bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional analysis of Mmd2 and related PAQR genes during sex determination in mice
Authors: Zhao Liang , Thomson Ella , Ng Ee Ting , Longmuss Enya , Svingen Terje , Bagheri-Fam Stefan , Quinn Alexander , Harley Vincent R. , Harrison Leonard C. , Pelosi Emanuele , Koopman Peter 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSex determination in eutherian mammals is controlled by the Y-linked gene Sry, which drives the formation of testes in male embryos. Despite extensive study, the genetic steps linking Sry action and male sex determination remain largely unknown. Here, we focused on Mmd2, a gene that encodes a member of the progestin and adipoQ receptor (PAQR) family. We show that Mmd2 is expressed during the sex-determining period in XY but not XX gonads, specifically in the Sertoli cell lineage which orchestrates early testis development. Analysis of knockout mice deficient in Sox9 and Sf1 revealed that Mmd2 operates downstream of these known sex-determining genes. However, when we used CRISPR to ablate Mmd2 in the mouse, fetal testis development appeared to progress normally. To determine if other genes might have compensated for the loss of Mmd2, we identified the closely related PAQR family members Paqr8 and Mmd as also being expressed during testis development. We used CRISPR to generate mouse strains deficient in Paqr8 and Mmd, but both knockout lines appeared phenotypically normal and fertile. Finally, we generated Mmd2;Mmd and Mmd2;Paqr8 double-null embryos and again observed normal testis development. These results may reflect functional redundancy among these factors. Our findings highlight the difficulties involved in identifying genes with a functional role in sex determination and gonadal development through expression screening and loss-of-function analyses of individual candidate genes, and may help to explain the paucity of genes in which variations have been found to cause human disorders/differences of sex development.
TGFβ signalling is required to maintain pluripotency of human naïve pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Osnato Anna , Brown Stephanie , Krueger Christel , Andrews Simon , Collier Amanda J. , Nakanoh Shota , Londoño Mariana Quiroga , Wesley Brandon T. , Muraro Daniele , Brumm Sophie , Niakan Kathy , Vallier Ludovic , Ortmann Daniel , Rugg-Gunn Peter J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe signalling pathways that maintain primed human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have been well characterised, revealing a critical role for TGFβ/Activin/Nodal signalling. In contrast, the signalling requirements of naïve human pluripotency have not been fully established. Here, we demonstrate that TGFβ signalling is required to maintain naïve hPSCs. The downstream effector proteins – SMAD2/3 – bind common sites in naïve and primed hPSCs, including shared pluripotency genes. In naïve hPSCs, SMAD2/3 additionally bind to active regulatory regions near to naïve pluripotency genes. Inhibiting TGFβ signalling in naïve hPSCs causes the downregulation of SMAD2/3-target genes and pluripotency exit. Single-cell analyses reveal that naïve and primed hPSCs follow different transcriptional trajectories after inhibition of TGFβ signalling. Primed hPSCs differentiate into neuroectoderm cells, whereas naïve hPSCs transition into trophectoderm. These results establish that there is a continuum for TGFβ pathway function in human pluripotency spanning a developmental window from naïve to primed states.
Unconventional tonicity-regulated nuclear trafficking of NFAT5 mediated by KPNB1, XPOT and RUVBL2
Authors: Cheung Chris Y. , Huang Ting-Ting , Chow Ning , Zhang Shuqi , Zhao Yanxiang , Wong Catherine C.L. , Boassa Daniela , Phan Sebastien , Ellisman Mark H , Yates John R. , Xu SongXiao , Yu Zicheng , Zhang Yajing , Zhang Rui , Ng Ling Ling , Ko Ben C.B. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractNFAT5 is the only known mammalian tonicity-responsive transcription factor functionally implicated in diverse physiological and pathological processes. NFAT5 activity is tightly regulated by extracellular tonicity but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We demonstrated that NFAT5 enters the nucleus via the nuclear pore complex. We also found that NFAT5 utilizes a non-canonical nuclear localization signal (NFAT5-NLS) for nuclear imports. siRNA screening revealed that karyopherin β1 (KPNB1) drives nuclear import of NFAT5 via directly interacting with NFAT5-NLS. Proteomics analysis and siRNA screening further revealed that nuclear export of NFAT5 under hypotonicity is mediated by Exportin-T, and that it requires RuvB-Like AAA type ATPase 2 (RUVBL2) as an indispensable chaperone. Our findings have identified KPNB1 and RUVBL2 as key molecules responsible for the unconventional tonicity-regulated nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of NFAT5. These findings offer an opportunity for developing novel NFAT5 targeting strategies that are potentially useful for the treatment of diseases associated with NFAT5 dysregulation.
Wideband circularly polarized antenna with metallic walls for L-band applications
Authors: Pourbagher Mohammad , Ghobadi Changiz , Nourinia Javad , Naderali Rahim 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
To achieve right-hand circular polarization (RHCP), a 3-dB Wilkinson power divider with a λ/4 phase shifter is used. The crossed-dipoles are placed at almost λ/4 elevation on the ground plane and connected to two coaxial cables. Experiments show that the impedance bandwidth of 49.40% (913.7–1,513.1 MHz) and axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) of 22.88% (1,145.8–1,441.8 MHz) are achieved.

