bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uncovering the class II-bacteriocin predatiome in salivarius streptococci
Authors: Damoczi Julien , Knoops Adrien , Martou Marie-Sophie , Jamaux Félix , Gabant Philippe , Mahillon Jacques , Mignolet Johann , Hols Pascal 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTFacing the surge of antibiotic resistance, the medical field has a critical need for alternatives to treat bacterial infections. Among these, the use of bacteriocins, ribosomally-synthesized antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria, is considered to be a promising route. In the human commensalStreptococcus salivarius, the production of unmodified class II bacteriocins is directly controlled at the transcriptional level by the quorum-sensing ComRS system. Here, we used an integrated approach combining bioinformatics and synthetic biology to identify novel bacteriocins from salivarius streptococci active against human pathogens. We developed a bioinformatic pipeline that combines conservation of DNA motifs for genetic regulation and features of bacteriocin primary sequences to uncover cryptic class II bacteriocins. Notably, we discovered more than 50 novel bacteriocin candidates clustered into 21 groups from 100 genomes ofS. salivarius. Strain-based analysis of bacteriocin cocktails revealed an important diversity restricted to seven distinct loci, probably resulting from bacteriocin intra- and inter- species exchanges. Usingin vitroorin vivoproduction and synthetic biology tools, we showed that most of them are active against a panel of Gram-positive bacteria, including clinically- relevant pathogens. Overall, this work provides a new search-to-test generic pipeline for the discovery of novel bacteriocins in Gram-positive bacteria that could be used in cocktails for broad applications in the food and biomedical fields.IMPORTANCETo survive in highly challenging environments, streptococci have evolved a competence- predation coupling mechanism for genome plasticity. This developmental process is highly regulated at the transcriptional level, masking the predation killing effects in usual laboratory conditions. Here, we present a general strategy that combines bioinformatics and synthetic biology to unveil class II bacteriocins in streptococci. Its implementation to the beneficial speciesStreptococcus salivariusrevealed around 40 class II salivaricin cocktails explained by the plasticity of seven independent loci. Notably, the salivaricin predatiome includes a subtle blend of fratricins, sobrinicins, and broad-spectrum bacteriocins with overlapping activities against a wide spectrum of low-GC Gram-positive bacteria, including notorious pathogens. Furthermore, most of those bacteriocins are predicted to be variants of a common α-hairpin structure, indicating that their mode of action evolved convergently. Finally, the discovery ofca.50 novel bacteriocins offers perspectives for the rational assembly of potent cocktails active against pathogenic staphylococci, streptococci or enterococci.
Variations of floral temperature in changing weather conditions
Authors: Harrap Michael J. M. , de Vere Natasha , Hempel de Ibarra Natalie , Whitney Heather M. , Rands Sean A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFloral temperature is a flower characteristic that has the potential to impact the fitness of flowering plants and their pollinators. Likewise, the presence of floral temperature patterns, areas of contrasting temperature across the flower, can have similar impacts on the fitness of both mutualists.It is currently poorly understood how floral temperature changes under the influence of different weather conditions, and how floral traits may moderate these changes. Such weather dependency will impact how stable floral temperatures are over time and their utility to plant and pollinator. The stability of floral temperature cues is likely to facilitate effective plant-pollinator interactions and play a role in the plant’s reproductive success.We use thermal imaging to monitor how floral temperatures and temperature patterns of four plant species (Cistus‘snow fire’ and ‘snow white’,Coreopsis verticillataandGeranium psilostemon) change with several weather variables (illumination, temperature; windspeed; cloud cover; humidity and pressure) during times that pollinators are active.All weather variables influenced floral temperature in one or more species. The directionality of these relationships were similar across species. In all species light conditions (illumination) had the greatest influence on floral temperature overall, and in generation of contrasting temperatures between parts of the flower, temperature patterns. The effect sizes of other weather variables were lower and more varied across the four species. Most likely, floral traits such as pigmentation and structure influence these relationships between weather conditions and generation of floral temperature.Synthesis: Floral temperature and the extent to which flowers showed contrasting temperature patterns were influenced predominantly by light conditions. However, several weather variables had additional, lesser, influences. Furthermore, differences in floral traits, pigmentation and structure, likely resulted in differences in temperature responses to given conditions between species and different parts of the same flower. However, floral temperatures and contrasting temperature patterns that are sufficiently elevated for detection by pollinators were maintained across most conditions if flowers received moderate illumination. This suggests the presence of elevated floral temperature and contrasting temperature patterns are fairly constant and may have potential to influence plant-pollinator interactions across weather conditions.
Small, but mitey: Investigating the molecular genetic basis for mite domatia development and intraspecific variation inVitis ripariausing transcriptomics
Authors: Ritter Eleanore J. , Graham Carolyn D. K. , Niederhuth Chad , Weber Marjorie Gail 
Published: March 2024

