bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural study of membrane proteins using vesicles
Authors: Liu Hang , Dang Shangyu 
Published: June 2023

AbstractMembrane proteins play crucial roles in numerous biological processes and are important drug targets. However, structural studies of memebrane proteins heavily rely on solubilization by detergents, which may not reflect their native states in the cellular context. Moreover, identifying suitable detergents for individual membrane proteins is a tedious and costly screening process. Here, we developed a vesicle-based method that enables membrane protein structure determination in their native lipid environment, thereby bypassing the limitations of detergent solubilization. Using this approach, we isolated vesicles containing the multidrug efflux transporter AcrB and solved its structure by cryo-electron microscopy. Intriguingly, the AcrB trimer in the vesicle exhibited a loose assembly compared to the detergent-solubilized and nanoparticle structures. Our method presents a promising approach for studying structure and function of membrane protein in their native environment without the need for detergent screening and protein purification.
Protein subcellular relocalization and function of duplicated flagellar calcium binding protein genes in honey bee trypanosomatid parasite
Authors: Yuan Xuye , Kadowaki Tatsuhiko 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe honey bee trypanosomatid parasite,Lotmaria passim, contains two genes that encode the flagellar calcium binding protein (FCaBP) through tandem duplication in its genome. FCaBPs localize in the flagellum and cell body ofL. passimthrough specific N-terminal sorting sequences. This finding suggests that this is an example of protein subcellular relocalization resulting from gene duplication, altering the intracellular localization of FCaBP. However, this phenomenon may not have occurred inLeishmania, as one or both of the duplicated genes have become pseudogenes. Multiple copies of theFCaBPgene are present in severalTrypanosomaspecies andLeptomonas pyrrhocoris, indicating rapid evolution of this gene in trypanosomatid parasites. The N-terminal flagellar sorting sequence ofL. passimFCaBP1 interacts with the BBSome complex, while those ofTrypanosoma bruceiandLeishmania donovaniFCaBPs do not direct GFP to the flagellum inL. passim. These results suggest that the N-terminal flagellar sorting sequence of FCaBP1 has co-evolved with the BBSome complex in each trypanosomatid species. Deletion of the twoFCaBPgenes inL. passimaffected growth and impaired flagellar morphogenesis and motility, but it did not impact host infection. Therefore,FCaBPrepresents a duplicated gene with a rapid evolutionary history that is essential for flagellar structure and function in a trypanosomatid parasite.
Histone H1.2 Dependent Translocation of Poly (ADP-ribose) Initiates Parthanatos
Authors: Fan Jing , Kang Bong Gu , Kam Tae-In , Behensky Adam A. , Rines Jesse , Kang Ho Chul , Dawson Valina L. , Dawson Ted M. 
Published: June 2023

SummaryToxic cellular insults activate the nuclear protein poly (ADP-ribose) (PAR) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) to initiate parthanatos, a regulated cell death program. PAR acts as a death signal by translocating from the nucleus to the cytosol, where it activates the next steps in the parthanatic cell death cascade. How PAR translocates from the nucleus to the cytosol is not known. Here we show that PARylation and PAR binding to histone H1.2 enables it to act as a carrier, transporting PAR out of the nucleus to the cytosol. Knocking down the expression of histone H1.2 via CRISPR/Cas9 and knockout of histone H1.2 reduces the translocation of PAR to the cytosol after treatment of human cortical neurons with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) or following oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). The PAR-dependent E3 ubiquitin ligase, Iduna (RNF146) ubiquitinates PARylated H1.2. Overexpression of Iduna reduces the expression levels of cytosolic histone H1.2, preventing the translocation of PAR following NMDA or OGD exposure, similar to inhibition of PAR formation by the PARP inhibitor, DPQ. Whereas, the catalytically null variant Iduna C60A, or the PAR binding mutant Iduna Y156A and R157A (YRAA) was ineffective in ubiquitinating histone H1.2 and preventing the reduction in cytosolic histone H1.2 levels and PAR translocation from the nucleus to the cytosol. Histone H1.2 heterozygote and homozygote knockout mice exhibited reduced infarct volume 24 hrs post middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and showed better recovery in motor deficits than wildtype littermates at day 3 and/or day 7 post MCAO. Collectively, these findings reveal histone H1.2 as the key carrier of PAR out of the nucleus to the cytosol where it participates in the next step of the parthanatic cell death cascade.
Extracellular Matrix Stiffness Promotes Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Calcification By Reducing The Levels Of Nuclear Actin Monomers
Authors: McNeill MC , Chee F Li Mow , Ebrahimighaei R , Sala-Newby GB , Newby AC , Hathway T , Annaiah AS , Joseph S , Carrabba M , Bond M 
Published: June 2023

