bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single Cell Profiling in theSox10Dom/+Hirschsprung Mouse ImplicatesHoxa6in Enteric Neuron Lineage Allocation
Authors: Avila Justin A. , Benthal Joseph T. , Schafer Jenny C. , Southard-Smith E. Michelle 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackground & AimsEnteric nervous system (ENS) development requires migration, proliferation, and appropriate neuronal diversification from progenitors to enable normal gastrointestinal (GI) motility.Sox10deficit causes aganglionosis, modeling Hirschsprung disease, and disrupts ratios of postnatal enteric neurons in proximal ganglionated bowel. HowSox10deficiency alters ratios of enteric neuron subtypes is unclear.Sox10’sprominent expression in enteric neural crest-derived progenitors (ENCP) and lack of this gene in enteric neurons led us to examineSox10Domeffects ENS progenitors and early differentiating enteric neurons.MethodsENS progenitors, developing neurons, and enteric glia were isolated fromSox10+/+andSox10Dom/+littermates for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). scRNA-seq data was processed to identify cell type-specific markers, differentially expressed genes, cell fate trajectories, and gene regulatory network activity between genotypes. Hybridization chain reaction (HCR) validated expression changes detected in scRNA-seq.ResultsscRNA-seq profiles revealed three neuronal lineages emerging from cycling progenitors via two transition pathways accompanied by elevated activity ofHoxgene regulatory networks (GRN) as progenitors transition to neuronal fates.Sox10Dom/+scRNA-seq profiles exhibited a novel progenitor cluster, decreased abundance of cells in transitional states, and shifts in cell distributions between two neuronal trajectories.Hoxa6was differentially expressed in the neuronal lineages impacted inSox10Dom/+mutants and HCR identified alteredHoxa6expression in early developing neurons ofSox10Dom/+ENS.ConclusionsSox10Dom/+mutation shifts enteric neuron types by altering neuronal trajectories during early ENS lineage segregation. Multiple neurogenic transcription factors are reduced inSox10Dom/+scRNA-seq profiles including multipleHoxgenes. This is the first report that implicatesHoxgenes in lineage diversification of enteric neurons.
Tomato spotted wilt virus facilitates non-vector spider mite species (Tetranychus urticaeandTetranychus evansi) on whole tomato plants
Authors: Gupta Vandana , Grosjean Sarah , Moreau Aloyse , Carbonell David , Duncan Alison B. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCoinfections where hosts harbour more than one parasite species are common in nature. Facilitation among parasites enabling them to better exploit host resources is widespread with direct consequences on their life-history. Plant viruses can facilitate their vectors to increase their transmission, but equivalent studies in virus-non vectors are lacking. Here we study facilitation of two (non-vector) species ofTetranychusspider mites,Tetranychus urticaeandT. evansi, by a plant virus, tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), in coinfections on a host tomato plant,Solanum lycopersicum. We compared the effect of different strains of TSWV on life-history traits ofTetranychusmites on cut leaves and whole plants of different tomato varieties. TSWV facilitated both species of spider mite on two different tomato varieties on whole plants, with more offspring of both species becoming adults. In contrast, on cut leaves, facilitation ofT. urticaewas much more variable depending on the experiment, viral strain and tomato variety. We attribute this to the non-homogeneous spread of virus throughout the host plant. Virus is first transported to the top leaves, and not middle leaves which we had used for the experiment. Indeed, if facilitation is indirect via the host immune system or resource based via the release of free-amino acids then this may be less efficient on cut plant parts. These results highlight that facilitation among parasites may increase parasite fitness and at the same time levels of virulence experienced by the host.
Role of copper during microglial inflammation
Authors: Craciun Laura , Muroy Sandra E. , Saijo Kaoru 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTCopper plays crucial roles in various physiological functions of the nervous and immune systems. Dysregulation of copper homeostasis is linked to several diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. Since dysfunctional microglial immunity can contribute to such diseases, we investigated the role of copper in microglial immunity. We found that both increased and decreased copper levels induced by chemical treatments suppresses lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated inflammation in microglial cells, as determined by RT-qPCR analysis. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis confirmed that increased copper level reduces the inflammatory response to LPS; however, it also showed that decreased copper level affects genes involved in cell proliferation, transcription, and autophagosome regulation. These findings suggest that copper is vital for maintaining normal immune function in microglia, and both copper excess and deficiency can disrupt microglial immunity.
Uncovering the mechanistic basis of intracellular Raf inhibitor sensitivity reveals synergistic cotreatment strategies
Authors: Stoddard Ethan G. , Fang Linglan , Zhong Yuhao , Potter Zachary E. , Brush Daniel S. , Simon Jessica J. , Golkowski Martin , Maly Dustin J. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractRaf kinases are crucial effectors in the Ras-Raf-Mek-Erk signaling pathway, making them important targets for the development of cancer therapeutics. This study investigates the variable potency of DFG-out-stabilizing Raf inhibitors in mutant KRas-expressing cell lines. We demonstrate that inhibitor potency correlates with basal Raf activity, with more active Raf being more susceptible to inhibition. We further show that DFG-out-stabilizing inhibitors disrupt high-affinity Raf-Mek interactions, promoting the formation of inhibited Raf dimers. Furthermore, we identify cobimetinib as a Mek inhibitor that uniquely sensitizes Raf to DFG-out inhibitors by disrupting autoinhibited Raf-Mek complexes. Building on this insight, we developed cobimetinib analogs with enhanced sensitization properties. Our findings provide a mechanistic framework for understanding the cellular determinants of DFG-out-stabilizing inhibitor sensitivity and offer strategies for optimizing synergistic Raf-Mek inhibitor combinations.
Speed modulations in grid cell information geometry
Authors: Ye Zeyuan , Wessel Ralf 
Published: September 2024