Design/methodology/approach
In this study, a wideband crossed-dipole antenna with circularly polarized (CP) radiation for L-band satellite and radar applications is presented. The proposed CP antenna comprises two orthogonally placed printed dipoles, a quadrature coupler and a box-shaped ground plane.

Findings
Furthermore, by fixing the box-shaped ground plane under the radiators, 5.13 dBic RHCP peak gain at 1,300 MHz and maximum half-power beamwidth (HPBW) of 84.5° at 1,170 MHz are realized for the antenna.

Originality/value
Eight metallic walls are connected to four corners of the substrate to stabilize the radiation properties in this study. Results show that the ARBW and front-to-back ratio are improved and the maximum HPBW around 127° across the operating frequency band is achieved. The proposed CP antenna is a good candidate for Global Positioning System (GPS) L2 (1.227 GHz), GPS L5 (1.176 GHz) and air route surveillance radar system at 1,215–1,390 MHz frequency band.
The effect of physical work environment on creativity among artists’ residencies
Authors: Motalebi Ghasem , Parvaneh Avishan 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the role of the physical environment characteristics on artists’ creativity.Design/methodology/approachBased on mixed-method of research the data was collected through questionnaires and interviews with 40 artists. The parameters of the physical environment characteristics included light, object design, color, window, the possibility of communication, flexibility and the existence of personal space.FindingsThe effect of these factors used simply and naturally on artists’ creativity was evaluated to be positive. It was found that if these factors were not present and only a simple, non-inspiring space was designed, the results would be simpler and less creative. It was suggested that designers need to design a space according to the artists’ individual and social needs and their perceptions.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is mostly limited to Iranian artists; however, it is a starting point for broader implications.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this research is providing environmental characteristics, which can assist in creating an appropriate workspace for artists.
Fuel consumption in mining industry using partial least squares structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Yousefi Nejad Attari Mahdi , Farrashzadeh Miandoab Tohid , Ejlali Babak , Torkayesh Ali Ebadi 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
Consumption of fossil fuels due to their non-renewability has always been one of the fundamental problems among energy-related issues. Major dependence of mining equipment and activities on energy, fuel and adequate fuel allocation has become of great importance in fuel consumption of mines. Therefore, this study aims to propose a model for optimal fuel allocation for mining industry.

Design/methodology/approach
In this study, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), as one of the well-known statistical methods, is used to model and analyze fuel consumption pattern in mine industry.

Findings
To show the applicability of the proposed model, the study investigates the model for a real mine in Iran. In this regard, real data of important factors affecting mine fuel consumption are collected. Results of statistical models construct a general formula to calculate the fuel consumption based on three main variables.