SUMMARY• Here, we investigated the molecular genetic basis of mite domatia, structures on the underside of leaves that house mutualistic mites, and intraspecific variation in domatia size inVitis riparia(riverbank grape).• Domatia and leaf traits were measured, and the transcriptomes of mite domatia from two genotypes ofV. ripariawith distinct domatia sizes were sequenced to investigate the molecular genetic pathways that regulate domatia development and intraspecific variation in domatia traits.• Key trichome regulators as well as auxin and jasmonic acid are involved in domatia development. Genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis, biotic interactions, and molecule transport/metabolism are upregulated in domatia, consistent with their role in domatia development and function.• This work is one of the first to date that provides insight into the molecular genetic bases of mite domatia. We identified key genetic pathways involved in domatia development and function, and uncovered unexpected pathways that provide an avenue for future investigation. We also found that intraspecific variation in domatia size inV. ripariaseems to be driven by differences in overall leaf development between genotypes.
Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) as a tool for the management of Pine Pitch Canker forest disease
Authors: Bocos-Asenjo I.T. , Amin H. , Mosquera S. , Díez-Hermano S. , Ginésy M. , Diez J.J. , Niño-Sánchez J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGlobal change is exacerbating the prevalence of plant diseases caused by pathogenic fungi in forests worldwide. The conventional use of chemical fungicides, which is commonplace in agricultural settings, is not sanctioned for application in forest ecosystems, so novel control strategies are imperative. The promising approach SIGS (Spray-Induced Gene Silencing) involves the external application of specific double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), which can modulate the expression of target genes through environmental RNA interference in eukaryotes. SIGS exhibited notable success in reducing virulence when deployed against some crop fungal pathogens, such asFusarium graminearum,Botrytis cinereaandSclerotinia sclerotiorum, among others. However, there is a conspicuous dearth of studies evaluating the applicability of SIGS for managing forest pathogens. This research aimed to determine whether SIGS could be used to controlFusarium circinatum, a widely impactful forest pathogen that causes Pine Pitch Canker disease. To achieve this, we designed and produced though a bacterial synthesis, dsRNA molecules to target fungal essential genes involved to vesicle trafficking (Vps51,DCTN1, andSAC1), signal transduction (Pp2a,Sit4,Ppg1, andTap42), and cell wall biogenesis (Chs1,Chs2,Chs3b,Gls1) metabolic pathways. We confirmed thatF. circinatumis able to uptake externally applied dsRNA, triggering an inhibition of the pathogen’s virulence. Furthermore, this study pioneers the demonstration that recurrent applications of dsRNAs in SIGS are more effective in protecting plants than single applications. Therefore, SIGS emerges as an effective and sustainable approach for managing plant pathogens, showcasing its efficacy in controlling a globally significant forest pathogen subject to quarantine measures.
Unfolding system-environment correlation in open quantum systems: Revisiting master equations and the Born approximation
Authors: Babu A. P. , Alipour S. , Rezakhani A. T. , Ala-Nissila T. 
Published: March 2024

Understanding system-environment correlations in open quantum systems is vital for various quantum information and technology applications. However, these correlations are often overlooked or hidden in derivations of open-quantum-system master equations, especially when applying the Born approximation. To address this issue, given a microscopic model, we demonstrate how to retain system-environment correlation within commonly used master equations, such as the Markovian Lindblad, Redfield, second-order time convolutionless, second-order Nakajima-Zwanzig, and second-order universal Lindblad-like equations. We show that each master equation corresponds to a particular approximation on the system-environment correlation operator. In particular, our analysis exposes the form of the hidden system-environment correlation in the Markovian Lindblad equation derived using the Born approximation. We also identify that the processes leading to the Redfield equation yield an inaccurate initial-time system-environment correlation approximation. By fixing this problem, we propose a corrected Redfield equation with an improved prediction for early stages of the time evolution. We further illustrate our results in two examples, which imply that the second-order universal Lindblad-like equation captures correlation more accurately than the other standard master equations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exploring the mechanism of digital technology affordance on manufacturing enterprises’ digital competitive advantage
Authors: Zhu Jianxin , Jin Yu 
Published: March 2024

