bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeting Liver Epsins Ameliorates Dyslipidemia in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Zhu Bo , Gupta Krishan , Cui Kui , Wang Beibei , Malovichko Marina V. , Han Xiangfei , Li Kathryn , Wu Hao , Arulsamy Kulandai Samy , Singh Bandana , Gao Jianing , Wong Scott , Cowan Douglas B. , Wang Dazhi , Biddinger Sudha , Srivastava Sanjay , Shi Jinjun , Chen Kaifu , Chen Hong 
Published: August 2024

AbstractRationaleLow density cholesterol receptor (LDLR) in the liver is critical for the clearance of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the blood. In atherogenic conditions, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) secreted by the liver, in a nonenzymatic fashion, binds to LDLR on the surface of hepatocytes, preventing its recycling and enhancing its degradation in lysosomes, resulting in reduced LDL-C clearance. Our recent studies demonstrate that epsins, a family of ubiquitin-binding endocytic adaptors, are critical regulators of atherogenicity. Given the fundamental contribution of circulating LDL-C to atherosclerosis, we hypothesize that liver epsins promote atherosclerosis by controlling LDLR endocytosis and degradation.ObjectiveWe will determine the role of liver epsins in promoting PCSK9-mediated LDLR degradation and hindering LDL-C clearance to propel atherosclerosis.Methods and ResultsWe generated double knockout mice in which both paralogs of epsins, namely, epsin-1 and epsin-2, are specifically deleted in the liver (Liver-DKO) on an ApoE-/-background. We discovered that western diet (WD)-induced atherogenesis was greatly inhibited, along with diminished blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Mechanistically, using scRNA-seq analysis on cells isolated from the livers of ApoE-/-and ApoE-/-/Liver-DKO mice on WD, we found lipogenic Albhihepatocytes to glycogenic HNF4αhihepatocytes transition in ApoE-/-/Liver-DKO. Subsequently, gene ontology analysis of hepatocyte-derived data revealed elevated pathways involved in LDL particle clearance and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particle clearance under WD treatment in ApoE-/-/Liver-DKO, which was coupled with diminished plasma LDL-C levels. Further analysis using the MEBOCOST algorithm revealed enhanced communication score between LDLR and cholesterol, suggesting elevated LDL-C clearance in the ApoE-/-Liver-DKO mice. In addition, we showed that loss of epsins in the liver upregulates of LDLR protein level. We further showed that epsins bind LDLR via the ubiquitin-interacting motif (UIM), and PCSK9-triggered LDLR degradation was abolished by depletion of epsins, preventing atheroma progression. Finally, our therapeutic strategy, which involved targeting liver epsins with nanoparticle-encapsulated siRNAs, was highly efficacious at inhibiting dyslipidemia and impeding atherosclerosis.ConclusionsLiver epsins promote atherogenesis by mediating PCSK9-triggered degradation of LDLR, thus raising the circulating LDL-C levels. Targeting epsins in the liver may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy to treat atherosclerosis by suppression of PCSK9-mediated LDLR degradation.
Metadichol induces CD14 Glycoprotein Expression in Human Embryonic Stem Cells and Fibroblasts
Authors: Raghavan P. R. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCD14, or cluster of differentiation 14, is a glycoprotein essential to the immune system and is found primarily on monocytes, macrophages, and other immune cells. Despite its importance, there are no examples in the literature of small compounds that can induce multifold expression of CD14 in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) or fibroblasts. This study addresses this gap by exploring the potential of metadichol, a nanoemulsion of long-chain fatty alcohols, to induce CD14 expression in hESCs. Using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT□PCR) and Western blotting techniques, we showed that metadichol significantly upregulated CD14 expression by seventeen -fold in hESCs but downregulated it in fibroblasts. This novel finding indicates that metadichol can modulate CD14 expression in a cell type-specific manner, highlighting its potential for enhancing stem cell-based therapeutics and advancing our understanding of stem cell biology. The implications of these findings are substantial, suggesting new directions for research into the immune modulatory functions of hESCs and their potential applications in regenerative medicine. Our work highlights the potential of metadichol as a powerful tool for modulating CD14 expression in stem as well as somatic cells marking a significant step forward in the field of stem cell research and therapeutic development.
