bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular determinants of dynamic protein-protein interactions in the functional cycle of the membrane protein DsbD
Authors: Stelzl Lukas S. , Kritsiligkou Paraskevi , Mehdipour Ahmad Reza , Baldwin Andrew J. , Ferguson Stuart J. , Mavridou Despoina A. I. , Sansom Mark S. P. , Redfield Christina 
Published: September 2022

AbstractMolecular recognition is of central importance in biology. The molecular determinants shaping recognition of one protein domain by another are incompletely understood, especially in the context of the complex function of molecular machines. Here, we combine NMR experiments and molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the determinants of recognition of the C-terminal (cDsbD) domain of the transmembrane reductant conductor DsbD by its cognate partner, the N-terminal domain of the protein (nDsbD). As part of the natural cycle of this oxidoreductase, which effectively transfers electrons from the cytoplasm to the periplasm of Gram-negative bacteria, cDsbD and nDsbD toggle between oxidised and reduced states, something that modulates the affinity of the domains for each other and prevents otherwise unproductive reactions. We find that the redox state of cDsbD determines the dissociation rate of cDsbD-nDsbD complexes. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate how the redox-state of the active site determines the stability of inter-domain hydrogen bonds and thus the dissociation rate. AlphaFold modelling and atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of full-length DsbD in a realistic bacterial membrane again highlights the close proximity of the periplasmic domains and the importance of tuning the strength of the interactions of the periplasmic domains to enable electron transfer to cognate periplasmic partners such as CcmG. Our AlphaFold models are consistent with in vivo functional assays of DsbD mutants, which together help to reveal for the first-time a putative binding site for thioredoxin on the cytoplasmic side of DsbD.
Successfully treating biofilms of extensively drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from hospital patients with N-Acetyl Cysteine
Authors: Bhowmik Ankurita , Chakraborty Sambuddha , Rohit Anusha , Chauhan Ashwini 
Published: September 2022

AbstractKlebsiella pneumoniae is one of the leading causes of community and nosocomial infections. Reduced treatment options against extensively drug resistant (XDR) - K. pneumoniae, is a serious concern in hospital settings, and hence, WHO has categorized it as a “critical priority pathogen”. Biofilm forming ability is a common virulence mechanism amongst K. pneumoniae that is associated with antibiotic tolerance up to 1000X MIC and hence, are difficult to treat. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an FDA approved mucolytic drug used to treat acetaminophen-associated toxicity and obstructive pulmonary diseases. In this study, we assessed NAC’s antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against clinical isolates of XDR K. pneumoniae, obtained from Madras Medical Mission Hospital, India. To assess the biofilm eradication ability of NAC, we grew biofilms in 96 well plates and treated the mature biofilms with different concentrations of NAC. We observed that the biofilms of only 3 isolates of XDR K. pneumoniae could be eradicated at a concentration as low as 20mg/ml. Although increasing the concentration of NAC to 80mg/mL could significantly reduce the biofilms of all the isolates up to 4-5 Log, NAC at a concentration of 100 mg/mL successfully eradicated the mature biofilms of all the isolates of XDR K. pneumoniae. This in vitro study demonstrates the potential of NAC as an efficient agent against the biofilms of clinical isolates of XDR-K. pneumoniae and thus, provides a promising alternative to antibiotics.
A CDKN2C retroduplication in Bowhead whales is associated with the evolution of extremely long lifespans and alerted cell cycle dynamics
Authors: Vazquez Juan M. , Kraft Morgan , Lynch Vincent J. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAmong the constraints on the evolution of remarkably long lifespans is an increased risk of developing cancer because organisms with long lifespans have more time to accumulate cancer-causing mutations than organisms with shorter lifespans. Indeed, while there is a strong correlation between lifespan and cancer risk within species, there is no correlation between maximum lifespan and cancer risk across species (‘Peto’s Paradox’). Here we use evolutionary genomics and comparative experimental biology to explore the mechanisms by which Bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus), which can live at least 211 years, evolved their extremely long lifespans. We found that the Bowhead whale genome encodes a species-specific retroduplicated CDKN2C (p18INK4C) gene (CDKN2CRTG). The CDKN2CRTG gene is embedded within a Cetacean-specific LINE L1 element, and is highly expressed in Bowhead whale tissues likely because it coopted an L1 promoter to drive constitutive expression. Furthermore we use a series of gain of function experiments to show how the duplicate CDKN2CRTG gene may influence cellular phenotypes such as cell cycle progression and DNA damage repair in ways that are beneficial for aging and cancer resistance. Remarkably, Bowhead and Right whales only diverged ~4-5 million years ago, suggesting the long lifespan of Bowheads may have evolved relatively recently and coincident with the origin of CDKN2CRTG.Abstract Figure
Cell overgrowth during G1 arrest triggers an osmotic stress response and chronic p38 activation to promote cell cycle exit
Authors: Crozier Lisa , Foy Reece , Adib Rozita , Badonyi Mihaly , Kar Ananya , Holt Jordan A. , Wilson Rona , Regnault Clement , Whitfield Phil , Marsh Joseph A. , Saurin Adrian , Barr Alexis R. , Ly Tony 
Published: September 2022

