bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deliberative Behaviors and Prefrontal-Hippocampal Coupling are Disrupted in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Rosenblum Hailey L. , Kim SuHyeong , Stout John J. , Klintsova Anna , Griffin Amy L. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are characterized by a range of physical, cognitive, and behavioral impairments. Determining how temporally specific alcohol exposure (AE) affects neural circuits is crucial to understanding the FASD phenotype. Third trimester AE can be modeled in rats by administering alcohol during the first two postnatal weeks, which damages the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), thalamic nucleus reuniens, and hippocampus (HPC), structures whose functional interactions are required for working memory and executive function. Therefore, we hypothesized that AE during this period would impair working memory, disrupt choice behaviors, and alter mPFC-HPC oscillatory synchrony. To test this hypothesis, we recorded local field potentials from the mPFC and dorsal HPC as AE and sham intubated (SI) rats performed a spatial working memory task in adulthood and implemented algorithms to detect vicarious trial and errors (VTEs), behaviors associated with deliberative decision- making. We found that, compared to the SI group, the AE group performed fewer VTEs and demonstrated a disturbed relationship between VTEs and choice outcomes, while spatial working memory was unimpaired. This behavioral disruption was accompanied by alterations to mPFC and HPC oscillatory activity in the theta and beta bands, respectively, and a reduced prevalence of mPFC-HPC synchronous events. When trained on multiple behavioral variables, a machine learning algorithm could accurately predict whether rats were in the AE or SI group, thus characterizing a potential phenotype following third trimester AE. Together, these findings indicate that third trimester AE disrupts mPFC-HPC oscillatory interactions and choice behaviors.Significance statementFetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) occur at an alarmingly high rate worldwide. Prenatal alcohol exposure leads to significant perturbations in brain circuitry that are accompanied by cognitive deficits, including disrupted executive functioning and working memory. These deficits stem from structural changes within several key brain regions including the prefrontal cortex, thalamic nucleus reuniens, and hippocampus. To better understand the cognitive deficits observed in FASD patients, we employed a rodent model of alcohol exposure during the third trimester, a period when these regions are especially vulnerable to alcohol-induced damage. We show that alcohol exposure disrupts choice behaviors and prefrontal-hippocampal functional connectivity during a working memory task, identifying the prefrontal-hippocampal network as a potential therapeutic target in FASD treatment.
From circuits to lifespan: translating mouse and human timelines with neuroimaging based tractography
Authors: Cottam Nicholas C. , Ofori Kwadwo , Bryant Madison , Rogge Jessica R. , Hekmatyar Khan , Sun Jianli , Charvet Christine J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAge is a major predictor of developmental processes and disease risk, but humans and model systems (e.g., mice) differ substantially in the pace of development and aging. The timeline of human developmental circuits is well known. It is unclear how such timelines compare to those in mice. We lack age alignments across the lifespan of mice and humans. Here, we build upon our Translating Time resource, which is a tool that equates corresponding ages during development. We collected 477 time points (n=1,132 observations) from age-related changes in body, bone, dental, and brain processes to equate corresponding ages across humans and mice. We acquired high-resolution diffusion MR scans of mouse brains (n=12) at sequential stages of postnatal development (postnatal day 3, 4, 12, 21, 60) to trace the timeline of brain circuit maturation (e.g., olfactory association pathway, corpus callosum). We found heterogeneity in white matter pathway growth. The corpus callosum largely ceases to grow days after birth while the olfactory association pathway grows through P60. We found that a P3 mouse equates to a human at roughly GW24, and a P60 mouse equates to a human in teenage years. Therefore, white matter pathway maturation is extended in mice as it is in humans, but there are species-specific adaptations. For example, olfactory-related wiring is protracted in mice, which is linked to their reliance on olfaction. Our findings underscore the importance of translational tools to map common and species-specific biological processes from model systems to humans.Significance statementMice are essential models of human brain development, but we currently lack precise age alignments across their lifespan. Here, we equate corresponding ages across mice and humans. We utilize high-resolution diffusion mouse brain scans to track the growth of brain white matter pathways, and we use our cross-species age alignments to map the timeline of these growth patterns from mouse to humans. In mice, olfactory association pathway growth continues well into the equivalent of human teenage years. The protracted development of olfactory association pathways in mice aligns with their specialized sense of smell. The generation of translational tools bridges the gap between animal models and human biology while enhancing our understanding of developmental processes generating variation across species.
MitoNEET reduces the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation during epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Handa Haruka , Onodera Yasuhito , Oikawa Tsukasa , Takada Shingo , Ueda Koji , Setoyama Daiki , Yokota Takashi , Yamasaki Miwako , Watanabe Masahiko , Fumoto Yoshizuki , Hashimoto Ari , Hata Soichiro , Murakami Masaaki , Sabe Hisataka 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMitochondrial functions range from catabolic to anabolic, which are tightly coordinated to meet cellular demands for proliferation and motility. MitoNEET is a mitochondrial outer membrane protein with a CDGSH domain and is involved in mitochondrial function. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the process in which cells lose their epithelial characteristics and acquire mesenchymal traits, such as motility, which is a vital step for organism development and wound-healing. Cellular motility is associated with high ATP consumption owing to lamellipodia formation, which is supported by upregulated oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) capacity. However, how mitoNEET is involved in the regulation of OXPHOS capacity and subsequent cellular motility remains unclear. Here we show that loss of mitoNEET regulation during EMT impairs both OXPHOS enhancement and cell motility in non-transformed NMuMG mouse mammary gland epithelial cells. We found that mitoNEET is downregulated during EMT, and that the aberrant expression of mitoNEET abolishes the upregulation of OXPHOS, leading to the inhibition of cell motility. Furthermore, we found that mitoNEET topology may be crucial for the regulation of the mitochondrial electron transfer chain, suggesting an additional regulatory pathway for OXPHOS capacity. Our results demonstrate that mitochondrial OXPHOS capacity during EMT is partly regulated by the dynamics of the outer membrane protein. We believe that our findings are the first step towards understanding the mechanisms by which mitochondrial outer membrane protein topology affects organelle functions.
Chromosome-level reference genome for the medically important Arabian horned viper (Cerastes gasperettii)
Authors: Mochales-Riaño Gabriel , Hirst Samuel R. , Talavera Adrián , Burriel-Carranza Bernat , Pagone Viviana , Estarellas Maria , Busschau Theo , Boissinot Stéphane , Hogan Michael P. , Tena-Garcés Jordi , Pla Davinia , Calvete Juan J. , Els Johannes , Margres Mark J. , Carranza Salvador 
Published: July 2024