PurposeDigital technology is crucial to improving a firm’s core competitiveness. However, the existing research on the relationship therein shows heterogeneity. Using digital technology can enhance competitive advantage, which is crucial for enterprises and scholars. Thus, based on the digital technology affordance theory, this study explores the relationship between digital technology affordance and digital competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data were collected from 509 large and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in China, and multiple regression and structural equation modelling were used to test the hypotheses. Specifically, we discuss the mediating role of digital business capability and the moderating role of organisational legitimacy.FindingsEditability, association and visibility positively affect digital competitive advantage, and their coordination is strong. Further, they can help enterprises gain a competitive advantage through the mediating role of digital business capability (digital strategy, digital integration and regulation). However, the influence effect and action path differ per in different dimensions. Organisational legitimacy positively moderates the mediating effect of digital integration and regulation, and there is a moderated mediating effect. However, the moderating effect on the mediating effect of digital strategy is not significant.Originality/valueExisting studies neglect the relationship between the coordination of digital technology functions and digital competitive advantage. This study provides a new theoretical explanation for an in-depth understanding of these issues. These findings promote the development of innovation theory and provide valuable insights for guiding the application of digital technology in enterprises.
Secure futures? A mixed methods study on opportunities for helping young people referred to secure children’s homes for welfare reasons
Authors: Williams Annie , Bayfield Hannah , Elliott Martin , Lyttleton-Smith Jennifer , Young Honor , Evans Rhiannon , Long Sara 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
Using a mixed methodology comprising interviews, case file analysis and descriptive statistics, this study aims to examine the experiences of all 43 young people in Wales subject to secure accommodation orders between 1st April 2016 and 31st March 2018.

Design/methodology/approach
Children in the UK aged 10–17 years who are deemed to be at a significant level of risk to themselves or others may be subject to a secure accommodation order, leading to time spent in a secure children’s home (SCH) on welfare grounds. Following a rise in the number of children in Wales referred to SCHs for welfare reasons, this paper describes these young people’s journeys into, through and out of SCHs, giving insight into their experiences and highlighting areas for policy and practice improvements.

Findings
Findings indicate that improvements in mental health support and placement availability are key in improving the experiences of this particularly vulnerable group of young people throughout their childhood.

Practical implications
Other practical implications of the study’s findings, such as improvements in secure transport arrangements, are also discussed.

Originality/value
While the findings are limited by the reliance on self-report methods and the size of the study, namely, the small number of young people with experience of SCHs who were able to participate, the findings build on the existing knowledge base around children’s residential accommodation and provide new insights into how best to support these children.
Advance selling and service cancelation when consumers are overconfident
Authors: Sun Zhongfeng , Ji Guojun , Tan Kim Hua 
Published: March 2024

