bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biochemical characterization ofBacillus anthracissortase B: Use in sortase-mediated ligation and substrate recognition dependent on residues beyond the canonical pentapeptide binding motif for sortase enzymes
Authors: Jackson Sophie N. , Blount Jadon M. , Croney Kayla A. , Lee Darren E. , Ibershof Justin W. , Whitham Kyle M. , McCarty James , Antos John M. , Amacher Jeanine F. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSortases are cysteine transpeptidases located on the surface of Gram-positive bacteria. These critical enzymes facilitate the attachment of proteins to the cell wall, and are potential targets for novel antibiotic development, as well as versatile tools in protein engineering applications. Although there are six classes of sortases recognized, class A sortases (SrtA) are the most widely studied and utilized. SrtA enzymes recognize the canonical Cell Wall Sorting Signal (CWSS), LPXTG, where X=any amino acid, although work in recent years identified additional promiscuity in multiple positions of this recognition motif. Much less is known about Class B sortases (SrtB), which target a distinct sequence, typically with an N-terminal Asn, e.g., variations of NPXTG or NPQTN. Although understudied overall, two SrtB enzymes have previously been shown to be specific for heme transporter proteins, andin vitroexperiments with the catalytic domains of these enzymes reveal activities significantly worse than SrtA from the same organisms. Here, we use protein biochemistry, structural analyses, and computational simulations to better understand and characterize these enzymes, specifically investigatingBacillus anthracisSrtB (baSrtB) as a model SrtB protein. Structural modeling predicts a plausible enzyme-substrate complex, which is verified by mutagenesis of binding cleft residues at several positions. Furthermore, residues N- and C-terminal to the pentapeptide recognition motif are critical for observed activity. We also use chimeric proteins to identify a single site that improves baSrtB activity by ∼4-fold and use purified protein substrates to validate sortase-mediated ligation of two proteins using SrtB enzymes for the first time. Taken together, these studies provide insight into SrtB-target binding as well as evidence that SrtB enzymes can be modified to be of potential use in protein engineering.
OncogenicKRASMutations Confer a Unique Mechanotransduction Response to Peristalsis in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Clevenger Abigail J. , Collier Claudia A. , Gorley John Paul M. , McFarlin Maygan K. , Solberg Spencer C. , Kopetz E. Scott , Stratman Amber N. , Raghavan Shreya A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) tumors start as precancerous polyps on the inner lining of the colon or rectum, where they are exposed to the mechanics of colonic peristalsis. Our previous work leveraged a custom-built peristalsis bioreactor to demonstrate that colonic peristalsis led to cancer stem cell enrichment in colorectal cancer cells. However, this malignant mechanotransductive response was confined to select CRC lines that harbored an oncogenic mutation in theKRASgene. In this work, therefore, we explored the involvement of activatingKRASmutations on peristalsis-associated mechanotransduction in CRC. Peristalsis enriched the cancer stem cell marker LGR5 inKRASmutant (G13D, etc.) lines, in a Wnt-independent manner. Conversely, LGR5 enrichment in wild typeKRASlines exposed to peristalsis were minimal. LGR5 enrichment downstream of peristalsis translated to increased tumorigenicityin vivoinKRASmutant vs. wild type lines. Differences in mechanotransduction response was additionally apparent via unbiased gene set enrichment analysis, where many unique pathways were enriched in wild type vs. mutant lines, in response to peristalsis. Interestingly, peristalsis also triggered β-catenin nuclear localization independent of Wnt, particularly inKRASmutant lines. The central involvement of KRAS in the mechanotransductive responses was validated via gain and loss of function strategies. β-catenin activation and LGR5 enrichment downstream of peristalsis converged to the activation of the MEK/ERK kinase cascade, that remains active in cells that harbor oncogenicKRASmutations. Taken together, our results demonstrated that oncogenicKRASmutations conferred a unique peristalsis-associated mechanotransduction response to colorectal cancer cells, resulting in cancer stem cell enrichment and increased tumorigenicity. These mechanosensory connections can be leveraged in improving the sensitivity of emerging therapies that target oncogenic KRAS.
Does unstable off-farm employment cause stagnant farmland rent-out in rural China?
