bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alteration of actin cytoskeletal organisation in fetal akinesia deformation sequence
Authors: Jühlen Ramona , Martinelli Valérie , Rencurel Chantal , Fahrenkrog Birthe 
Published: June 2023

AbstractFetal akinesia deformation sequence (FADS) represents the severest form of congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS), a diverse group of inherited disorders characterised by impaired neuromuscular transmission. Most CMS originate from defects in the muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, but the underlying molecular pathogenesis is only poorly understood. Here we show that RNAi-mediated silencing of FADS-related proteins rapsyn and NUP88 in foetal fibroblasts alters organisation of the actin cytoskeleton. We show that fibroblasts from two independent FADS individuals have enhanced and shorter actin stress fibre bundles, alongside with an increased number and size of focal adhesions, with an otherwise normal overall connectivity and integrity of the actin-myosin cytoskeleton network. By proximity ligation assays and bimolecular fluorescence complementation, we show that rapsyn and NUP88 localise nearby adhesion plaques and that they interact with the focal adhesion protein paxillin. Based on these findings we propose that a respective deficiency in rapsyn and NUP88 in FADS alters the regulation of actin dynamics at focal adhesions, and thereby may also plausibly dictate myofibril organisation and contraction in skeletal muscle of FADS individuals.
De novodesign of highly selective miniprotein inhibitors of integrins αvβ6 and αvβ8
Authors: Roy Anindya , Shi Lei , Chang Ashley , Dong Xianchi , Fernandez Andres , Kraft John C. , Li Jing , Le Viet Q. , Winegar Rebecca Viazzo , Cherf Gerald Maxwell , Slocum Dean , Poulson P. Daniel , Casper Garrett E. , Vallecillo-Zúniga Mary L. , Valdoz Jonard Corpuz , Miranda Marcos C. , Bai Hua , Kipnis Yakov , Olshefsky Audrey , Priya Tanu , Carter Lauren , Ravichandran Rashmi , Chow Cameron M. , Johnson Max R. , Cheng Suna , Smith McKaela , Overed-Sayer Catherine , Finch Donna K. , Lowe David , Bera Asim K. , Matute-Bello Gustavo , Birkland Timothy P , DiMaio Frank , Raghu Ganesh , Cochran Jennifer R. , Stewart Lance J. , Campbell Melody G. , Van Ry Pam M. , Springer Timothy , Baker David 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp)-binding integrins αvβ6 and αvβ8 are clinically validated cancer and fibrosis targets of considerable therapeutic importance. Compounds that can discriminate between the two closely related integrin proteins and other RGD integrins, stabilize specific conformational states, and have sufficient stability enabling tissue restricted administration could have considerable therapeutic utility. Existing small molecules and antibody inhibitors do not have all of these properties, and hence there is a need for new approaches. Here we describe a method for computationally designing hyperstable RGD-containing miniproteins that are highly selective for a single RGD integrin heterodimer and conformational state, and use this strategy to design inhibitors of αvβ6 and αvβ8 with high selectivity. The αvβ6 and αvβ8 inhibitors have picomolar affinities for their targets, and >1000-fold selectivity over other RGD integrins. CryoEM structures are within 0.6-0.7Å root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) to the computational design models; the designed αvβ6 inhibitor and native ligand stabilize the open conformation in contrast to the therapeutic anti-αvβ6 antibody BG00011 that stabilizes the bent-closed conformation and caused on-target toxicity in patients with lung fibrosis, and the αvβ8 inhibitor maintains the constitutively fixed extended-closed αvβ8 conformation. In a mouse model of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis, the αvβ6 inhibitor potently reduced fibrotic burden and improved overall lung mechanics when delivered via oropharyngeal administration mimicking inhalation, demonstrating the therapeutic potential ofde novodesigned integrin binding proteins with high selectivity.
TheCampylobacter concisusBisA protein plays a dual role: oxide-dependent anaerobic respiration and periplasmic methionine sulfoxide repair
Authors: Benoit Stéphane L. , Maier Robert J. 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACTCampylobacter concisus, an emerging pathogen found throughout the human oral-gastrointestinal tract, is able to grow under microaerobic or anaerobic conditions; in the latter case, N-or S-oxides could be used as terminal electron acceptors (TEAs). Analysis of 23 genome sequences revealed the presence of multiple (at least two, and up to five) genes encoding for putative periplasmic N- or S-oxide reductases (N/SORs), all of which are predicted to harbor a molybdopterin (or tungstopterin)-bisguanine dinucleotide (Mo/W-bisPGD) cofactor. Various N- or S-oxides, including nicotinamide N-oxide (NANO), trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), biotin sulfoxide (BSO), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methionine sulfoxide (MetO), significantly increased anaerobic growth in twoC. concisusintestinal strains (13826 and 51562) but not in theC. concisusoral (type) strain 33237. A collection of mutants was generated