bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the genetic architecture of BMI in infancy and early childhood reveals age-specific effects and implicates pathways involved in Mendelian obesity
Authors: Helgeland Øyvind , Vaudel Marc , Sole-Navais Pol , Flatley Christopher , Juodakis Julius , Bacelis Jonas , Koløen Ingvild L. , Knudsen Gun Peggy , Johansson Bente B. , Magnus Per , Kjennerud Ted Reichborn , Juliusson Petur B. , Stoltenberg Camilla , Holmen Oddgeir L. , Andreassen Ole A. , Jacobsson Bo , Njølstad Pål R. , Johansson Stefan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTo elucidate the role of common genetic variation on infant and child weight development, we performed genome-wide association studies across 12 time points from birth to eight years in 28,681 children and their parents (27,088 mothers and 26,239 fathers) in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). We identify 46 distinct loci associated with early childhood BMI at specific ages, matching different child growth phases, and representing four major trajectory patterns. Among these loci, 30 are independent of known birth weight and adult BMI loci, and 21 show peak effect between six months and three years, making these discoverable only at early age. Several of the 21 variants reside in/near genes previously implicated in severe forms of early-onset obesity, and monogenic obesity genes are enriched in the vicinity of the 46 loci. Four loci demonstrate evidence of several independent association signals as key drivers for BMI development near LEPR, GLP1R, PCSK1, and KLF14, all central to appetite and energy balance. At the KLF14 locus, we detect significant associations for maternally inherited alleles only, consistent with imprinting effects. Finally, we demonstrate how the BMI distribution stratified by different polygenic risk scores transitions from birth to adult profile throughout early childhood, and how age-specific polygenic risk scores improve the prediction of childhood obesity, outperforming scores based on adult BMI. In conclusion, our results offer a fine-grained characterization of the rapidly changing genetic association landscape sustaining early growth.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Identifies Association with Apolipoprotein E
Authors: Fairfield Cameron J , Drake Thomas M , Pius Riinu , Bretherick Andrew D , Campbell Archie , Clark David W , Fallowfield Jonathan A , Hayward Caroline , Henderson Neil C , Joshi Peter K , Mills Nicholas L , Porteous David J , Ramachandran Prakash , Semple Robert K , Shaw Catherine A , Sudlow Cathie LM , Timmers Paul RHJ , Wilson James F , Wigmore Stephen J , Harrison Ewen M , Spiliopoulou Athina 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackground & AimsGenome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several risk loci for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Previous studies have largely relied on small sample sizes and have assessed quantitative traits. We performed a case-control GWAS in the UK Biobank using recorded diagnosis of NAFLD based on diagnostic codes recommended in recent consensus guidelines.Approach & ResultsWe performed a GWAS of 4,761 cases of NAFLD and 373,227 healthy controls without evidence of NAFLD. Sensitivity analyses were performed excluding other co-existing hepatic pathology, adjusting for BMI and adjusting for alcohol intake. 9,723,654 variants were assessed by logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, genetic principal components and genotyping batch. We performed a GWA meta-analysis using available summary association statistics from two previously published case-control GWAS of NAFLD. Six risk loci were identified (P<5*10^(−8)) of which one is novel in GWAS (rs429358 in APOE) and five are known (PNPLA3, TM6SF2, GCKR, MARC1 and TRIB1). Rs429358 (P=2.17*10^(−11)) is a missense variant within the APOE gene determining ⍰4 vs ⍰2/⍰3 alleles. All loci retained significance in sensitivity analyses without co-existent hepatic pathology and after adjustment for BMI. PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 remained significant after adjustment for alcohol (alcohol intake was known in only 158,388 individuals) with others demonstrating consistent direction and magnitude of effect. All 6 loci were significant on meta-analysis including APOE P=3.42*10^(−13) with consistent direction and magnitude of effect in all 6 loci in all three studies. The ⍰4 allele of APOE offered protection against NAFLD (odds ratio for heterozygotes 0.84 [95%CI 0.78-0.90] and homozygotes 0.64 [0.50-0.79]).ConclusionsThis GWAS demonstrates that the ∈4 allele of APOE is strongly associated with protection against NAFLD.
SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, variants of interest and lineage A.27 are on the rise in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Augustin Anoh Etilé , Schubert Grit , Wayoro Oby , Pacôme Monemo , Belarbi Essia , Sachse Andreas , Calvignac-Spencer Sébastien , Leendertz Fabian , Diané Bamourou , Akoua-Koffi Chantal 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) and variants of interest (VOI) are heavily altering the COVID-19 pandemic’s course due to their increased transmissibility, virulence and immune escape abilities. Data on their spread in western sub-Saharan Africa is however still scarce. We therefore sequenced viral genomes from SARS-CoV-2 cases identified in central and northern Côte d’Ivoire between May 2020 and March 2021. We report the introduction of VOC B.1.1.7 as early as mid-January 2021, followed by detection of a single case of VOC B.1.351, as well as VOI B.1.525. Since early 2021 VOC/VOI are gradually dominating the SARS-CoV-2 virus pool in Côte d’Ivoire, as seen in other regions of the world. Intriguingly, we also find that another lineage, A.27, has also been on the rise over the same period. In sum, this study highlights again the extremely rapid local diffusion of VOC, VOI and possibly A.27, and the importance of further reinforcing capacities for genomic surveillance on the African continent.
Longitudinal Evaluation of mRNA Vaccinated Subjects using a Quidel Multianalyte Point-of-Care SARS-CoV-2 IgG Immunoassay
Authors: Chen Xi , Agarwal Sarika , Hoelscher Stewart , Egan Richard , Jaiswal Dipesh , Stassinopoulos Adonis , Reed Robert , McClure Jason , Kroll Werner 
Published: May 2021

