bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Putative origin ofMyxococcus fulvus124B02 plasmid, pMF1, from a chromosomal segment in anotherMyxococcusspecies
Authors: Jain Shruti , Sharma Gaurav 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMyxobacteria or order Myxococcales (old nomenclature) or phylum Myxococcota (new terminology) are fascinating organisms well known for their diverse peculiar physiological, taxonomic, and genomic properties. Researchers have long sought to identify plasmids within these organisms, yet thus far, only two organisms from different families have been found to harbor a plasmid. This study delves into the origin and evolution of one of these plasmids, i.e., pMF1 present inM. fulvus124B02 in the suborder Cystobacterineae and family Myxococcaceae. Here we first reannotated the pMF1 plasmid genome sequence and identified two additional genes which were not annotated till now. We further reported that all pMF1 plasmid genes depict homology withM. stipitatusCYD1 draft genome (contig 28) and a chromosomal segment ofM. stipitatusDSM14675 in a syntenic manner, suggesting the presence of plasmid-like structure inM. stipitatusCYD1 but integrated as part of its chromosome. To comprehend the relationship among these three species, we conducted phylogenetic analyses using 16S and concatenated housekeeping genes and GGDC analysis, which confirmed thatM. stipitatusCYD1 is a distinct and novel species within the genusMyxococcus. Overall, this study sheds light on the putative origin of the pMF1 plasmid, which likely originated from a closely related yet distinct species, possibly through the partition from its chromosome as a segment.ImportanceMyxobacteria are not well-known to have plasmids. Till now, only two organisms have been shown to have plasmids, raising a pertinent question about how these plasmids evolved randomly within the phylum Myxococcota. The study presented in this manuscript delves into the origin and evolution of the pMF1 plasmid found inMyxococcus fulvus124B02, a member of the suborder Cystobacterineae and family Myxococcaceae. Our research addresses the intriguing topic of plasmid identification and evolution within Myxobacteria, which are a group of fascinating organisms that have garnered significant interest due to their diverse physiological, taxonomic, and genomic properties.
RNA structures within Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus E1 alter macrophage replication fitness and contribute to viral emergence
Authors: Hickson Sarah E. , Hyde Jennifer L. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTVenezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a mosquito-borne +ssRNA virus belonging to theTogaviridae. VEEV is found throughout Central and South America and is responsible for periodic epidemic/epizootic outbreaks of febrile and encephalitic disease in equines and humans. Endemic/enzootic VEEV is transmitted between Culex mosquitoes and sylvatic rodents, whereas epidemic/epizootic VEEV is transmitted between mosquitoes and equids, which serve as amplification hosts during outbreaks. Epizootic VEEV emergence has been shown to arise from mutation of enzootic VEEV strains. Specifically, epizootic VEEV has been shown to acquire amino acid mutations in the E2 viral glycoprotein that facilitate viral entry and equine amplification. However, the abundance of synonymous mutations which accumulate across the epizootic VEEV genome suggests that other viral determinants such as RNA secondary structure may also play a role in VEEV emergence. In this study we identify novel RNA structures in the E1 gene which specifically alter replication fitness of epizootic VEEV in macrophages but not other cell types. We show that SNPs are conserved within epizootic lineages and that RNA structures are conserved across different lineages. We also identified several novel RNA-binding proteins that are necessary for altered macrophage replication. These results suggest that emergence of VEEV in nature requires multiple mutations across the viral genome, some of which alter cell-type specific replication fitness in an RNA structure-dependent manner.AUTHOR SUMMARYUnderstanding how viral pathogens emerge is critical for ongoing surveillance and outbreak preparedness. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that drive viral emergence are still not completely understood. Emergence of the mosquito-borne virus Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is known to require mutations in the viral attachment protein (E2), which drive viremia and transmission. We have observed that emergent strains (epizootic VEEV) also accumulate many silent mutations, suggesting that other determinants independent of protein sequence also contributes to emergence. In this study we identify novel RNA secondary structures associated with epizootic VEEV that alters viral replication in a cell-type dependent manner. We show that these RNA structures are conserved across epizootic viruses and identify host proteins that specifically bind these RNAs. These findings imply that viral emergence requires multiple mutations, a number of which likely alter viral structure in a manner that benefits viral replication and transmission.