AbstractGrid cells, known for their hexagonal spatial firing patterns, are widely regarded as essential to the brain’s internal representation of the external space. Maintaining an accurate internal spatial representation is challenging when an animal is running at high speeds, as its self-location constantly changes. Previous studies of speed modulation of grid cells focused on individual or pairs of grid cells, yet neurons represent information via collective population activity. Population noise covariance can have significant impact on information coding that is impossible to infer from individual neuron analysis. To address this issue, we developed a novel Gaussian Process with Kernel Regression (GKR) method that allows study the simultaneously recorded neural population representation from an information geometry framework. We applied GKR to grid cell population activity, and found that running speed increases both grid cell activity toroidal-like manifold size and noise strength. Importantly, the effect of manifold dilation outpaces the effect of noise increasement, as indicated by the overall higher Fisher information at increasing speeds. This result is further supported by improved spatial information decoding accuracy at high speeds. Finally, we showed that the existence of noise covariance is information detrimental because it causes more noise projected onto the manifold surface. In total, our results indicate that grid cell spatial coding improves with increasing running speed. GKR provides a useful tool to understand neural population coding from an intuitive information geometric perspective.
A coral peptide has bactericidal activity against a global marine pathogen,Vibrio coralliilyticus
Authors: Aoyama Kako , Okai Masahiko , Ogawa Nobuhiro , Fukumaru Riko , Ishida Masami , Inoue Koji , Takagi Toshiyuki 
Published: September 2024

AbstractScleractinian corals and their associated microorganisms, including endosymbiotic dinoflagellates and bacteria, constitute coral holobionts. Rising seawater temperatures weaken coral symbiotic relationships, thereby increasing susceptibility to infectious diseases and leading to disease outbreaks and subsequent population declines. The temperature-dependent coral pathogen,Vibrio coralliilyticus, poses one of the greatest threats to coral reefs because of global warming. However, coral immune defenses against this pathogen are poorly understood. We previously identified coral genes responding toV. coralliilyticusexposure by transcriptomic analysis of the reef-building coral,Acropora digitifera. Here, bioinformatic analysis identified digitiferin, a coral antimicrobial peptide (AMP), in the genome ofA. digitifera. Recombinant digitiferin showed antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. A 3D structural model and direct microscopic observations revealed that digitiferin damaged bacterial cell membranes by forming pores; however, initial growth inhibition tests in 1.5 % (w/v) NaCl showed no effect on pathogens. Because we found that digitiferin is secreted from epithelial cells into mucus and shows salt sensitivity, we hypothesized that it is active against pathogens in low-salt environments. We then investigated whether it showed antibacterial activity against pathogens in low-salt, moderate-osmolality conditions, using mannitol for osmoregulation instead of NaCl. The results showed that digitiferin exhibits bactericidal activity againstV. coralliilyticusunder salt-free conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize a scleractinian AMP that killsV. coralliilyticus. These findings contribute to a better understanding of coral immunity and may facilitate development of techniques to overcome coralVibriodisease.SignificanceHealthy coral reefs are one of the most important marine ecosystems, supporting ∼25 % of all marine organisms. Coral reef ecosystems are threatened by coral infectious diseases, as rising seawater temperatures exacerbate pathogen infectivity. Thus, understanding coral immune systems is becoming increasingly important to protect coral reefs. This study reports the discovery of an antimicrobial peptide, digitiferin, from the reef-building coral,Acropora digitifera. Digitiferin is effective against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, including the major coral pathogen,Vibrio coralliilyticus, and is secreted into mucus from ectodermal granular epithelial cells. As the first antimicrobial peptide known to have bactericidal activity againstV. coralliilyticus, this discovery enhances our understanding of coral immunology and coral-pathogen interactions.
TYPE THREE SECRETION SYSTEM-INDUCED MECHANOPORATION OF VACUOLAR MEMBRANES
Authors: Swistak Léa , Albert Marvin , Valenzuela Camila , Gokerkucuk Elif Begum , Bontems François , Gazi Anastasia D. , Tachon Stéphane , Sartori-Rupp Anna , Lesser Cammie F. , Paul-Gilloteaux Perrine , Tinevez Jean-Yves , Vos Matthijn , Enninga Jost 
Published: September 2024