Originality/value
Policymaking is one of the important tasks in energy-related organizations. One of the main sectors that uses noticeable amount of fossil fuels is mining industry. Despite the government subsidy for mining in Iran, there is a significant price difference between the price of allocated fuel for mine and the price of the same fuel in the open market. Therefore, this study implements PLS-SEM approach to formulate the fuel consumption pattern under all possible fuel consumption indicators to enable policymakers to make reliable decision for future purposes.
The European Union oil dependency: a threat to economic growth and diplomatic freedom
Authors: Acevedo Rafael Alexis , Lorca-Susino Maria 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis paper provides a general review of the current energy dependency of the European Union (EU) and the possible threat that it poses to economic growth and diplomatic freedom.Design/methodology/approachSystematic literature review with a narrative approach to analyze historical data, statistics and energy policies and determine if the EU oil dependency represents a threat to economic growth and diplomatic freedom. In addition, a review of the US policy “America first” is also included to analyze its impact on the EU.FindingsThe energy dependency rate of the EU increased 12 percentage points from 1990 to 2018. Russia has become the largest oil supplier for the EU tripling Norway, the largest supplier in the 1990s. The oil dependency of the EU on Russia is a difficult situation where guaranteed energy supply and diplomatic freedom becomes a national political controversy. Even though the USA is currently a top world exporter of oil, the EU does not rely on the USA. The findings suggest that the EU needs to secure a reliable energy supplier to guarantee economic growth, reduce energy scarcity and enhance diplomatic freedom.Originality/valueThis paper provides a historical examination of the EU oil dependency considering its impact on economic growth and diplomatic freedom.
Corporate ethical behavior and the cost of equity capital: evidence from the world’s most ethical companies
Authors: Zouari-Hadiji Rim , Chouaibi Yamina 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the effect of the corporate ethical approach on the cost of equity capital. This study is conducted on a large international sample on behalf of the world’s most engaged firms from an ethical point of view in 2015.

Design/methodology/approach
The multivariate linear regression model is used to meet the purpose of this study and research hypotheses are also examined using a sample of 80 of most ethical firms in the world during the year 2015. Moreover, three variables (i.e. business ethics, corporate social responsibility and executive compensation based on the achievement of sustainable development goals) are used to reflect the corporate ethical approach and the implied cost of equity capital is used for estimating the cost of equity. In this regard, equity cost estimation is the most appropriate approach to test the effect of business ethics on the cost of financing firms.

Findings
Based on a sample of 80 firms emerging as the world’s most ethical firms in 2015, the results revealed that firms with better ethics scores are significantly associated with a reduced cost of equity capital. This paper also demonstrates that the executive incentive pays that are based on the objectives of sustainable development are able to explain different outcomes regarding the relation between corporate ethical behaviors and the cost of equity. These findings support arguments in the literature that firms with socially responsible practices have a higher valuation and lower risk.

Originality/value
This study provides implications for global regulators and policymakers when setting social reporting standards, suggesting that corporate ethical engagement reduces the cost of equity capital by decreasing the information asymmetry and thereby reducing the firms’ risk. Therefore, the findings may be informative to international managers and investors when considering the effect of business ethics on the firm’s ex-ante cost of equity. In this perspective, the voluntary disclosure of information makes it possible to mitigate the problems of asymmetry of information and conflict of interest between the firm and its main providers of capital, which could reduce the cost of equity.
Trade-based money laundering (TBML) empowers criminals to run free post-Brexit
Authors: Marzouk Mariola Jolanta 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to provide unique empirical findings exploring the impact of the UK’s post-Brexit Economic Strategy to boost trade with developing countries on the UK banking sector’s ability to manage trade-based money laundering risks.

Design/methodology/approach
Exploratory research design that used structured literature review, followed by semi-structured interviews with key subject matter experts employed by large UK banks.

