bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial sensor variation across biogeochemical conditions in the terrestrial deep subsurface
Authors: Goldman Annelise L. , Fulk Emily M. , Momper Lily , Heider Clinton , Mulligan John , Osburn Magdalena , Masiello Caroline A. , Silberg Jonathan J. 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACTMicrobes can be found in abundance many kilometers underground. While microbial metabolic capabilities have been examined across different geochemical settings, it remains unclear how changes in subsurface niches affect microbial needs to sense and respond to their environment. To address this question, we examined how two component systems (TCS) vary across metagenomes in the Deep Mine Microbial Observatory (DeMMO). TCSs were found at all six subsurface sites, the service water control, and the surface site, with an average of 0.88 sensor histidine kinases (HKs) per 100 genes across all sites. Abundance was greater in subsurface fracture fluids compared with surface-derived fluids, and candidate phyla radiation (CPR) bacteria presented the lowest HK frequencies. Measures of microbial diversity, such as the Shannon diversity index, revealed that HK abundance is inversely correlated with microbial diversity (r2= 0.81). Among the geochemical parameters measured, HK frequency correlated the strongest with variance in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) (r2= 0.82). Taken together, these results implicate the abiotic and biotic properties of an ecological niche as drivers of sensor needs, and they suggest that microbes in environments with large fluctuations in organic nutrients (e.g., lacustrine, terrestrial, and coastal ecosystems) may require greater TCS diversity than ecosystems with low nutrients (e.g., open ocean).IMPORTANCEThe ability to detect environmental conditions is a fundamental property of all life forms. However, organisms do not maintain the same environmental sensing abilities during evolution. To better understand the controls on microbial sensor abundance, which remain poorly understood, we evaluated how two-component sensor systems evolved within the deep Earth across sampling sites where abiotic and biotic properties vary. We quantify the relative abundances of sensor proteins and find that sensor systems remain abundant in microbial consortia as depth below the Earth’s surface increases. We also observe correlations between sensor system abundances and abiotic (dissolved organic carbon variation) and biotic (consortia diversity) properties across the DeMMO sites. These results suggest that multiple environmental properties drive sensor protein evolution and diversification and highlight the importance of studying metagenomic and geochemical data in parallel to understand the drivers of microbial sensor evolution.
Exosomes derived from BMSCs with miR-124-3p inhibitor protects against LPS-induced endometritis through regulation of DUSP6, p-p65 and p-ERK
Authors: Chen Yihong , Zheng Shan , Zhao Xiumei , Zhang Yi , Yu Suchai , Wei Juanbing 
Published: February 2023

AbstractEndometritis seriously affects women’s normal life and work. It has been found that microRNA-123-3p (miR-124-3p) expression is abnormally high expression in the patients of chronic endometritis. However, the underlying mechanism for miR-124-3p regulation of endometritis development remains unclear. In our study, we treated human endometrial epithelial cells (HEECs) with LPS to simulate endometrial injuryin vitro. Then, HEEC was treated with miR-124-3p mimics and miR-124-3p inhibitor. Next, exosomes were separated from bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). In addition, BMSCs were co-cultured with HEEC. Later on, dual-luciferase reporter assay was carried out to validate the regulation between miR-124-3p and DUSP6. Results indicated that LPS inhibited the viability of HEEC in time and dose dependent manner. MiR-124-3p inhibitor reversed apoptosis and viability inhibition of HEEC which were induced by LPS. In addition, we also found exosomes could transfer miR-124-3p from BMSCs to HEEC. Besides, BMSCs/anti-miR-124-3p Exo was observed to abolish LPS-induced viability and proliferation inhibition of HEEC by inducing the apoptosis of HEEC. Moreover, BMSCs/anti-miR-124-3p Exo alleviated inflammation of HEEC induced by LPS via upregulating DUSP6 and downregulating p-p65 and p-ERK. Furthermore, BMSCs/anti-miR-124-3p Exo protected against LPS-induced endometritisin vivoby upregulating DUSP6 and downregulating p-p65 and p-ERK. In conclusion, we found that BMSCs/anti-miR-124-3p Exo might be a promising new alternative to treat endometritis.
Cryo-EM Unveils the Processivity Mechanism of Kinesin KIF1A and the Impact of its Pathogenic Variant P305L
Authors: Benoit Matthieu P.M.H. , Rao Lu , Asenjo Ana B. , Gennerich Arne , Sosa Hernando 
Published: February 2023