to determine each N/SOR substrate specificity. Surprisingly, we found that disruption of a single gene, annotated as “bisA” (present in strainsCc13826 andCc51562, but not inCc33237) abolished all N/S-oxide-supported respiration. Furthermore, ΔbisAmutants showed increased sensitivity to oxidative stress and displayed cell envelope abnormalities, suggesting BisA plays a role in protein MetO repair. Indeed, purified recombinantCcBisA was able to successfully repair MetO residues on a commercial protein (β−casein), as shown by mass spectrometry. Our results suggest that BisA plays a dual role inC. concisus, by allowing the pathogen to use N/S-oxides as TEAs, and by repairing periplasmic protein-bound MetO residues, therefore essentially being a periplasmic methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr). This is the first report of a Mo/W-bisPGD-containing Msr enzyme in a pathogen.IMPORTANCEC. concisusis an excellent model organism to study respiration diversity, including anaerobic respiration of physiologically relevant N/S-oxides compounds, such as BSO, DMSO, MetO, NANO, and TMAO. AllC. concisusstrains harbor at least two, often three, and up to five genes encoding for putative periplasmic Mo/W-bisPGD-containing N/S-oxide reductases. The respective role (substrate specificity) of each enzyme was studied using a mutagenesis approach. One of the N/SOR enzymes, annotated as “BisA”, was found to be essential for anaerobic respiration of both N- and S-oxides. Additional phenotypes associated with disruption of thebisAgene included increased sensitivity toward oxidative stress and elongated cell morphology. Furthermore, a biochemical approach confirmed that BisA can repair protein-bound MetO residues. Hence, we propose that BisA plays a role as a periplasmic methionine sulfoxide reductase. This is the first report of a Mo/W-bisPGD-enzyme supporting both N-or S-oxide respiration and protein-bound MetO repair in a pathogen.
Revisiting the oil prices–domestic food inflation nexus in Nigeria: the role of global geopolitical risk
Authors: Adeosun Opeoluwa Adeniyi , Tabash Mosab I. , Anagreh Suhaib 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThis study examines the influence of the global geopolitical risk (GPR) on the relationship between oil prices and domestic food prices under the augmented Phillips curve framework.Design/methodology/approachUsing monthly data on Nigeria from January 1995 to December 2021, the authors accommodate symmetry and asymmetry by adopting the linear and nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag, linear and nonlinear Granger causality tests.FindingsThe study establishes the positive and significant effects of both oil prices and GPR on food prices in the long and short run, though with a small magnitude in the short run. The asymmetric model shows that, while oil price shocks (positive and negative) exert a positive influence on food prices in the long-run, the effects of oil price shocks differ when accounting for GPR in the short-run. The coefficients of the interactive term, being the moderator of GPR between oil-food prices, are positively significant across models, suggesting that they jointly influence food prices when assuming linearity. The nonlinear model shows that the positive and negative components of interactive terms exert a positively significant influence on food prices, even though food prices tend to be more reactive to positive oil price shocks. The robustness checks show a unidirectional causal flow from oil prices and GPR to food prices under the linear and nonlinear models.Originality/valueThe authors examine the moderating effect of the newly developed global GPR index of Caldara and Iacoviello (2022) on the oil–food inflation relationship in Nigeria by applying the symmetric and asymmetric approaches.
Do health anxiety and social value shape the intention to consume functional food: the role of health knowledge levels—evidence from Istanbul
Authors: Kurkcu Berna , Üstünsoy Eylem , Dedeoğlu Bekir Bora 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThis study has two main purposes. First, the effects of health anxiety and perceived social value on the intention to consume functional food were examined. Second, the role of health knowledge levels in these relationships was identified.Design/methodology/approachThe sample consisted of 271 restaurant consumers on the European side of Istanbul between August and October 2021. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the research model.FindingsRestaurant consumers revealed that health anxiety and perceived social value positively affect functional food consumption intentions. Moreover, health knowledge levels have a negative moderating effect on the relationship between health anxiety and functional food consumption intentions.Originality/valueThanks to the findings of this study, the roles of health anxiety, perceived social value and health knowledge in functional food consumption were determined, thus filling a vital literature gap.
The impact of farmland transfer participation on farmers' livelihood choices – an empirical study of the effectiveness of the 2014 Three Property Rights Separation reform
Authors: Han Wenjing , Zhang Zhengfeng , Zhang Xiaoling 
Published: June 2023

