bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The subiculum encodes environmental geometry
Authors: Sun Yanjun , Nitz Douglas A , Xu Xiangmin , Giocomo Lisa M 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCorners are a cardinal feature of many of the complex environmental geometries found in the natural world but the neural substrates that could underlie the perception of corners remain elusive. Here we show that the dorsal subiculum contains neurons that encode corners across environmental geometries in an allocentric reference frame. Corner cells changed their activity to reflect concave corner angles, wall height and the degree of wall intersection. A separate population of subicular neurons encoded convex corners. Both concave and convex corner cells were non-overlapping with subicular neurons that encoded environmental boundaries, suggesting that the subiculum contains the geometric information needed to re-construct the shape and layout of naturalistic spatial environments.One Sentence SummarySeparate neural populations in the subiculum encode concave and convex environmental corners.
Cholesterol catalyzes unfolding in membrane inserted motifs of the pore forming protein cytolysin A
Authors: Kulshrestha Avijeet , Punnathanam Sudeep N , Roy Rahul , Ayappa K Ganapathy 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPlasma membrane induced protein folding and conformational transitions play a central role in cellular homeostasis. Several transmembrane proteins are folded in the complex lipid milieu to acquire a specific structure and function. Bacterial pore forming toxins (PFTs) are proteins expressed by a large class of pathogenic bacteria that exploit the plasma membrane environment to efficiently undergo secondary structure changes, oligomerize and form transmembrane pores. Unregulated pore formation causes ion imbalance leading to cell death and infection. Determining the free energy landscape of these membrane driven transitions remains a challenging problem. Although cholesterol recognition is required for lytic activity of several proteins in the PFT family of toxins, the regulatory role of cholesterol for theα-PFT, cytolysin A expressed by E. coli is less understood. In a recent free energy computation, we have shown that theβ-tongue, a critical membrane inserted motif of the ClyA toxin, has an on-pathway partially unfolded intermediate that refolds into the helix-turn-helix motif of the pore state.1To understand the molecular role played by cholesterol, we have carried out string method based computations in membranes devoid of cholesterol which reveals an increase of∼30 times in the free energy barrier for the loss ofβ-sheet secondary structure when compared with membranes containing cholesterol. Specifically the tyrosine-cholesterol interaction was found to be critical to stabilizing the unfolded intermediate. In the absence of cholesterol the membrane was found to undergo large curvature deformations in both leaflets of the membrane accompanied by bilayer thinning. Our study with theα-toxin, ClyA illustrates that cholesterol is critical to catalyzing and stabilizing the unfolded state of theβ-tongue in the membrane, opening up fresh insights into cholesterol assisted unfolding of membrane proteins.SignificanceCholesterol, an integral part of mammalian cell membranes, is necessary for activity of pathogenic toxins. Our understanding of the thermodynamic and molecular underpinnings of cholesterol-protein interactions during different stages of toxin activity is unclear. Using path based all atom molecular dynamics simulations, we illustrate lowered free energy barriers and enhanced stability of the membrane unfolded intermediate of anα-pore forming toxin (PFT) ‘ClyA’ providing insights into the increased pore formation kinetics with cholesterol. Thus, membrane cholesterol generally believed to play a passive receptor function for PFT activity is involved in a more complex regulatory role in assisting secondary structure transitions critical to PFT lytic activity. Our findings could aid in drug development strategies for mitigating PFT mediated bacterial infections.
DNA repair and anti-cancer mechanisms in the long-lived bowhead whale
Authors: Firsanov Denis , Zacher Max , Tian Xiao , Sformo Todd L. , Zhao Yang , Tombline Greg , Lu J. Yuyang , Zheng Zhizhong , Perelli Luigi , Gurreri Enrico , Zhang Li , Guo Jing , Korotkov Anatoly , Volobaev Valentin , Biashad Seyed Ali , Zhang Zhihui , Heid Johanna , Maslov Alex , Sun Shixiang , Wu Zhuoer , Gigas Jonathan , Hillpot Eric , Martinez John , Lee Minseon , Williams Alyssa , Gilman Abbey , Hamilton Nicholas , Haseljic Ena , Patel Avnee , Straight Maggie , Miller Nalani , Ablaeva Julia , Tam Lok Ming , Couderc Chloé , Hoopman Michael , Moritz Robert , Fujii Shingo , Hayman Dan J. , Liu Hongrui , Cai Yuxuan , Leung Anthony K. L. , Simons Mirre J. P. , Zhang Zhengdong , Nelson C. Bradley , Abegglen Lisa M. , Schiffman Joshua D. , Gladyshev Vadim N. , Modesti Mauro , Genovese Giannicola , Vijg Jan , Seluanov Andrei , Gorbunova Vera 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAt over 200 years, the maximum lifespan of the bowhead whale exceeds that of all other mammals. The bowhead is also the second-largest animal on Earth, reaching over 80,000 kg1. Despite its very large number of cells and long lifespan, the bowhead is not highly cancer-prone, an incongruity termed Peto’s Paradox2. This phenomenon has been explained by the evolution of additional tumor suppressor genes in other larger animals, supported by research on elephants demonstrating expansion of the p53 gene3–5. Here we show that bowhead whale fibroblasts undergo oncogenic transformation after disruption of fewer tumor suppressors than required for human fibroblasts. However, analysis of DNA repair revealed that bowhead cells repair double strand breaks (DSBs) and mismatches with uniquely high efficiency and accuracy compared to other mammals. The protein CIRBP, implicated in protection from genotoxic stress, was present in very high abundance in the bowhead whale relative to other mammals. We show that CIRBP and its downstream protein RPA2, also present at high levels in bowhead cells, increase the efficiency and fidelity of DNA repair in human cells. These results indicate that rather than possessing additional tumor suppressor genes as barriers to oncogenesis, the bowhead whale relies on more accurate and efficient DNA repair to preserve genome integrity. This strategy which does not eliminate damaged cells but repairs them may be critical for the long and cancer-free lifespan of the bowhead whale.
