bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variant-specific interactions at the plasma membrane: Heparan sulfate’s impact on SARS-CoV-2 binding kinetics
Authors: Conca Dario Valter , Bano Fouzia , Wirén Julius von , Scherrer Lauriane , Svirelis Justas , Thorsteinsson Konrad , Dahlin Andreas , Bally Marta 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe worldwide spread of SARS-CoV-2 has been characterised by the emergence of several variants of concern (VOCs) presenting an increasing number of mutations in the viral genome. The spike glycoprotein, responsible for engaging the viral receptor ACE2, exhibits the highest density of mutations, suggesting an ongoing evolution to optimize viral entry. However, previous studies focussed on isolated molecular interactions, neglecting the intricate composition of the plasma membrane and the interplay between viral attachment factors. Our study explores the role of avidity and of the complexity of the plasma membrane composition in modulating the virus-host binding kinetics during the early stages of viral entry for the original Wuhan strain and three VOCs: Omicron BA.1, Delta, and Alpha. We employ fluorescent liposomes decorated with spike from several VOCs as virion mimics in single-particle tracking studies on native supported lipid bilayers derived from pulmonary Calu-3 cells. Our findings reveal an increase in the affinity of the multivalent bond to the cell surface for Omicron driven by an increased association rate. We show that heparan sulfate (HS), a sulfated glycosaminoglycan commonly expressed on cells’ plasma membrane, plays a central role in modulating the interaction with the cell surface and we observe a shift in its role from screening the interaction with ACE2 in early VOCs to an important binding factor for Omicron. This is caused by a ∼10-fold increase in Omicron’s affinity to HS compared to the original Wuhan strain, as shown using atomic force microscopy-based single-molecule force spectroscopy. Our results show the importance of coreceptors, particularly HS, and membrane complexity in the modulation of the attachment in SARS-CoV-2 VOCs. We highlight a transition in the variants’ attachment strategy towards the use of HS as an initial docking site, which likely plays a role in shaping Omicron’s tropism towards infection of the upper airways, milder symptoms, and higher transmissibility.
Enhanced feature matching in single-cell proteomics characterizes response to IFN-γ and reveals co-existence of different cell states
Authors: Krull Karl K. , Ali Syed A. , Krijgsveld Jeroen 
Published: January 2024

AbstractProteome analysis by data-independent acquisition (DIA) has become a powerful approach to obtain deep proteome coverage, and has gained recent traction for label-free analysis of single cells. However, optimal experimental design for DIA-based single-cell proteomics has not been fully explored, and performance metrics of subsequent data analysis tools remain to be evaluated. Therefore, we here present DIA-ME, a data analysis strategy that exploits the co-analysis of low-input samples with a so-called matching enhancer (ME) of higher input, to increase sensitivity, proteome coverage, and data completeness. We evaluate the matching specificity of DIA-ME by a two-proteome model, and demonstrate that false discovery and false transfer are maintained at low levels when using DIA-NN software, while preserving quantification accuracy. We apply DIA-ME to investigate the proteome response of U-2 OS cells to interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in single cells, and recapitulate the time-resolved induction of IFN-γ response proteins as observed in bulk material. Moreover, we observe co- and anti-correlating patterns of protein expression within the same cell, indicating mutually exclusive protein modules and the co-existence of different cell states. Collectively our data show that DIA-ME is a powerful, scalable, and easy-to- implement strategy for single-cell proteomics.
Stratifying macrophages based on their infectious burden identifies novel host targets for intervention during Crohn’s disease associated adherent-invasiveEscherichia coliinfection
Authors: Li Xiang , Cole John , Vaughan Diane , Xiao Yinbo , Walker Daniel , Wall Daniel M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBacterial infection is a dynamic process resulting in a heterogenous population of infected and uninfected cells. These cells respond differently based on their bacterial load and duration of infection. In the case of infection of macrophages with Crohn’s disease (CD) associated adherent-invasiveEscherichia coli(AIEC), understanding the drivers of pathogen success may allow targeting of cells where AIEC replicate to high levels. Here we show that stratifying immune cells based on their bacterial load identifies novel pathways and therapeutic targets not previously associated with AIEC when using a traditional homogeneous infected population approach. Using flow cytometry-based cell sorting we stratified cells into those with low or high intracellular pathogen loads, or those which were bystanders to infection. Immune cells transcriptomics revealed a diverse response to the varying levels of infection while pathway analysis identified novel intervention targets that were directly related to increasing intracellular AIEC numbers. Chemical inhibition of identified targets reduced AIEC intracellular replication or inhibited secretion of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), a key cytokine associated with AIEC infection. Our results have identified new avenues of intervention in AIEC infection that may also be applicable to CD through the repurposing of already available inhibitors. Additionally, they highlight the applicability of immune cell stratification post-infection as an effective approach for the study of microbial pathogens.
SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease activates nociceptors to drive sneeze and pain
Authors: Mali Sonali S. , Silva Ricardo , Gong Zhongyan , Cronce Michael , Vo Uyen , Vuong Cliff , Moayedi Yalda , Cox Jeffery S. , Bautista Diana M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, triggers symptoms such as sneezing, aches and pain.1These symptoms are mediated by a subset of sensory neurons, known as nociceptors, that detect noxious stimuli, densely innervate the airway epithelium, and interact with airway resident epithelial and immune cells.2–6However, the mechanisms by which viral infection activates these neurons to trigger pain and airway reflexes are unknown. Here, we show that the coronavirus papain-like protease (PLpro) directly activates airway-innervating trigeminal and vagal nociceptors in mice and human iPSC-derived nociceptors. PLpro elicits sneezing and acute pain in mice and triggers the release of neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from airway afferents. We find that PLpro-induced sneeze and pain requires the host TRPA1 ion channel that has been previously demonstrated to mediate pain, cough, and airway inflammation.7–9Our findings are the first demonstration of a viral product that directly activates sensory neurons to trigger pain and airway reflexes and highlight a new role for PLpro and nociceptors in COVID-19.
The deep-sea ecosystem engineerGeodia barretti(Porifera, Demospongiae) maintains basic physiological functions under simulated future ocean pH and temperature conditions
Authors: Wurz Erik , Ulvatn Tone , Kooistra Tjitske , Strauss Florian , Rapp Hans Tore , Goeij Jasper M. de , Osinga Ronald 
Published: January 2024

