bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishing immortalized brown and white preadipocyte cell lines from young and aged mice
Authors: Wu Xiangdong , Elsaid Salaheldeen , Levet Florian , Li Winson , Tee Sui Seng 
Published: October 2024

AbstractStudying adipogenesis and adipocyte biology requires the isolation of primary preadipocytes from adipose tissues. However, primary preadipocytes have a limited lifespan, can only undergo a finite number of divisions, and often lose their original biological characteristics before becoming senescent. The repeated isolation of fresh preadipocytes, particularly from young pups or aged animals, is costly and time-consuming. Immortalization of these cells offers a solution by overcoming cellular senescence and maintaining proliferative capacity, allowing for long-term studies without the continuous need to isolate new cells from animals. Immortalized cell lines thus provide a consistent and reproducible experimental model, significantly reducing variability across different animals. However, successfully establishing immortalized preadipocyte cell lines presents challenges, including selecting appropriate adipose tissue depots, isolating primary preadipocytes, and choosing an effective immortalization strategy. In this study, we present optimized protocols and share first-hand experiences establishing immortalized brown and white preadipocyte cell lines from young and aging mice. These protocols offer a valuable resource for researchers studying adipogenesis, metabolism, and adipocyte biology.Support Protocol 1: Retrovirus productionBasic Protocol 1: Isolation and culture of primary brown and white preadipocytes from mouse interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) and subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT) in the same regionBasic Protocol 2: Immortalization of mouse brown and white preadipocytesBasic Protocol 3: Selection of immortalized preadipocytesBasic Protocol 4: Selection of single-cell clones of immortalized preadipocytesSupport Protocol 2: Cryopreservation of immortalized preadipocytesSupport Protocol 3: Wake up and culture of immortalized preadipocytesSupport Protocol 4: Subculture and expansion of immortalized preadipocytesBasic Protocol 5: Differentiation of immortalized mouse brown and white preadipocytesSupport Protocol 5: Lipid droplet staining and nucleus counterstainingSupport Protocol 6: Mitochondria staining and nucleus counterstaining
cGAS deficient mice display premature aging associated with de-repression of LINE1 elements and inflammation
Authors: Martinez John C. , Morandini Francesco , Fitzgibbons Lucinda , Sieczkiewicz Natasha , Bae Sung Jae , Meadow Michael E. , Hillpot Eric , Cutting Joseph , Paige Victoria , Biashad Seyed Ali , Simon Matthew , Sedivy John , Seluanov Andrei , Gorbunova Vera 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAging-associated inflammation, or ‘inflammaging” is a driver of multiple age-associated diseases. Cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase (cGAS) is a cytosolic DNA sensor that functions to activate interferon response upon detecting viral DNA in the cytoplasm. cGAS contributes to inflammaging by responding to endogenous signals such as damaged DNA or LINE1 (L1) cDNA which forms in aged cells. While cGAS knockout mice are viable their aging has not been examined. Unexpectedly, we found that cGAS knockout mice exhibit accelerated aging phenotype associated with induction of inflammation. Transcription of L1 elements was increased in both cGAS knockout mice and in cGAS siRNA knockdown cells associated with high levels of cytoplasmic L1 DNA and expression of ORF1 protein. Cells from cGAS knockout mice showed increased chromatin accessibility and decreased DNA methylation on L1 transposons. Stimulated emission depletion microscopy (STED) showed that cGAS forms nuclear condensates that co-localize with H3K9me3 heterochromatin marks, and H3K9me3 pattern is disrupted in cGAS knockout cells. Taken together these results suggest a previously undescribed role for cGAS in maintaining heterochromatin on transposable elements. We propose that loss of cGAS leads to loss of chromatin organization, de-repression of transposable elements and induction of inflammation resulting in accelerated aging.
Activity in the peripheral representation within primate V1 is substantially modulated during running
Authors: Rowley Declan P. , Huk Alexander C. , Yates Jacob L. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWe recently investigated whether activity in primary visual cortex of a primate (Callithrix jacchus) is modulated during running, and found that the effects were small (and suppressive), a notable difference from the large and positive modulations observed in mice. In that first report, we noted that the majority of our data were collected from the retinotopic representation of the fovea, and surmised that running modulations might be different in the peripheral representation. Here, we report that running-correlated modulations of the peripheral representation in marmoset V1 are positive and substantial— on order of 30%. In light of both the small and negative modulations observed in foveal V1, and the large and positive modulations seen in mouse V1, these results suggest that the foveal representation in primates may be unique. In this domain, non-foveal V1 in primates appears more similar to that of rodents.
