. It particularly assesses the impact of perceived academic leadership on performance and explores the mediating and moderating effects of organizational citizenship behavior and informal institutional leadership.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a descriptive research design, this study encompasses a broad cross-section of faculty members from various higher educational institutions across India. Data were gathered from 826 educators using a snowball sampling technique, with questionnaires administered online. Each variable was measured using prevalidated scales.FindingsThe findings from the moderated mediation model indicate a significant indirect relationship between perceived academic leadership and job performance, which is mediated by organizational citizenship behavior. Furthermore, informal institutional leadership demonstrates significant conditional indirect effects, enhancing the link between academic leadership and job performance up to a threshold, beyond which its influence diminishes.Originality/valueThis study pioneers the exploration of academic dynamics beyond mere titles and ranks in the Indian educational sector. It delineates both the direct and indirect roles these dynamics play in enhancing faculty performance, providing a novel insight into the complexities of academic leadership.
A computational predictive model for nanozyme diffusion dynamics: optimizing nanosystem performance
Authors: Fatima Maryam , Sohail Ayesha , Lei Youming , Sait Sadiq M. , Ellahi R. 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
Enzymes play a pivotal role in orchestrating essential biochemical processes and influencing various cellular activities in tissue. This paper aims to provide the process of enzyme diffusion within the tissue matrix and enhance the nano system performance by means of the effectiveness of enzymatic functions. The diffusion phenomena are also documented, providing chemical insights into the complex processes governing enzyme movement.

Design/methodology/approach
A computational analysis is used to develop and simulate an optimal control model using numerical algorithms, systematically regulating enzyme concentrations within the tissue scaffold.

Findings
The accompanying videographic footages offer detailed insights into the dynamic complexity of the system, enriching the reader’s understanding. This comprehensive exploration not only contributes valuable knowledge to the field but also advances computational analysis in tissue engineering and biomimetic systems. The work is linked to biomolecular structures and dynamics, offering a detailed understanding of how these elements influence enzymatic functions, ultimately bridging the gap between theoretical insights and practical implications.

Originality/value
A computational predictive model for nanozyme that describes the reaction diffusion dynamics process with enzyme catalysts is yet not available in existing literature.
The effect of financial inclusion and economic integration on green growth in ASEAN
Authors: Putra Anak Agung Ketut Agung Dharma , Oktora Siskarossa Ika 
Published: July 2024

PurposeThis study was conducted to review the overview of green growth and examine the role of financial inclusion as well as economic integration and other variables on green growth in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.Design/methodology/approachPrincipal component analysis (PCA) was used to construct financial inclusion variables and panel data regression analysis to examine the effect of financial inclusion and economic integration on green growth in 10 ASEAN countries from 2010 to 2021.FindingsThe results showed that financial inclusion had played a role in supporting green growth in ASEAN. The rapid development of green finance and green bonds promoted the implementation of better green growth. The variables of export diversification and trade openness had a significant effect on green growth. Therefore, there is a need for appropriate policies to prevent negative effects on the environment and the behavior of ASEAN countries.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study suggest that policymakers in ASEAN countries not only focus on gaining economic benefits from financial inclusion and economic integration activities but also pay attention to environmental impacts. Moreover, the ASEAN region is actively developing strategic steps in providing easy access to capital and finance as well as expanding international trade activities through ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA). Therefore, it is hoped that apart from being able to establish sustainable policies, this region will also encourage and optimize previous policies to make them more environmentally friendly.Originality/valueThis study used a green growth approach with the Index by the Global Green Growth Institute. This index considered aspects of green economic opportunities and social inclusion that have not been applied in previous studies. In addition, this study contributed to review the activities of economic integration and financial inclusion and the sustainability of green growth in ASEAN countries. Until now, there has been no research focused on ASEAN; even though ASEAN has long carried out economic integration and encouraged financial inclusion policies, this region is vulnerable to environmental degradation issues.
Corporate COVID-19 disclosure and stock price volatility: evidence from Egypt
Authors: Saleh Mohsen Anwar Abdelghaffar , Wu Dejun 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the relationship between corporate COVID-19 disclosure (COVID_DISC) and stock price volatility (SPV) in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors used the manual content analysis method to measure corporate COVID-19 disclosure in the narrative sections of annual reports. The authors use ordinary least squares (OLS) regression to examine the impact of corporate COVID-19 disclosure on stock price volatility using unique data from Egyptian-listed firms during COVID-19 pandemic over the period of 2020 to 2022. Propensity score matching method was adopted to mitigate the potential endogeneity issue.

Findings
This study reveals that corporate COVID-19 disclosure has a significant negative impact on stock price volatility, suggesting COVID-19 disclosure reduces stock price volatility. In addition, the results confirm that COVID-19 disclosure offers value relevant information to investors, which is consistent with the Egyptian Financial Supervisory Authority’s (EFSA) motivation in calling for more information on COVID-19 pandemic.

Practical implications
The findings of this study can help corporate managers and EFSA in enhancing corporate disclosure and transparency during future financial crises. Moreover, the findings offer valuable insights to investors, helping them gain a better understanding of the business environment during COVID-19 crisis.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first Egyptian empirical evidence that examines the relationship between corporate COVID-19 disclosure and stock price volatility.
Does financial reporting quality matter for the auditee characteristics-audit fees relationship? Evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Elswah Tamer , Abozaid Eid , Diab Ahmed 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
The various factors influencing audit fees are still unclear, which may undermine the possibility of attaining fair audit pricing. Against this concern, this study aims to investigate the relationship between the auditee’s corporate characteristics and audit fees. In addition, it reveals if accounting comparability, as a proxy for financial reporting quality, mediates such a relationship by bringing evidence from an emerging market.

Design/methodology/approach
This study depends on data from nonfinancial companies listed on the Egyptian stock exchange from 2016 to 2019. It adopts multiple regression models to test the impact of corporate characteristics and accounting comparability on audit fees and uses path analysis to test the indirect effect of the audit clients’ characteristics on audit fees through accounting comparability.

Findings
The authors found a significant positive (negative) effect of firm profitability on audit fees (accounting comparability). Further, accounting comparability has a significant negative effect on audit fees. The authors also found that accounting comparability partially mediates the significant relationship between profitability and audit fees. However, the authors found no significant association between leverage and audit fees. Finally, the authors found that accounting comparability does not mediate the relationship between leverage and audit fees.

Practical implications
This study’s findings can benefit audit practitioners in Egypt by showing the main factors affecting audit fees, especially audit clients’ attributes. The current findings also guide professional bodies responsible for issuing accounting and audit standards regarding the importance of financial reporting quality for audit pricing decisions.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by examining the mediating effect of accounting comparability concerning the corporate characteristics-audit fees relationship in developing African countries such as Egypt. This study’s findings can benefit audit practitioners in Egypt by showing the main factors affecting audit fees, especially audit clients’ attributes. The current findings also guide professional bodies responsible for issuing accounting and audit standards regarding the importance of financial reporting quality for audit pricing decisions.