AbstractGlobal ocean warming and acidification will alter the physicochemical conditions in the deep North-Atlantic Ocean. Here, extensive sponge grounds, often dominated by the demosponge speciesGeodia barretti, provide three-dimensional structure, habitat and significantly contribute to benthic-pelagic coupling and nutrient cycling processes in the deep sea. It is unknown ifG. barrettiremains physiologically functional under the future physicochemical properties of an Anthropocene ocean. In this study, individuals ofG. barretticollected from 300 m water depth in the Barents Sea, were exposed to four treatments resembling future ocean conditions (no treatment, 4 °C increase in seawater temperature, decrease of seawater pH by 0.3, and a combination of the high temperature, low pH). Over the course of 39 weeks, oxygen consumption, dissolved inorganic nutrient fluxes, and bacterioplankton clearance rates were measured as indicators of metabolic activity. We found that all indicators within each sponge individual and per treatment were highly variable over time and no effect of manipulated seawater treatments on these parameters could be demonstrated. Oxygen consumption rates in all groups closely followed a seasonal pattern, potentially caused by (a)biotic cues in the seawater flowing through the experimental aquaria. While similar metabolic rates across all treatments suggest thatG. barrettiphysiologically coped with simulated future ocean conditions, observed tissue necrosis in experimental animals might indicate that the response of the complex, high microbialG. barrettisponge (i.e., sponge host and microbial symbionts) to future ocean conditions may not be reflected in basic physiological processes.
The influence of country-of-origin on consumers' purchase intention: a study of the Chinese smartphone market
Authors: Blanco-Encomienda Francisco Javier , Chen Shuo , Molina-Muñoz David 
Published: January 2024

PurposeDue to the intense rivalry in the smartphone market, manufacturers of mobile phones are becoming increasingly interested in knowing the factors that influence consumers' purchase intention. This paper aims to examine the effect of country-of-origin image, brand image and attitude towards the brand on the purchase intention of smartphone users.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study was performed based on the information gathered from smartphone users. The structural equation modeling (SEM) technique was applied to examine the hypotheses.FindingsThe authors found that brand image and attitude towards the brand significantly influence consumer purchase intention. Additionally, there is an indirect effect even when the nation of origin image does not directly influence the consumer's purchase intention. Indeed, brand image and attitude towards the brand act as a mediator between the country-of-origin image and purchase intention.Originality/valueThis study presents a conceptual model on the impact of country-of-origin image on the propensity of consumers to buy smartphones in a field where little research has been done. The investigation offers a consumer-focused analysis regarding the country-of-origin image. This suggests a significant shift from the current strategy, which is frequently centered on the viewpoint of the companies.
Loan loss provisions and income smoothing in banks: the role of trade openness and IFRS in BRICS
Authors: Biswas Sarit , Bhattacharya Sharad Nath , Jin Justin Y. , Bhattacharya Mousumi , Sadarangani Pradip H. 
Published: January 2024

