bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abolishing storage lipids induces protein misfolding and stress responses inYarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Zaghen Simone , Konzock Oliver , Fu Jing , Kerkhoven Eduard J 
Published: May 2023

Summary/AbstractYarrowia lipolyticanaturally saves carbon excess as storage lipids. Engineering efforts allow redirecting the high precursor flux required for lipid synthesis towards added-value chemicals such as polyketides, flavonoids, and terpenoids. To redirect precursor flux from storage lipids to other products, four genes involved in triacylglycerol and sterol ester synthesis (DGA1, DGA2, LRO1, ARE1) can be deleted. To elucidate the effect of the deletions on cell physiology and regulation, we performed chemostat cultivations under carbon and nitrogen limitation, followed by transcriptome analysis. We found that storage lipid-free cells show an enrichment of the unfolded protein response, and several biological processes related to protein refolding and degradation are enriched. Additionally, storage lipid-free cells show an altered lipid class distribution with an abundance of potentially cytotoxic free fatty acids under nitrogen limitation. Our findings not only highlight the importance of lipid metabolism on cell physiology and proteostasis, but can also aid the development of improved chassy strains ofY. lipolyticafor commodity chemical production.HighlightsPhysiological and transcriptomic characterization of storage lipid free (Q4) strainStorage lipid free strain shows an increased free fatty acid fraction on nitrogen limitationStorage lipid free strain is more sensitive towards fatty acid supplementationUnfolded protein response, chaperones, and ubiquitin are enriched in the storage lipid free strain
Direct translation of incoming retroviral genomes
Authors: Köppke Julia , Keller Luise-Elektra , Stuck Michelle , Arnow Nicolas D. , Bannert Norbert , Doellinger Joerg , Cingöz Oya 
Published: May 2023

AbstractViruses that carry a positive-sense, single-stranded (+ssRNA) RNA translate their genomes soon after entering the host cell to produce viral proteins, with the exception of retroviruses. A distinguishing feature of retroviruses is reverse transcription, where the +ssRNA genome serves as a template to synthesize a double-stranded DNA copy that subsequently integrates into the host genome. As retroviral RNAs are produced by the host cell transcriptional machinery and are largely indistinguishable from cellular mRNAs, we investigated the potential of incoming retroviral genomes to directly express proteins. Here we show through multiple, complementary methods that retroviral genomes are translated after entry. Our findings challenge the notion that retroviruses require reverse transcription to produce viral proteins. Synthesis of retroviral proteins in the absence of productive infection has significant implications for basic retrovirology, immune responses and gene therapy applications.
IL-6 is dispensable for causing cachexia in the colon carcinoma 26 model
Authors: Kwon Young-Yon , Hui Sheng 
Published: May 2023

AbstractVarious cytokines have been implicated in cancer cachexia. One such cytokine is IL-6, which has been deemed a key cachectic factor in mice inoculated with the colon carcinoma 26 (C26) cells, one of the most widely used models of cancer cachexia. Here to test the causal role of IL-6 in cancer cachexia, we used CRISPR/Cas9 editing to knock outIL-6in C26 cells. We found that growth of IL-6 KO C26 tumors was dramatically delayed. Most strikingly, while IL-6 KO tumors eventually reached the similar size as wild-type tumors, cachexia still took place, despite no elevation in circulating IL-6. We further showed an increase of immune cell populations in IL-6 KO tumors and the defective IL-6 KO tumor growth was rescued in immunodeficient mice. Thus, our results invalidated IL-6 as a necessary factor for causing cachexia in the C26 model and revealed instead its important role in regulating tumor growth via immune suppression.
Puromycin reveals a distinct conformation of neuronal ribosomes
Authors: Anadolu Mina N. , Sun Jingyu , Li Jewel T-Y. , Graber Tyson E. , Ortega Joaquin , Sossin Wayne S. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPuromycin is covalently added to the nascent chain of proteins by the peptidyl transferase activity of the ribosome and the dissociation of the puromycylated peptide typically follows this event. It was postulated that blocking the translocation of the ribosome with emetine could retain the puromycylated peptide on the ribosome, but evidence against this has recently been published (Hobson et al., 2020https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.60048; Enam et al., 2020https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.60303). In neurons, puromycylated nascent chains remain in the ribosome even in the absence of emetine, yet direct evidence for this has been lacking. Using biochemistry and cryo-electron microscopy, we show that the puromycylated peptides remain in the ribosome exit channel in the large subunit in a subset of neuronal ribosomes stalled in the hybrid state. These results validate previous experiments to localize stalled polysomes in neurons and provide insight into how neuronal ribosomes are stalled. Moreover, in these hybrid-state neuronal ribosomes, anisomycin, which usually blocks puromycylation, competes poorly with puromycin in the puromycylation reaction, allowing a simple assay to determine the proportion of nascent chains that are stalled in this state. In early hippocampal neuronal cultures, over 50% of all nascent peptides are found in these stalled polysomes. These results provide new insights into the stalling mechanisms of neuronal ribosomes and suggest that puromycylated peptides can be used to reveal subcellular sites of hybrid-state stalled ribosomes in neurons.Significance StatementPuromycin can be covalently linked to the nascent polypeptide chain on ribosomes, followed by dissociation of the puromycylated polypeptide. Here, we conclusively show that in stalled ribosomes isolated from neuronal RNA granules, the puromycylated peptide remains in the polypeptide exit tunnel of the ribosome. This validates previous data using this technique to localize stalled ribosomes in neurons and suggests a unique ribosomal conformation in these cells. Further evidence for the unique state of these ribosomes is the resistance of puromycylation to the inhibitor anisomycin, which prevents puromycylation in all other cellular contexts. These results provide insight into the mechanism underlying neuronal ribosome stalling and resolve a controversy about using puromycin to localize ribosome stalling in neurons.
Uncovering the temporal dynamics and regulatory networks of thermal stress response in a hyperthermophile using transcriptomics and proteomics
Authors: Grünberger Felix , Schmid Georg , Ahmad Zubeir El , Fenk Martin , Vogl Katharina , Reichelt Robert , Hausner Winfried , Urlaub Henning , Lenz Christof , Grohmann Dina 
Published: May 2023