Monolayer force generation and transmission is dictated by focal adhesion distribution
Authors: Davis John Robert , Solowiej-Wedderburn Josephine , Vega Sebastián L. , Burdick Jason A. , Dunlop Carina , Tapon Nicolas 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFor tissues to develop and maintain their function, cells must orchestrate their behaviour by generating and transmitting contractile forces. These forces are transmitted to their surrounding matrix or neighbouring cells via adhesion complexes. How tissues reach a force-balance is often assumed to involve intercellular stresses counterbalancing those in the substrate. However, experimental findings indicate that dampening focal adhesions can increase intercellular stresses. As the ECM is rarely uniform in composition or mechanical properties, it is important to understand how focal adhesions alter stress transmission and the force-balance of a tissue. To address this, we confined monolayers on disk or ring adhesive patterns to alter how they were bound to the substrate. Traction force microscopy and laser ablations of cell-cell junctions were used to examine stresses across epithelial monolayers whilst modulating substrate stiffness. We show that monolayers reach different force-balance states depending on focal adhesion distribution, with intercellular stresses not correlated with overall traction stresses on rings. Using an active matter model to examine the force-balance dynamics, we reveal that tissues reach a force-balance by generating non-uniform patterns of contractility linked to adhesion patterning. This work highlights the importance of considering the position and mechanical properties of cell-ECM and cell-cell attachments to capture the mechanical landscape of living tissues.
Recalibrating differential gene expression by genetic dosage variance prioritizes functionally relevant genes
Authors: Rentzsch Philipp , Kollotzek Aaron , Mohammadi Pejman , Lappalainen Tuuli 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTDifferential expression (DE) analysis is a widely used method for identifying genes that are functionally relevant for an observed phenotype or biological response. However, typical DE analysis includes selection of genes based on a threshold of fold change in expression under the implicit assumption that all genes are equally sensitive to dosage changes of their transcripts. This tends to favor highly variable genes over more constrained genes where even small changes in expression may be biologically relevant. To address this limitation, we have developed a method to recalibrate each gene’s differential expression fold change based on genetic expression variance observed in the human population. The newly established metric ranks statistically differentially expressed genes not by nominal change of expression, but by relative change in comparison to natural dosage variation for each gene. We apply our method to RNA sequencing datasets from rare disease and in-vitro stimulus response experiments. Compared to the standard approach, our method adjusts the bias in discovery towards highly variable genes, and enriches for pathways and biological processes related to metabolic and regulatory activity, indicating a prioritization of functionally relevant driver genes. With that, our method provides a novel view on DE and contributes towards bridging the existing gap between statistical and biological significance. We believe that this approach will simplify the identification of disease causing genes and enhance the discovery of therapeutic targets.
The impact of big data analytics on innovation capability and sustainability performance of hotels: evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Aziz Norzalita Abd , Al Mamun Abdullah , Reza Mohammad Nurul Hassan , Naznen Farzana 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThis study aimed to examine the role of big data analytics capabilities (BDAC) in fostering organizational innovation capabilities and, consequently, in achieving economic, social and environmental sustainability.Design/methodology/approachThrough the lens of dynamic capability theory, this study surveyed 115 hotels using purposive sampling to gain in-depth insights regarding the factors affecting organizational sustainability in the hospitality industry. The data analysis was conducted using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe findings reported a substantial impact of seven core dimensions (i.e. technology, data, basic resources, technological skills, managerial skills, organizational learning and data-driven culture) in building BDAC among hotels. Moreover, BDAC was also revealed to significantly influence innovation capabilities, positively impacting all three sorts of sustainability performance. Innovation capability also mediated the relationship between BDAC and all sustainability factors.Practical implicationsThe findings will assist policymakers and practitioners in developing effective initiatives to enhance the adoption and implementation of data science and technologies, substantially contributing to the “National IR 4.0 Policy” and “Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint” and achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).Originality/valueThe originality of this study is established by investigating the interplay between BDAC, innovation capability and sustainability performance, particularly in the context of the hotel industry, whereas the existing studies focus on exploring the advantages of BDA.
Empowering pro-environmental potential among hotel employees: insights from self-determination theory
Authors: Patwary Ataul Karim , Rasoolimanesh S. Mostafa , Hanafiah Mohd Hafiz , Aziz Roslizawati Che , Mohamed Ahmad Edwin , Ashraf Muhammad Umair , Azam Nor Rabiatul Adawiyah Nor 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThis research examines the role of green, inclusive leadership, corporate social responsibility, and pro-environmental attitudes on proactive pro-environmental behaviour among hotel employees. It further examines the indirect effects of pro-environmental attitudes between green inclusive leadership, corporate social responsibility, and proactive pro-environmental behaviour, as well as the moderating role of psychological contract breach between pro-environmental attitudes and proactive pro-environmental behaviour.Design/methodology/approachThe participants of this cross-sectional study were employees in the Malaysian hotel industry, and 374 usable questionnaires were used for data analysis. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modelling.FindingsThis study found that green, inclusive leadership, corporate social responsibility, and pro-environmental attitudes significantly influence proactive pro-environmental behaviour. For mediating effects, pro-environmental attitudes have been found to mediate the relationship between corporate social responsibility, green inclusive leadership and proactive pro-environmental behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsThe research proposes actionable measures to encourage environmentally friendly practices in the hotel sector. For companies to succeed, they must integrate green initiatives with their societal objectives. Pro-environmental mindsets are essential for implementing effective environmental policies, which in turn impact recruitment approaches. The advantages of fostering pro-environmental conduct encompass financial savings, enhanced standing, adherence to regulations, increased innovative thinking and improved workplace well-being.Originality/valueOver time, environmental degradation has been contributed by individual behaviours and the combined actions of businesses and organisations. This study significantly contributed to a new model underpinned by the Self-determination Theory by including new constructs influencing proactive pro-environmental behaviour.
