bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitochondria-targeted hydrogen sulfide donor reduces fatty liver and obesity in mice fed a high fat diet by inhibitingde novolipogenesis and inflammationviamTOR/SREBP-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways
Authors: Stachowicz Aneta , Czepiel Klaudia , Wiśniewska Anna , Stachyra Kamila , Ulatowska-Białas Magdalena , Kuśnierz-Cabala Beata , Surmiak Marcin , Majka Grzegorz , Kuś Katarzyna , Wood Mark E. , Torregrossa Roberta , Whiteman Matthew , Olszanecki Rafał 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundMetabolic diseases that include obesity and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) are a rapidly growing worldwide public health problem with unmet clinical need. The pathogenesis of MAFLD is very complex including abnormally increased lipogenesis, chronic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. A growing body of evidence suggests that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important player in the liver, impacting lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function. However, direct delivery of H2S to mitochondria has not been investigated as a therapeutic strategy in obesity-related metabolic disorders. Therefore, the aim of our study was to comprehensively evaluate the influence of prolonged treatment with a mitochondria sulfide delivery molecule (AP39) on the development of fatty liver and obesity in a high fat diet (HFD) fed mice.ResultsOur results demonstrated that AP39 reduced fatty liver in HFD-fed mice, which was corresponded with decreased triglyceride content in the liver and plasma as well as increased GSH/GSSG ratio in the plasma. Furthermore, treatment with AP39 downregulated pathways related to biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, lipoprotein assembly and PPAR signaling in the liver of HFD-fed mice. It also led to a decrease inde novolipogenesis in the liver by downregulating mTOR/SREBP-1/SCD1 signaling pathway. Moreover, AP39 administration alleviated obesity in HFD-fed mice, which was reflected by reduced weight of mice and adipose tissue, decreased leptin levels in the plasma and upregulated expression of ATGL, a lipolysis enzyme in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT). Finally, AP39 reduced inflammation in the liver and eWAT measured as the expression of pro inflammatory markers (Il1b, Il6, Tnf,Mcp1), which was due to the downregulation of mTOR/NF-κB signaling pathway.ConclusionsTaken together, mitochondria-targeted sulfide delivery molecules could potentially provide a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment/prevention of obesity-related metabolic disorders.
PtWAVE: A High-Sensitive deconvolution software of sequencing trace for the Detection of Large Indels in Genome Editing
Authors: Nakamae Kazuki , Ide Saya , Ohnuki Nagaki , Nakagawa Yoshiko , Okuhara Keisuke , Bono Hidemasa 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundTracking of Insertions and DEletions (TIDE) analysis, which computationally deconvolves capillary sequencing data derived from the DNA of bulk or clonal cell populations to estimate the efficiency of targeted mutagenesis by programmable nucleases, has played a significant role in the field of genome editing. However, the detection range covered by conventional TIDE analysis is limited. Range extension for deconvolution is required to detect larger deletions and insertions (indels) derived from genome editing in TIDE analysis. However, extending the deconvolution range introduces uncertainty into the deconvolution process. Moreover, the accuracy and sensitivity of TIDE analysis tools for large deletions (>50 bp) remain poorly understood.ResultsIn this study, we introduced a new software called PtWAVE that can detect a wide range of indel sizes, up to 200 bp. PtWAVE also offers options for variable selection and fitting algorithms to prevent uncertainties in the model. We evaluated the performance of PtWAVE by using in vitro capillary sequencing data that mimicked DNA sequencing, including large deletions. Furthermore, we confirmed that PtWAVE can stably analyze trace sequencing data derived from actual genome-edited samples.ConclusionsPtWAVE demonstrated superior accuracy and sensitivity compared to the existing TIDE analysis tools for DNA samples, including large deletions. PtWAVE can accelerate genome editing applications in organisms and cell types in which large deletions often occur when programmable nucleases are applied.