Direct measurements of collagen fiber recruitment in the posterior pole of the eye
Authors: Lee Po-Yi , Fryc Gosia , Gnalian John , Hua Yi , Waxman Susannah , Zhong Fuqiang , Yang Bin , Sigal Ian A 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCollagen is the main load-bearing component of the peripapillary sclera (PPS) and lamina cribrosa (LC) in the eye. Whilst it has been shown that uncrimping and recruitment of the PPS and LC collagen fibers underlies the macro-scale nonlinear stiffening of both tissues with increased intraocular pressure (IOP), the uncrimping and recruitment as a function of local stretch have not been directly measured. This knowledge is crucial for the development of constitutive models associating micro and macro scales. In this project we measured local stretch-induced collagen fiber bundle uncrimping and recruitment curves of the PPS and LC. Thin coronal samples of PPS and LC of sheep eyes were mounted and stretched biaxially quasi-statically using a custom system. At each step, we imaged the PPS and LC with instant polarized light microscopy and quantified pixel-level (1.5 μ m/pixel) collagen fiber orientations. We used digital image correlation to measure the local stretch and quantified collagen crimp by the circular standard deviation of fiber orientations, orwaviness. Local stretch-recruitment curves of PPS and LC approximated sigmoid functions. PPS recruited more fibers than the LC at the low levels of stretch. At 10% stretch the curves crossed with 75% bundles recruited. The PPS had higher uncrimping rate and waviness remaining after recruitment than the LC: 0.9° vs. 0.6° and 3.1° vs. 2.7°. Altogether our findings support describing fiber recruitment of both PPS and LC with sigmoid curves, with the PPS recruiting faster and at lower stretch than the LC, consistent with a stiffer tissue.Statement of SignificancePeripapillary sclera (PPS) and lamina cribrosa (LC) collagen recruitment behaviors are central to the nonlinear mechanical behavior of the posterior pole of the eye. How PPS and LC collagen fibers recruit under stretch is crucial to develop constitutive models of the tissues but remains unclear. We used image-based stretch testing to characterize PPS and LC collagen fiber bundle recruitment under local stretch. We found that fiber-level stretch-recruitment curves of PPS and LC approximated sigmoid functions. PPS recruited more fibers at a low stretch, but at 10% bundle stretch the two curves crossed with 75% bundles recruited. We also found that PPS and LC fibers had different uncrimping rates and non-zero waviness’s when recruited.
Conformational ensembles of the human intrinsically disordered proteome: Bridging chain compaction with function and sequence conservation
Authors: Tesei Giulio , Trolle Anna Ida , Jonsson Nicolas , Betz Johannes , Pesce Francesco , Johansson Kristoffer E. , Lindorff-Larsen Kresten 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIntrinsically disordered proteins and regions (collectively IDRs) are pervasive across proteomes in all kingdoms of life, help shape biological functions, and are involved in numerous diseases. IDRs populate a diverse set of transiently formed structures, yet defy commonly held sequence-structure-function relationships. Recent developments in protein structure prediction have led to the ability to predict the three-dimensional structures of folded proteins at the proteome scale, and have enabled large-scale studies of structure-function relationships. In contrast, knowledge of the conformational properties of IDRs is scarce, in part because the sequences of disordered proteins are poorly conserved and because only few have been characterized experimentally. We have developed an efficient model to generate conformational ensembles of IDRs, and thereby to predict their conformational properties from sequence only. Here, we applied this model to simulate all IDRs of the human proteome. Examining conformational ensembles of 29,998 IDRs, we show how chain compaction is correlated with cellular function and localization, including in different types of biomolecular condensates. We train a model to predict compaction from sequence and use this to show conservation of structural properties across orthologs. Our results recapitulate observations from previous studies of individual protein systems, and enable us to study the relationship between sequence, conservation, conformational ensembles, biological function and disease variants at the proteome scale.
HIV-1 Vpu protein forms stable oligomers in aqueous solution via its transmembrane domain self-association
Authors: Majeed Saman , Dang Lan , Islam Md Majharul , Ishola Olamide , Borbat Peter P. , Ludtke Steven J. , Georgieva Elka R. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWe report our findings on the assembly of the HIV-1 protein Vpu into soluble oligomers. Vpu is a key to HIV-1 protein. It has been considered exclusively a single-pass membrane protein. However, we revealed that this protein forms stable oligomers in aqueous solution, which is an interesting and rather unique observation, as the number of proteins transitioning between soluble and membrane embedded states is limited. Therefore, we undertook a study to characterize these oligomers by utilizing protein engineering, size exclusion chromatography, cryoEM and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. We found that Vpu oligomerizes via its N-terminal transmembrane domain (TM). CryoEM analyses suggest that the oligomeric state most likely is a hexamer or hexamer-to-heptamer equilibrium. Both cryoEM and EPR suggest that, within the oligomer, the distant C-terminal region of Vpu is highly flexible. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study on soluble Vpu. We propose that these oligomers are stabilized via possibly hydrophobic interactions between Vpu TMs. Our findings contribute valuable information about this protein properties and about protein supramolecular complexes formation. The acquired knowledge could be further used in protein engineering, and could also help to uncover possible physiological function of these Vpu oligomers.
From labelling weakness to liberatory praxis: a new theory of vulnerability for disaster studies
Authors: von Meding Jason , Chmutina Ksenia 
Published: May 2023