PurposeThis paper empirically investigates whether trade openness (TO) in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) countries affects how banks might employ loan loss provisions (LLPs) to smooth out their earnings and how adopting the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) can mitigate it.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis includes 78 commercial banks from five BRICS nations and spans 2014 through 2020. To test these hypotheses, the authors utilized a fixed-effect and two-step system panel generalized methods of moments (GMM) estimator.FindingsTO positively affects income smoothing (earnings management) across BRICS commercial banks. The effect is clearer in banks that make financial reports under the IFRS. Path analysis reveals that the effect of TO is driven by nonperforming loans (NPLs). Additionally, the IFRS restricts earnings management in the BRICS banking sector when a better institutional environment is present. The authors found that accounting rules (IFRS) and enforcement (better institutional settings) interact to enhance earnings’ quality.Practical implicationsThe relationship between TO and bank earnings management practices is important for understanding the complex interplay between trade and finance and ensuring financial stability, investor confidence and regulatory compliance. This study recommends better regulations and governance mechanisms for financial reports in emerging nations like BRICS. Additionally, macro-prudential regulators and banking supervisors should work closely to ensure transparent TO decisions with improved discipline, institutional quality and regulatory support to enhance bank stability.Originality/valueThe study finds evidence of bank income smoothing in the BRICS and introduces TO as a determinant. It also identifies the evolving role of IFRS in the presence of higher institutional quality and TO, thereby expanding the financial reporting literature.
Compliance is the armour for lending institution: a case study related to agri-finance
Authors: Sachdeva Geeta 
Published: January 2024

Learning outcomes
The case study will help to learn about the importance of pre-sanction precautionary measures before lending to self-help groups (SHGs), to learn about the potential lapses and errors while sanctioning SHG finance and to learn about the importance of bank’s guidelines and compliance before sanctioning loans.

Case overview/synopsis
This case study details the tenure of Seema in a rural branch of Safe Bank of India located in Haryana which she joined as a manager in the year 2016. She overachieved the target given by the district collector office, and going by the tide, she kept her reliance on the references provided by non-government organization (NGO) without complying the bank’s instructions. She committed errors while sanctioning the loans, which led towards the upsurge of non-performing assets of the branch. Later on, after investigation it was discovered that she did not follow fundamental bank’s instructions. In wake of those lapses and errors, how she could have avoided those lapses and secure the public money? What were the most important documents while granting agriculture finance and what due diligence she should have taken? How did she treat calls from the government departments? Was she right in trusting the suggestions of the NGO?

Complexity academic level
This case study caters to students of various streams, namely, management, business administration and law, and can be targeted at both undergraduate and postgraduate students. It could be suitable for several types of courses and students. Furthermore, this case study can also be targeted for various training programmes for bank employees and employees of various lending institutions engaged in agriculture finance and credit linkage programmes.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code
CSS 1: Accounting and finance.
A new grey relational analysis model of cross-sequences
Authors: Liu Sifeng , Lu Ningning , Shang Zhongju , Rathnayaka R.M. Kapila Tharanga 
Published: January 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore a new approach to solve the problem of positive and negative offset in the calculation process of integral elements, then propose a series of new grey relational degree model for cross sequences.Design/methodology/approachThe definitions of cross sequences and area elements have been proposed at first. Then the concept of difference degree between sequences has been put forward. Based on the definition of difference degree between sequences, various modified grey relational degree models for cross sequences have been proposed to solve the measurement problem of cross sequence correlation relationships.Findings(1) The new definition of cross sequences; (2) The area element; (3) Various modified grey relational degree models for cross sequences based on the definition of difference degree between sequences.Practical implicationsThe grey relational analysis model of cross sequences is a difficult problem in grey relational analysis. The new model proposed in this article can effectively avoid the calculation deviation of grey relational analysis model for cross sequences, and reasonably measure the correlation between cross sequences. The new model was used to analyse the food consumer price index in Shaanxi Province, clarifying the relationship between different types of food consumer price indices, some interesting results that are not completely consistent with general economic theory were obtained.Originality/valueThe new definition of cross sequences, the area element and various modified grey relational degree models for cross sequences were proposed.
How best to advertise low-fit brand extensions: a construal level theory perspective
Authors: Saeed Muhammad Rashid , Lee Richard , Lockshin Larry , Bellman Steven , Yang Song , Cohen Justin 
Published: January 2024

Purpose
Low-fit brand extensions offer several potential benefits, yet their success is challenging. Building on construal level theory, this study aims to investigate how different advertising appeals can improve the evaluations of low-fit brand extensions through two different processes (cognitive and affective).