Lifestyle-specific responses ofTrichodermaspp. in mycoparasitic confrontations and implications for biocontrol ofPopulusxcanescens
Authors: Stange Pia , Kersting Johannes , Sivaprakasam Padmanaban Prasath Balaji , Schnitzler Jörg-Peter , Rosenkranz Maaria , Karl Tanja , Benz J. Philipp 
Published: April 2024

SummaryTrichodermaspp. are gaining popularity in agriculture and forestry due to their multifaceted roles in promoting plant growth through e.g. nutrient translocation, hormone production, induction of plant systemic resistance, but also direct antagonism of other fungi. However, the mycotrophic nature of the genus bears the risk of possible interference with other native plant-beneficial fungi, such as ectomycorrhiza, in the rhizosphere. Such interference could yield unpredictable consequences for the host plants of these ecosystems.We investigated whetherTrichodermaspp. can differentiate between beneficial ectomycorrhizal fungi (represented byLaccaria bicolorandHebeloma cylindrosporum) and pathogenic fungi (represented byFusarium graminearumandAlternaria alternata) in different confrontation scenarios, including a newly developed olfactometer “race tube”-like system.Using two independent species,T. harzianum,andT. atrobrunneum, with plant-growth-promoting and immune-stimulating properties towardsPopulusxcanescens, our study revealed robustly accelerated growth towards phytopathogens, while showing a contrary response to ectomycorrhizal fungi. Transcriptomic analyses identified distinct genetic programs during interaction corresponding to the lifestyles, emphasizing the expression of mycoparasitism-related genes only in the presence of phytopathogens.The findings reveal a critical mode of fungal community interactions belowground and suggest thatTrichodermaspp. can distinguish between fungal partners of different lifestyles already at a distance.
Prophage-encoded methyltransferase drives adaptation of community-acquired methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Ulrich Robert J. , Podkowik Magdalena , Tierce Rebecca , Irnov Irnov , Putzel Gregory , Samhadaneh Nora , Lacey Keenan A. , Boff Daiane , Morales Sabrina M. , Makita Sohei , Karagounis Theodora K. , Zwack Erin E. , Zhou Chunyi , Kim Randie , Drlica Karl , Pironti Alejandro , van Bakel Harm , Torres Victor J. , Shopsin Bo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe recently described the evolution of a community-acquired methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(CA-MRSA) USA300 variant responsible for an outbreak of skin and soft tissue infections. Acquisition of a mosaic version of the Φ11 prophage (mΦ11) that increases skin abscess size was an early step in CA-MRSA adaptation that primed the successful spread of the clone. The present report shows how prophage mΦ11 exerts its effect on virulence for skin infection without encoding a known toxin or fitness genes. Abscess size and skin inflammation were associated with DNA methylase activity of an mΦ11-encoded adenine methyltransferase (designatedpamA).pamAincreased expression of fibronectin-binding protein A (fnbA; FnBPA), and inactivation offnbAeliminated the effect ofpamAon abscess virulence without affecting strains lackingpamA. Thus,fnbAis apamA-specific virulence factor. Mechanistically,pamAwas shown to promote biofilm formation in vivo in skin abscesses, a phenotype linked to FnBPA’s role in biofilm formation. Collectively, these data reveal a novel mechanism—epigenetic regulation of staphylococcal gene expression—by which phage can regulate virulence to drive adaptive leaps byS. aureus.Graphical Abstract
Context-dependent structure formation of hairpin motifs in bacteriophage MS2 genomic RNA
Authors: Bukina Veronika , Božič Anže 
Published: April 2024

Many functions of ribonucleic acid (RNA) rely on its ability to assume specific sequence-structure motifs. Packaging signals found in certain RNA viruses are one such prominent example of functional RNA motifs. These signals are short hairpin loops that interact with coat proteins and drive viral self-assembly. As they are found in different positions along the much longer genomic RNA, the formation of their correct structure occurs as a part of a larger context. Any changes to this context can consequently lead to changes in the structure of the motifs themselves. In fact, previous studies have shown that structure and function of RNA motifs can be highly context-sensitive to the flanking sequence surrounding them. However, in what ways different flanking sequences influence the structure of an RNA motif they surround has yet to be studied in detail. We focus on a hairpin-rich region of the RNA genome of bacteriophage MS2—a well-studied RNA virus with a wide potential for use in biotechnology—and systematically examine context-dependent structural stability of 14 previously identified hairpin motifs, which include putative and confirmed packaging signals. Combining secondary and tertiary RNA structure prediction of the hairpin motifs placed in different contexts, ranging from the native