PurposeFarmland transfer choice is strongly associated with the livelihood strategies of rural households. The 2014 Three Property Rights Separation (TPRS) reform has legalized farmland transfer practices in rural China, hence stimulating the farmland transfer market at the national scale. This paper aims to determine the extent to which rural family livelihood strategies are influenced by their participation decision in farmland transfer practices. Further, the authors examined the effectiveness of the TPRS reform on the impact of farmland transfer participation on rural household livelihood strategy choices.Design/methodology/approachBased on the sustainable livelihood approach (SLA) using data from a national rural household survey, the authors employ the logit model and the propensity score matching (PSM) method to estimate the impact of household farmland transfer participation. Its interaction effects with household livelihood capital on their livelihood strategy choices and diversification level are also investigated. The difference-in-difference (DID) model is employed to assess the effectiveness of the TPRS reform.FindingsThe results indicate that the participation in transferred-out farmland could improve rural households' non-agricultural livelihood strategies. While the participation in transferred-in farmland could improve the probability of rural families' engaging in pure-agricultural (PA) or agricultural-dependent (AD) livelihood strategies, the TPRS reform can attract specialized farmers to increase their farm size through the market solutions and encourage small farmers to leave their farmland to engage in more off-farm work.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on farmers' livelihood by exploring the role of farmland transfer decision and the effectiveness of 2014 TPRS reform through the SLA approach.
Determinants of digital technologies adoption in government census data operations
Authors: Ofosu-Ampong Kingsley , Asmah Alexander , Kani John Amoako , Bibi Dzifa 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThis study investigates the determinants of digital census for population and housing census (PHC) program through the lens of performance expectancy, technology readiness, self-efficacy and hedonic motivation for the upliftment of a national data collection exercise and development of human resource management.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative and qualitative research method was used to survey enumerators' responses from the PHC exercise during the COVID-19 period in Ghana. Based on the four determinants, a conceptual framework was developed consisting of eight proposed hypotheses tested through a structural equation model.FindingsThe findings of the study indicate that technological readiness, self-efficacy and hedonic motivation significantly influence behavioural intention to adopt digital technologies for PHC training and data collection. Importantly, the authors identified four key themes relating to digital technologies in PHC – personal enablers, general enablers, inherent affordances (inherent possibilities by the user in relation to what the technology offers in context) and personal inhibitors.Originality/valueFor research, this work systematizes antecedents from diverse research streams and validates their relative impact on government digital transformation for accurate data, thus providing a cohesive theoretical explanation of digital technologies in PHC. Due to the study's infancy in a developing country context, the findings provide a preliminary foundation and constructive insight for a digitalization plan conducive to people’s personality and technological readiness.
Sealing performance in a spiral groove mechanical seal lubricated by magnetic fluid
Authors: Zhang Penggao , Feng Fei , Feng Xiu , Wei Long 
Published: June 2023

Purpose
Magnetic fluid has excellent function used as lubricants in bearings and mechanical seals, and the purpose of this study is to investigate the sealing performance in a spiral groove mechanical seal lubricated by magnetic fluid.

Design/methodology/approach
The sealing characteristic parameters of the lubricating film between the end faces of two sealing rings were calculated based on the Muijderman narrow groove theory for a spiral groove mechanical seal lubricated by magnetic fluid. The film thickness was determined according to the balanced forces on the rotating ring, and the effects of operating conditions, intensity of the magnetic field and diameter of nanoparticles on the sealing characteristics were investigated.

Findings
It has been found that the intensity of magnetic field has a great effect on the viscosity of magnetic fluid, film thickness and friction torque while has a little effect on the mass flux of magnetic fluid. The film thickness, mass flux of magnetic fluid and friction torque increase with the increasing volume fraction, rotating speed and diameter of magnetic nanoparticles in magnetic fluid. The mass flux of magnetic fluid decrease with the increasing closing force, and the friction torque decreases with the increase of media pressure.

Originality/value
The change of intensity of magnetic field can affect the viscosity of magnetic fluid and then changes the sealing performance in a mechanical seal lubricated by magnetic fluid. To reduce the mass flux of magnetic fluid and friction torque, the volume fraction, diameter of solid magnetic particles and film thickness should be 5%–7%, 8–10 nm and 2–9.3 µm, respectively.

Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-02-2023-0032/
Nurturing self-efficacy for culturally responsive teaching through online language immersion
Authors: Courtney Matthew B. 
Published: June 2023

Purpose
This study aims to examine the impact of an online language immersion program on the participants’ self-efficacy for culturally responsive teaching.

Design/methodology/approach
The Culturally Responsive Teaching Self-Efficacy Scale (Siwatu, 2007), the Culturally Responsive Teaching Outcome Expectations Scale (Siwatu, 2007) and the Culturally Responsive Classroom Management Self-Efficacy Scale (Siwatu, et al., 2015) were used to examine the impact of the intervention using a pretest/posttest analysis. Participant reflections were also qualitatively coded to provide further insight into the program.