SUMMARYCell size and the cell cycle are intrinsically coupled and abnormal increases in cell size are associated with senescence. The mechanism by which overgrowth primes cells to exit the cell cycle remains unclear. We investigate this using CDK4/6 inhibitors that arrest cell cycle progression in G0/G1 and are used to treat ER+/HER2-metastatic breast cancer. We demonstrate that long-term CDK4/6 inhibition promotes cellular overgrowth during the G0/G1 arrest, causing widespread proteome remodeling and p38-p53-p21-dependent cell cycle exit. Cell cycle exit is triggered by two waves of p21 induction. First, overgrowth during a G0/G1 arrest induces an osmotic stress response, producing the first wave of p21 induction. Second, when CDK4/6 inhibitors are removed, a fraction of cells escape G0/G1 arrest and enter S-phase where overgrowth-driven replication stress results in a second wave of p21 induction that causes cell cycle withdrawal from G2, or the subsequent G1. This could explain why cellular hypertrophy is associated with senescence and why CDK4/6 inhibitors have long-lasting anti-proliferative effects in patients.
Decisive factors for decision-making to achieving sustainable procurement in construction projects
Authors: Osuizugbo Innocent Chigozie , Adenuga Olumide Afolarin 
Published: September 2022

PurposeThis study aimed at determining the decisive factors for achieving sustainable procurement in construction projects.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaire survey of principal stakeholders involved in construction project delivery within client, consulting and contracting organisations in Nigeria were conducted to assess stakeholders' perspectives on the decisive factors for achieving sustainable procurement in construction projects using importance weights. A total of 243 questionnaires were distributed and a response rate of 51% (123 questionnaires were adequately filled and returned) was achieved. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilised in analysing elicited data.FindingsThe results from data analysis showed that “satisfaction – including workforce satisfaction and user satisfaction”, “value for money” and “creating a healthy, nontoxic environment – including high indoor air quality” were the top most three decisive factors for achieving sustainable procurement in construction projects in Nigeria.Originality/valueAn understanding of these decisive factors can help principal stakeholders in the construction industry of developing countries to facilitate the development of methods required in supporting the adoption of sustainable procurement practice.
Impact of spirituality on the conspicuous consumption of fashion consumers of generation Z: moderating role of dispositional positive emotions
Authors: Varma Indrila Goswami , Chanana Bhawana , Lavuri Rambabu , Kaur Jaspreet 
Published: September 2022