Handwashing Practices among New Mothers and their Guardians: A Mixed-Methods Observational Study in Healthcare Facilities and Households in Rural Malawi
Authors: Luwe Kondwani , Chidziwisano Kondwani , Davies Katherine , Morse Tracy , Dreibelbis Robert 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundPatient guardians perform hygiene-related roles during postnatal care but are often overlooked in hygiene Interventions. This study examined perceived facilitators and barriers to handwashing behaviour among Malawian new mothers and their guardians in healthcare facilities and households.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in Postnatal Care (PNC) wards (n=2) and households (n=20) in two districts in Malawi. In the PNC wards, 15 mother/guardian pairs were observed and interviewed. In the households 20 new mothers were observed and interviewed while 15 of their guardians were interviewed and/or observed. Water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, handwashing opportunities and actions were documented and analysed using Stata. Behaviour determinants were assessed using the Capabilities, Opportunities and Motivation model in NVivo 14.ResultsPNC wards had Handwashing Facilities (HWFs) without soap. Hand rinsing with water only was observed in 20% of all hand hygiene opportunities in the wards (n = 41), with guardians practising it more than mothers. 90% of households lacked HWF. Baby care activities were integrated with chores. Hands were rinsed with water only in 38% of all hand hygiene opportunities (n = 128); before eating (91%), preparing food (36%) and breastfeeding (13%).Participants knew the importance of handwashing but mothers in wards reported being too tired to get out of bed to wash their hands. The HWFs presented opportunities for handwashing but practice was limited by intermittent water supply, restricted access and soap absence. Participants expressed motivation to buy soap but didn’t prioritise it for handwashing. Mothers often prioritised pacifying their crying newborns and forgot to wash their hands. Guardians were frequently excluded from health promotion activities at the facility.DiscussionContext-specific behaviour change interventions among new mothers and their guardians are needed. Utilising guardians’ support; placing HWFs and reminders strategically; and having innovative approaches to promote soap use should be promoted.
Proton migration on biological membranes: Lipid phase, temperature, and composition dependence of proton transfer processes and membrane proton barrier
Authors: Variyam Ambili Ramanthrikkovil , Rzycki Mateusz , Nandi Ramesh , Stuchebrukhov Alexei A. , Drabik Dominik , Amdursky Nadav 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBiological membranes play a major role in diffusing protons on their surfaces between transmembrane protein complexes. The retention of protons on the membrane’s surface is commonly described by a membrane-associated proton barrier that determines the efficiency of protons escaping from surface to bulk, which correlates with the proton diffusion (PD) dimensionality at the membrane’s surface. Here, we explore the role of the membrane’s biophysical properties and its ability to accept a proton from a light-triggered proton donor situated on the membrane’s surface and to support PD around the probe. By changing lipid composition and temperature, while going through the melting point of the membrane, we directly investigate the role of the membrane phase in PD. We show that the proton transfer process from the proton donor to the membrane is more efficient in the liquid phase of the membrane than in the gel phase, with very low calculated activation energies that are also dependent on the lipid composition of the membrane. We further show that the liquid phase of the membrane allows higher dimensionalities (close to 3) of PD around the probe, indicating lower membrane proton barriers. In the gel phase, we show that the dimensionality of PD is lower, in some cases reaching values closer to 1, thus implying specific pathways for PD, which results in a higher proton recombination rate with the membrane-tethered probe. Computational simulations indicate that the change in PD between the two phases can be correlated to the membrane’s ‘stiffness’ and ‘looseness’ at each phase.Significance statementProton diffusion on the surface of biological membranes serves a vital role in migrating protons into bioenergetic systems. Here, we explore how the biophysical properties of the membrane determine proton migration and proton retention on the surface of the membrane, i.e., the membrane proton barrier. We show that the membrane phase, which is also influenced by lipid composition, has a crucial role in the proton circuity of biological membranes. We found that the gel phase reduces the proton diffusion dimensionality and that the proton barrier is determined by lipid composition. Our results highlight the complexity of proton migration on the surface of biological membranes and the associated biophysical parameters that influence the proton diffusion process.