AbstractVenoms have traditionally been studied from a proteomic and/or transcriptomic perspective, often overlooking the true genetic complexity underlying venom production. The recent surge in genome-based venom research (sometimes called “venomics”) has proven to be instrumental in deepening our molecular understanding of venom evolution, particularly through the identification and mapping of toxin-coding loci across the broader chromosomal architecture. Although venomous snakes are a model system in venom research, the number of high-quality reference genomes in the group remains limited. In this study, we present a chromosome-resolution reference genome for the Arabian horned viper (Cerastes gasperettii), a venomous snake native to the Arabian Peninsula. Our highly-contiguous genome allowed us to explore macrochromosomal rearrangements within the Viperidae family, as well as across squamates. We identified the main highly-expressed toxin genes compousing the venom’s core, in line with our proteomic results. We also compared microsyntenic changes in the main toxin gene clusters with those of other venomous snake species, highlighting the pivotal role of gene duplication and loss in the emergence and diversification of Snake Venom Metalloproteinases (SVMPs) and Snake Venom Serine Proteases (SVSPs) forCerastes gasperettii. Using Illumina short-read sequencing data, we reconstructed the demographic history and genome-wide diversity of the species, revealing how historical aridity likely drove population expansions. Finally, this study highlights the importance of using long-read sequencing as well as chromosome-level reference genomes to disentangle the origin and diversification of toxin gene families in venomous species.
Accelerating sustainable consumption by putting “simplicity” and consumer neuroscience to work: a conceptual framework
Authors: Khubchandani Salim , Menon Preetha , Raman Ramakrishnan 
Published: July 2024