genomic sequence to random RNA sequences and unstructured poly-U sequences, we determine different measures of motif structural stability. In this way, we show that while some motif structures can be stable in any context, others require specific context provided by the genome. Our results demonstrate the importance of context in RNA structure formation and how changes in the flanking sequence of an RNA motif sometimes lead to drastic changes in its structure. Structural stability of a motif in different contexts could provide additional insights into its functionality as well as assist in determining whether it remains functional when intentionally placed in other contexts.STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCERNA motifs are groups of related RNAs that possess similar sequence and/or structure and consequently assume similar functions. Despite their similarities, these motifs are often only a small part of larger RNA molecules, situated in various contexts provided by the surrounding (flanking) sequences. How the nature of the flanking sequence influences the structure of a motif it surrounds is a fundamental yet underexplored question. We systematically study context dependence of severalhairpin motifsin the genomic RNA of bacteriophage MS2 which act as packaging signals, indispensable for virus assembly. We show that while some motifs fold into the correct structure no matter the nature of their context, others require the specific context provided by the genomic RNA.
Coenzyme A biosynthesis inBacillus subtilis: Discovery of a novel precursor metabolite for salvage and its uptake system
Authors: Warneke Robert , Herzberg Christina , Klein Moritz , Elfmann Christoph , Dittmann Josi , Feussner Kirstin , Feussner Ivo , Stülke Jörg 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTThe Gram-positive model bacteriumBacillus subtilisis used for many biotechnological applications, including the large-scale production of vitamins. For vitamin B5, a precursor for coenzyme A synthesis, there is so far no established fermentation process available, partly due to the incomplete knowledge on the metabolic pathways that involve this vitamin. In this study, we have elucidated the complete pathways for the biosynthesis pantothenate and coenzyme A inB. subtilis. We have identified the enzymes involved in the pathway and have identified a salvage pathway for coenzyme A acquisition that acts on complex medium even in the absence of pantothenate synthesis. This pathway requires rewiring of sulfur metabolism resulting in the expression of a cysteine transporter. In the salvage pathway, the bacteria import cysteinopantetheine, a novel naturally occurring metabolite, using the cystine transport system TcyJKLMN. This work lays the foundation for the development of effective processes for vitamin B5 production.
Elevated body mass index in youth is associated with dysregulated surrogate markers of neural inhibition & excitation, and internetwork functional dysconnectivity
Authors: Reichelt AC , Daskalakis E , Cohen J , Solar KG , Saberi M , Ventresca M , Ali M , Zamyadi R , Scratch SE , Hamilton J , Dunkley BT 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe developing child and adolescent brain is thought to have an increased vulnerability to the negative impact of obesity and excessive consumption of hyperpalatable and energy-rich foods. In this study, we investigated the neurophysiological effects of overweight and obesity in 30 participants spanning childhood and adolescence (8-19 years), using a naturalistic viewing paradigm withInscapes,in a pseudo-resting-state protocol scan with magnetoencephalography (MEG). Subjects were median split on body mass indices (BMI), categorised into two groups comprising: lower <25 kg/m2(n=15) and higher ≥25 kg/m2(n=15). We assessed spontaneous, regional neural function indexed by oscillatory activity, and functional connectivity within and between intrinsic resting brain networks, including the default mode network, dorsal and ventral attention, somatomotor, visual, language, central executive and salience networks. Elevated BMI was associated with significant reductions in activity of the posterior dominant rhythm, and gamma hyperactivity across widespread cortical areas, suggesting intrinsic neuronal hyperexcitability and disinhibition in children and adolescents. Additionally, we observed low-frequency theta hypoconnectivity between resting state networks including the salience, visual, and default mode networks, and overall reduced global efficiency in brain network structure, suggesting reduced effectiveness in neural communication. These findings underscore the neural impact of body composition on the developing brain, suggesting deleterious alterations in excitation and inhibition from surrogate neural markers associated with neurochemistry and brain networks linked with cognitive and behavioural functioning. These alterations may contribute to the persistent behavioural rigidity and difficulties in adopting healthier eating behaviours into adulthood.