AbstractInfection from SARS-CoV-2 elicits an immune response to the nucleocapsid (N) and spike proteins (subunits S1 and S2). In this study, we set out to understand the utility of the multiplexed Quidel Sofia 2 SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibody Fluorescent Immuno-Assay (FIA) that measures IgG antibodies against these three primary SARS-CoV-2 antigens from a single sample in 15 minutes. Using this assay with samples that were collected prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (n=816) and diseased state samples (n=99), the specificities for the three antigens were 98.4-99.9% and 98.0-100.0%, respectively. A longitudinal study was designed to collect weekly fingerstick, venous whole blood, serum and plasma samples from subjects vaccinated with the Moderna or Pfizer/BioNtech mRNA vaccines. The majority of these enrolled subjects had no known prior infection while a subset was known to have had prior COVID-19 infection. We found that the fingerstick whole blood samples performed as effectively as serum, plasma, and venous whole blood samples with a 95.8-99.5% agreement allowing physicians in a near-patient setting to rapidly provide results to their patients. Additionally, as this assay measures an IgG response against three viral proteins, S1, S2 and N, we were able to characterize immune response between i) naturally infected subjects, ii) vaccinated subjects with no prior infection, iii) vaccinated subjects with known prior infection, and iv) vaccinated subjects with prior asymptomatic exposure/infection. The Quidel Sofia 2 SARS-CoV-2 IgG FIA will aid in providing insights to the protective humoral responses as an increasing number of the world population is vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2.
A morphological transformation in respiratory syncytial virus leads to enhanced complement activation
Authors: Kuppan Jessica P. , Mitrovich Margaret D. , Vahey Michael D. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe complement system is a critical host defense against infection, playing a protective role that can also enhance disease if misregulated. Although many consequences of complement activation during viral infection are well-established, specific mechanisms that contribute to activation by different human viruses remain elusive. Here, we investigate complement activation by human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a respiratory pathogen that causes severe disease in infants, the immunocompromised, and the elderly. Using a strain of RSV harboring tags on the surface glycoproteins F and G, we were able to monitor opsonization of single RSV particles with monoclonal antibodies and complement components using fluorescence microscopy. These experiments revealed an antigenic hierarchy in complement activation, where antibodies that bind towards the apex of F in either the pre- or postfusion conformation are able to activate complement whereas other antibodies are not. Additionally, among antibodies that were able to activate complement, we observed preferential targeting of a subset of particles with globular morphology, in contrast to the more prevalent viral filaments. We found that enhanced complement activation on these particles arises from changes in surface curvature that occur when the viral matrix detaches from the surrounding membrane. This transformation occurs naturally over time under mild conditions, and correlates with the accumulation of postfusion F on the viral surface. Collectively, these results identify antigenic and biophysical characteristics of virus particles that contribute to the formation of immune complexes, and suggest models for how these factors may shape disease severity and adaptive immune responses to RSV.
Defective flow-migration coupling causes arteriovenous malformations in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Park Hyojin , Furtado Jessica , Poulet Mathilde , Chung Minhwan , Yun Sanguk , Lee Sungwoon , Sessa William C , Franco Claudio , Schwartz Martin A , Eichmann Anne 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundActivin receptor-like kinase 1 (ACVRL1, hereafterALK1) is an endothelial transmembrane serine threonine kinase receptor for BMP family ligands that plays a critical role in cardiovascular development and pathology. Loss-of-function mutations in theALK1gene cause type 2 hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), a devastating disorder that leads to arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Here we show that ALK1 controls endothelial cell polarization against the direction of blood flow and flow-induced endothelial migration from veins through capillaries into arterioles.MethodsUsing Cre lines that recombine in different subsets of arterial, capillary-venous or endothelial tip cells, we showed that capillary-venousAlk1deletion was sufficient to induce AVM formation in the postnatal retina.ResultsALK1 deletion impaired capillary-venous endothelial cell polarization against the direction of blood flowin vivoandin vitro. Mechanistically, ALK1 deficient cells exhibited increased integrin signaling interaction with VEGFR2, which enhanced downstream YAP/TAZ nuclear translocation. Pharmacological inhibition of integrin or YAP/TAZ signaling rescued flow migration coupling and prevented vascular malformations inAlk1deficient mice.ConclusionsOur study reveals ALK1 as an essential driver of flow-induced endothelial cell migration and identifies loss of flow-migration coupling as a driver of AVM formation in HHT disease. Integrin-YAP/TAZ signaling blockers are new potential targets to prevent vascular malformations in HHT patients.
Neuronal GPCR regulates the specificity of innate immunity against pathogen infection
Authors: Wibisono Phillip , Wibisono Shawndra , Watteyne Jan , Chen Chia-Hui , Sellegounder Durai , Beets Isabel , Liu Yiyong , Sun Jingru 
Published: May 2021

