bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cbp1-Cren7 chromatinization of CRISPR arrays favours transcription from leader-over cryptic promoters
Authors: Blombach Fabian , Sýkora Michal , Case Jo , Feng Xu , Baquero Diana P , Fouqueau Thomas , Phung Duy Khanh , Barker Declan , Krupovic Mart , She Qunxin , Werner Finn 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCRISPR arrays form the physical memory of CRISPR adaptive immune systems by incorporating foreign DNA as spacers that are often AT-rich and derived from viruses. As promoter elements such as the TATA-box are AT-rich, CRISPR arrays are prone to harbouring cryptic promoters. Sulfolobales harbor extremely long CRISPR arrays spanning several kilobases, a feature that is accompanied by the CRISPR-specific transcription factor Cbp1. Aberrant Cbp1 expression modulates CRISPR array transcription, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this regulation are unknown. Here, we characterise the genome-wide Cbp1 binding at nucleotide resolution and characterise the binding motifs on distinct CRISPR arrays, as well as on unexpected non-canonical binding sites associated with transposasons. Cbp1 recruits Cren7 forming together ‘chimeric’ chromatin-like structures at CRISPR arrays. We dissect Cbp1 functionin vitroandin vivoand show that the third HTH domain is responsible for Cren7 recruitment, and that Cbp1-Cren7 chromatinization plays a dual role in the transcription of CRISPR arrays. It suppresses spurious transcription from cryptic promoters within CRISPR arrays but enhances CRISPR RNA transcription directed from their cognate promoters in their leader region. Our results show that Cbp1-Cren7 chromatinization drives the productive expression of long CRISPR arrays.
ZFP281 coordinates DNMT3 and TET1 for transcriptional and epigenetic control in pluripotent state transitions
Authors: Huang Xin , Balmer Sophie , Lyu Cong , Xiang Yunlong , Malik Vikas , Wang Hailin , Zhang Yu , Xie Wei , Hadjantonakis Anna-Katerina , Zhou Hongwei , Wang Jianlong 
Published: March 2023