1.0ABSTRACTBackgroundVascular calcification (VC) is a prevalent independent risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events and is associated with diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and atherosclerosis. However, the mechanisms regulating the osteogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) are not fully understood.MethodsUsing hydrogels of tuneable stiffness and lysyl oxidase-mediated stiffening of human saphenous vein ex vivo,we investigated the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness in the regulation of VSMC calcificationResultsWe demonstrate that increased ECM stiffness enhances VSMC osteogenic differentiation and VSMC calcification. We show that the effects of ECM stiffness are mediated via a reduction in the level of actin monomer within the nucleus. We show that in cells interacting with soft ECM, elevated levels of nuclear actin monomer repress osteogenic differentiation and calcification by repressing YAP-mediated activation of both TEA Domain transcription factor (TEAD) and RUNX Family Transcription factor 2 (RUNX2).ConclusionThis work highlights for the first time the role of nuclear actin in mediating ECM stiffness-dependent VSMC calcification and the dual role of YAP-TEAD and YAP-RUNX2 transcriptional complexes.2.0GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT9.0HIGHLIGHTSIncreased ECM stiffness promotes VSMC calcification.Increased ECM stiffness reduces levels of nuclear actin monomer.On physiological soft ECM, high levels of nuclear actin monomer inhibits calcification by repressing YAP activation.YAP activation promotes calcification by stimulating the activity of TEAD and RUNX2.
Temporally resolved early BMP-driven transcriptional cascade during human amnion specification
Authors: Sekulovski Nikola , Wettstein Jenna C. , Carleton Amber E. , Juga Lauren N. , Taniguchi Linnea E. , Ma Xiaolong , Rao Sridhar , Schmidt Jenna K. , Golos Thaddeus G. , Lin Chien-Wei , Taniguchi Kenichiro 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACTAmniogenesis, a process critical for continuation of healthy pregnancy, is triggered in a collection of pluripotent epiblast cells as the human embryo implants. Previous studies have established that BMP signaling is a major driver of this lineage specifying process, but the downstream BMP-dependent transcriptional networks that lead to successful amniogenesis remain to be identified. This is, in part, due to the current lack of a robust and reproducible model system that enables mechanistic investigations exclusively into amniogenesis. Here, we developed an improved model of early amnion specification, using a human pluripotent stem cell-based platform in which the activation of BMP signaling is controlled and synchronous. Uniform amniogenesis is seen within 48 hours after BMP activation, and the resulting cells share transcriptomic characteristics with amnion cells of a gastrulating human embryo. Using detailed time-course transcriptomic analyses, we established a previously uncharacterized BMP-dependent amniotic transcriptional cascade, and identified markers that represent five distinct stages of amnion fate specification; the expression of selected markers was validated in early post-implantation macaque embryos. Moreover, a cohort of factors that could potentially control specific stages of amniogenesis was identified, including the transcription factor TFAP2A. Functionally, we determined that, once amniogenesis is triggered by the BMP pathway, TFAP2A controls the progression of amniogenesis. This work presents a temporally resolved transcriptomic resource for several previously uncharacterized amniogenesis states and demonstrates a critical intermediate role for TFAP2A during amnion fate specification.
Investigating the factors affecting green innovation of service sector: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Khan Shabnam , Rehman Saqib , Nasir Adeel 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThis study aims to explore the role of green motive (GM) and green dynamic capabilities (GDC) in green innovation (GI) through green value co-creation (GVC). Moreover, this study investigates the moderation of top management support (TMS) to strengthen the mediation of specific constructs; GM, GDC, green value co-creation (GVC) and green innovation (GI).Design/methodology/approachIn total, 337 respondents (executive level/chief executive officer (CEO)) of service organizations were approached using a convenience sampling technique to collect the data through the survey method. Of these, 294 (87% response rate) duly filled responses were used in the final data analysis. In SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) v-23, the Process Macro-Hayes was used to evaluate the study's conceptual framework empirically.FindingsThe study revealed that TMS strengthened the mediation framework of GM, GDC, GVC and GI. Moreover, all hypotheses related to direct and indirect associations of specific constructs used in the theoretical framework were statistically significant and proved.Originality/valueThe comprehensive framework for GI of service organizations, primarily in the context of developing countries like Pakistan, is deficient in literature. This study helps service organizations by providing a comprehensive GI model to put a central focus on the transformation of management philosophy and working approach for achieving GI in the services structure.
Do national culture and economic freedom affect bank risk-taking behavior? Evidence from GCC countries
Authors: Akhter Tanzina , Abdul Halim Zairihan , Mehzabin Saima , Shahriar Ahanaf , Azad Md. Abul Kalam 
Published: June 2023

Purpose
The global financial crisis of 2008 has put greater doubt on the bank risk-management effectiveness around the world. As a part of the response to such doubt, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is formulating some feasible approaches to manage bank risk. In this regard, an understanding of the role of the region’s culture and economic freedom will provide immense input into this risk management approach. This study examines the impact of national culture and economic freedom on bank risk-taking behavior.