SummaryA key question in current immunology is how the innate immune system generates high levels of specificity. Using theCaenorhabditis elegansmodel system, we demonstrate that functional loss of NMUR-1, a neuronal G protein-coupled receptor homologous to mammalian receptors for the neuropeptide neuromedin U, has diverse effects onC. elegansinnate immunity against various bacterial pathogens. Transcriptomic analyses and functional assays revealed that NMUR-1 modulatesC. eleganstranscription activity by regulating the expression of transcription factors involved in binding to RNA polymerase II regulatory regions, which, in turn, controls the expression of distinct immune genes in response to different pathogens. These results uncovered a molecular basis for the specificity ofC. elegansinnate immunity. Given the evolutionary conservation of NMUR-1 signaling in immune regulation across multicellular organisms, our study could provide mechanistic insights into understanding the specificity of innate immunity in other animals, including mammals.
Crystal structure of potassium triethylhydridoborate (`superhydride')
Authors: Fecker Ann Christin , Freytag Matthias , Walter Marc D. , Jones Peter G. 
Published: May 2021

In the title compound, formally K+·C6H16B−, the contact sphere of potassium consists of eleven hydrogen atoms from three different anions, assuming an arbitrary cut-off of 3 Å. The shortest interaction, 2.53 (2) Å, involves the hydridic hydrogen H01, which fulfils a bridging function in the formation of chains of KHBEt3 units parallel to the a axis [K1—H01i 2.71 (2) Å, K1—H01—K1ii 126.7 (9)°, operators x∓1/2, −y + {3\over 2}, −z + 1].
Coping with COVID-19: the role of accounting in shaping charities' financial resilience
Authors: Kober Ralph , Thambar Paul J. 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the role of accounting in shaping charities' financial resilience during the COVID-19 crisis.Design/methodology/approachA case study of a charity was conducted. The financial resilience framework (Barbera et al., 2017) was applied to explore how accounting contributes to charities' capacity to cope with crises.FindingsThe results show how the accounting practices of budgeting, forecasting and performance reporting (financial and nonfinancial), as well as “accounting talk,” form part of the anticipatory and coping capacities that provided the charity the financial resilience to navigate the COVID-19 crisis.Practical implicationsThe paper evidences the important role accounting plays in establishing financial resilience to help charities cope with crises, particularly the importance of having accounting practices established prior to a crisis and accounting information forming part of managers' discussions. The study also demonstrates that financial reserves have an important buffering capacity role.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to examine the role of accounting within a charity during an economic crisis. The authors explore the role of accounting in shaping a charity's financial resilience and demonstrate the applicability of the financial resilience framework to a sudden, unexpected crisis such as COVID-19. They extend the accounting talk literature by highlighting its importance to a charity and during a crisis.
A validated business process modelling success factors model
Authors: Bandara Wasana , Gable Guy Grant , Tate Mary , Rosemann Michael 
Published: May 2021