SUMMARYThe progression from naive through formative to primedin vitropluripotent stem cell states recapitulates the development of the epiblastin vivoduring the peri-implantation period of mammalian development. Activation of thede novoDNA methyltransferases and reorganization of transcriptional and epigenetic landscapes are key events occurring during these pluripotent state transitions. However, the upstream regulators that coordinate these events are relatively underexplored. Here, usingZfp281knockout mouse and degron knock-in cell models, we uncover the direct transcriptional activation ofDnmt3a/3bby ZFP281 in pluripotent stem cells. Chromatin co-occupancy of ZFP281 and DNA hydroxylase TET1, dependent on the formation of R loops in ZFP281-targeted gene promoters, undergoes a “high-low-high” bimodal pattern regulating dynamic DNA methylation and gene expression during the naïve-formative-primed transitions. ZFP281 also safeguards DNA methylation in maintaining primed pluripotency. Our study demonstrates a previously unappreciated role for ZFP281 in coordinating DNMT3A/3B and TET1 functions to promote pluripotent state transitions.In BriefThe naive, formative, and primed pluripotent states and their interconversions recapitulate pluripotency continuum during early development. Huang and colleagues investigated the transcriptional programs during successive pluripotent state transitions and revealed an essential role for ZFP281 in coordinating DNMT3A/3B and TET1 to establish the DNA methylation and gene expression programs during the transitions.HighlightsZFP281 activatesDnmt3a/3b in vitroin pluripotent stem cells andin vivoin epiblast.ZFP281 and TET1 undergo bimodal chromatin occupancy in pluripotent state transitions.Chromatin-binding of ZFP281 and TET1 depends on the formation of R-loops at promoters.ZFP281 is necessary for the establishment and maintenance of primed pluripotency.
Production of extracellular polymeric substances in granular sludge under selection forAccumulibacterandCompetibacter
Authors: Guimarães Lorena B. , Gubser Nina R. , Lin Yuemei , Zlópasa Jure , Felz Simon , Tomás Martínez Sergio , Pronk Mario , Neu Thomas R. , Dueholm Morten K. D. , Albertsen Mads , da Costa Rejane H. R. , Nielsen Per Halkjær , van Loosdrecht Mark C. M. , Weissbrodt David G. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractGranular sludge intensifies the removal of nutrients from wastewater. Granules structured by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) can be recovered as biomaterial. Links between microbial selection and EPS formation during granulation need to get uncovered. We inoculated anaerobic-aerobic sequencing batch reactors with either flocs or granules to study the relationships between microbial selection, bioaggregation, exopolymer formation, and EPS composition. Selection for slow-growing organisms like the model polyphosphate- accumulating organism “Candidatus Accumulibacter” (max. 83% vs. amplicon sequencing read counts) and glycogen-accumulating organism “Ca. Competibacter” (max. 45%) sustained granulation. Gel-forming exopolymers were produced as high as above 40% of the volatile solids of the biomass by stepwise increase of the organic loading rate (0.3 to 2.0 g CODAcd-1LR-1). Confocal laser scanning microscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, and HPAE-PAD chromatography revealed the complex and dynamic chemical compositions of the structural EPS in relation to microbial population shifts along reactor regimes. The analysis of 20 representative genomes of “Ca. Accumulibacter” and “Ca. Competibacter” recovered from public databases revealed their functional potential to produce EPS among other representative wastewater microorganisms. The more than 40 functional gene categories annotated highlight the complexity of EPS metabolic networks from monomers processing to assembly, export, and epimerizations. The combination of ecological engineering principles and systems microbiology will help unravel and direct the production of EPS from wastewater, valorizing residual granular sludge into beneficial biomaterials for the circular economy.HighlightsSelection for slow-growing organisms like PAOs and GAOs fostered a robust granulation.Structural EPS were produced above 40% of biomass volatile content under high loading.Chemical composition of EPS evolved together with the microbial community composition.Genomic insights highlighted the genetic potential of PAOs and GAOs for EPS formation.Microbial communities are complex; further are their EPS compositions and metabolisms.Graphical abstract
Arf1-PI4KIIIβ positive vesicles regulate phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate signalling to facilitate the fission of lysosomal tubules
Authors: Boutry Maxime , DiGiovanni Laura F. , Demers Nicholas , Fountain Aaron , Mamand Sami , Botelho Roberto J. , Kim Peter K. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractFormation and fission of tubules from lysosomal organelles, such as autolysosomes, endolysosomes or phagolysosomes, are required for lysosome reformation. However, the mechanisms governing these processes in the different forms of lysosomal organelles are poorly understood. For instance, the role of phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PI(4)P) is unclear as it was shown to promote the formation of tubules from phagolysosomes but was proposed to inhibit tubule formation on autolysosomes because the loss of PI4KIIIβ causes extensive lysosomal tubulations. Using super-resolution live-cell imaging, we show that Arf1-PI4KIIIβ positive vesicles are recruited to tubule fission sites from autolysosomes, endolysosomes and phagolysosomes. Moreover, we show that PI(4)P is required to form autolysosomal tubules and that increased lysosomal tubulation caused by loss of PI4KIIIβ represents impaired tubule fission. At the site of fission, we propose that Arf1-PI4KIIIβ positive vesicles mediate a PI(3)P signal on lysosomes in a process requiring the lipid transfer protein SEC14L2. Our findings indicate that Arf1-PI4KIIIβ positive vesicles and their regulation of PI(3)P are critical components of the lysosomal tubule fission machinery.
Post-fibrillization nitration of alpha-synuclein abolishes its seeding activity and pathology formation in primary neurons andin vivo
Authors: Donzelli Sonia , OSullivan Sinead A. , Mahul-Mellier Anne-Laure , Ulusoy Ayse , Fusco Giuliana , Kumar Senthil T. , Chiki Anass , Burtscher Johannes , Boussouf Manel L.D. , Rostami Iman , Simone Alfonso De , Di Monte Donato A. , Lashuel Hilal A. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIncreasing evidence points to post-translational modifications (PTMs) as key regulators of alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) function in health and disease. However, whether these PTMs occur before or after α-Syn pathology formation and their role in regulating α-Syn toxicity remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that post-fibrillization nitration of α-Syn fibrils induced their fragmentation, modified their surface and dynamic properties but not their structure, and nearly abolished their seeding activity in primary neurons andin vivo. Furthermore, we show that the dynamic and surface properties of the fibrils, rather than simply their length, are important determinants of α-Syn fibril seeding activity. Altogether, our work demonstrates that post-aggregation modifications of α-Syn may provide novel approaches to target a central process that contributes to pathology formation and disease progression. Finally, our results suggest that the pattern of PTMs on pathological aggregates, rather than simply their presence, could be a key determinant of their toxicity and neurodegeneration. This calls for reconsidering current approaches relying solely on quantifying and correlating the level of pathology to assess the efficacy of novel therapies, as not all α-Syn aggregates in the brain are pathogenic.
The impact of Fintech on inflation and unemployment: the case of Asia
Authors: Ben Romdhane Youssra , Kammoun Souhaila , Loukil Sahar 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThis study attempts to explain the impact of Fintech on the Asian economies through two main indicators, inflation and unemployment over the period 2011-2014-2017.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses panel data regression models to explain the relationship between Fintech, inflation as an indicator of currency circulation and unemployment since Fintech has disrupted the labor market.FindingsEmpirical results show a consistently strong and positive relationship between the development of financial technologies and the reduction of inflation and unemployment unless these technologies are actively used. Digital finance has become a new driver of economic development. Therefore, governors should not only improve their economies but also expand their information and communication technologies to develop their digital infrastructure, especially for businesses.Originality/valueThe present study contributes to the existing literature on the impact of disruptive digital innovation on the socioeconomic development of emerging countries. The empirical evidence highlights the importance of distinguishing between active and passive uses of Fintech in order to anticipate its economic impact.
What influences village-level access to a bank branch? Evidence from India
Authors: Garg Sandhya , Gupta Samarth 
Published: March 2023