Design/methodology/approach
Two experiments were conducted with US consumers. Study 1 used a 2 (extension fit: high, low) × 2 (ad appeal: abstract, concrete) between-subjects design. Study 2 applied a 2 (brand associations: promotion, prevention) × 2 (ad appeal: promotion, prevention) between-subjects design. Multivariate analyses and follow-up means comparisons were used to analyse data.

Findings
Study 1 found that an abstract ad appeal is more effective for promoting low-fit brand extension because it improves the perception of fit. Study 2 showed promotion vs prevention ad appeals lead to better evaluation of low-fit brand extensions when matched with parent brand associations (promotion vs prevention) in terms of construal level. This matching effect is underpinned by processing fluency.

Research limitations/implications
Ad appeals can influence low-fit brand extension evaluation by influencing the perception of fit (cognitive process) or processing fluency (affective process). Future research could consider different ad appeals and other construal related factors to generalise these findings.

Practical implications
Marketers can design different ad appeals to effectively advertise low-fit brand extensions. These findings can guide managers in the development of effective advertising strategies.

Originality/value
This research offers a new perspective on how ad appeals can enhance low-fit brand extension evaluation.
Commentary: developing a deeper understanding of resilience in service contexts
Authors: Good Valerie 
Published: January 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to comment on resilience research within the context of frontline employees in sales and services marketing.

Design/methodology/approach
This commentary is a reflection based on my research, extant academic and managerial literature and personal perspectives.

Findings
Research findings show resilience is associated with increased employee effort and reduced turnover intentions in customer-facing roles. In addition, resilience can change over time and is not just a trait the employee is born with (or not). Hence, managers can cultivate resilience in employees.

Practical implications
Resilience cannot be purchased. Instead, managers can inspire resilience in frontline employees by developing their feelings of self-efficacy on the job, a sense of belongingness to the organization and peers and a sense of purpose and relatedness to customers.

Social implications
Resilience is not merely perseverance or grit; it is overcoming adversity and bouncing back to become better in the process. Thus, resilience is an important construct to study, particularly in customer-facing roles.

Originality/value
This commentary offers a unique approach to understanding resilience, its outcomes and its antecedents in customer-facing roles.
B2B collaborative economy: a joint sphere perspective
Authors: Corsaro Daniela , Murtarelli Grazia 
Published: January 2024

PurposeScholars have affirmed that a conceptualization of value co-creation in business relationships should reflect the nature and characteristics of interactional processes that occur in use. The advent of sales and marketing technologies, however, is changing the nature and dynamics of interactions. New trends in digitalization have played a significant role in emphasizing and facilitating the occurrence of business-to- business (B2B) collaborative or sharing economy. The B2B sharing economy and value co-creation are closely intertwined, as businesses harness the power of shared resources and collaboration to generate value in diverse ways. This study highlights the importance of going beyond value co-creation in studying B2B collaborative economy, unpacking the interconnected value processes that influence value co-creation. It also aims at showing the activities that characterize multiple joint value spheres among actors.Design/methodology/approachThe study consists of 49 qualitative interviews with managers operating in different industries.FindingsThe paper shows that when considering digital B2B contexts, five joint value spheres in business relationships should be considered: a value co-creation, a value appropriation, a value communication, a value measurement and a value representation sphere. Each one is characterized by specific activities that are relevant from a managerial point of view.Originality/valueThis study highlights that value co-creation has often been over stressed when discussing business interactions, also with the advent of new technologies. Rather, this study offers a more comprehensive view of value co-creation that includes different value processes occurring in joint value spheres. These further processes are relevant because failure and success in business relationships within the B2B sharing economy are often dependent from activities outside the value co-creation process, which strongly affect it. Such knowledge will also open up new research venues and opportunities to better contribute to the practice of value management in business relationships.