SummaryEndomembrane breaching is a crucial strategy employed by intracellular pathogens enclosed within vacuoles to access the nutrient-rich cytosol for intracellular replication. While bacteria use various mechanisms to compromise host membranes, the specific processes and factors involved are often unknown.Shigella flexneri,a major human pathogen, accesses the cytosol relying on the Type Three Secretion System (T3SS) and secreted effectors. Using in-cell correlative light and electron microscopy, we tracked the sequential steps ofShigellahost cell entry. Moreover, we captured the T3SS, which projects a needle from the bacterial surface, in the process of puncturing holes in the vacuolar membrane. This initial puncture ensures disruption of the vacuolar membrane. Together this introduces the concept of mechanoporation via a bacterial secretion system as a crucial process for bacterial pathogen-induced membrane damage.GraphicalAbstract
Age-friendly human resource practices: a comparison of Baltic and Nordic countries
Authors: Dorokhov Oleksandr , Jaakson Krista , Dorokhova Liudmyla 
Published: September 2024

PurposeDue to population ageing, the European Union (EU) has adopted active ageing as a guiding principle in labour and retirement policies. Among the strategies for active ageing, age-friendly workplaces play a crucial role. This study compares age-friendly human resource (HR) practices in the Baltic and Nordic countries. The latter are pioneers in active ageing, and as the employment rate of older employees in the Baltics is like that in the Nordic countries, we may assume equally age-friendly workplaces in both regions.Design/methodology/approachWe used the latest CRANET survey data (2021–2022) from 1,452 large firms in seven countries and constructed the fuzzy logic model on age-friendliness at the workplace.FindingsDespite a high employment rate of older individuals in the Baltics, HR practices in these countries fall short of being age-friendly compared to their Nordic counterparts. Larger firms in the Nordic countries excel in every studied aspect, but deficiencies in the Baltics are primarily attributed to the absence of employer-provided health and pension schemes. The usage of early retirement is more frequent in the Nordic countries; however, its conceptualisation as an age-friendly HR practice deserves closer examination. Our findings suggest that the success of active ageing in employment has translated into age-friendly HR practices in larger organisations in the Nordics, but not in the Baltics. It is likely that high employment of older individuals in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania is a result of the relative income poverty rate.Originality/valueOur model represents one of the few attempts to utilise fuzzy logic methodology for studying human resource practices and their quantitative evaluation, especially concerning age-friendly workplaces.
Impact of agricultural land ownership on child nutrition in rural Sudan: an investigation across gender
Authors: Mohamed Nour Samia , Ebaidalla Ebaidalla M. 
Published: September 2024

Purpose In light of the inequality in access to farming land and the high prevalence of child malnutrition in Sudan, there is a lack of empirical research on the relationship between land ownership and child nutritional status. This study aims to examine the influence of agricultural landholding on the nutritional status of children under the age of five in rural Sudan.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilizes data from Sudan’s 2014 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), covering a sample of 10,753 rural children. The empirical analysis uses the two-stage least squares (2SLS) approach, adopting various estimation methods and model specifications for robustness check and comparison.Findings The results demonstrate that agricultural land has a positive and significant effect on reducing child malnutrition, signifying that children from families with agricultural land are less susceptible to malnutrition in Sudan. When examining the male and female sub-samples separately, the findings indicate a positive influence of land ownership on child malnutrition in the female sub-sample, while no significant impact is observed in the male sub-sample. This indicates a gender disparity in the effects of land ownership on child nutrition, with girls benefiting more from access to agricultural land compared to boys.Originality/value The study has several significant contributions. First, this is the sole study that examines the impact of agricultural land ownership on child malnutrition in Sudan. Second, considering the gender variations in nutritional status, investigating the influence of land ownership on child nutrition across genders addresses a significant gap in the current literature. Finally, the findings resulting from this study can contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030, precisely focusing on SDG2 Goal 2: Zero hunger and SDG 10: Goal 10: Reduced inequalities.
The effect of involvement and perceived usefulness on attitudinal and behavioral loyalty in online bookings
Authors: Goyal Anita , Verma Pranay 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
This study aims to examine involvement and perceived usefulness (PU) as the drivers of loyalty for online booking websites, revealing findings of theoretical and practical relevance. The proposed conceptual model is drawn on elaboration likelihood model (ELM) along with the consideration of expectation confirmation model for loyalty development.