PurposeVulnerability is a label and a concept that is widely used in disaster studies. To date the meaning has been quite limited and implied “weakness”, with criticisms arising periodically but not halting vulnerability's reproduction. In this paper, the authors offer a new theory of vulnerability for the field, suggesting that complicating the concept can create space for liberatory discourse and organising.Design/methodology/approachThe authors draw from diverse understandings of vulnerability to generate new conceptual ground for disaster scholars. The authors explore the relationships between power and agency and autonomy and social hierarchy with regards to how vulnerability is considered within neoliberal democracies. The authors also outline ideological responses and the political actions that follow.FindingsThis exploration is underpinned by dissatisfaction with the way that vulnerability has thus far been theorised in disaster studies. Using the analytical framings provided, the authors hope that others will build on the idea that so-called “vulnerable” people, working in solidarity and using intersecting frameworks of anti-racism, anti-colonialism and anti-capitalism, can undermine the risk-creating norms of the neoliberal state.Originality/valueThe authors argue that the dominant framing of vulnerability in disaster studies – and usage of the vulnerability paradigm – provides political traction for neoliberal social projects, based on notions of humanitarianism. The authors make this claim as a challenge to the authors and the authors' peers to maintain reflexive scholarship and search for liberatory potential, not only in vulnerability but in other concepts that have become normative.
How to secure an innovation grant for firms in new industries? Gender and resource perspectives
Authors: Audretsch David , Belitski Maksim , Brush Candida 
Published: May 2023