PurposeThe unprecedented pandemic of COVID-19 is not a typical crisis. This crisis has irrevocably altered human behavior, most notably consumption behavior. The uncertainty caused due to economic insecurity and fears of death have resulted in a paradigm shift away from consumer materialism and toward consumer spiritualism. The present study examines the effect of various dimensions of “spirituality” on consumers’ conspicuous consumption of fashion. The study employs a descriptive empirical research design to determine the impact of multiple dimensions of spirituality on the conspicuous consumption of Generation Z in India. These dimensions include General spirituality belief, Global personal spirituality and reincarnation spirituality. Additionally, the moderating effect of dispositional positive emotion on the relationships mentioned above has been investigated.Design/methodology/approachThe data were accumulated through purposive sampling from 517 Generation Z consumers and analyzed using structural equation modeling.FindingsReincarnation, general personal and global personal spirituality had a direct positive impact on conspicuous consumption of fashion. Dispositional positive emotion had a positive moderation effect between the reincarnation, general personal and global personal spirituality and conspicuous consumption.Originality/valueThe study will assist fashion brands and retailers in better understanding consumer behavior and associated opportunities and threats post COVID-19. For merchants and business owners in emerging countries, this study will help them to apply new techniques for keeping customers. It is useful to evaluate a shopper’s views towards spirituality, disposition and conspicuous consumption.
What are the factors that influence the adaptive market? An empirical study with wheelchair users in Hong Kong
Authors: Feng Qilong , Hui Patrick Chi-leung 
Published: September 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to explore the determinant factors of the adaptive clothing market for disabled customers and to identify the influential elements in the fashion industry, with the aim of establishing the influential factors that drive the adaptive apparel business in the local market. The study developed a path model of relationships incorporating the disabled consumer background, consumer purchase intention and demand and elements of the fashion industry. This model can be used as a reference for fashion practitioners.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach was adopted for this empirical study. A survey was designed to investigate the connections between the consumer-related and industry-related variables. A set of measurements was developed and validated for the survey. The data were collected from a sample of 175 local wheelchair users, with a response rate of approximately 6.6 per cent. The data were analysed using SmartPLS, and structural equation model analysis was applied to identify the relationships between the variables.FindingsThe results of this study demonstrated that consumer purchase intention for adaptive apparel was affected closely by environmental factors, and consumer demand was significantly related to industry aspects including the product complexity and the business operations along with all elements of the industrial practice. The findings also revealed that the disability level was related to the users' purchase intentions, but the financial capability of the disabled consumers did not affect the intention to purchase adaptive clothes products. These results could suggest that economic issues are not the consumer's prior concern when purchasing apparel, but rather the disability condition. Those who demand adaptive apparel require advanced performance levels of product design, technology application and service.Originality/valueThe study originated from the situation that the Hong Kong fashion market lacks an adaptive market specifically for the minority group of disabled consumers. Why such a niche market has not been developed is unclear to the practitioners. It is necessary to investigate from both consumer-related and industry-related factors. Specifically, the research explored the consumer background and industry elements to identify the factors that influence disabled consumers to purchase apparel, in order to inform fashion practitioners who are interested in the niche market of disabled consumers in Hong Kong. It is anticipated that the determinants of adaptive market development can be extended to wider areas of the Chinese or other Asian markets.
Corporate governance and investment decisions of retail investors in equity: do group affiliation and firm age matter?
Authors: Chakraborty Dipanwita , Gupta Neeraj , Mahakud Jitendra , Tiwari Manoj Kumar 
Published: September 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of corporate governance (CG) on the shareholding level of retail investors in Indian listed firms.

Design/methodology/approach
Primarily, a broad CG-index was constructed based on the Indian Companies Act, 2013; Clause 49 listing agreement; and Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956. Thereafter, a panel data approach has been used to examine the association between CG attributes and retail shareholdings (RSs) during 2014–2015 and 2018–2019.

Findings
Authors find that the firm-level CG quality positively affects retail investors’ shareholding level. The results explain that among various attributes of CG, retail investors pay more attention to firms’ audit and board information while making investment decisions. The results also reveal that the influence of CG attributes on RSs is lesser for group-affiliated, mature and large-sized firms than for stand-alone, young and small-sized firms.

Practical implications
First, the study provides new insight to the firms for increasing retail-shareholding levels and complying with India’s ongoing minimum public shareholding norms by improving CG practices concerning specific CG mechanisms. Second, it illuminates the regulators and policymakers to monitor and strengthen firms’ governance quality in light of ongoing regulatory reforms.