Design/methodology/approach
Data on bank risk measures, culture and economic freedom are obtained from the FitchConnect, World Bank database, Hofstede’s insights and Heritage Foundation. Generalized least squares and two step-system generalized method of moments are then used to examine the risk-taking behavior of the region.

Findings
Banks of the GCC region operating in the low power distance, high collectivism, masculine and low uncertainty avoidance cultures are susceptible to assuming more operational and insolvency risks. Furthermore, banks’ overall risk-taking inclination is positively increased once the region has considerable business and monetary freedom.

Practical implications
The governments and bank regulatory bodies may benefit from the study findings by developing the best economic freedom index and national culture that enriches risk management practices and curves excessive risk-taking inclination.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt to address the interplay among culture, economic freedom and bank risk to ensure constructive risk-taking behavior for the GCC banking industry.
Pre-COVID-19 student perceptions on blended learning and flipped classroom in accountancy: a case study from two emerging UK HEIs
Authors: Sawan Nedal , Al-Hajaya Krayyem , Salem Rami Ibrahim A. , Alshhadat Mohammad 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThis study aims to explore the perceptions of accountancy students on the use of technology, blended learning and flipped classroom in two emerging UK higher education institutions (HEIs).Design/methodology/approachThe primary data for the study were collected using a questionnaire survey and descriptively analysed.FindingsThe findings revealed that there is some use of technology in terms of the Blackboard and PowerPoint presentations but blogs and wikis have very limited use. An aspect that does not seem to be integrated fully yet is the use of blended technology and a flipped classroom.Practical implicationsThe study findings offer a picture of how technology, blended learning and the flipped classroom technique were utilised with accountancy students prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This information is valuable for accounting educators and by extension to other aspects of business studies disciplines in providing a comparison between the pre-COVID-19 scenario and the current one and thus enabling an evaluation of advancement in the application of these teaching strategies as a result of the pressure imposed by social distancing. Such intelligence will facilitate the identification of areas where enhancing learning outcomes has been possible and point to opportunities for improved student experience.Originality/valueWhere COVID-19 brought about significant structural change in teaching and learning in the HE environment, this study represents a pre-COVID-19 consideration of student perceptions on blended learning and flipped classroom. This study thus has the potential to anchor future relevant studies that consider the post-COVID-19 environment.
Does organisational politics moderates the relationship between organisational culture and employee efficiency?
Authors: Awaah Fred 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThe study aims to examine the relationship between organisational culture and employee efficiency and how organisational politics strengthens or weakens that relationship in the public sector of Ghana due to the perceived inefficiency of public sector employees.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs cross-sectional survey design and quantitative approach to collect the data from public sector employees in Ghana. The analysis is done using descriptive statistics, correlation and hierarchical regression models.FindingsThe results show that negative organisational politics is the predominant perceived politics in the Ghanaian public sector. Further, organisational culture and employee efficiency have significant positive association and organisational politics (positive and negative) significantly moderate the association. However, negative organisational politics depicts negative interaction effect, meaning that negative organisational politics affects the positive influence of organisational culture on employee efficiency.Practical implicationsThe findings imply that strategies such as formulation of organisational policy and strict enforcement of same to eradicate or minimise the practise of negative organisational politics, whilst positive organisational politics is encourages and awarded to induce employees to be efficient. This will enhance the overall effect of organisational culture on employee efficiency.Originality/valueThe study contributes significantly to extant literature by providing empirical evidence that organisational politics (positive and negative) effectively strengthens the association between organisational culture and employee efficiency from a developing country perspective.
Prototyping technology adoption among entrepreneurship and innovation libraries for rural health innovations
Authors: Gupta Varun , Gupta Chetna , Swacha Jakub , Rubalcaba Luis 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this research study is to empirically investigate the Figma prototyping technology adoption factors among entrepreneurship and innovation libraries for providing support to startups by developing and evolving the prototype solutions in collaboration with health libraries.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses the technology adoption model (TAM) as a framework and the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method of structural equation modeling (SEM) using SmartPLS 3.2.9 software version to investigate the prototyping adoption factors among entrepreneurship and innovation libraries for rural health innovations. A total of 40 libraries, spread over 16 entrepreneurship and innovation libraries, participated in this survey, including participants from Europe (35%), Asia (15%) and USA (50%).FindingsThe findings show that previous experience, social impact, brand image and system quality have a significant positive impact on entrepreneurship and innovation libraries' perceived usefulness (PU) of prototyping technology. Perceived ease of use of prototype technology is positively influenced by usability, training materials and documentation, experience and self-efficacy. Together, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use have a significant influence on behavioural intention. Behavioural intention is positively impacted by minimal investment and shallow learning curve. Technology adoption is furthered by behavioural intention. The control variables, for instance location, gender and work experience (as librarian), were found not having any impact on Figma technology adoption.Research limitations/implicationsThrough strategic partnerships with other libraries (including health libraries), policymakers, and technology providers, the adoption of prototype technology can be further accelerated. The important ramifications for policymakers, technology providers, public and entrepreneurship and innovation libraries to create a self-reliant innovation ecosystem to foster rural health innovation based on entrepreneurship are also listed in the article.Originality/valueThis research is distinctive since it integrates several areas of study, including entre, advances in rural healthcare and libraries. A novel idea that hasn't been thoroughly investigated is the collaboration between entrepreneurship and innovation libraries and health libraries for supporting businesses. This study offers insights into the factors that drive technology adoption and offers practical advice for policymakers and technology providers. It also advances understanding of the adoption of Figma prototyping technology among libraries for rural health innovation. Overall, this study provides a novel viewpoint on the nexus between different disciplines, showing the opportunity for cooperation and innovation in favour of rural health.
Positioned as pedagogues, finding their teaching personas: critical, project-based clinical experiences in PDS/school-university contexts
Authors: Zenkov Kristien , Taousakis Marion , Goransson Jennifer , Staudt Emily , Ewaida Marriam , Stephens Madelyn , Hostutler Megan , Castorena Jasmin , Kitchen Matt 
Published: June 2023