AbstractMutations in the microtubule-associated motor protein KIF1A lead to severe neurological conditions known as KIF1A-associated neurological disorders (KAND). Despite insights into its molecular mechanism, high-resolution structures of KIF1A-microtubule complexes remain undefined. Here, we present 2.7-3.4 Å resolution structures of dimeric microtubule-bound KIF1A, including the pathogenic P305L mutant, across various nucleotide states. Our structures reveal that KIF1A binds microtubules in one- and two-heads-bound configurations, with both heads exhibiting distinct conformations with tight inter-head connection. Notably, KIF1A’s class-specific loop 12 (K-loop) forms electrostatic interactions with the C-terminal tails of both α- and β-tubulin. The P305L mutation does not disrupt these interactions but alters loop-12’s conformation, impairing strong microtubule-binding. Structure-function analysis reveals the K-loop and head-head coordination as major determinants of KIF1A’s superprocessive motility. Our findings advance the understanding of KIF1A’s molecular mechanism and provide a basis for developing structure-guided therapeutics against KAND.
Research on the formation mechanism of product contribution in online product communities: content contribution as a mediating variable
Authors: Qin Min , Zhu Wei , Pan Jinxia , Li Shuqin , Qiu Shanshan 
Published: February 2023

PurposeEnterprises build online product community to expect users to contribute: opinion sharing (content contribution) and product consumption (product contribution). Previous literature rarely focused on both. The purpose of this paper is to explain user contribution mechanism by identifying content contribution and product contribution.Design/methodology/approachThis research chose Xiaomi-hosted online product community (bbs.xiaomi.cn) and Huawei-hosted online product community (club.huawei.com) where users can freely share ideas and buy products at the same time. Data were crawled from 109,665 community users to construct dependent variable measurement, and 611 questionnaires were used to verify research hypotheses.FindingsThe results indicate that both cognitive needs and personal integration needs have a significant positive impact on browse behavior; social integration needs and hedonic needs have a significant positive impact on content contribution behavior. Browse behavior not only directly affects but also indirectly influences product contribution through content contribution behavior.Research limitations/implicationsFindings of this research provide community managers with useful insights into the relationship between content contribution and product contribution.Originality/valueThis study explains the formation mechanism of user product contribution and reveals the relationship between user content contribution and product contribution in online product community. This paper provides a different way of theorizing user contributions by incorporating uses and gratifications theory into the “Motivation-Behavior-Result” framework.
An algorithm for determining the inner and outer loops of arbitrary parametric surfaces
Authors: Ju Chuanming , Zhang J. , Zhang Yong , Du Xianfeng , Yuan Zheng , Liu Tangying 
Published: February 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an algorithm for determining the inner and outer loops of arbitrary parametric surfaces.Design/methodology/approachThe algorithm considers two sub-algorithms: one for non-closed surfaces and another one for closed surfaces. The first sub-algorithm named by area positive and negative method (APNM), combines a curve discretization algorithm with the polygon direction judgment algorithm to judge the inner and outer loops of non-closed surfaces. The second sub-algorithm, called by cross-period number method (CPNM), combines a curve discretization algorithm with the periodicity of closed surfaces to judge the type of boundary loops.FindingsThe APNM can use less CPU time to determining the inner and outer loops of the non-closed parametric surfaces. The CPNM can also determine the inner and outer loops of closed parametric surfaces effectively. The judgment results of loops can ensure that the direction of meshes generated on these surfaces is right. And finally ensure the correctness of the numerical simulation results.Originality/valueSeveral numerical examples presented have verified the robustness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm. Compared with the conventional algorithm, the more complex the model, the more time the APNM saves in the process of determining the inner and outer loops for non-closed surfaces. The CPNM is also a new method to determining the inner and outer loops for closed parametric surfaces. The single run-time of CPNM is very small and can reach the level of microseconds.
A sustainable–lean implementation methodology: a catalyst for sustainability enhancement of high-rise residential projects
Authors: Khanapure Vidya Umakant , Shastri Sameer S. 
Published: February 2023