Findings
Both banks and law enforcement struggle to prioritise trade-based money laundering (TBML) intelligence discovery due to deficient skills, resources, technology and lack of strong regulatory stimulus. The regulated sector calls for the UK anti-money laundering (AML) reform that would better incentivise TBML deterrence, yet the Government underestimates the money laundering risks while trading with high-risk jurisdictions post-Brexit.

Research limitations/implications
The findings are based on a small sample of six semi-structured interviews with difficult to access population of key subject matter experts. Despite the small sample, participants provided well-articulated and informed insights.

Practical implications
The UK’s post-Brexit Economic Strategy to boost trade with developing countries downplays the TBML risks it carries. The findings should alert UK banks, law enforcement and the Government who will collectively bear the responsibility to effectively manage TBML while enabling smooth trading.

Originality/value
The research provides unique perceptions of UK banks’ senior subject matter experts on managing TBML threats from opportunistic criminals.
Examining organization‐public relationships in crises: A thematic meta‐analysis of updated literature from 1997 to 2019
Authors: Cheng Yang , Funkhouser Caroline , Raabe Tessa , Cross Rebecca 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn crises, relationships between organizations and publics are under pressure. Building or managing relationships in crises has attracted heated discussions among scholars in the field of public relations and business communication over the past few decades. To provide an updated systematic analysis of this area, this study presents a review of 131 published journal articles from 1997 to 2019. Findings identified theoretical and methodological trends in current relationship management research in crises. In addition, five themes of relationships in crises were demonstrated. These included the antecedents, outcomes, mediating/moderating role, networks and the process of relationships. Results also indicated that crisis communication strategies, crisis types and prior crisis history were key precursors of (re‐)building relationships in the literature. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.
Debriefing immediately after intubation in a children's emergency department is feasible and contributes to measurable improvements in patient safety
Authors: Cincotta Domenic R , Quinn Nuala , Grindlay Joanne , Sabato Stefano , Fauteux‐Lamarre Emmanuelle , Beckerman David , Carroll Terry , Long Elliot 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveIn 2013, our intubations highlighted a safety gap – only 49% achieved first‐pass success without hypoxia or hypotension. NAP4 recommended debriefing after intubation, but limited published methods existed. Primary aim is to implement a feasible process for immediate debriefing and feedback for emergency airway management. Secondary aims are to contribute to reduced frequency of adverse intubation‐related events and implement qualitative improvements in patient safety through team reflection and feedback.MethodsA component of a prospective quality improvement (QI) study over 4 years in the ED of the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Debrief and feedback after intubation was one of seven study interventions. Targeted staff training and involvement of departmental leaders occurred. A post‐intervention cohort was audited in 2016. Analysis included the Team Emergency Assessment Measure.ResultsImmediate post‐event debriefing occurred in 39 (85%) of 46 intubations. Debriefing was short (median duration 5 min, interquartile range [IQR] 5–10) and soon after (median time 20 min, IQR 5–60). Commonest location was the resuscitation room (92%), led by the team leader (97%). Commonest barrier preventing immediate debriefing was excessive workload. Two QI process measures were assessed during debriefing (adequate resuscitation, airway plan) and case summaries distributed for 100% of intubations. Performance outcomes included contribution to 78% first‐pass success without hypoxia or hypotension. Team reflection prompted changes to environment (signage, stickers), training (skill drills), teamwork and process (communication, clinical event debriefing).ConclusionStructured and targeted debriefing after intubating children in the ED is feasible and contributes to measurable and qualitative improvements in patient safety.
The role of professional identity in HRM implementation: Evidence from a case study of job redesign
Authors: Chen Yaru , Currie Graeme , McGivern Gerry 
Published: July 2021