Gravitational wave imprints of the doublet left-right symmetric model
Authors: Karmakar Siddhartha , Ringe Dhruv 
Published: April 2024

We study the stochastic gravitational wave (GW) background resulting from the strong first-order phase transition (SFOPT) associated with SU(2)R×U(1)B−L-breaking in the doublet left-right symmetric model (DLRSM). For different values of the symmetry-breaking scale vR=20, 30, and 50 TeV, we construct the one-loop finite temperature effective potential to explore the parameter space for regions showing SFOPT. We identify the region where the associated GW background is strong enough to be detected at planned GW observatories. A strong GW signature favors a relatively light CP-even neutral scalar H3, arising from the SU(2)R doublet. The SU(2)L subgroup of DLRSM is broken by three vacuum expectation values: κ1, κ2, and vL. We observe a preference for O(1) values of the ratio w=vL/κ1, but no clear preference for the ratio r=κ2/κ1. A large number of points with strong GW signal can be ruled out from precise measurement of the trilinear Higgs coupling and searches for H3 at the future colliders.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Alan Fox in the shadow of the labour process
Authors: Cullinane Niall 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThe 50th anniversary of Fox'sBeyond ContractandMan Mismanagementcoincides with another vital contribution to the sociology of work from 1974: Braverman'sLabor and Monopoly Capital. This article analyses these two scholars' complementary approaches to job design and the extent to which Fox's ideas influenced subsequent labour process thought.Design/methodology/approachThe article's methodological approach is a historiographical reading of Fox and Braverman's thought in the context of their times and later scholarship.FindingsThe article demonstrates that despite some noteworthy overlap with Braverman concerning scientific management, Fox's insights were marginal to later iterations of labour process analysis. It delves into the reasons for this relative neglect, providing an understanding of the dynamics at play.Originality/valueThis paper's value lies in its combined industrial relations and labour process historiography. It offers a fresh perspective on Alan Fox's relationship to the latter field of study.
Barriers to collaboration among female technical university administrators
Authors: Addy Elizabeth , Ayitey Isaac , Adabor Emmanuel S. 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to identify barriers to collaboration among female administrators at a Ghanaian technical university (TU), based on the social identity theory (SIT).Design/methodology/approachA mixed-method approach was adopted, integrating qualitative interviews of 15 female administrators and completing structured questionnaires from 117 randomly sampled female administrators. The SIT, as the analytical framework, identified themes emerging from the data on barriers to collaboration among female administrators. While exploratory factor analysis identified measures of factors hindering collaborations, the use of structural equation modeling (SEM) enabled the confirmation of relationships among the barriers to collaboration with female administrators.FindingsThere existed statistically significant relationships between four of the barriers: intergroup relations conflict, trust with stakeholders and among females and structural barriers (SBs). For the quantitative analysis, it was found that SBs, intergroup relations, conflict and trust were statistically significant except for weak cultures. For the qualitative, results showed that SBs, lack of trust with stakeholders and among females and intergroup conflict hinder collaboration.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has a limited scope in using only one TU and focusing on a particular gender. The implications of this research will enrich the literature on barriers to female administrative collaboration in technical education based on the SIT.Practical implicationsPromoting administrative collaborations in the TU will ensure sustainability and efficient administrative systems.Social implicationsInstitutional policies should include gender inclusivity and equality on networking opportunities and provide mentorship programs for efficient administrative systems.Originality/valueWe used the SIT to determine barriers to collaboration among female administrators in a technical education institution, and the mixed methodology added a unique dimension to the study.