AbstractExtremophiles, such as the hyperthermophilic archaeonPyrococcus furiosus, thrive under extreme conditions and must rapidly adapt to changes in the physical parameters of their natural environment for short-term and long-term survival. When inhabiting hydrothermal vents, these organisms face substantial temperature gradients, necessitating the evolution of adaptive thermal stress mechanisms. However, the dynamics and coordination of cellular responses at the transcriptome and proteome levels remain underexplored. This study presents an integrated analysis of RNA-sequencing and mass spectrometry data to elucidate the transcriptomic and proteomic responses to heat and cold shock stress and recovery inP. furiosus. Our results reveal surprisingly rapid and dynamic changes in gene and protein expression patterns associated with these stress responses. Heat shock triggers extensive transcriptome reprogramming, orchestrated by the transcriptional regulator Phr, which targets a broader gene repertoire than previously demonstrated. For heat shock signature genes, RNA levels swiftly return to baseline upon recovery, while protein levels remain persistently upregulated, reflecting a rapid but more sustained response. Intriguingly, cold shock at 4°C elicits distinct short-term and long-term responses at both RNA and protein levels. By conducting a cluster analysis, we identified gene sets with either congruent or contrasting trends in RNA and protein changes. Notably, these clusters represent well-separated arCOG groups and appear to be tailored to their individual cellular responses. Our study provides a comprehensive overview of the cellular response to temperature stress, advancing our understanding of stress response mechanisms in hyperthermophilic archaea and provide valuable insights into the molecular adaptations that facilitate life in extreme environments.
Sperm Toolbox – A selection of small molecules to study human spermatozoa
Authors: Gruber Franz S. , Richardson Anthony , Johnston Zoe C. , Myles Rachel , Norcross Neil , Day David , Georgiou Irene , Sanz Laura Sesma , Wilson Caroline , Read Kevin D. , da Silva Sarah Martins , Barratt Christopher L. R. , Gilbert Ian H. , Swedlow Jason R. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractMale contraceptive options and infertility treatments are limited. To help overcome these limitations we established a small molecule library as a toolbox for assay development and screening campaigns using human spermatozoa. We have profiled all compounds in our automated high-throughput screening platform and provide the dataset, which allows direct side-by-side comparisons of compound effects and assays using live human spermatozoa.
The influence of external governance mechanisms on the performance of microfinance institutions in Togo
Authors: Gadedjisso-Tossou Akouvi , Kouevi Tsotso , Gueyie Jean-Pierre 
Published: May 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to assess the effects of external governance mechanisms on the performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Togo.

Design/methodology/approach
Using annual time series data from a sample of 30 MFIs during the period 2011–2015, the authors apply panel data econometrics in their estimations.