Authors: Cao Yueming , Zhou Dongjie , Bai Yunli 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the impacts of unstable off-farm employment on the probability and stability of farmland rent-out and explore its mechanisms.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Probit, Tobit, Order probit models with two-way fixed effects to conduct empirical analysis based on the balanced panel data collected in 2016 and 2023 with a national representativeness sample of 1,206 rural households in 100 villages across 5 provinces in China.FindingsThe empirical results showed that unstable off-farm employment had negative effects on the probability of farmland rent-out, but it had no effects on the stability of farmland rent-out. The mechanism analysis showed that unstable off-farm employment affected the probability of farmland rent-out by decreasing the probability of purchasing houses in city and endowment insurance with high pension. Heterogeneity analysis indicated that the negative effect of unstable off-farm employment was much larger for the households with higher share of labor engaging in off-farm employment outside home county, elder members in the households and those located in the villages of mountain areas.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to define the unstable off-farm employment from the perspective of incontiguous off-farm employment for several years, which could capture the normality rather than particular case in a certain year of off-farm employment among rural labors. Using these new measurements of unstable off-farmland, this paper examined the impacts and mechanisms of share of unstable off-farm employment on the probability and stability of farmland rent-out.
Examining the effect of leadership styles on organizational effectiveness in the oil and gas sector: does knowledge acquisition capacity matter?
Authors: Anyigba Hod , Lartey Robert Kofi 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between leadership styles and organizational effectiveness in the oil and gas industry, with a particular focus on the moderating role of knowledge acquisition capacity (KAC).Design/methodology/approachUsing a survey research design, data was collected from 322 respondents comprising faculty employees in the upstream, midstream and downstream of the oil and gas sector in Ghana. The data were analyzed by using the ordinary least squares approach to structural equation modelling with the use of SPSS and Amos software.FindingsThe findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge by confirming the positive associations between transformational and transactional leadership styles and organizational effectiveness. Moreover, the study highlights the significant moderating role of KAC, shedding light on the interaction between leadership styles and the ability to acquire and integrate external knowledge.Originality/valueBy investigating the influence of KAC, which represents a company’s ability to acquire and integrate external knowledge, this study provides a deeper understanding of how leadership styles interact with knowledge acquisition to shape organizational effectiveness. The study makes a contribution to the upper-echelon theory and a practice-knowledge contribution for managers in the oil and gas industry in Ghana.
E-commerce development, poverty reduction and income growth in rural China
Authors: Zhang Haoxu , Millan Elena , Money Kevin , Guo Pei 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThis research examines the impact of the National Rural E-commerce Comprehensive Demonstration Project (NRECDP) on poverty reduction and income growth in rural China.Design/methodology/approachThe study develops a theoretical framework, which considers the role of geographical, technological, institutional and cultural factors for the e-commerce poverty alleviation (e-CPA) model. Empirically, this study applies the difference-in-differences (DID) model and the event study approach to evaluate the effectiveness of NRECDP on the basis of large-scale county-level and household-level panel data spanning 2010 to 2020.FindingsThe study found that the NRECDP, as a government-led, information and communication technology (ICT)-enabled, market-based program, has led to a significant increase in per capita output of primary industry employees, as well as in the disposable income of rural residents, especially those in national-level poverty-stricken (NP) counties. The interventions of the NRECDP achieved these positive outcomes through transportation and Internet infrastructure improvement, ICT adoption and human capital accumulation in impoverished towns and villages in remote rural areas. These effects are larger in the eastern region of China, followed by the central region, whereas the weakest effects were found in the western region. However, we found little evidence of the NRECDP increasing household developmental expenditure.Research limitations/implicationsThe study findings have important practical and policy implications for rural e-commerce development and self-sustained poverty alleviation solutions. The research revealed the significance of government NRECDP interventions for increasing rural income, reducing living costs, and empowering the rural population in its multiple social roles, namely, as consumers, producers, employees and microentrepreneurs. The local cultural context may also play a role in ICT adoption and entrepreneurship cultivation with a downstream effect on the effectiveness of e-CPA practices. Policymakers would need to ensure a supportive entrepreneur-friendly environment for rural e-commerce development and continue implementing progressive policies for poverty alleviation.Originality/valueThis study explores poverty alleviation issues in China by developing for the first time a multi-faceted framework that is subsequently tested by both county-level and household-level large-scale observations. Also, it is the first study to provide nationwide empirical evidence on the effectiveness of e-CPA in narrowing down the spatial and digital divides in China. In addition to the impact of geography, technology and governmental support, this study also sheds light on the role of culture in the adoption and diffusion of digital technologies and as a source of local entrepreneurial opportunities.
