bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial Network Configuration Influences Sarcomere and Myosin Filament Structure in Striated Muscles
Authors: Katti Prasanna , Hall Alexander S. , Ajayi Peter T. , Kim Yuho , Willingham T. Bradley , Bleck Christopher K. E. , Wen Han , Glancy Brian 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSustained muscle contraction occurs through interactions between actin and myosin filaments within sarcomeres and requires a constant supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from nearby mitochondria. However, it remains unclear how different physical configurations between sarcomeres and mitochondria alter the energetic support for contractile function. Here, we show that sarcomere cross-sectional area (CSA) varies along its length in a cell type-dependent manner where the reduction in Z-disk CSA relative to the sarcomere center is closely coordinated with mitochondrial network configuration in flies, mice, and humans. Further, we find myosin filaments near the sarcomere periphery are curved relative to interior filaments with greater curvature for filaments near mitochondria compared to sarcoplasmic reticulum. Finally, we demonstrate smaller myosin filament lattice spacing at filament ends than filament centers in a cell type-dependent manner. These data suggest both sarcomere structure and myofilament interactions are influenced by the location and orientation of mitochondria within muscle cells.
A Four-Step Enzymatic Cascade for Efficient Production of L- Phenylglycine from Biobased L-Phenylalanine
Authors: Zhu Yuling , Yuan Jifeng 
Published: January 2022

AbstractEnantiopure amino acids are of particular interest in the agrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. Here, we reported a multi-enzyme cascade for efficient production of L-phenylglycine (L-Phg) from biobased L-phenylalanine (L-Phe). We first attempted to engineer Escherichia coli for expressing L-amino acid deaminase (LAAD) from Proteus mirabilis, hydroxymandelate synthase (HmaS) from Amycolatopsis orientalis, (S)-mandelate dehydrogenase (SMDH) from Pseudomonas putida, the endogenous aminotransferase (AT) encoded by ilvE and L-glutamate dehydrogenase (GluDH) from E. coli. However, 10 mM L-Phe only afforded the synthesis of 7.21 ± 0.15 mM L-Phg. The accumulation of benzoylformic acid suggested that the transamination step might be rate-limiting. We next used leucine dehydrogenase (LeuDH) from Bacillus cereus to bypass the use of L-glutamate as amine donor, and 40 mM L-Phe gave 39.97 ± 3.84 mM (6.04 ± 0.58 g/L) L-Phg, reaching 99.9% conversion. In summary, this work demonstrated a concise four-step enzymatic cascade for the L-Phg synthesis from biobased L-Phe, with a potential for future industrial applications.Graphical abstracta concise four-step enzymatic cascade for the L-phenylglycine synthesis from biobased L-phenylalanine was devised. 40 mM L-phenylalanine afforded the synthesis of 39.97 ± 3.84 mM (6.04 ± 0.58 g/L) L-phenylglycine, reaching 99.9% conversion.