Findings
The results indicate that the notation by a rating agency positively and significantly affects the financial return of MFIs. The quality and the regularity of the audits negatively and significantly influence the financial performance (measured by return on assets and operating self-sufficiency) but favorably and significantly influence social performance (increased number of active borrowers (NAB) and reduced size of loans). Furthermore, supervision increases the amount of individual loans but decreases the NAB, which means deterioration in social performance. Overall, this paper shows that external governance mechanisms significantly affect the performance of Togolese MFIs, but with varying effects depending on the mechanism considered.

Research limitations/implications
The sample size of 30 MFIs is small, and the geographic coverage of the study is restricted to MFIs operating in the city of Lomé, Togo. The authors did not have access to the information regarding the portfolio at risk at 30 days, even though it is a measure of financial performance. Likewise, we did not have access to the appendices to the financial statements for the calculation of prudential ratios. This method, which consists of asking the institutions using a questionnaire if they comply with prudential standards, may be biased because this study cannot verify the authenticity of the responses given that the standards are quantitative.

Practical implications
The study findings advocate that improving the financial and social performance of MFIs requires improving the quality of external governance mechanisms. MFIs should then pay close attention to well-functioning external governance mechanisms.

Social implications
As MFIs are key social actors in a society, all mechanisms that contribute to their efficiency benefit society.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the corporate governance literature by showing that external governance mechanisms influence performance. These external mechanisms are complementary disciplinary measures to internal governance mechanisms and other tools.
The role of mentors’ paradox mindset on career mentoring: application of attachment theory
Authors: Yin Jun 
Published: May 2023

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationship between mentors’ paradox mindset and career mentoring directly and indirectly through self-efficacy and work engagement, drawing insights from attachment theory.

Design/methodology/approach
A serial mediation model was tested using survey data from 297 employees working in a bank company in China.

Findings
Paradox mindset had a significant indirect effect on career mentoring through self-efficacy and work engagement, self-efficacy had a significant indirect effect on career mentoring through work engagement, and paradox mindset had a significant indirect effect on career mentoring through self-efficacy and work engagement.

Practical implications
The results offer practical insights for human resource managers by investigating how mentors’ mindsets affect their psychological states and behaviors. By training and developing mentors’ paradox mindset, mentors can better deal with tensions with a high level of self-efficacy and work engagement in the increasingly changing and demanding work environment and foster functional mentoring relationships.

Originality/value
Findings of this study provide fresh insights into the relationship between individual differences and mentoring relationships by uncovering the critical role of paradox mindset in enhancing self-efficacy and work engagement. Moreover, the interaction of mentors’ paradox mindset and self-efficacy advances previous studies on attachment theory by investigating the underlying mechanisms of mentoring relationships involving affectionate or emotional factors.
A relational view of unethical pro-organisational behaviour
Authors: Popoola Ifeoluwa Tobi , Novicevic Milorad , Johnson Paul , Matthew Mervin 
Published: May 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce the relational view of unethical pro-organisational behaviour (UPB) to explain interpersonal paths of influence on employees’ engagement in UPB. The proposed relational view of UPB is grounded in Darwall’s second-person philosophy.

Design/methodology/approach
This research design involves two quantitative studies – a pilot study with 340 subjects and the main study with 310 employees. The structural equation modelling data analysis was conducted using the R language software.

Findings
The findings provided initial support for the relational view of UPB. Study 1 revealed that employees’ accountability (perceived as personal obligation) influenced their engagement in UPB. Furthermore, Study 2 strengthens the theory and findings from Study 1 that employees’ moral organisational identification influences their engagement in UPB over the influence of employees’ identification with the organisation.

Research limitations/implications
The findings extend the nomological network of UPB and extant theoretical knowledge on the moral self by uncovering how moral accountability and personal obligation have a “dark side”.

Practical implications
The findings indicate that practitioners should address the impact of employee interpersonal relationships on their perceived obligation to engage in UPB.

Originality/value
The authors provided an original use of Darwall’s second-person standpoint as the philosophical foundation to integrate accountability and identity theories, to explain interpersonal influences on employees’ engagement in UPB.
Research on the friction, lubrication and temperature rise characteristics of silicon nitride full ceramic ball bearing at low temperature
Authors: Sun Jian , Zhang Guangxiang , Xia Zhongxian , Bao Zhigang , Yao Jinmei , Fang Xin , Zhang Zhe , Guan Renyun 
Published: May 2023