PurposeSustainable consumption has far-reaching implications globally, with promotion of sustainable consumption also identified as one of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Hence, there is a need for relevant information to guide consumer buying decisions. Eco-labels have been created to serve as one of the key communication platforms for this purpose, but studies indicate low levels of comprehension. Hence this paper proposes a conceptual framework using established neuroscience theories and principles to address this topic of significance.Design/methodology/approachThe “Simplicity Principle” propagates that simpler explanations find place over complex ones. Also, the Dual System Theory focuses on the two systems, intuitive System 1 and cognitive System 2, used by the brain to process information. We spotted a research gap here and leveraged these theories and drew from several earlier studies to propose a framework that presenting information in a “simple” manner on eco-labels would accelerate sustainable consumption.FindingsSystem 1 works to reduce cognitive process and load on System 2, influencing overall choice and purchase decision. System 2 capacity requires the need to minimize cognitive load through processing simpler messages. Quick processing of information by System 1 generates impressions, attention and attitude. Once accepted by System 2, these often remain unchanged unless necessary and invariably turn into beliefs and voluntary action. Simplicity leverages speed and effortless processing ability of System 1, reducing effort of cognition by System 2 and enabling a decision (to purchase “green”).Practical implicationsSustainability and sustainable consumption are matters of social and environmental concern and significance. This framework proposes the need for policymakers and businesses to consider adopting the “simplicity” approach in promoting sustainable consumption through bridging the vital gap in the understanding of eco-labels by consumers. There are implications and opportunities for researchers to conduct empirical research across different categories to validate this framework.Originality/valueWhile several methods have been explored and implemented, given the significance of sustainability and sustainable consumption, eco-labels suffer from lack of comprehension, thus affecting adoption by consumers. Applying fundamental neuroscience principles of “simplicity” seems to have been overlooked so far toward addressing this gap. This framework proposes that applying “simplicity” to stimuli such as eco-labels and communications be considered to address and correct the situation and help to accelerate sustainable consumption.
Carbon reduction effect of digital finance in China: based on household micro data and input-output model
Authors: Lv Yongbin , Jia Ying , Sang Chenying , Sun Xianming 
Published: July 2024

PurposeThis study investigates the causal relationship and mechanisms between the development of digital finance and household carbon emissions. Its objective is to explore how digital finance can influence the carbon footprint at the household level, aiming to contribute to the broader understanding of financial innovations' environmental impacts.Design/methodology/approachThe research combines macro and micro data, employing input-output analysis to utilize data from the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) for the years 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019, national input-output tables, and Energy Statistical Yearbooks. This approach calculated CO2 emissions at the household level, including the growth rate of household carbon emissions and per capita emissions. It further integrates the Peking University Digital Financial Inclusion Index of China (PKU-DFIIC) for 2012–2018 and corresponding urban economic data, resulting in panel data for 7,191 households across 151 cities over four years. A fixed effects model was employed to examine the impact of digital finance development on household carbon emissions.FindingsThe findings reveal that digital finance significantly lowers household carbon emissions. Further investigation shows that digital transformation, consumption structure upgrades, and improved household financial literacy enhance the restraining effect of digital finance on carbon emissions. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that this mitigating effect is more pronounced in households during the nurturing phase, those using convenient payment methods, small-scale, and urban households. Sub-index tests suggest that the broadening coverage and deepening usage of digital finance primarily drive its impact on reducing household carbon emissions.Practical implicationsThe paper recommends that China should continue to strengthen the layout of digital infrastructure, leverage the advantages of digital finance, promote digital financial education, and facilitate household-level carbon emission management to support the achievement of China's dual carbon goals.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper lies in its detailed examination of the carbon reduction effects of digital finance at the micro (household) level. Unlike previous studies on carbon emissions that focused on absolute emissions, this research investigates the marginal impact of digital finance on relative increases in emissions. This method provides a robust assessment of the net effects of digital finance and offers a novel perspective for examining household carbon reduction measures. The study underscores the importance of considering heterogeneity when formulating targeted policies for households with different characteristics.
Exploring the mediating role of job and life satisfaction between work–family conflict, family–work conflict and turnover intention
Authors: Poulose Jeanne , Sharma Vinod 
Published: July 2024

PurposeThis study investigates the influence of work-to-family and family-to-work conflict on turnover intention (career break), mediated through job and life satisfaction among Indian women in the service sector, using role conflict theory as the base.Design/methodology/approachA total of 421 usable responses from women who had taken a career break were collected using a 36-item scale from six major metro cities in India through social and digital media platforms. A purposive-cum-snowballing sampling method was adopted. The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling (SEM) through AMOS.FindingsFindings suggest that job satisfaction (JS) is a significant predictor of turnover intention, both when work spills into the family domain, and family responsibilities spill into the work domain, thereby confirming the mediating influence of JS. Interestingly, life satisfaction (LS) only seems to mediate between inter-domain conflict and turnover intention partially.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a descriptive study, and is thereby limited in terms of its generalizability, specifically as it included respondents only from six major metro cities in India.Practical implicationsThe extended work-family conflict model could help managers structure organizational interventions that support women to deal with the challenges of managing the demands of both work and family domains, thereby reducing the negative influence on JS. Such initiatives could help reduce career breaks among women.Originality/valueWe explored the cause of career breaks among Indian urban women employed in the service sector, using the extended model of inter-role conflict and their attitudes towards both life and job.
Achieving sustainability through green human resource management practices and environmental orientation fit: a multilevel modeling
Authors: Gilal Faheem Gul , Nawaz Asif , Riaz Amir , Channa Khalil Ahmed , Jahanzeb Agha 
Published: July 2024