Collagen-binding integrin α11β1 contributes to joint destruction in arthritic hTNFtg mice
Authors: Deichsel Adrian , De Giuseppe Anna , Zeinert Isabel , Rauwolf Kerstin , Lu Ning , Beckmann Denise , Krause Annika , Eckes Beate , Hansen Uwe , Kronenberg Daniel , Gullberg Donald , Pap Thomas , Korb-Pap Adelheid 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibroblast like synoviocytes (FLS) undergo a “tumor-like” transformation, wherein they develop an aggressive phenotype that is characterized by increased adhesion to components of cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) and that contributes extensively to joint destruction. The collagen binding integrin α11β1 was previously shown to be involved in similar processes in cancer-associated fibroblasts mediating tumorigenicity and metastasis in certain tumors. Therefore, this study aimed to study the role of integrin α11β1 in RA and to characterize the effects of α11β1 deficiency on the disease course and severity in arthritic hTNFtg mice.MethodsThe expression levels of integrin α11β1 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and western blot analysis in synovial samples and FLS of patients with RA and osteoarthritis (OA) as well as in samples from wild type (wt) and arthritic hTNFtg mice. Furthermore, the subcellular expression of integrin α11β1 was investigated in co-culture experiments with cartilage explants and analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. To investigate the effects of integrin α11β1 deficiency, itga11-/- mice were interbred with hTNFtg mice and disease severity was assessed by clinical scoring of grip strength and paw swelling over the disease course. Hind paws of 12-weeks-old mice of all genotypes were analyzed by µCT imaging followed by stainings of paraffin-embedded tissue sections with Toluidine-blue and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) to evaluate established parameters of joint destruction such as inflammation area, cartilage destaining, FLS attachment to the cartilage surface, and bone damage.ResultsExpression levels of integrin α11β1 were clearly elevated in synovial tissues and FLS from RA patients and hTNFtg mice, compared to the controls derived from OA patients and wt mice. Interestingly, this expression was shown to be particularly localized in focal adhesions of the FLS. As revealed by transmission electron microscopy, integrin α11β1 expression was particularly evident in areas of direct cellular contact with the ECM of cartilage. Evaluations of clinical scorings and histomorphological analyses demonstrated that itga11-/-hTNFtg displayed alleviated clinical symptoms, higher bone volume, less cartilage destruction and reduced FLS attachment to the cartilage in comparison to hTNFtg mice.ConclusionsThe collagen-binding integrin α11β1 is upregulated in the context of RA and its deficiency in mice with an inflammatory hTNFtg background leads to a significant reduction in the arthritic phenotype which makes integrin α11β1 an interesting target for therapeutical intervention.
High-titer production of aromatic amines in metabolically engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Yang Taiwei , Wu Peiling , Zhang Yang , Yuan Jifeng 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACTAromatic amines are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. Here, we reported the establishment of a bacterial platform for synthesizing three types of aromatic amines, namely, tyramine, dopamine, and phenylethylamine. Firstly, we expressed aromatic amino acid decarboxylase from Enterococcus faecium (pheDC) in an Escherichia coli strain with an increased shikimate (SHK) pathway flux toward L-tyrosine or L-phenylalanine synthesis. We found that glycerol served as a better carbon source than glucose, resulting in 940±46 mg/L tyramine from 4% glycerol. Next, the genes of lactate dehydrogenase (ldhA), formate acetyltransferase (pflB), phosphate acetyltransferase (pta), and alcohol dehydrogenase (adhE) were deleted to mitigate the fermentation byproduct formation. The tyramine level was further increased to 1.965±0.205 g/L in shake flasks, corresponding to 2.1 times improvement compared with that of the parental strain. By using a similar strategy, we also managed to produce 703±21 mg/L dopamine and 555±50 mg/L phenethylamine. In summary, we have demonstrated that the knockout of ldhA-pflB-pta-adhE is an effective strategy in improving aromatic amine productions, and achieved the highest aromatic amine titers in E. coli under shake flasks reported to date.Key pointsAromatic amino acid decarboxylase from E. faecium was used for aromatic amine production; ldhA, pflB, pta together with adhE were deleted to mitigate the fermentation byproduct formation; Our work represented the best aromatic amine titers reported in E. coli under shake flasks.
MIA: An Open Source Standalone Deep Learning Application for Microscopic Image Analysis
Authors: Körber Nils 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn recent years the amount of data generated by imaging techniques has grown rapidly along with increasing computational power and the development of deep learning algorithms. To address the need for powerful automated image analysis tools for a broad range of applications in the biomedical sciences, we present the Microscopic Image Analyzer (MIA). MIA combines a graphical user interface that obviates the need for programming skills with state-of-the-art deep learning algorithms for segmentation, object detection, and classification. It runs as a standalone, platform-independent application and is compatible with commonly used open source software packages. The software provides a unified interface for easy image labeling, model training and inference. Furthermore the software was evaluated in a public competition and performed among the top three for all tested data sets. The source code is available onhttps://github.com/MIAnalyzer/MIA.