Originality/value
This study is a new investigation that explores the impact of CG on investment decisions of retail investors from the perspective of an emerging economy.
Complex plant quality—microbiota–population interactions modulate the response of a specialist herbivore to the defence of its host plant
Authors: Minard Guillaume , Kahilainen Aapo , Biere Arjen , Pakkanen Hannu , Mappes Johanna , Saastamoinen Marjo 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Many specialist herbivores have evolved strategies to cope with plant defences, with gut microbiota potentially participating to such adaptations.

In this study, we assessed whether the history of plant use (population origin) and microbiota may interact with plant defence adaptation.

We tested whether microbiota enhance the performance of Melitaea cinxia larvae on their host plant, Plantago lanceolata and increase their ability to cope the defensive compounds, iridoid glycosides (IGs).

The gut microbiota were significantly affected by both larval population origin and host plant IG level. Contrary to our prediction, impoverishing the microbiota with antibiotic treatment did not reduce larval performance.

As expected for this specialized insect herbivore, sequestration of one of IGs was higher in larvae fed with plants producing higher concentration of IGs. These larvae also showed metabolic signature of intoxication (i.e. decrease in Lysine levels). However, intoxication on highly defended plants was only observed when larvae with a history of poorly defended plants were simultaneously treated with antibiotics.

Our results suggest that both adaptation and microbiota contribute to the metabolic response of herbivores to plant defence though complex interactions.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Coloniality on a Virtual Plate: Contemporary Mexican Foodways as (Counter)Visuality
Authors: Wolff Lesley A. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis article seeks to reframe the stakes of current discourses at the intersection of Mexican cooking and modernist gastronomy. Through a decolonial approach to gender and visuality, (counter)visuality, this article demonstrates how and to what extent ‘modern’ and ‘traditional’ Mexican cookery co‐constitute and valorise one another, and how gendered expressions of culinary stewardship have become underscored by the persistent imaginary of the ‘cocinera tradicional’ [traditional female cook]. The article centres on the mutual dependency of two case studies: renowned Mexican chef Enrique Olvera and the popular YouTube channel host of ‘De mi rancho a tu cocina’, Doña Ángela.
Comparative analysis of genomic inbreeding parameters and runs of homozygosity islands in several fancy and meat rabbit breeds
Authors: Ballan Mohamad , Schiavo Giuseppina , Bovo Samuele , Schiavitto Michele , Negrini Riccardo , Frabetti Andrea , Fornasini Daniela , Fontanesi Luca 
Published: September 2022