PurposeThe study investigates how Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) influences employee green behavior and wellbeing. It specifically explores the impact of organizational-level GHRM on employees' organizational citizenship behavior towards the environment (OCBE) and subjective wellbeing, mediated by psychological contract fulfillment (PCF). The study also examines the moderating effect of environmental orientation fit.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected from two sources: managers (N = 67) and employees (N = 217) of readymade garment exporting firms in Pakistan. The analysis was conducted using HLM multilevel modeling software.FindingsThe findings indicate that PCF acts as a significant mediator in the association between GHRM, OCBE, and employee wellbeing. Furthermore, the results suggest that the positive impact of GHRM on PCF is more pronounced when there is a higher alignment with environmental orientation, compared to when the fit with environmental orientation is low.Originality/valueTo the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to explore the impact of organizational-level GHRM on employee-level organizational citizenship behavior towards the environment and their subjective wellbeing, particularly within the context of readymade garments. Furthermore, this research endeavors to offer managers a heightened understanding of the potential role of GHRM in fostering organizational citizenship behavior.
The relevance of legal requirements in the going public process: the discretionary decision of adopting an audit committee
Authors: Castaño Leticia , Farinós José E. , Ibañez Ana M. 
Published: July 2024

PurposeWe study the role of having an audit committee (AC) as a signal of firm quality and as a monitoring device of the information quality contained in the listing prospectus.Design/methodology/approachOrdinary Least Squares regressions are used to examine the association between the presence of an audit committee and (1) the initial return (IR), and (2) the earnings forecast error in the listing prospectus in a sample of 55 Real Estate Investment Trusts that went public on the BME Growth market during 2013–2022. Heckman two-step estimation procedure to correct for endogeneity and bootstrap are used for robustness.FindingsWe show that IR and earnings forecasts are significantly affected by the presence of AC. The IR is higher and the earnings forecast included in the prospectus are of higher quality in firms with AC.Practical implicationsOur research provides (1) managers with new tools when deciding on their corporate governance structure in the listing process, (2) specific evidence for regulators on the role played by ACs in the process of going public, which may be useful in the context of the ongoing regulatory changes regarding admission processes in Europe, and (3) society with a sign that AC can enhance investor and public confidence in financial markets and foster a more stable and transparent investment environment.Originality/valueThe adoption of an AC is voluntary in this market, so this discretionary decision provides an exceptional opportunity to conduct such an analysis. Additionally, this issue has not been previously analysed in Europe.
“Virtual bonds and actual transactions”: investigating the impact of virtual influencers' credibility on buying behavior through virtual engagement
Authors: Agnihotri Durgesh , Chaturvedi Pallavi , Tripathi Vikas 
Published: July 2024

PurposeThis research makes an effort to empirically investigate the role of source credibility theory (SCT) in the prevailing modern influencer marketing context by establishing an association between virtual influencers ((VIs) non-human) and the buying behavior of their followers. It further provides insights into the mediating role of virtual engagement on the affiliation between VIs’ credibility and the buying behavior of followers.Design/methodology/approachThe study used structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) to assess data from a survey conducted online of 538 participants (Instagram followers of virtual influencers).FindingsThe results reveal that source credibility dimensions significantly affect followers’ buying behavior in the context of VIs except the trustworthiness dimension. However, mediation analysis has shown that virtual engagement substantially mediates between source credibility dimensions including trustworthiness.Practical implicationsThe study highlights the value of the credibility of VI and its alignment with the followers’ buying behavior. The study provides valuable inputs for the brand managers as the credibility of the VI can be effectively leveraged in implementing strategies to encourage their followers/consumers on social media platforms to purchase the goods/services they endorse.Originality/valueThe study overcomes the shortcomings of recent studies by empirically investigating the affiliation between VIs’ credibility and followers’ buying behavior through Instagram. The study uniquely extends the potential of SCT in the context of non-human VIs.