PurposeBusiness process modelling (BPMo) projects are core to digital transformation projects as they provide the conceptual foundation to the orchestration of technologies along a process. Yet, success factors of BPMo projects have received little research attention to date. This study empirically validates a BPMo project success model, pointing to normative practice guidelines and important future research.Design/methodology/approachThis research reports on the quantitative re-specification and validation of a business process modelling success model, employing survey responses from 261 process modellers worldwide.FindingsThe study distilled and validated a final set of success antecedents: Top Management Support, Project Management Capabilities, Stakeholder Input, Modeller Expertise and Modelling Tool Usage; and clearly evidences their relationships with each other and with two moderating variables – Importance and Complexity. The paper offers a nuanced explanation of the indirect role of top management support in building stakeholder involvement and explains how complex projects that are perceived as important being more likely to attract high levels of necessary stakeholder involvement. The authors conclude that top management needs to create an environment of co-ordinated excellence which spans both technical skills and resources, and a high level of committed engagement between stakeholders and technicians in order for BPMo projects to succeed.Originality/valueThis study is the first to operationalize and quantitatively test antecedents of BPMo project success and their interactions, presenting novel insights into how the success factors interact. Awareness of the more influential antecedents of successful process modelling projects offers valuable guidance for the planning, management and conduct of BPMo projects.
Choosing between the formal and informal economy: how do managers decide?
Authors: Abi Aad Amine , Combs James G. 
Published: May 2021

PurposeWe raise and address an unexamined research question: Why do managers place some business activities in the formal economy and others in the informal? This firm-level managerial choice is most visible in emerging economies and is important due to its performance implications.Design/methodology/approachWe theorize that managers use social ties with formal institutions (e.g. parliament, central bank) to protect against (1) being singled out for enforcement and (2) opportunistic business partners, and that these protections allow managers to conduct more activities in the informal economy. Based on regulatory focus theory, we also submit that managers with a promotion (prevention) focus mindset are more (less) prone to use their social ties with formal institutions to emphasize the informal economy. Hypotheses are tested using survey data from 362 Lebanese top managers.FindingsManagers' social ties with formal institutions relate positively to their propensity to use the informal economy, and managers with a promotion mindset are more willing and those with a prevention mindset are less willing to leverage their social ties with formal institutions to conduct activities in the informal economy.Originality/valueOur study raises an important new research question at the intersection of strategic and international management and offers an initial answer. Working within the informal economy requires informal social ties among informal actors, but for formally registered firms, entry into the informal economy requires informal ties with formal actors.
Fusion microfinance: expansion with information technology
Authors: Garg Adarsh 
Published: May 2021

Learning outcomes
After working through the case and assignment questions, students will be able to understand the following: the functioning of the microfinance institutions (MFIs); how the importance of using information technology (IT) can generate a competitive edge; and how emergent technologies, business analytics play a significant role in the expansion of business by helping in decision-making and meet up the corporate social responsibility by ethical disposal of electronic waste.

Case overview/synopsis
Fusion Microfinance Private Limited is a start-up company with a vision to build a professionally managed MFI that can achieve a healthy amalgamation of social and financial sustainability. It is operational in the less penetrated North Central part of India spread across four states (Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi). Fusion appreciated the importance of IT and gradually leveraged IT to help the automation of various functions. Fusion wants to further optimize the organizational outreach to its rural clients by integrating its core function with IT. IT facilitates its huge client network conveniently with the usage of IT. Fusion also aims further to reduce its carbon footprint, thus moving towards the goal of achieving environmental sustainability through IT.

Complexity academic level
Undergraduate- or graduate-level course on management information systems, environmental sustainability or emergent technologies.

Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code
CSS 1: Accounting and Finance.
Yes bank: an untold story
Authors: Ramchandani Kumar , Jethwani Kinjal 
Published: May 2021

Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes are as follows: understand the mechanism of sourcing and allocation of funds in the Indian banking industry; compare financial indicators of Yes bank with the industry average and interpret the hidden stress; understand the role of NPAs in the banking industry and analyze Yes bank’s performance; and identify the possible red signals in the business model of Yes bank.

Case overview/synopsis
The case narrated the story of Yes bank which was considered as one of the most promising and rising banks of India. The stock of Yes bank had been the preferred investment choice for many investors because of its outstanding performance in almost all the important parameters of the industry since 2005. Since its inception, investors favored the stock with an assumption that this new generation bank had a unique as well as a sustainable banking model. However, after the year 2016, Reserve Bank of India (Indian central bank and banking regulator) found huge under-reporting of non-performing assets (NPAs) in the three (i.e. 2015–16, 2016–17 and 2018–19) out of its four annual regulatory inspections, casting doubt in the way Yes bank functioned. Risk and aggression seemed to be the two most important aspects of Yes bank’s culture and this case tried to narrate the same through various financial indicators. The ratio comparison with the industry average indicated the possible gray areas of Yes bank, which was once considered as the most promising bank of India. Unfortunately, even the change of guard at the helm of Yes bank did not change the fate of the bank.

Complexity academic level
MBA/PGDBA/Executive MBA.

Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 1: Accounting and Finance.