PurposeTo understand the service performance of full ceramic ball bearings under extreme working conditions and improve their service life, dynamic characteristic tests of full ceramic ball bearings under ultra-low temperature conditions were carried out by a low-temperature bearing life testing machine, and temperature rise and friction were measured under extreme low-temperature environment.Design/methodology/approachThe heat-flow coupling model of bearing was established by CFD software, and the test results were further analyzed.FindingsThe results show that the temperature rise of the bearing is not obvious in the liquid nitrogen environment. With the increase of the chamber temperature, the lubrication state of the bearing changes, resulting in the temperature rise of the outer ring of the bearing. As the temperature of the test chamber increases, the friction force on the bearing increases first and then decreases under the action of multifactor coupling.Research limitations/implicationsThe research results provide test data and theoretical basis for the application of all-ceramic ball bearings in aerospace and other fields and have important significance for improving the service life of high-end equipment under extreme working conditions.Practical implicationsThe research results provide test data and theoretical basis for the application of full ceramic ball bearings in aerospace and other fields and have important significance for improving the service life of high-end equipment under extreme working conditions.Social implicationsThe research results provide test data and theoretical basis for the application of full ceramic ball bearings in aerospace and other fields and have important significance for improving the service life of high-end equipment under extreme working conditions.Originality/valueThe research results provide test data and theoretical basis for the application of full ceramic ball bearings in aerospace and other fields and have important significance for improving the service life of high-end equipment under extreme working conditions.
Ethical and unethical behaviour of built environment professionals in the Ghanaian construction industry
Authors: Kuoribo Ewald , Owusu-Manu De-Graft , Yomoah Roland , Debrah Caleb , Acheampong Alex , Edwards David John 
Published: May 2023

PurposeThe construction industry is an enabler of economic growth in developing countries, but its performance is governed by the professional behaviour of construction professionals. Unethical behaviour (UB) breaches codes of practice and undermines economic performance hence, ubiquitous academic attention has been given to understanding this phenomenon. This paper aims to contribute to the ensuing discourse by reporting upon the most critical ethical behaviours (EBs and UBs) of professionals in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI).Design/methodology/approachThe study compounded identified factors into a closed-ended questionnaire in a quantitative research strategy. Data analysis was conducted using the relative importance index and one samplet-test. To measure the reliability of the scale, Cronbach’s alpha was used, which indicated that all measured items were reliable for further analysis.FindingsThe study confirmed that professionals within the GCI are aware of the existence of UBs and revealed that the most prevalent ethical conducts exhibited, namely, level of accuracy, accountability, honesty, reliability, fairness and respect for colleagues. Common unethical conducts exhibited included: favouritism, bribery and corruption, professional negligence, falsification, fraud and overbilling.Research limitations/implicationsThe study reported on the dominant ethical conduct among built environment professionals. The claims put forward in the analysis are, thus, affected by Ghana’s social, economic and political environments, which could restrict the generalization of the findings.Practical implicationsIncipient findings presented from this research will guide stakeholders to develop and device strategies that will aid alleviate persistent ethical issues within the built environment.Social implicationsThe study highlights individuals’ perspectives on ethical issues persistent in the built environment. The findings suggest individuals adhere to ethical practices in a project environment by the evidence presented.Originality/valueThis pioneering study is a novel assessment on EBs and UBs of built environment professionals in the GCI. The study supplementary adds value to the literature on ethical and unethical practices. By identifying these practices, construction firms have a competitive edge in combating UB and promoting EB among built environment professionals in the GCI.
Policy analysis to maximize the firm value: performing firm valuation using system dynamics
Authors: Khan Aima , Qureshi Muhammad Azeem 
Published: May 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this study is firm value management through corporate finance policy design and scenario analysis to maximize the firm value.Design/methodology/approachThe study develops a system dynamics model for an oil firm and incorporates the financial and physical processes to perform the firm valuation. The model is simulated under the current and alternative investment, capital structure and dividend policies of the case firm, assuming different oil and gas price and tax rate scenarios to identify which combination of policies maximizes the firm value.FindingsThe simulation results suggest that lowering the volume of investments, increasing the debt ratio and reducing the dividend payments from the current level increases the share price, given increased oil and gas price expectations and lower tax rates. However, the total firm value outperforms with increased investments toward the end of the simulation period. In case of decreased oil and gas price expectations, lower volume of investments, lower debt ratio and lower dividend payments increase the share prices, given lower taxes.Originality/valueThis study entails significance as it provides a comprehensive financial planning model for an oil firm, which incorporates the complex interactions of key financial and physical processes of the firm. The study contributes to debates on corporate finance policies by integrating multiple theories, accounting for accumulation processes and feedback loops and their non-linear interactions. The study proposes the consideration of combined impact of policies for firm value management.