Findings
The intervention showed a statistically significant and positive change to participant’s self-efficacy in the areas of culturally responsive teaching and culturally responsive classroom management. Participants showed growth in outcome expectancy, but this change was not statistically significant.

Practical implications
Educators working with a high number of English learners (EL) can benefit from the intervention, which allows the educator to share in the language learning experience and gain a deeper understanding of the day-to-day challenges faced by their students.

Originality/value
This study represents the second attempt to document the impact of the BaseLang Grammarless program as a professional learning intervention for K-12 educators working in schools with a high rate of EL.
The influence of entrepreneurial innovations in building competitive advantage: the mediating role of entrepreneurial thinking
Authors: Alsafadi Yousef , Aljuhmani Hasan Yousef 
Published: June 2023

PurposeDespite the widespread recognition of the significance of entrepreneurial innovations in driving financial success and building firms' competitive advantage, there is a lack of empirical investigation into their impact on organizations. This research paper aims to address this gap by exploring how entrepreneurial innovations can contribute to firms' competitive advantage and the mediating role of entrepreneurial thinking in this relationship. To answer these research questions, this paper utilizes the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm and the dynamic capabilities view (DCV).Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a quantitative research design, and survey data were collected from 102 chief executive officers (CEOs) of Jordanian manufacturing companies in various industries. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized relationships.FindingsThe findings of this study suggest that there is a positive and significant impact of entrepreneurial innovation and thinking on the competitive advantage of firms. The authors also found that entrepreneurial thinking positively mediates this relationship. This study’s results support the RBV and DCV perspectives, which suggest that firms need to leverage unique resources and capabilities and develop dynamic capabilities to achieve a sustained competitive advantage.Originality/valueThe significance of this study lies in its contribution to the literature on the relationship between entrepreneurial innovation, thinking and competitive advantage. While previous research has explored these concepts separately, this study integrates them into a comprehensive framework that highlights the mediating role of entrepreneurial thinking in the relationship between entrepreneurial innovation and competitive advantage.
How intellectual capital builds supply chain resilience? Exploring mediation and interaction effects from an intellectual capital based view
Authors: Yu Wantao , Wong Chee Yew , Chavez Roberto , Jacobs Mark , Nittala Lakshminarayana 
Published: June 2023

Purpose
This study aims to examine the relationship between the three dimensions of intellectual capital (IC), i.e. human, social and organizational, and supply chain resilience (SCR) through testing a primary (mediation) and competing (moderation) model.

Design/methodology/approach
Structural equation modelling and regression analysis were used to test the mediation and moderation models using survey data from Chinese manufacturers.

Findings
Dual processes in which human, social and organizational capitals build SCR are revealed: all three IC components act as knowledge stocks for informing each other, and both organizational and social capitals act as intervention mechanisms that draw knowledge resided within individuals and collectively deploy/enrich such knowledge for responding to supply chain disruptions.

Practical implications
The empirical results provide useful and timely guidance to managers on how to leverage knowledge resources to develop resilience, which is particularly valuable in the current volatile environment.

Originality/value
By empirically testing both the mediation and moderation models, this study provides crucial evidence for advancing the understanding of how the three IC components may be managed to achieve SCR, which is of critical importance for addressing the many unprecedented disruptions facing global supply chains and economies.
Reversing habitat loss: An experimental test of the interactive effects of grazing exclusion and surface rock restoration on reptile conservation
Authors: O'Sullivan Jackie L. , Foster Claire N. , Blanchard Wade , Florance Daniel , Michael Damian R. , Lindenmayer David B. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Restoring structural elements of habitats and understanding how restoration interacts with environmental factors such as grazing management can be crucial for improving conservation outcomes in agricultural landscapes. Surface rock is a structural habitat type that is critical for a range of reptile species; yet, it is often poorly managed and protected.

Using a Before/After, Control/Impact (BACI) design, we experimentally quantified the response of reptiles to surface rock restoration in an agricultural landscape, and tested whether its effects interacted with livestock grazing treatments to influence various reptile diversity measures. To implement our crossed factorial design, we added approximately 50 tonnes of rock and 1 km of grazing exclusion fencing across 10 sites in south‐eastern Australia.

We found increases in the number of total reptile captures, total individuals and species richness when comparing rock addition plots to non‐rock plots. There was no significant overall grazing exclusion effect or interactive effect of grazing and rock treatment on reptile measures.

Synthesis and applications. Our study provides experimental evidence that surface rock addition is an effective restoration method for reptiles in agricultural landscapes. We recommend that the addition of surface rock is prioritised as a restoration tool for reptiles, and that existing surface rock areas are protected from clearing.