PurposeResearch on financing for entrepreneurship has consolidated over the last decade. However, one question remains unanswered: how does the combination of external finance, such as equity and debt capital, and internal finance, such as working capital, affect the likelihood of grant funding over time? The purpose of this study is to analyse the relationship between different sources of financing and firms' ability to fundraise via innovation grants and to examine the role of female chief executive officer (CEO) in this relationship. Unlike equity and debt funding, innovation grants manifest a form of innovation acknowledgement and visibility, recognition of potential commercialization of inovation.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use firm-level financial data for 3,034 high-growth firms observed in 2015, 2017 and 2019 across 35 emerging sectors in the United Kingdom (UK) to test the factors affecting the propensity of high-growth firms to secure an innovation grant as a main source of fundraising for innovation during the early stages of product commercialization.FindingsThe results do not confirm gender bias for innovation fundraising in new industries. This contrasts with prior research in the field which has demonstrated that access to finance is gender-biased. However, the role of CEO gender is important as it moderates the relationship between the sources of funding and the likelihood of accessing the grant funding.Research limitations/implicationsThis study does not analyse psychological or neurological factors that could determine the intrinsic qualities of male and female CEOs when making high-risk decisions under conditions of uncertainty related to innovation. Direct gender bias with regards to access to innovation grants could not be assumed. This study offers important policy implications and explains how firms in new industries can increase their likelihood of accessing a grant and how CEO gender can moderate the relationship between availability of internal and external funding and securing a new grant.Social implicationsThis study implicates and empirically demonstrates that gender bias does not apply in fundraising for innovation in new industries. As female CEOs represent various firms in different sectors, this may be an important signal for investors in new product development and innovation policies targeting gender bias and inclusion.Originality/valueThe authors draw on female entrepreneurship and feminist literature to demonstrate how various sources of financing and gender change the likelihood of grant funding in both the short and long run. This is the first empirical study which aims to explain how various internal and external sources of finance change the propensity of securing an innovation grant in new industries.
Lubrication characteristics and thermal deformation of hydrostatic thrust bearing based on conjugate heat transfer
Authors: Liu Weifeng , Yang Xiaodong , Liu Xianli , Zhang Jian , Liu Feilin , Yang Shengguo , Zeng Lin 
Published: May 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the variation of temperature field, pressure field and deformation of hydrostatic thrust bearing under different working conditions, so as to provide a theoretical basis for improving accuracy and reliability.

Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the double rectangular hydrostatic bearing of type Q1-224 was selected as the research object, and the simulation was carried out according to different working conditions, and the obtained data were summarized regularly.

Findings
It is found that the overall temperature of hydrostatic bearing increases with the increase of speed and load, and the increase in load will result in a larger pressure distribution which first increases and then decreases with the speed. The deformation trend of the deformation field is found, and it is found that the force deformation is larger than the thermal deformation at low rotational speed, and the thermal deformation is larger than the force deformation at high rotational speed.

Originality/value
In this study, the fluid-structure coupling method of conjugate heat transfer is applied to study the whole hydrostatic bearing. Most of the previous studies only studied the oil film and considered the influence of the convective heat transfer between the hydrostatic bearing and the air in heat transfer, which is rarely seen in the previous research literature.
Digitalization in higher education: does personal innovativeness matter in digital learning?
Authors: Devisakti A. , Muftahu Muhammad 
Published: May 2023

Purpose
The explosion of technology has revolutionized the teaching and learning process in higher education. Students are using the digital technology to aid their learning process. In this sense, digital divide exists among students in higher education as they come from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Thus, this study aims to examine the digital usage among the students from the low-income families (B40) in higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach
The data was drawn by using an online survey from the undergraduates (low-income families B40) in Malaysia higher education institutions. In total, 391 responses were collected. The data was analysed using structural equation modelling method.

Findings
The results showed that performance expectancy and facilitating conditions have a significant relationship with digital usage. In addition, personal innovativeness has positive significant effect on performance expectancy and effort expectancy.

Research limitations/implications
This study sheds light on the students from the lower income family behaviour while using digital technologies for their learning purpose.

Originality/value
The study further contributes to the new knowledge on students from the low-income family’s behaviour in using digital technology for their learning process.
The influence of market orientation on innovation attitude and firm innovativeness: a case of agri-food MSMEs in Uganda
Authors: Ajer Basil , Ngare Lucy , Macharia Ibrahim 
Published: May 2023

PurposeThis study assessed the relationship among market orientation, innovation attitude and firm's innovativeness in the context of agri-food micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in a developing country context.Design/methodology/approachCross-sectional primary data was collected using structured questionnaires from a sample of 521 agro-food MSMEs in Uganda. Data was analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.FindingsResults showed that interfunctional coordination influences both firm innovativeness and innovation attitude. On the other hand, competitor orientation does not influence innovation attitude, but negatively influences firm innovativeness, while customer orientation does not influence firm innovativeness, but positively influences innovation attitude. Results also confirm the positive influence of innovation attitude on firm innovativeness. These relationships vary by location, size of MSME, type of MSME.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of study this imply that agri-food firms should focus on improving the internal coordination among departments so as to improve both attitude toward innovation and firm's innovativeness.Originality/valueThis study investigates market orientation and innovation in agro-food MSMEs in a development country.
Management accounting adoption in small businesses: interfaces with challenges and performance
Authors: Ylä-Kujala Antti , Kouhia-Kuusisto Kati , Ikäheimonen Tuuli , Laine Teemu , Kärri Timo 
Published: May 2023

Purpose
While companies worldwide are largely comprised of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a significant amount of management accounting (MA) research focuses on larger organisations, thus leaving MA practice in SMEs relatively under-researched. This paper aims to examine MA adoption (MAA) and its interfaces with MA challenges and business performance from a small business perspective.

Design/methodology/approach
A sample of 502 small businesses is investigated with an embedded mixed methods research design comprised of qualitative content analysis, factor analysis and analysis of variance.

Findings
Up to 78% of small businesses are facing MA challenges that stem from organisation, systems, personnel and/or resources. Based on the present findings, MA challenges do motivate small businesses to at least consider investing in MAA as small businesses facing challenges are more likely to acquire systems and services than those reporting no issues at all. Hence, small business managers seem to not only recognise where their challenges lie, but also seek ways to improve the situation through MAA. The analysis also reveals that companies with the highest MA know-how have the best average solvency, suggesting that small businesses indeed benefit from MAA. Interestingly, the performance at medium levels of know-how declines while investments increase, revealing a “decreasing solvency phenomenon”. Potential explanations are, e.g. the MA not fitting the company’s exact needs, or information usability and use being limited by poor MA understanding.

Originality/value
The originality of the research lies in exploring the interfaces between MA challenges, MAA and small business performance using distinctive embedded mixed methods research design.