How social pressure anomie influences shadow accounting functions: the role of voluntary disclosure development in Iran
Authors: Zamanianfar Leila , Abdoli Mohammadreza 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis article aims to contribute to the accounting knowledge literature by presenting the framework of shadow accounting functions (SAF) and investigating the effect of stakeholders’ pressure anomie (SPA) on it.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a mixed, both inductive and deductive approach to develop an integrated framework, validate its practicability and verify its effectiveness in selected manufacturing firms listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange. In developing the framework and implementation procedure, the study employed an exploratory data collection (qualitative) approach to review the phenomenon of shadow accounting functions. Then, in the second phase, this study tested the research hypothesis through a partial least squares process. The population of the study is made up of all financial managers and heads of the accounting departments of capital market companies in Iran. Presently, there are 185 companies (TSE). From this, a sample of 100 companies was selected, which are all on the Tehran Stock Exchange.FindingsBased on the mixed method of this study, the result in the qualitative part provides the shadow accounting framework of the existence of three categories; there are six components and 37 themes during 12 interviews. In the quantitative section, it was also determined that social pressure anomie has a positive and significant effect on shadow accounting functions.Originality/valueSo far, it is rare to find preceding studies that proposed, validated and practically tested an integrated shadow accounting framework within the context of manufacturing industries. Thus, the authors understand that this is the very first research focused on the development of the framework for manufacturing industries to be competitive and could help managers, institutions, practitioners and academicians in the perception of social values expected by stakeholders.
Brand loyalty and electronic word-of-mouth antecedents: the moderating effects of experiences
Authors: Aragonés-Jericó Cristina , Rodriguez Santos Carmen , Kuster-Boluda Ines , Vila-Lopez Natalia 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze brand loyalty and electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) antecedents in restaurants: (1) utilitarian and hedonic benefits, (2) brand satisfaction and (3) brand love. It also provides valuable knowledge through the comparison between positive and negative restaurant experiences.Design/methodology/approachA survey was carried out of restaurant satisfied and dissatisfied consumers. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and multi-group analysis (MGA) were performed to examine the cause-and-effect relationship in both groups.FindingsThe results show the relevance of benefits, brand satisfaction and brand love as causes for brand loyalty and e-WOM. Also, these relationships are significantly stronger for dissatisfied consumers than for satisfied ones.Originality/valueThe outcome of the research provides new insights to develop a conceptual stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model of consumers’ restaurant behavior by drawing comparisons across satisfied and dissatisfied ones.
Assessing the role of augmented reality in enhancing employee operational engagement and knowledge retention in UAE business training
Authors: Shwedeh Fanar , Aburayya Ahmad , Gbemisola Ogbolu , Adelaja Ayotunde Adetola 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the impact of augmented reality (AR) training modules on knowledge retention in corporate settings, focusing on the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and existing literature, the study examines the relationships between AR training modules, employees’ engagement, interactive learning environments and knowledge retention.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a quantitative technique by using a structured survey to collect data from participants in service sectors in the UAE. The survey gathers information on their attitudes, views and behaviors toward using AR in business training. This study used a stratified random selection to guarantee representation across several service sectors in the UAE, including hospitality, tourism, retail and finance. A SEM analysis tool was used to test the relationship that exists between the construct under investigation, that is, employees’ engagements (EE), AR training modules (ARTM), interactive learning environment (ILE), Fintech training content (FTC), the moderating role of technological aptitude (TA) on knowledge retention (KR).