PurposePolicy makers, professional associations and scholars continue to advocate for the integration of enhanced clinical experiences for future teachers’ preparation. These recommendations reflect the growing recognition that few events in preservice teachers’ education are more significant than their experiences in the classrooms of veteran peers. Aware of the fact that the field of teacher education needs examples of effective clinical experiences, the authors examined the “critical, project-based” (CPB) model, employing Photovoice activities in a dropout prevention course in a secondary education partner school at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned objective.Design/methodology/approachAware that the field of teacher education needs examples of effective clinical experiences, the authors examined the CPB model, employing Photovoice activities in a dropout prevention course in a secondary education partner school at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article they detail a practitioner research examination that explores the experiences of 12 preservice middle/high school teachers, reporting on these individuals’ considerations of general pedagogies, writing instruction strategies and teaching personas.FindingsResults suggest that preservice teachers might best identify pedagogical practices that are consistent with their nascent teaching identities via experiences that occur in school-university partnerships in which future teachers are positioned as pedagogues.Originality/valueThis manuscript explores the use of the “CPB” clinical experience model, identifying the impacts of this approach for preparing future teachers.
Optimization of dry sliding wear performance of TiO2 filled bamboo and flax fiber reinforced epoxy composites using Taguchi approach
Authors: Prabhu Ravikantha , Mendonca Sharun , Bellairu Pavana Kumara , D’Souza Rudolf Charles , Bhat Thirumaleshwara 
Published: June 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to report the effect of titanium oxide (TiO2) particles on the specific wear rate (SWR) of alkaline treated bamboo and flax fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) under dry sliding condition by using a robust statistical method.

Design/methodology/approach
In this research, the epoxy/bamboo and epoxy/flax composites filled with 0–8 Wt.% TiO2 particles have been fabricated using simple hand layup techniques, and wear testing of the composite was done in accordance with the ASTM G99-05 standard. The Taguchi design of experiments (DOE) was used to conduct a statistical analysis of experimental wear results. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to identify significant control factors affecting SWR under dry sliding conditions. Taguchi prediction model is also developed to verify the correlation between the test parameters and performance output.

Findings
The research study reveals that TiO2 filler particles in the epoxy/bamboo and epoxy/flax composite will improve the tribological properties of the developed composites. Statistical analysis of SWR concludes that normal load is the most influencing factor, followed by sliding distance, Wt.% TiO2 filler and sliding velocity. ANOVA concludes that normal load has the maximum effect of 31.92% and 35.77% and Wt.% of TiO2 filler has the effect of 17.33% and 16.98%, respectively, on the SWR of bamboo and flax FRCs. A fairly good agreement between the Taguchi predictive model and experimental results is obtained.

Originality/value
This research paper attempts to include both TiO2 filler and bamboo/flax fibers to develop a novel hybrid composite material. TiO2 micro and nanoparticles are promising filler materials, it helps to enhance the mechanical and tribological properties of the epoxy composites. Taguchi DOE and ANOVA used for statistical analysis serve as guidelines for academicians and practitioners on how to best optimize the control variable with particular reference to natural FRCs.