Non-professional versus professional investors’ trust in financial analysts’ recommendations and influences on investments
Authors: Jansson Magnus , Michaelsen Patrik , Sonsino Doron , Gärling Tommy 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate differences in non-professional and professional stock investors’ trust in and tendency to follow financial analysts’ buy and sell recommendations.Design/methodology/approachOnline experiment conducted in Sweden in March 2022 comparing non-professional private investors (n = 80), professional investors (n = 33), and master students in finance (n = 28). Information was presented about four company stocks listed on the New York stock exchange. Two stocks were buy-recommended and two stocks sell-recommended by financial analysts. For one stock of each type, the recommendation was presented to participants. Dependent variables were predictions of the stock price after three months, ratings of confidence in the predictions and choices of holding, buying or selling the stock. Ratings were also made of the importance of presented stock-related information as well as trust in analysts’ skill and integrity.FindingsMore positive return predictions were made of buy-recommended than sell-recommended stocks. Non-professionals and to some degree finance students tended to trust financial analysts more than professional investors did and they were more influenced by the presentation of the buy recommendations. All groups made too optimistic return predictions, but the professionals were less confident in their predictions, more likely to sell the stocks and lost less on their investments.Originality/valueA new finding is that non-professional stock investors are more likely than professional stock investors to trust financial analysts and follow their recommendations. It suggests that financial analysts’ recommendations influence non-professional investors to take unmotivated investment risks. Non-professionals in the stock market should hence be advised to exercise more caution in following analysts’ recommendations.
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in acute cholecystitis: Is it necessary for patients with normal common bile duct diameter?
Authors: Zeinalpour Adel , Ebrahimibagha Hamed , Amestejani Morteza , Shojaei‐Zarghani Sara , Pakravan Faramarz , Safarpour Ali Reza 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimInvestigating concurrent choledocholithiasis in patients with acute cholecystitis (AC) and normal common bile duct (CBD) diameter on ultrasound by performing magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) can be challenging. This study aims to determine the conditions that necessitate MRCP before surgery and its potential impact on the course of treatment for these patients.Patients and methodsWe included 100 patients with AC and normal CBD diameter who were admitted to Shahid Modarres Hospital from September 2019 to September 2022. Patients with elevated levels of any liver serum markers above the upper limit of normal underwent MRCP.ResultsThe MRCP results were positive in 45.16% of cases and altered the type of treatment in 35.48% of them. The findings indicated that direct [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.782; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.597–0.909] and total bilirubin (AUC = 0.697; 95% CI 0.507–0.849) were significantly effective in predicting the positive findings for concurrent CBD stone or Mirizzi's syndrome on MRCP. The optimal cutoff values for direct and total bilirubin were found to be above 1.02 and 2.19 mg/dL. Concerning the alteration of treatment approaches, direct bilirubin demonstrated predictive value (P = .014) at levels above 1.02 mg/dL.ConclusionsIn cases of AC with a normal CBD diameter on ultrasound and mild elevations in liver function parameters, including total and direct bilirubin, it is not routinely necessary to perform MRCP. However, if these laboratory values exceed a certain threshold, MRCP is recommended as it may reveal alternative diagnoses that could alter the clinical management.
New Development Bank's role in the global financial architecture
Authors: Hofman Bert , Srinivas P. S. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe New Development Bank (NDB) was established in 2015 by the grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (referred to as the BRICS). The establishment of the NDB was one of the outcomes of the economic and political dissatisfaction arising out of the growing disparity between the BRICS' development needs, their share of the world economy, and their representation in the established institutions of the global financial architecture. The paper examines the origins of NDB, the unique aspects of its governance structure, innovations in its operational model, and the challenges it currently faces. The paper concludes that 9 years after its establishment, NDB has completed the core foundational work required of a new multilateral development bank. It is undoubtedly an interesting experiment in the creation of a new international financial institution, and it has made a good and solid start. However, the current global environment is very different from the world of 9 years ago. If the NDB can navigate well the current challenges and if it can scale up significantly, then the NDB indeed has the potential to make a significant impact on the global architecture of development finance. Whether it does so, remains to be seen.
Sexism and alcohol‐related problems among women: The role of social anxiety and coping motivated drinking
Authors: Buckner Julia D. , Thomas Katharine L. , Morris Paige E. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesExperiencing sexism is related to more alcohol‐related problems, presumably via drinking to cope with negative affect associated with experiencing sexism. Yet no known studies have directly tested whether the relation of sexism to alcohol problems occurs via relevant negative emotions and drinking to cope with negative emotions. Given that sexism is a type of negative evaluation, social anxiety may be one type of negative affect that plays a role in sexism's relation with drinking behaviors.MethodThis study tested whether sexism was related to alcohol‐related problems via the serial effects of social anxiety and coping‐motivated alcohol use among 836 cis‐female undergraduates who endorsed past‐month alcohol use.ResultsPast‐year experiences with sexism were positively correlated with coping and conformity‐motivated alcohol use, alcohol problems (but not peak estimated blood alcohol content, eBAC), social anxiety, and depression. After statistically controlling for depression and peak eBAC, sexism was indirectly related to alcohol problems via the serial effects of social anxiety and drinking motives (coping, conformity).Discussion and ConclusionsResults highlight the important role of social anxiety and drinking to cope with negative emotions and to fit in with peers who drink in relation of sexism with alcohol‐related problems.Scientific SignificanceThis is the first known study to find that experiences of sexism are related to alcohol problems via the serial effects of social anxiety and coping and conformity‐motivated drinking. This is also the first known study to find that sexism is related to more conformity‐motivated drinking.