Structural and thermodynamic analyses of the β-to-α transformation in RfaH reveal principles of fold-switching proteins
Authors: Zuber Philipp K. , Daviter Tina , Heißmann Ramona , Persau Ulrike , Schweimer Kristian , Knauer Stefan H. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe two-domain protein RfaH, a paralog of the universally conserved NusG/Spt5 transcription factors, is regulated by autoinhibition coupled to the reversible conformational switch of its 60-residue C-terminal KOW domain between an α-hairpin and a β-barrel. In contrast, NusG/Spt5-KOW domains only occur in the β-barrel state. To understand the principles underlying the drastic fold switch in RfaH, we elucidated the thermodynamic stability and the structural dynamics of two RfaH- and four NusG/Spt5-KOW domains by combining biophysical and structural biology methods. We find that the RfaH-KOW β-barrel is thermodynamically less stable than that of most NusG/Spt5-KOWs and we show that it is in equilibrium with a globally unfolded species, which, strikingly, contains two helical regions that prime the transition towards the α-hairpin. Our results suggest that transiently structured elements in the unfolded conformation might drive the global folding transition in metamorphic proteins in general.
Interaction between photoperiod and variation in circadian rhythms in tomato
Authors: Xiang Yanli , Sapir Thomas , Rouillard Pauline , Ferrand Marina , Jiménez-Gómez José M 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMany biological processes follow circadian rhythmicity and are controlled by the circadian clock. Predictable environmental changes such as seasonal variation in photoperiod can modulate circadian rhythms, allowing organisms to adjust to the time of the year. Modification of circadian clocks is especially relevant in crops to enhance their cultivability in specific regions by changing their sensibility to photoperiod. In tomato, the appearance of mutations in EMPFINDLICHER IM DUNKELROTEN LICHT 1 (EID1, Solyc09g075080) and NIGHT LIGHT-INDUCIBLE AND CLOCK-REGULATED GENE 2 (LNK2, Solyc01g068560) during domestication delayed its circadian rhythms, and allowed its expansion outside its equatorial origin. Here we study how variation in circadian rhythms in tomato affects its perception of photoperiod. To do this, we create near isogenic lines carrying combinations of wild alleles of EID1 and LNK2 and perform transcriptomic profiling under two different photoperiods. We observe that EID1, but not LNK2, has a large effect on the tomato transcriptome and its response to photoperiod. This large effect of EID1 is likely a consequence of the global phase shift elicited by this gene in tomato’s circadian rhythms.
The effect of indoor daylight spectrum and intensity on viability of indoor pathogens on different surface materials
Authors: Lam Man In , Vojnits Kinga , Zhao Michael , MacNaughton Piers , Pakpour Sepideh 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACTBuilt environments play a key role in the transmission of infectious diseases. Ventilation rates, air temperature and humidity affect airborne transmission while cleaning protocols, material properties and light exposure can influence viability of pathogens on surfaces. We investigated how indoor daylight intensity and spectrum through electrochromic (EC) windows can impact the growth rate and viability of indoor pathogens on different surface materials (polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fabric, polystyrene (PS), and glass) compared to traditional blinds. Our results showed that tinted EC windows let in higher energy, shorter wavelength daylight than those with clear window and blind. The growth rates of pathogenic bacteria and fungi were significantly lower in spaces with EC windows compared to blinds: nearly 100% growth rate reduction was observed when EC windows were in their clear state followed by 41-100% reduction in bacterial growth rate and 26-42% reduction in fungal growth rate when EC windows were in their darkest tint. Moreover, bacterial viabilities were significantly lower on PVC fabric when they were exposed to indoor light at EC-tinted window. These findings are deemed fundamental to the design of healthy modern buildings, especially those that encompass sick and vulnerable individuals.Practical ImplicationsLight is an important factor that influences occupant health.Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) bring substantial costs on the healthcare systems hence new disinfection methods are always needed to minimize fomites especially with the increasing antibiotic resistance.We found that indoor light modulated by the EC smart windows can significantly reduce the growth rate and viability of pathogenic bacteria and fungi, which is mainly due to the high energy blue light spectrum at wavelength of 400-500nm.Pathogenic fungi are found to be more affected by the indoor light intensity, while indoor bacteria on surfaces are more susceptible to the light spectrums.These results also demonstrate the promising potential of indoor daylight exposure as an alternative for fomite disinfection strategy and expand the benefits of EC window as part of healthy building design in the future.