AbstractRuns of homozygosity (ROH) are defined as long stretches of DNA homozygous at each polymorphic position. The proportion of genome covered by ROH and their length are indicators of the level and origin of inbreeding. In this study, we analysed SNP chip datasets (obtained using the Axiom OrcunSNP Array) of a total of 702 rabbits from 12 fancy breeds and four meat breeds to identify ROH with different approaches and calculate several genomic inbreeding parameters. The highest average number of ROH per animal was detected in Belgian Hare (~150) and the lowest in Italian Silver (~106). The average length of ROH ranged from 4.001 ± 0.556 Mb in Italian White to 6.268 ± 1.355 Mb in Ermine. The same two breeds had the lowest (427.9 ± 86.4 Mb, Italian White) and the highest (921.3 ± 179.8 Mb, Ermine) average values of the sum of all ROH segments. More fancy breeds had a higher level of genomic inbreeding (as defined by ROH) than meat breeds. Several ROH islands contain genes involved in body size, body length, pigmentation processes, carcass traits, growth, and reproduction traits (e.g.: AOX1, GPX5, IFRD1, ITGB8, NELL1, NR3C1, OCA2, TRIB1, TRIB2). Genomic inbreeding parameters can be useful to overcome the lack of information in the management of rabbit genetic resources. ROH provided information to understand, to some extent, the genetic history of rabbit breeds and to identify signatures of selection in the rabbit genome.
Combination treatment of bilateral periocular sebaceous carcinomas with microsatellite instability with neoadjuvant pembrolizumab and Mohs surgery
Authors: Woods Alexander D. , Grushchak Solomiya , Williams Kenya M. , Tan Alan , Krunic Aleksandar L. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis case highlights the successful use of pembrolizumab for neoadjuvant treatment of MMR‐deficient sebaceous carcinoma of bilateral eyelids to reduce tumour burden allowing smaller defect post‐Mohs surgery and better reconstructive outcome. Microsatellite stability, tumour mutational burden and PD‐L1 expression are important prognostic factors to be considered for the use of neoadjuvant pembrolizumab. Further studies are needed to determine if neoadjuvant pembrolizumab consistently improves surgical and cosmetic outcomes and reduces local recurrence and metastasis.
Political Phantasies: Aristotle on Imagination and Collective Action
Authors: Schwartz Avshalom M. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis article provides a new account of the role of phantasia, imagination, in Aristotle's political thought. Phantasia plays a key role in Aristotle's psychology and is crucial for explaining any kind of movement and action. I argue that this insight holds for collective actions as well. By offering a reconsideration of the famous “Wisdom of the Multitude” passage, this article shows that the capacity of a multitude to act together is tied to its ability to share a collective phantasma: a mental representation of the practical end or goal of their collective effort as good and thus worthy of pursuit. However, I argue that given the subjective nature of phantasia, acting together can be hard. I conclude that since one's phantasia is shaped by one's moral character, a community can achieve a shared phantasma—and thus secure collective action—by means of persuasion, habituation, and education.
Managerial firms’ profitability, unions, and environmental taxes
Authors: Buccella Domenico , Fanti Luciano , Gori Luca 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis article examines how determining an optimal environmental tax in a Cournot duopoly with unionized labour markets and managerial firms departing from the strict profit‐maximization. It is shown that firm‐specific monopoly unions that set wages (1) reduce both the environmental tax and environmental damage and (2) counterintuitively, increase firms’ profitability when the abatement technology is not too “efficient”, and the public evaluation of environmental quality is sufficiently high. Within this framework, the work also develops the endogenous game played by firms that must choose between sales delegation (SD) and profit‐maximization. Results show that the SD contract always emerges as the unique, deadlock sub‐game perfect Nash equilibrium, thereby solving the (prisoner's) dilemma emerging in the related existing literature assuming a competitive labour market.
Suspected chlamydial foetal loss highlights the need for standardised on‐farm protocols
Authors: Anstey SI , Jenkins C , Jelocnik M 
Published: September 2022

Chlamydia psittaci is a recognised cause of late‐term equine foetal loss and poses a zoonotic risk in Australia. However, a management strategy is lacking to protect at‐risk humans handling infected aborted material and pregnant mares. This study proposes a protocol for approaching C. psittaci foetal loss after investigating four foetal losses that occurred on a horse stud in the Hunter Valley, Australia in 2021. Swabs from the foetal loss cases (n = 4), close contact mares (n = 59), and foals of the close contact mares (n = 33) were collected and tested for C. psittaci using both isothermal points of care and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) laboratory‐based testing. Genotyping was performed utilising C. psittaci multilocus sequence typing and ompA sequencing from C. psittaci positive pooled foetal and placental (n = 3) DNA. Foetal and placental samples from the four foetal loss cases were all positive for C. psittaci with 100% agreement between the isothermal swab testing on the farm and qPCR DNA testing at an external laboratory. Genotyping revealed the clonal and identical sequence type 24 (ST24) C. psittaci strains in all samples. C. psittaci was not detected in close contact with mares or their foals. There was no statistically significant difference in foal survival between the close contact mare groups that did and did not receive antimicrobial intervention (P > 0.05). The proposed protocol is intended to raise awareness and begin a discussion for guidelines around handling of chlamydial foetal loss cases in late pregnant mares which pose a zoonotic threat to farm workers and veterinarians.