Innovation in leadership education: inquiry-based pedagogy
Authors: Mueller Robin Alison , Campbell Harrison , Losev Tatiana 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThe purpose of our research is to better understand inquiry-based pedagogy in the context of leadership education. Specifically, we sought to learn about how leadership learning is characterized in an immersive inquiry course, and how inquiry-based pedagogy is experienced by students engaged in interdisciplinary leadership learning.Design/methodology/approachWe used a case study approach as an overarching methodology. The research methods employed to collect data were World Cafe and episodic narrative interview. Further, we used collocation analysis and systematic text condensation as analytical strategies to interpret data.FindingsOur findings led us to four primary conclusions: (1) inquiry-based learning helps to foster an inquiry mindset amongst leadership education students; (2) the challenges and tensions associated with inquiry-based learning are worth the learning gains for leadership students; (3) the opportunity to learn in relationship is beneficial for leadership development outcomes and (4) students’ experiences of inquiry-based learning in leadership education often included instances of transformation.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of the research were: (1) it is a case study situated within a unique, particular social and educational context; (2) demographic data were not collected from participants, so results cannot be disaggregated based on particular demographic markers and (3) the small sample size involved in the study makes it impossible to generalize across a broad population.Practical implicationsThis research has enabled a deep understanding of structural and relational supports that can enable effective inquiry-based learning in leadership education. It also offers evidence to support institutional shifts to inquiry-based pedagogy in leadership education.Social implicationsOur research demonstrates that use of inquiry-based pedagogy in leadership education has long-lasting positive effects on students' capacity for applied leadership practice. Consequently, participants in this type of leadership learning are better positioned to effectively lead social change that is pressing in our current global context.Originality/valueThere is scant (if any) published research that has focused on using inquiry-based pedagogies in leadership education. This research makes a significant contribution to the scholarship of leadership education.
The impact of investor greed and fear on cryptocurrency returns: a Granger causality analysis of Bitcoin and Ethereum
Authors: Cavalheiro Everton Anger , Vieira Kelmara Mendes , Thue Pascal Silas 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThis study probes the psychological interplay between investor sentiment and the returns of cryptocurrencies Bitcoin and Ethereum. Employing the Granger causality test, the authors aim to gauge how extensively the Fear and Greed Index (FGI) can predict cryptocurrency return movements, exploring the intricate bond between investor emotions and market behavior.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used the Granger causality test to achieve research objectives. Going beyond conventional linear analysis, the authors applied Smooth Quantile Regression, scrutinizing weekly data from July 2022 to June 2023 for Bitcoin and Ethereum. The study focus was to determine if the FGI, an indicator of investor sentiment, predicts shifts in cryptocurrency returns.FindingsThe study findings underscore the profound psychological sway within cryptocurrency markets. The FGI notably predicts the returns of Bitcoin and Ethereum, underscoring the lasting connection between investor emotions and market behavior. An intriguing feedback loop between the FGI and cryptocurrency returns was identified, accentuating emotions' persistent role in shaping market dynamics. While associations between sentiment and returns were observed at specific lag periods, the nonlinear Granger causality test didn't statistically support nonlinear causality. This suggests linear interactions predominantly govern variable relationships. Cointegration tests highlighted a stable, enduring link between the returns of Bitcoin, Ethereum and the FGI over the long term.Practical implicationsDespite valuable insights, it's crucial to acknowledge our nonlinear analysis's sensitivity to methodological choices. Specifics of time series data and the chosen time frame may have influenced outcomes. Additionally, direct exploration of macroeconomic and geopolitical factors was absent, signaling opportunities for future research.Originality/valueThis study enriches theoretical understanding by illuminating causal dynamics between investor sentiment and cryptocurrency returns. Its significance lies in spotlighting the pivotal role of investor sentiment in shaping cryptocurrency market behavior. It emphasizes the importance of considering this factor when navigating investment decisions in a highly volatile, dynamic market environment.