PurposeThe importance of lean and sustainability integration in sustainable construction (SC) has been extensively studied. However, a practical and thorough implementation methodology addressing the project life cycle phases is still inadequate. The present study has developed a novel phase-wise sustainable–lean implementation methodology for high-rise residential projects.Design/methodology/approachThe current study has identified the 50 direct conceptual interactions between 11 lean principles and 11 sustainability criteria encompassing 44 different attributes covering 174 sustainability actions. A panel of nine experts validated these interactions, and 50 integration vectors were proposed addressing different phases of the project life cycle of high-rise residential buildings. The experts also analysed the identified integration vectors for their current and likely future implementation in high-rise residential projects.FindingsThe interactions between lean and sustainability principles led to the development of a phase-wise implementation methodology. The experts' survey responses on the current level of implementation revealed that 40, 32 and 28% of integration vectors were implemented rarely, sometimes, and frequently, respectively. For likely future implementation, 28 and 72% integration vectors were reported as very likely and extremely likely to implement, respectively. This survey response highlighted the usefulness of identified integration vectors for enhancing the sustainability of high-rise residential projects.Originality/valueThe proposed sustainable–lean implementation methodology acts as a comprehensive guideline for implementing a lean approach to achieve the objectives of SC in high-rise residential projects. This may facilitate the transition from conventional to sustainable building practices using a lean approach.
Analyzing the impact of stock options on talent retention and knowledge product generativity at knowledge intensive firms
Authors: Talukder Md Farid , Wang Haibo 
Published: February 2023

PurposeSince the subject matters of human resources activities on knowledge intensive firms have been changed by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, this study aims to analyze the impact of stock options on talent retention (knowledge worker retention) and knowledge productivity (innovation) in terms of patents, which directly affect the financial performance of knowledge intensive firms.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on agency and contingency theory to design the causality model, this study analyzes the data obtained from 227 publicly traded knowledge intensive firms in information technology (IT) and healthcare sectors. Panel data analysis is used to determine the long run causal relationship between firm innovation, knowledge worker retention and financial performance, in addition to ANOVA for evaluating firm size as a lurking variable on the effect of stock options.FindingsThe results of this study demonstrate that, when firm size is taken into account, (1) stock options significantly affect knowledge worker retention and firms' financial performance, and this impact is stronger in a during-pandemic situation than in a pre-pandemic situation (2) firm innovation significantly affects firms' financial performance and this impact is stronger in a during-pandemic situation than in a pre-pandemic situation; (3) knowledge worker retention doesn't have a significant impact on firm innovation and firms' financial performance. Moreover, random effect regression analysis for long-term relationships also depicts the same results: knowledge worker retention has non-significant impact on firm innovation and financial performance, but firm innovation significantly affects financial performance.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, the authors are the first to compare the effects of stock options, knowledge worker retention and firm innovation in both pre- and during-pandemic scenarios where firm size is taken into consideration.
Fatigue reliability framework using enhanced active Kriging-based hierarchical collaborative strategy
Authors: Zhang Hong , Song Lu-Kai , Bai Guang-Chen , Li Xue-Qin 
Published: February 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to improve the computational efficiency and accuracy of fatigue reliability analysis.Design/methodology/approachBy absorbing the advantages of Markov chain and active Kriging model into the hierarchical collaborative strategy, an enhanced active Kriging-based hierarchical collaborative model (DCEAK) is proposed.FindingsThe analysis results show that the proposed DCEAK method holds high accuracy and efficiency in dealing with fatigue reliability analysis with high nonlinearity and small failure probability.Research limitations/implicationsThe effectiveness of the presented method in more complex reliability analysis problems (i.e. noisy problems, high-dimensional issues etc.) should be further validated.Practical implicationsThe current efforts can provide a feasible way to analyze the reliability performance and identify the sensitive variables in aeroengine mechanisms.Originality/valueTo improve the computational efficiency and accuracy of fatigue reliability analysis, an enhanced active DCEAK is proposed and the corresponding fatigue reliability framework is established for the first time.
Can traders' meetings boost seed sales of new rice varieties and promote a market-driven seed system? Evidence from Nepal
Authors: Thapa Ganesh , Choudhary Dyutiman , Khanal Narayan Prasad , Gautam Shriniwas 
Published: February 2023