Hyperandrogenic environment regulates the function of ovarian granulosa cells by modulating macrophage polarization in PCOS
Authors: Chen Xi , Hong Ling , Diao Lianghui , Yin Tailang , Liu Su 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine‐metabolic disorder characterized by oligo‐anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries, with hyperandrogenism being the most prominent feature of PCOS patients. However, whether excessive androgens also exist in the ovarian microenvironment of patients with PCOS, and their modulatory role on ovarian immune homeostasis and ovarian function, is not clear.MethodsFollicular fluid samples from patients participating in their first in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) treatment were collected. Androgen concentration of follicular fluid was assayed by chemiluminescence, and the macrophage M1:M2 ratio was detected by flow cytometry. In an in vitro model, we examined the regulatory effects of different concentrations of androgen on macrophage differentiation and glucose metabolism levels using qRT‐PCR, Simple Western and multi‐factor flow cytometry assay. In a co‐culture model, we assessed the effect of a hyperandrogenic environment in the presence or absence of macrophages on the function of granulosa cells using qRT‐PCR, Simple Western, EdU assay, cell cycle assay, and multi‐factor flow cytometry assay.ResultsThe results showed that a significantly higher androgen level and M1:M2 ratio in the follicular fluid of PCOS patients with hyperandrogenism. The hyperandrogenic environment promoted the expression of pro‐inflammatory and glycolysis‐related molecules and inhibited the expression of anti‐inflammatory and oxidative phosphorylation‐related molecules in macrophages. In the presence of macrophages, a hyperandrogenic environment significantly downregulated the function of granulosa cells.ConclusionThere is a hyperandrogenic microenvironment in the ovary of PCOS patients with hyperandrogenism. Hyperandrogenic microenvironment can promote the activation of ovarian macrophages to M1, which may be associated with the reprogramming of macrophage glucose metabolism. The increased secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines by macrophages in the hyperandrogenic microenvironment would impair the normal function of granulosa cells and interfere with normal ovarian follicle growth and development.
Changes in T‐cell subsets, preexisting cytopenias and hyperferritinaemia correlate with cytopenias after BCMA targeted CAR T‐cell therapy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: Results from a prospective comprehensive biomarker study
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Wagner Vivien , Scheller Lukas , Stanojkovska Emilia , Riedhammer Christine , Xiao Xianghui , Steinhardt Maximilian Johannes , Vogt Cornelia , Nerreter Silvia , Eisele Florian , John Mara , Munawar Umair , Kadel Sofie‐Katrin , Mersi Julia , Ruckdeschel Anna , Schimanski Sven , Haertle Larissa , Waldschmidt Johannes Moritz , Han Seungbin , Topp Max , Duell Johannes , Einsele Hermann , Riedel Angela , Kortüm K. Martin , Rasche Leo 
Published: May 2024

SummaryBiomarkers for cytopenias following CAR T‐cell treatment in relapsed/refractory (RR) multiple myeloma (MM) are not completely defined. We prospectively analysed 275 sequential peripheral blood (PB) samples from 58 RRMM patients treated with BCMA‐targeted CAR T cells, and then divided them into three groups: (i) baseline (before leukapheresis), (ii) ≤day+30, and (iii) >day+30 after CAR T‐cell therapy. We evaluated laboratory data and performed flow cytometry to determine the (CAR) T‐cell subsets. Baseline hyperferritinaemia was a risk factor for long‐lasting grade ≥3 anaemia (r = 0.47, p < 0.001) and thrombocytopenia (r = 0.44, p = 0.002) after CAR T‐cell therapy. Low baseline haemoglobin (Hb) and PLT were associated with long‐lasting grade ≥3 anaemia (r = −0.56, p < 0.001) and thrombocytopenia (r = −0.44, p = 0.002) respectively. We observed dynamics of CAR‐negative T‐cell subsets following CAR T‐cell infusion. In the late phase after CAR T‐cell therapy (>day+30), CD4Tn frequency correlated with anaemia (r = 0.41, p = 0.0014) and lymphocytopenia was related to frequencies of CD8+ T cells (r = 0.72, p < 0.001) and CD8Teff (r = 0.64, p < 0.001). CD4Tcm frequency was correlated with leucocytopenia (r = −0.49, p < 0.001). In summary, preexisting cytopenias and hyperferritinaemia indicated long duration of grade ≥3 post‐CAR T‐cell cytopenias. Prolonged cytopenia may be related to immune remodelling with a shift in the CAR‐negative T‐cell subsets following CAR T‐cell therapy.