Branding advantage of agri-food companies in competitive export markets: a resource-based theory
Authors: Aghazadeh Hashem , Beheshti Jazan Abadi Elham , Zandi Farzad 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe purpose of the present study is to investigate the antecedents of export performance and branding advantage, as a key type of competitive advantage in export markets among entrepreneurs and managers of agri-food exporters.Design/methodology/approachA sample of entrepreneurs from 182 exporting firms of the agriculture and food industry participated in a cross-sectional survey. The data were collected by a self-reporting questionnaire and partial least squares were used to analyse the data and assess the path model.FindingsResults revealed that experiential resources strongly promote communication capabilities. Also, communication, distribution and product development capabilities contribute to the creation of the branding advantage in export markets. In addition, a positive relationship between the branding advantage and export performance of agri-food products is confirmed.Research limitations/implicationsThe study targets exporters of agri-food products. Hence, the results should be interpreted regarding the context of low-technology firms. Further, this paper delineates branding advantage considerations that managers need to account for to achieve effective exporting. Practitioners can efficaciously exploit resources to achieve a competitive advantage, considering that they focus on building capabilities, and in particular, communication capabilities.Originality/valueThe present study highlights the role of the branding advantage as an important type of competitive advantage in international entrepreneurship and export markets. It attempts to examine the combined relationships of resources and capabilities with branding advantage and export performance.
Consumers’ attitude towards honey consumption for its health benefits: first insights from an econometric approach
Authors: Zanchini Raffaele , Blanc Simone , Pippinato Liam , Di Vita Giuseppe , Brun Filippo 
Published: January 2022

PurposeAs is well known, there are several aspects that characterise honey consumption and the reasons for purchasing it. Despite this, little attention has been paid to the drivers that move consumers towards the use of honey for its health benefits and therapeutic properties. The aim of this study is to define which drivers move the consumption of honey for its health benefits.Design/methodology/approachThe study, conducted on 640 Italian honey consumers, applied inferential tests (Chi-square) and an econometric model (logit regression), and showed that about 66% of the respondents stated that they consume honey for its health properties.FindingsThe main drivers of honey consumption are both among the intrinsic (Colour) and extrinsic (Origin and Organic certification) attributes of the product. What also emerges is that the propensity to consume honey for health purposes is influenced by the consumer characteristics and habits, such as Age cohort, Gender, BMI and Large retail buyer. Moreover, we observed that consumption is influenced by BMI but not by lifestyle characteristics such as sport and diet.Originality/valueThis study could be a support tool for policymakers who are interested in promoting good nutrition and improving public health, since there is great interest in the functional properties of foods and the need to enhance the value of products, while at the same time ensuring consumer protection.
A mixed multiscale FEM for the eddy current problem with T,Φ-Φ and vector hysteresis
Authors: Hanser Valentin , Schöbinger Markus , Hollaus Karl 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
This work introduces an efficient and accurate technique to solve the eddy current problem in laminated iron cores considering vector hysteresis.

Design/methodology/approach
The mixed multiscale finite element method based on the based on the T,Φ-Φ formulation, with the current vector potential T and the magnetic scalar potential Φ allows the laminated core to be modelled as a single homogeneous block. This means that the individual sheets do not have to be resolved, which saves a lot of computing time and reduces the demands on the computer system enormously.

Findings
As a representative numerical example, a single-phase transformer with 4, 20 and 184 sheets is simulated with great success. The eddy current losses of the simulation using the standard finite element method and the simulation using the mixed multiscale finite element method agree very well and the required simulation time is tremendously reduced.