AbstractHow and why do employees from heterogeneous professional and occupational groups respond to the same HR practice differently—job redesign—and what is the implication of this for human resource management (HRM) implementation? Drawing upon a qualitative case study of job redesign in the English health and social care sector, affecting three distinct groups of employees, we highlight the different ways these employees respond to the implementation of job redesign over time. We contribute to a nascent literature discussing employees' role in HRM implementation. We also show that different types of professionals (occupational professionals, paraprofessionals, and organisational professionals) respond to job redesign differently, depending on its impact on their professional identity, which, in turn, affects its implementation.
FoxO3 deficiency in cortical astrocytes leads to impaired lipid metabolism and aggravated amyloid pathology
Authors: Du Shuqi , Jin Feng , Maneix Laure , Gedam Manasee , Xu Yin , Catic Andre , Wang Meng C. , Zheng Hui 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe rise of life expectancy of the human population is accompanied by the drastic increases of age‐associated diseases, in particular Alzheimer's disease (AD), and underscores the need to understand how aging influences AD development. The Forkhead box O transcription factor 3 (FoxO3) is known to mediate aging and longevity downstream of insulin/insulin‐like growth factor signaling across species. However, its function in the adult brain under physiological and pathological conditions is less understood. Here, we report a region and cell‐type‐specific regulation of FoxO3 in the central nervous system (CNS). We found that FoxO3 protein levels were reduced in the cortex, but not hippocampus, of aged mice. FoxO3 was responsive to insulin/AKT signaling in astrocytes, but not neurons. Using CNS Foxo3‐deficient mice, we reveal that loss of FoxO3 led to cortical astrogliosis and altered lipid metabolism. This is associated with impaired metabolic homoeostasis and β‐amyloid (Aβ) uptake in primary astrocyte cultures. These phenotypes can be reversed by expressing a constitutively active FOXO3 but not a FOXO3 mutant lacking the transactivation domain. Loss of FoxO3 in 5xFAD mice led to exacerbated Aβ pathology and synapse loss and altered local response of astrocytes and microglia in the vicinity of Aβ plaques. Astrocyte‐specific overexpression of FOXO3 displayed opposite effects, suggesting that FoxO3 functions cell autonomously to mediate astrocyte activity and also interacts with microglia to address Aβ pathology. Our studies support a protective role of astroglial FoxO3 against brain aging and AD.
Neuronal α‐amylase is important for neuronal activity and glycogenolysis and reduces in presence of amyloid beta pathology
Authors: Byman Elin , Martinsson Isak , Haukedal Henriette ,   The Netherlands Brain Bank, Gouras Gunnar , Freude Kristine K. , Wennström Malin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRecent studies indicate a crucial role for neuronal glycogen storage and degradation in memory formation. We have previously identified alpha‐amylase (α‐amylase), a glycogen degradation enzyme, located within synaptic‐like structures in CA1 pyramidal neurons and shown that individuals with a high copy number variation of α‐amylase perform better on the episodic memory test. We reported that neuronal α‐amylase was absent in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and that this loss corresponded to increased AD pathology. In the current study, we verified these findings in a larger patient cohort and determined a similar reduction in α‐amylase immunoreactivity in the molecular layer of hippocampus in AD patients. Next, we demonstrated reduced α‐amylase concentrations in oligomer amyloid beta 42 (Aβ42) stimulated SH‐SY5Y cells and neurons derived from human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) with PSEN1 mutation. Reduction of α‐amylase production and activity, induced by siRNA and α‐amylase inhibitor Tendamistat, respectively, was further shown to enhance glycogen load in SH‐SY5Y cells. Both oligomer Aβ42 stimulated SH‐SY5Y cells and hiPSC neurons with PSEN1 mutation showed, however, reduced load of glycogen. Finally, we demonstrate the presence of α‐amylase within synapses of isolated primary neurons and show that inhibition of α‐amylase activity with Tendamistat alters neuronal activity measured by calcium imaging. In view of these findings, we hypothesize that α‐amylase has a glycogen degrading function within synapses, potentially important in memory formation. Hence, a loss of α‐amylase, which can be induced by Aβ pathology, may in part underlie the disrupted memory formation seen in AD patients.