Impact of digital transformation misalignment on supplier financial risk
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Shi Qi , Zhou Zhifang , Cheng Xu 
Published: April 2024

PurposeDigital transformation misalignment refers to disparities in digital transformation levels between suppliers and buyers across the production and operation process. It has negatively affected supply chain stability. However, the existing research concerning the economic consequences has not been adequately addressed. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate whether such digital transformation misalignment increases supplier financial risk and to identify the factors influencing this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines binary combinations of suppliers and buyers listed on China’s A-share market between 2011 and 2021. This group constitutes a sample to empirically test the influence of digital transformation misalignment on the supplier’s financial risk, as well as the moderating effect of the geographical and organizational distances.FindingsThe paper’s findings demonstrate that digital transformation misalignment has indeed a significant increase in the supplier’s financial risk. Moreover, the impact is more intense when the geographical or organizational distance between the supplier and the buyer is relatively large.Originality/valueThe existing literature rarely explores the potential risks arising from digital transformation misalignment between supply chain partners. Therefore, this paper fills a notable gap as it is the first to study the impact of digital transformation misalignment on the supplier’s financial risk and the specific applied mechanisms. The contribution significantly improves the field of corporate digital transformation, particularly, within the context of supply chain management.
The uneven impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic tourist flows: what does mobile phone data tell us?
Authors: Condeço-Melhorado Ana , García-Palomares Juan Carlos , Gutiérrez Javier 
Published: April 2024

Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global tourism, with international travel bearing the burden of restrictions. Domestic tourism has also faced substantial challenges. This paper aims to analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic tourism in Spain, focusing on travel from Madrid (the country’s capital) to other tourist destinations.

Design/methodology/approach
Mobile phone data has been used to study the evolution of tourist trips over the summers of 2019, 2020 and 2021. Regression models are used to explain the number of visitors at destinations.

Findings
The pandemic not only caused a drastic drop in tourist flows but also disrupted the overall pattern of the domestic flow system. Winning destinations were typically areas in proximity to Madrid and less densely populated destinations, while urban destinations were major losers. The preferences of domestic tourists varied notably by income group, but the decrease in trip volumes showed only marginal differences.

Originality/value
The paper demonstrates the potential of mobile phone data analysis to study the uneven impact of external shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on tourist destinations. This approach considers spatial resilience heterogeneity within regions or provinces. By incorporating income information, the analysis introduces a social dimension to highly detailed spatial data, surpassing traditional studies conducted at the regional or national levels.
AI-driven technology and privacy: the value of social media responsibility
Authors: Walker Kristen L. , Milne George R. 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThe authors argue that privacy is integral to the well-being of consumers and an essential component in not only corporate social responsibility (CSR) but what they term uniquely as social media responsibility (SMR). A conceptual framework is proposed that delineates the privacy issues companies should pay attention to in artificial intelligence (AI)-fueled social media environments.Design/methodology/approachThe authors review literature on privacy issues in social media and AI in the academic and practitioner literatures. Based on the review, arguments focus on the need for an SMR framework, proposing responsible use of consumer data that is attentive to consumers' privacy concerns.FindingsImplications from the framework are a path forward for social media companies to treat consumer data more fairly in this new environment. The framework has implications for companies to reduce potential harms to consumers and consider addressing their power and responsibility. With social media and AI transforming consumer behavior so profoundly, there are a variety of short- and long-term social implications.OriginalitySince AI tools are becoming integral to social media company activities, this research addresses the changing responsibilities social media companies have in securing consumers' data and enabling consumers the agency to protect their privacy effectively. The authors propose an SMR framework based on CSR research and AI tools employed by social media companies.