Troubling complaint: Addressing hepatitis C‐related stigma and discrimination through complaint mechanisms
Authors: Lenton Emily , Kagan Dion , Seear Kate , Mulcahy Sean , Farrugia Adrian , valentine kylie , Edwards Michael , Jeffcote Danny 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe need to grapple with hepatitis C‐related stigma and discrimination in Australian health‐care settings has been recognised in public policy, and work is underway to address it. But how likely are people to raise a complaint when they experience stigma or discrimination? And how effective and accessible are complaints mechanisms? Given complaint procedures are considered important parts of the delivery of safe and ethical health care, these are important questions that have yet to be substantially explored. Drawing on interviews with people with lived experience of hepatitis C (n = 30), this article considers how affected people feel about complaints processes and the act of complaining. Alongside these perspectives, we discuss complaint mechanisms, and the views of stakeholders who work with hepatitis C‐affected communities in policy, health, legal and advocacy roles (n = 30) on the institutional and cultural dynamics of complaint. We draw on Sara Ahmed’s Complaint! and Fraser et al.’s work on drug‐related stigma to analyse these concerns that have yet to be researched, and argue that the (unlikely) prospect of successful complaint is a key part of the network of forces that perpetuate stigma, discrimination and disadvantage among people who have (lived with) hepatitis C. Although people with lived experience are often powerful advocates and acutely aware of the deficiencies in the quality of their treatment, our interviews suggest that the obstacles they face to accessing health care are seen as commonplace, intractable and insurmountable; and, that mechanisms for addressing them—where they exist at all—treat complaints in narrowly individualising terms and expose complainants to dismissal. Following Ahmed, we call for a ‘troubling’ of complaints—responding to them not as individual problems but rather as collective, structural concerns, necessitating new approaches.
The role of executive functions in 9‐ to 12‐year‐old children's sentence processing: An eye‐movement study
Authors: Cui Nannan , Wang Yang , Luo Jiefei , Wu Yan 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundExecutive function (EF) plays a crucial role in children's reading. However, previous studies were based on offline products of reading comprehension. Online research is needed to reveal the core mechanisms underlying children's reading processing. By measuring children's working memory (WM) and cognitive flexibility (CF), we investigated whether individual differences in EF could modulate sentence processing and, if so, how they exert their roles.MethodsThe present study manipulated semantic congruency and the association between crucial words in a sentence. We recruited 89 Chinese children aged 9–12 years and monitored their eye movement.ResultsThe study revealed distinct associations between reader‐ and text‐related characteristics, as evidenced by eye‐movement patterns during reading. A significant incongruency effect was observed in reading, underscoring the children's capacity to discern incongruent information. Children's WM and CF were found to modulate this process. Specifically, high‐WM children showed more effective integration of incongruent information when the textual context was closely related during the later‐stage processing. In contrast, low‐WM children faced more challenges with incongruent words. Additionally, CF was influential during the early processing period. High‐CF children exhibited longer early‐stage reading times for incongruent words in associated contexts.ConclusionsIndividual differences in EF can modulate children's online sentence processing. However, different EF components may play different roles.
First record of Zaprionus tuberculatus (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in mainland France
Authors: Georges Romain , Yassin Amir , Colinet Hervé 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAs most drosophilid species are not considered as primary pest, studies of their communities in natura, with standardized surveys, are relatively sparse. However, Drosophila suzukii and its rapid expansion through the world led to the implementation of many monitoring programs. As part of a research project on D. suzukii, we set up in 2022 an annual fly monitoring in 16 fruits plantations in France to understand population's dynamics of D. suzukii and to broadly survey drosophilid communities. The captures led to the first observation of Zaprionus tuberculatus in mainland France. Over the whole monitoring, we trapped a total of 111 specimens in a fig orchard located in southern France (Salses‐le‐Château), both in fig trees and nearby hedgerow. The first detection of Zaprionus tuberculatus occurred in July 2022 in the hedgerow, and captures continued until January 2023 with an interruption in November and December. In addition, in this orchard we collected overripe figs in September 2023 from which over 20 Z. tuberculatus have emerged in the following 2 weeks, confirming the establishment of a permanent population. The pest status of Z. tuberculatus and its potential risk for agriculture is not yet clear, but the pest behavior of the close‐relative species Zaprionus indianus, especially on figs, should be a warning point for the entry of Z. tuberculatus into the EU and France, as they may have similar polyphagous habit. The pest status and range expansion of Z. tuberculatus should be assessed to estimate risk to fruit's production.