PurposeFarmers in developing countries are used to recycling and purchasing seeds of old and low-yielding varieties, leading to low seed and varietal replacement rates. Seed companies in Nepal have started to conduct traders' meetings (TMs) to promote new rice varieties. This paper aims to assess the effectiveness of this approach in promoting new rice varieties.Design/methodology/approachThe authors assess the effectiveness of TMs by surveying 238 agrodealers from 7 districts of Nepal. The authors used the binary logit model to study the determinants of participation in TM and an instrumental variable approach to estimate the impact of TMs on sales of the promoted rice varieties.FindingsResults indicate that the TM significantly influences traders' knowledge and increases the probability of selling new rice varieties promoted. However, TMs did not significantly increase the overall sales of promoted rice varieties.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is based on cross-section data; thus, unobserved fixed effects could not be accounted for. The study finds only one relevant and valid instrumental variable and therefore could not conduct any exogeneity test.Originality/valueSeed companies in Nepal started to conduct TMs to promote new rice varieties since 2019. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the usefulness of TMs and the impact of these events in changing traders' attitudes toward domestic rice seed varieties or in business performance (annual sales of the promoted varieties) have not been assessed. Therefore, the study findings will help to promote the market-driven seed system and increase the seed replacement rate.
Does the Centrual Economic Work Conference (CEWC) affect the stock market?
Authors: Wang Xian , Zhao Yijian , Wang Qingyi , Yixing Huang , George Gabedava 
Published: February 2023

PurposeThis paper focuses on the orientation of the economy expressed in the communication of the Central Economic Work Conference (CEWC) of China and its relation with the stock market. This study seeks to explore which orientation of the economy may have a stronger impact on the rise of the stock market. It proposes words connoting orientation of the economy (WOE) that is closely related to the stock market, and different WOE has different impacts on the stock market in terms of intensity. The study aims to provide investors with better investment strategies by identifying the stronger developmental WOE.Design/methodology/approachThe paper opted for an exploratory study using the textual analysis approach, based on a corpus of 28 CEWC communications spanning from 1994 to 2021. The raw corpus amounted to 50,754 words in total that are treated with noise reduction method and record an effective corpus of 39,591.FindingsThe paper provides empirical insights into the close relationship of the WOE of the CEWC to the stock market, and different WOE has different impacts on the stock market in terms of intensity. It suggests that WOE connoting development may forecast a rising stock market if it is nearly 40% higher than the other two WOEs by impact index.Research limitations/implicationsAs WOE is only proven in the CEWC, this paper has its limitations in the scope of samples. It is necessary to apply WOE to more Central Bank communication (CBC) and countries. It is desirable to apply the Gunning–Fog index.Practical implicationsThe paper includes implications for investors to read out the orientation of the economy and the degree of different WOEs. Investors are keener to know “what” degree of the CEWC leads to the rise/fall of the stock market. The impact index can be an indicator of a tendency of the stock market, which upgrades the rationality of investment decisions.Social implicationsThis paper fulfills words connoting the orientation of economy as an identified linguistic feature, which the impact of CEWC on stockmarket can be measured.Originality/valuePrevious academic research studies mostly focus on the impact on stock market from the language features of CBC, rather than that from the more influential body, CEWC communication. This study seeks to provide the relationship of CEWC communication and the time length of the impact on the stock prices.
Equity issues in the provision of online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic in Kenya
Authors: Malenya Francis Likoye , Ohba Asayo 
Published: February 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to critically review the well-intended plan by the government through the Ministry of Education to continue providing quality learning through online learning and in an equitable and inclusive manner during school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on a review of the available literature including assessment reports, academic studies and media reports.FindingsThe paper revealed that despite the visionary plan by the government that the development and implementation of an emergency response plan would ensure equitable and inclusive continued learning for all students, those learners who were disadvantaged, including those living in remote areas and urban informal settlements, girls and learners from low–socio-economic households, found it even harder to access lessons. In fact, the existing digital divide on the part of the learners and schools served to reproduce or even widen inequities in learning. The COVID-19 pandemic evidently made these inequities more visible or even worse. What had been conceived as and intended to be an equitable and inclusive learning exercise ended up marginalising learners in already marginalised spaces.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the researchers made an attempt to search for as many documents as possible, the documents selected for the paper are limited to those that explored the online learning during COVID-19 in Kenya. These reports were critically examined with a view to providing a clear picture of what online teaching and learning was like and how this picture embraced notions of fairness and inclusivity hence equity. Despite all these, there was the possibility of having some biases in the used reports. However, the researchers carefully read them triangulating them with others with similar information in an attempt to filter biases.Practical implicationsThe paper has demonstrated how the learning process can be influenced by the provision of the relevant teaching and learning materials, tools and infrastructure.Social implicationsThis paper has clearly demonstrated the position that learning is a social process and which is affected by the social factors such as gender roles, socio-economic status and the social environment in which it occurs.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to ongoing discussion about the potentials and challenges of online learning particularly in a country like Kenya where equity in learning still remains a considerable challenge mainly as a result of the existing socio-economic, regional and gender disparities in learning. The paper makes a contribution in terms of an authentic mode of thinking that should guide the process of provision of “learning for all”.