PurposeFinancial access is key to achieving several economic goals in developing countries. This paper aims to construct a longitudinal village-level measure of financial access in India and understand the role of RBI's policies and village characteristics in influencing the access.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopt a spatial approach in developing a metric of financial access. In particular, they measure the distance of each unbanked village in India to the nearest banked-centre from 1951 to 2019. The authors use this measure to conduct two exercises. First, a descriptive study is undertaken to assess how RBI's policies on bank branch expansion from 1951 to 2019 influenced the proximity to bank branches. Second, the authors conduct regression analyses to investigate how socio-economic and demographic characteristics of villages influence their proximity to bank branches.FindingsThe average distance of an unbanked village to the nearest banked-centre has declined from 43.5 km in 1951 to 4.2 km in 2019. The gain in bank access has varied geographically and over time. In 2001, bank branches were relatively distant from villages with under-privileged caste groups and proximate to areas with better infrastructure. This relationship worsened after 2005 when RBI introduced liberalized branch expansion policies. By 2019, proximity responds much more adversely to the presence of underprivileged groups. At the same time, banks have moved closer to economically better-off villages and villages with workforce in non-farm enterprises rather than agriculture.Originality/valueFirst, studies in the Indian context focus on state-level determinants of bank branching, this is the first study to develop a longitudinal measure of financial access at the village level. This helps to understand spatial heterogeneity in bank branch access within states, which other studies are unable to do. Second, the paper analyses the role of village-level socio-economic and demographic characteristics in proximity to bank branches. This analysis helps in discovering micro-foundations of growth of bank branch network. The granularity of the approach adopted here overcomes the confoundedness problems that the studies at a more aggregate level face.
Linking relation-specific investments and sustainability performance: the mediating role of supply chain learning
Authors: Yang Yang , Jiang Yan , Chen Haojia , Xu Zhiduan 
Published: March 2023

PurposeDespite the growing interest in the role of relation-specific investments (RSIs) in superior firm performance, their impact on sustainability performance remains unexplored, as do the underlying mechanisms of such effects. Drawing on the relational view and resource orchestration theory (ROT), the authors propose that supply chain learning (SCL) mediates the link between RSIs and sustainability performance.Design/methodology/approachA multi-method approach was adopted, combining a case study and survey. An exploratory case study of four Chinese manufacturing firms was first conducted to develop research hypotheses. A quantitative survey of data collected from 269 firms was then undertaken to test hypotheses.FindingsProperty-based, knowledge-based and personal-based RSIs positively impact firm sustainability performance and SCL. SCL fully mediates the relationship between knowledge-as well as personal-based RSIs and sustainability performance, and partially mediates the relationship between property-based RSIs and sustainability performance.Practical implicationsThe study unveils important practical insights and approaches for firms endeavouring to achieve sustainability performance through RSIs and SCL.Originality/valueThe study extends the RSIs literature by linking RSIs and sustainability performance and differentiating the effects of different types of RSIs on sustainability performance. The theorized underlying mechanism advances the understanding of SCL in the link between RSIs and sustainability performance.
Technological innovation system in agribusiness: motors and evolution
Authors: Garcez Telmo Lena , Dias Marcelo Fernandes Pacheco 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the evolution and interaction over time of the functions of a technological innovation system (TIS) based on the concept of an innovation motor.Design/methodology/approachIt is a case study of the innovation system associated with the technology for producing cage-free pullets for laying eggs in Pelotas/Rio Grande do Sul (RS).FindingsThe motors proposed by the TIS approach evolve sequentially and are associated with cumulative causality mechanisms. The study's results identified two functionalities: analysis of the chain as a whole and coordination of the actors involved in the system. The study's results also identified the presence of inflection points at the beginning of each of the motors.Research limitations/implicationsThe absence of a more accurate detailing of the market motor in discussions of the evolution of the motors and functions of TIS cage free Pelotas.Practical implicationsInnovation Motors as a new guiding approach for participatory innovation initiatives in rural areas.Originality/valueApplication of the TIS approach in agribusiness and proposition of two new functions for motor analysis, in addition to including inflection points as activation triggers in the evolution between motors.
Partnership and capacity building in the date sector in Tunisia: the contribution of support organizations
Authors: Rouached Lamia , Loukil Faten , Boughzala Yasmine 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThis paper aims to understand how support organizations promote the structuring of the agricultural value chain through partnerships and capacity building of the various links in the chain.Design/methodology/approachThe study is exploratory and qualitative, based on ten semi-structured interviews with the main public support organizations related to the date sector in Tunisia.FindingsThe results showed that the support organizations of the Tunisian date sector do not share the same vision of the priorities to be strengthened to promote the export of dates in Tunisia.Research limitations/implicationsReviewing the coordination mechanisms between the support organizations is important in order to improve the governance of the value chain and to reinforce the capacity of the operators in the date value chain.Originality/valuePublic support organizations are important actors in agricultural value chains as these organizations implement agricultural policies. Assessing these organizations' contribution to capacity building of chain links is an innovative approach to detecting organizational dysfunction in agricultural value chains in developing countries.
Older women and domestic abuse: through a glass darkly
Authors: Milne Alisoun 
Published: March 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to offer a profile of domestic abuse of older women and its impact on their health and well-being; explore some of the conceptual tensions that exist in this field; and discuss current policy and practice responses to this group of victim-survivors.