Design/methodology/approach
A two-stage structural equation modeling was applied to test the reliability and validity of the constructs and the strength of the hypothesized relationships.

Findings
Attitudinal loyalty (AL) is found to have a significant role, resulting in behavioral loyalty (BL) toward online booking. The results of this study supported the ELM framework, where involvement and PU resulted in BL through AL. PU and AL also served as mediating mechanisms underlying the impact of consumer involvement on BL.

Originality/value
This study applies the ELM to online ticketing mechanisms and nuances amid AL and BL with their drivers.
Augmented reality marketing in hospitality and tourism: a guide for researchers and managers
Authors: tom Dieck M. Claudia , Han Dai-In Danny , Rauschnabel Philipp A. 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
The hospitality and tourism industry is strongly influenced by new and immersive technologies, such as augmented reality (AR), to enhance customer experiences across a diverse set of touchpoints throughout the visitor journey. This paper aims to provide a holistic understanding of AR marketing for this industry context, present a number of fundamental premises of AR marketing within it and establish an agenda for future AR research.

Design/methodology/approach
This study reviews current literature on AR marketing, hospitality and tourism and industry use cases for the creation of a proposed conceptual framework to guide scholars and managers. Based on that, the authors propose fundamental premises.

Findings
The three fundamental premises of AR marketing presented are the need to clearly differentiate between AR and virtual reality within hospitality and tourism; the use of AR for the on-trip experience; and the combined focus on content, context, customer and computing devices for a successful strategic implementation of AR.

Research limitations/implications
This study serves as a first point of reference for the strategic integration of AR into hospitality and tourism marketing, both from an industry and academic point of view.

Practical implications
The authors provide a number of managerial recommendations based on our three fundamental premises.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to holistically characterize AR marketing in the hospitality and tourism context. It also highlights the fundamental premises of successful AR marketing and future directions of AR research today and in a spatial computing future.
Channel-switching behaviour and customer deviance
Authors: Mayr Kathrin , Teller Christoph 
Published: September 2024

PurposeUnacceptable behaviour in retailing – negative customer deviance (NCD) is rising, damaging retailers financially. Current research investigates forms of NCD by addressing its impact on employees but overlooks its effects on bystander-customers and their retail channel preferences. As channel switching within retailing is increasing unprecedentedly, this research investigates its correspondence with NCD encounters.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses structural equation modelling, based on data collection administered through a web-based survey of 1,008 customers of at least 16 years of age, to analyse the research model.FindingsThe findings reveal unexplored forms of NCD perceived by bystander-customers in retailing and their consequences, linking it to bystander-customers' ill-being, dissatisfaction with the shopping experience, a decrease in store commitment and an increase in their retail channel-switching intentions. Additionally, the research uncovers moderating variables.Practical implicationsThis research tests NCD dimensions and effects on bystander-customers, which indicate the need for retailers to address shopping values, attitudes and commitment through corrective, proactive and long-term strategic actions.Originality/valueAs one of the first studies to investigate the impact of NCD on bystander-customers' intentions to switch from store-based to online shopping, strategies for retailers are developed to help diminish and control NCD-induced threats to bystander-customers.
Empowering the elderly: a cash waqf Takaful model for enhanced provision and protection in Malaysia
Authors: Muneeza Aishath , Kunhibava Sherin , Mohamed Ismail , Mustapha Zakariya 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
The primary objective of this research is to introduce a pioneering takaful model that provides both provision and protection to the aging population by combining the concept of cash waqf with takaful. This model is designed to align with Shariah principles, ensuring sustainability and enduring impact.

Design/methodology/approach
This research adopts a qualitative methodology, where a focus group discussion was conducted with six stakeholders. The participants consisted of takaful operators, legal experts and other industry players. The participants were presented with the proposed cash waqf takaful model and their feedback was recorded. Legal issues related to linking waqf with takaful were also identified and discussed.

Findings
The study highlights the need for innovative financial solutions to support Malaysia's aging population. It proposes a cash waqf takaful model, leveraging crowd funding for sustainability. Legal hurdles and recommendations for overcoming them are discussed, along with suggestions for future research on quantitative validation and regulatory frameworks. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the holistic approach of the proposed model in addressing the well-being of Malaysia's senior citizens.

Practical implications
The proposed takaful model presents opportunities for takaful operators to integrate Islamic social finance into their operations, enabling easier access to takaful for the elderly community. By eliminating financial barriers, it can transform the takaful landscape, ensuring inclusivity and financial security for aging populations. Moreover, policymakers see it as a blueprint for sustainable financial solutions and social welfare enhancement globally.

Originality/value
The study introduces a novel cash waqf takaful model to support Malaysia's aging population, leveraging crowdfunding for sustainability. It addresses legal challenges unique to Malaysia and proposes collaboration with State Islamic Religious Authorities. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for further research to validate the model's effectiveness and explores its potential global policy implications.