Originality/value
The vector Preisach model is used to account for vector hysteresis and is integrated into the mixed multiscale finite element method for the first time.
Will proximity mobile payments substitute traditional payments? Examining factors influencing customers' switching intention during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mu Hong-Lei , Lee Young-Chan 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe objective of this study is twofold: first, to investigate the determinants of customers' switching intention from traditional payments to proximity mobile payments (PMPs) during the COVID-19 pandemic for specific insight on how these factors shape customers' switching intentions; second, this study discusses the relationship between traditional payments and PMP services.Design/methodology/approachThe study data were collected from individual customers who used both traditional payments and PMP in a physical store during the COVID-19 pandemic. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to analyze the validity of the variables and the causal relationships among variables based on 305 valid data.FindingsThe results show that the factor of traditional payments, that is, dissatisfaction positively and significantly influenced customers' switching intention. Factors of PMP, namely perceived usefulness (PUF) and perceived ease of use (EOU), positively and significantly impacted switching intention. In addition, the relationship between traditional payments and PMP, that is, low perceived substitutability was found to negatively influence switching intention, PUF and EOU.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, the study targets are customers with experience in using PMP after the COVID-19 pandemic. It is suggested to compare customers who had experience using PMP before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, although cash and bank cards belong to the category of traditional payments, they have different degrees of contact when transactions occur. The contact rate of bank cards is lower than that of cash. This study did not differentiate between cash and bank cards, which is the main limitation.Originality/valueFirst, this study provides a reference to examine mobile payment usage from the perspective of both incumbent and alternative services conjointly under emergency situations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, the application of migration theory to the context of mobile payment extends existing research on mobile payment. Third, this study is among the first to investigate the relationship between traditional payments and PMP.
How AI chatbots have reshaped the frontline interface in China: examining the role of sales–service ambidexterity and the personalization–privacy paradox
Authors: Fan Hua , Han Bing , Gao Wei , Li Wenqian 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThis study serves two purposes: (1) to evaluate the effects of organizational ambidexterity by examining how the balanced and the combined sales–service configurations of chatbots differ in their abilities to enhance customer experience and patronage and (2) to apply information boundary theory to assess the contingent role that chatbot sales–service ambidexterity can play in adapting to customers' personalization–privacy paradox.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey of artificial intelligence chatbots users was conducted, and a mixed-methods research design involving response surface analysis and polynomial regression was adopted to address the research aim.FindingsThe results of polynomial regressions on survey data from 507 online customers indicated that as the benefits of personalization decreased and the risk to privacy increased, the inherently negative (positive) effects of imbalanced (combined) chatbots' sales–service ambidexterity had an increasing (decreasing) influence on customer experience. Furthermore, customer experience fully mediated the association of chatbots' sales–service ambidexterity with customer patronage.Originality/valueFirst, this study enriches the literature on frontline ambidexterity and extends it to the setting of human–machine interaction. Second, the study contributes to the literature on the personalization–privacy paradox by demonstrating the importance of frontline ambidexterity for adapting to customer concerns. Third, the study examines the conduit between artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots' ambidexterity and sales performance, thereby helping to reconcile the previously inconsistent evidence regarding this relationship.
Evaluation and prediction of material fatigue characteristics under impact loads: review and prospects
Authors: Liu Xintian , Wu Que , Su Shengchao , Wang Yansong 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe properties of materials under impact load are introduced in terms of metal, nonmetallic materials and composite materials. And the application of impact load research in biological fields is also mentioned. The current hot research topics and achievements in this field are summarized. In addition, some problems in theoretical modeling and testing of the mechanical properties of materials are discussed.Design/methodology/approachThe situation of materials under impact load is of great significance to show the mechanical performance. The performance of various materials under impact load is different, and there are many research methods. It is affected by some kinds of factors, such as the temperature, the gap and the speed of load.FindingsThe research on mechanical properties of materials under impact load has the characteristics as fellow. It is difficult to build the theoretical model, verify by experiment and analyze the data accumulation.Originality/valueThis review provides a reference for further study of material properties.