Purpose This paper aims to study the joint decision making of advance selling and service cancelation for service provides with limited capacity when consumers are overconfident.Design/methodology/approach For the case in which consumers encounter uncertainties about product valuation and consumption states in the advance period and are overconfident about the probability of a good state, we study how the service provider chooses the optimal sales strategy among the non-advance selling strategy, the advance selling and disallowing cancelation strategy, and the advance selling and allowing cancelation strategy. We also discuss how overconfidence influences the service provider’s decision making.Findings The results show that when service capacity is sufficient, the service provider should adopt advance selling and disallow cancelation; when service capacity is insufficient, the service provider should still implement advance selling but allow cancelation; and when service capacity is extremely insufficient, the service provider should offer spot sales. Moreover, overconfidence weakens the necessity to allow cancelation under sufficient service capacity and enhances it under insufficient service capacity but is always advantageous to advance selling.Practical implications The obtained results provide managerial insights for service providers to make advance selling decisions.Originality/value This paper is among the first to explore the effect of consumers’ overconfidence on the joint decision of advance selling and service cancelation under capacity constraints.
Understanding regional growth of social enterprises: the art of the state
Authors: Song Chengcheng , Wang Echo Lei 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThe paper examines the key driving factors behind the rapid and uneven growth of social enterprises in China based on Kerlin’s Macro-Institutional Social Enterprise (MISE) model of social enterprise development, with an emphasis on testing key local institutional factors.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts the quantitative method approach. The hypotheses have been tested based on a cross-regional empirical analysis with two national datasets on China.FindingsThis study shows that among the state, market and civil society, local government support in terms of favorable policies is the sole determinant factor driving China’s social enterprise growth. On the other hand, the market is irrelevant and local civil society impedes social enterprise growth. This demonstrates that the current growth model is the result of government intervention.Research limitations/implicationsThe datasets have a limited sample size. We suggest that future studies may collect a larger sample size with more comprehensive information. We think this study will encourage more comparative qualitative studies at the local level to reveal the underlying mechanisms of growth.Practical implicationsSince government policy is the determinant factor, the quality and quantity of government-backed incubation programs and platforms would matter the most for social enterprise growth. Our study also helps social entrepreneurs understand what factors matter when they try to develop social enterprises in China. They are advised to work on aspects of gaining legal legitimacy and political support in order to grow the sector.Social implicationsThis conclusion suggests that professionals and practitioners should review the implications of the current growth of social enterprises in China, in terms of their sustainability, given their institutional isolation from other sectors.Originality/valueCurrent studies have yet to thoroughly explore the role of meso- and micro-institutional factors in social enterprise development, especially in different contexts. With reference to Kerlin’s framework and the tri-sector model, this paper advances the understanding of social enterprise growth in China.
Multi‐geophysical methods for characterizing fractures in an open pit mine, western Bushveld Complex, South Africa
Authors: Rapetsoa Moyagabo K. , Gomo Sikelela , Manzi Musa S. D. , James Ian , Dildar Jureya , Sihoyiya Mpofana , Mutshafa Ndamulelo , Durrheim Raymond J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn the Bushveld Complex, South Africa, open pit mines are faced with a challenge of rock slope stability due to geological structures (fractures, faults and dykes) that compartmentalize the rock mass. Geophysical surveys (seismics, magnetics and electrical methods) were conducted in a 0.2 km2 area at Tharisa mine, with the goal to delineate fractures that may be potential conduits for water migration into the pit. Special processing techniques were applied to the dataset to obtain good quality seismic, magnetic and resistivity models. The P‐wave velocity models show distinct low velocities in the centre of the seismic profile, indicating the presence of weak zones associated with faulting or fracturing. Seismic reflection method was used to image the deeper discontinuities and mineralization contacts. Near surface reflections are observed throughout the profiles and are correlated with the contact between the chromitite and host rock. Ground magnetic surveys were conducted to delineate dykes and fractures. De‐trending and de‐culturing techniques were applied on the magnetic data for correcting regional and temporal variations. The low magnetic regions indicate the presence of fracture systems in the subsurface, whereas the high magnetic region is correlated with the dolerite dyke that crosscuts the pit. The electrical resistivity tomography exhibits linear low resistivity contrast zones that differentiate between the fractured and undisturbed hard rock at an estimated depth of 4–10 m. Resistivity shows discontinuities that suggests the presence of fracturing and dyke‐host rock contacts. Correlation among magnetics, P‐wave velocity models, resistivity section and seismic data is evident when overlaying the different datasets, implying that the low magnetic regions are highly weathered and prone to fracturing. The integration of geophysical data is encouraging, because it was able to image the depth to the bedrock, fractures within the host rock and dyke in a complex mining environment.
Features of tattoo‐associated cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia on reflectance confocal microscopy and line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography
Authors: Ariasi C. , Licata G. , Perazzolli G. , Tonon F. , Venturini M. , Calzavara‐Pinton P. G. , Soglia S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe popularity of tattoos has led to an increase in associated skin reactions, including complications such as infection, allergic reactions and rare conditions such as tattoo‐induced cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia (CLH). CLH is a benign lymphoproliferative reaction with clinical features resembling malignant cutaneous lymphomas. Non‐invasive diagnostic tools like reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and the new line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) are being studied in dermatology better to understand the morphological patterns of many dermatological diseases. Between September 2021 and May 2023, patients with suspicious lesions for tattoo‐related CLH were analysed using RCM and LC‐OCT before confirming the diagnosis of CLH through skin biopsy and histopathological examination. The study included five cases of CLH. It focused on the analysis of high‐quality LC‐OCT images/videos and RCM images to investigate the features of CLH in tattooed individuals. Most (80%) cases exhibited a mixed T and B lymphocyte infiltration subtype, while 20% showed a predominant T infiltration subtype. RCM and LC‐OCT revealed characteristic features, including architectural disarray, fibrosis, lymphoid infiltrates, and pigment deposits in the epidermis and dermis. Non‐invasive tools such as RCM and LC‐OCT are valuable in diagnosing tattoo‐related CLH. While skin biopsy remains the current standard for diagnosis, RCM and LC‐OCT can serve as helpful adjuncts in identifying the most representative area for biopsy. They may potentially become alternative diagnostic options in the future, offering benefits in terms of cost, diagnostic efficiency, aesthetics and patient satisfaction as the prevalence of tattoo‐related adverse reactions continues to rise.
The contestable peoplehood account of democratically legitimate boundaries
Authors: Ginnane Tara 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis article presents a new way to assess whether laws that grant membership of a democratic people are themselves democratically legitimate. It thus offers a new answer to the old question of whether a democracy's boundaries can be democratic. Thecontestable peoplehoodaccount builds from work that sees boundaries as irresolvable paradoxes that generate legitimacy through contestation. It also shows that boundaries shape identity by implying substantive accounts of peoplehood. Connecting these threads, it argues that boundaries are democratically legitimate when their implied accounts of peoplehood support contestation about what the basis of the people should be. It develops two new criteria to assess this, called contingency and non‐denigration. The contestable peoplehood account offers a more politicized and pluralist way to assess boundaries’ democratic legitimacy than previously available.