Findings
Findings reveal a significant positive correlation between AR training modules and knowledge retention, emphasizing the potential of immersive technologies in enhancing learning outcomes. Moreover, the study underscores the importance of engaged employees, customized training materials and technological proficiency in shaping knowledge retention. Limitations and avenues for further research are also discussed.

Originality/value
Overall, this study contributes to understanding the factors influencing knowledge retention in corporate training contexts and provides practical insights for organizations seeking to optimize their training programs.
Agency and vulnerability of women in disaster: exploring role of women in disaster risk reduction in DND project area
Authors: Dev Pratima 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to address role of women in reducing vulnerabilities induced by waterlogging in the study area. The study also aims to identify the women’s role in disasters preparedness and disaster risk reduction.

Design/methodology/approach
The study followed the triangulation of qualitative and quantitative method. A semistructured questionnaire was used for collecting quantitative data from 400 females who have experienced and affected by waterlogging from four villages under the Dhaka–Narayanganj–Demra (DND) embankment area in Narayanganj district. Furthermore, 6 focus group discussions, 25 case studies and 6 key informant interview have been conducted to gather information about the nature of vulnerabilities, coping mechanisms followed by women role played by women to mitigate vulnerabilities and problems encountered by women as effective managers.

Findings
Findings of this study have revealed that women’s vulnerability enhances due to unequal access to basic services, like access to income and related opportunities, improve health-care service, access to proper sanitation, dual work burden and nonrecognition of their contribution and also socio-cultural barriers to participate in disaster and reconstruction processes. The traditional social structure and patriarchal societal norms made maximal women of the survey area worst victims of waterlogging as the findings confirms. During disasters, women use some indigenous coping mechanisms, yet women rarely used any indigenous coping mechanisms on their own.

Originality/value
The study identified agency and vulnerabilities of women in the context of DND embankment area of Narayanganj, Dhaka that has not been previously explored.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers
Authors: Wang Lei , Welbourne Jennifer 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers’ perception of job pressure as well as their anxiety and depression levels.

Design/methodology/approach
Survey data were collected from 109 healthcare workers enrolled in two MBA courses in Healthcare Human Resources Management at a university in the Southern USA, respectively, Fall 2020 and Fall 2021. A path analysis was conducted to test a model of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers’ perception of job pressure as well as their anxiety and depression levels.

Findings
The study results showed treatment of COVID-19 patients led to increased work hours for healthcare workers; changes in work hours and work methods were related to healthcare workers’ perception of job pressure; healthcare workers perceptions of job pressure were positively related to their anxiety levels; organizational support was negatively related to healthcare workers’ anxiety levels; and healthcare workers’ anxiety levels were positively related to their depression levels.

Originality/value
Findings from the tested model provide support for the Job Demands-Resources model in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Breakdown of the co-creation process on social media: developing the value co-washing framework and stakeholders dynamics
Authors: Sallaku Karolina , De Fano Domenico , Ha Van Su , Russo Angeloantonio 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
Social media platforms facilitate brand-consumer interactions by leveraging principles from nudging, value co-creation and social identity theories. This study aims to investigate how these interactions mask harmful practices and accelerate market access, perpetuating extreme consumerism. Specifically, the authors explore how value flow on social media, across distinct stakeholders, leads to value co-washing, revealing their collective unsustainable behaviours and related effects.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors use a mixed-methods approach, conducting content and sentiment analysis on nine TikTok videos featuring products from a leading Chinese company and analysing 19,816 user comments.

Findings
The value co-washing framework is developed across three building blocks: brands, creators and users. Findings uncover a paradigm shift in stakeholders’ dynamics, highlighting how social media collaborative engagements foster value co-washing. User involvement is categorized into three distinct clusters – brand lovers, saga creators and boycotters. The analysis identifies nine thematic patterns, including value co-creation, brand promotion, audience retention and calls for responsibility. Sentiment analysis reveals a dominance of neutral sentiments, reflecting a widespread unawareness and social adherence to value co-washing.

Originality/value
The proposed framework innovatively maps how distinct stakeholders contribute to extreme consumerism through value co-washing, providing foundational insights into the underlying mechanisms of consumer behaviour.
How do sectoral elasticities affect the transmission of monetary shocks?
Authors: Sabaj Ernil 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThe presence of heterogeneity in price stickiness has been previously shown to be the main determinant of the real effects of nominal shocks. The paper presents theoretical results that highlight the significance of labor mobility and intratemporal elasticity of substitution across sectors.Design/methodology/approachThis paper explores output dynamics in a closed economy, relying on a New Keynesian model that accounts for heterogeneity in price stickiness across sectors.FindingsThe key finding from the analytical results is that changes in labor mobility and intratemporal elasticity of substitution across sectors have an equivalent impact on sectoral output when accounting for differences in price stickiness. The model is then calibrated for the US economy using data from the manufacturing and services sectors, providing validation for the analytical results.Originality/valueConventional models often assume either immediate labor reallocation across sectors following shocks or no labor mobility at all. Additionally, these models assume either strong complementarity in consumption or some degree of substitutability. This paper demonstrates the crucial role that labor reallocation and the elasticity of substitution across goods across sectors play in generating well-known economic outcomes.