Design/methodology/approach
It is a review paper drawing on material from a range of sources; it has policy, practice and research implications.

Findings
Although there is growing recognition that older women are victims of domestic abuse, it tends to be regarded as a “younger women’s issue” and to be subsumed under the umbrella of elder abuse. This not only removes the gendered element, but it also uncouples it from the lifecourse where, for many, its roots lie. It also tends to foreground “old age” as the primary dimension of risk. There is a tension between the justice-oriented approach of the domestic abuse system and the welfarist approach that imbues the safeguarding system. There is a need for integration between the two systems. Also, for the health and care system to be more alert to the needs of older women at risk, we need to achieve a more effective balance between protection and justice, accord a greater level of agency to older victim-survivors and ensure they have access to domestic abuse law, policy and appropriate support services.

Research limitations/implications
More research is needed with older victim-survivors: listening to their lived experiences, coping strategies and pathways out of abuse. The issue also needs to be more visible.

Practical implications
Developing appropriate domestic abuse services for older women is critical. Practice lessons can be learnt too: especially greater integration of the safeguarding system with the domestic abuse system. Training is needed too for frontline health and social care staff about the distinctive nature of domestic abuse of older women.

Social implications
Domestic abuse of older women needs to be spoken about and made more visible in society and inside services, including older people’s third sector services.

Originality/value
This paper adopts a critical lens and makes a number of new arguments.
Gender gap in the perceived mastery of reasoning-for-complexity competency: an approach in Latin America
Authors: Vázquez-Parra José Carlos , Castillo-Martínez Isolda Margarita , Ramírez-Montoya María Soledad , Amézquita-Zamora Juan Alberto , Cruz-Sandoval Marco 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThe study aims to assess students' perceived mastery of reasoning-for-complexity competency and its sub-competencies in a sample of students in a Latin American university. The intention was to identify statistically significant differences between a population of men and women with similar sociocultural characteristics, assessing whether gender could be a factor for educational institutions to consider when implementing strategies to develop this competency.Design/methodology/approachThe eComplexity instrument was applied to 370 undergraduate students in their first to ninth semesters in a private university in Western Mexico. Descriptive statistics were analyzed to determine the mean and standard deviation indicators and were tested for statistical significance. The convenience sampling methodology ensured that there were students from all semesters and a diversity of majors. The sampling aimed for a balance of men and women, resulting in 189 women and 181 men.FindingsThe results confirmed no statistically significant evidence to indicate differences between men and women in their perceived mastery of the reasoning-for-complexity competency in general. However, statistically significant differences were found in the perceived achievements of the sub-competencies of systems, critical and scientific thinking, which comprise the overall competency. Women presented a higher average perception of systemic and critical thinking achievement, and men had a higher perception of scientific thinking. The authors concluded that social and cultural elements influence the perception of achievement that men and women develop in thinking and solving problems.Practical implicationsGovernments and educational institutions must establish training programs that do not follow gender stereotypes and promote reasoning-for-complexity skills equitably in men and women. It is necessary to create more scientific and academic spaces and projects involving women in the sciences; countries must emphasize this to improve their scientific competency. Only in this way will it be possible to reverse the perception that men and women have of their problem-solving skills and abilities, which, as this study shows, are more a matter of culture than capabilities.Originality/valueUnlike previous studies, which analyze the competency of complex thinking in a particular way among its sub-competencies, this research sought comprehensive measurement. Furthermore, beyond measuring competency development, this study aimed to measure the perception of achievement. The authors believe this is the first step towards identifying elements of the social imagination that limit the formation of scientific thinking among women in Latin America.