Pericytes orchestrate a tumor-restraining microenvironment in glioblastoma
Authors: Braun Sebastian , Bolivar Paulina , Oudenaarden Clara , Sjölund Jonas , Bocci Matteo , Harbst Katja , Talkhoncheh Mehrnaz Safaee , Phung Bengt , Cordero Eugenia , Rosberg Rebecca , Johansson Elinn , Jönsson Göran B , Pietras Alexander , Pietras Kristian 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGlioblastoma (GBM) is characterized by fast progression, an infiltrative growth pattern, and a high rate of relapse. A defining feature of GBM is the existence of spatially and functionally distinct cellular niches, i.e. a hypoxic niche, a leading-edge niche, and a perivascular niche, in which malignant cells engage in paracrine crosstalk with cell types comprising the tumor microenvironment. Here, by analysis of single-cell transcriptomic data of human GBM and transgenic mouse models of GBM, we unexpectedly identified pericytes, mural cells intimately associated with the endothelium, as the most active paracrine signaling hub within the tumor parenchyma. Exclusive signaling axes emanating from pericytes were received by endothelial cells, malignant cells, astrocytes, and immune cells. Depletion of pericytes through genetic engineering in several different transgenic and orthotopic mouse models of GBM demonstrated accelerated tumor progression, a disrupted blood-brain-barrier, and premature death of pericyte-poor mice. Mechanistic studies revealed that pericyte deficiency altered the cellular composition of GBM, remodeled the endothelium, and impacted on the immune cell landscape, exacerbating tumor cell invasion and immune suppression. Specifically, endothelial cells deprived of pericyte association altered their signaling programs, which in turn attracted perivascular, tumor-associated macrophages polarized towards an immune-suppressive phenotype. The recruited macrophages expressed Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF), which reinforced activation of its receptor tyrosine kinase MET on GBM cells harboring an extreme mesenchymal subtype driven by the key phenotypic regulator Fosl1 within hypoxic regions. Indeed, orthotopic implantation of isolated, MET-expressing GBM cells corroborated their superior tumor-initiating capability and invasive phenotype. In patients, low expression of a pericyte core gene signature was reduced in recurrent GBM, compared to primary tumors. Consistently, gene signatures for transcriptional programs of Fosl1+Met+GBM cells were indicative of poor survival in human tumors, and spatial transcriptomics corroborated their superior invasive capacity. Taken together, we infer that the pericyte represents a critical modulator of GBM development by orchestrating a tumor-suppressive microenvironment; our findings thus highlight the importance of pericyte preservation in the face of current and future GBM therapies.Abstract Figure
A 3D-printed handheld device for quick citrus tissue lysis and nucleic acid extraction
Authors: Liu Chia-Wei , Kalish Brent , Bodaghi Sohrab , Vidalakis Georgios , Tsutsui Hideaki 
Published: August 2024

AbstractsA 3D-printed handheld device has been developed for rapid and efficient sample preparation from citrus leaves, aimed at streamlining protocols traditionally reliant on mortar and pestle. With its high-speed motor, knurled lysis chamber for rapid sample lysis, and quick nucleic acid extraction using paper disks, this device can yield ready-to-use extracts in just 12 minutes, significantly reducing the time required for sample preparation. The device was optimized for maximum sample lysis by evaluating operation voltages and chamber features. The results showed that the lysis chamber with internal knurling and the motor operated at 7.5 V was sufficient for effective sample lysis in 1 minute, achieving total RNA concentrations up to 87.6% of those obtained with a mortar and pestle. Furthermore, concerns regarding heat generation and resin release during the lysis process were found to not impact sample quality. To further facilitate in-field diagnosis, the capability of in-device sample preparation was verified with citrus sources infected withcitrus tristeza virusandSpiroplasma citriin qPCR-based assays, where low assay variations were demonstrated (< 3.8%). Overall, the in-device sample preparation integrated with the paper disks showed good reliability and compatibility across different pathogens for downstream analysis. An eco-friendly sterilization protocol using household bleach and vitamin C solution was also developed to safely reuse the device for in-field deployment.
Mining Yeast Diversity Unveils Novel Targets for Improved Heterologous Laccase Production inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Wong Ryan Wei Kwan , Foo Marissa , Lay Jasmine R. S. , Wai Tiffany L. T. , Moore Jackson , Dutreux Fabien , Molzahn Cristen , Nislow Corey , Measday Vivien , Schacherer Joseph , Mayor Thibault 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe budding yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiaeis a widely utilized host cell for recombinant protein production due to its well studied and annotated genome, its ability to secrete large and post-translationally modified proteins, fast growth and cost-effective culturing. However, recombinant protein yields fromS. cerevisiaeoften fall behind that of other host systems. To address this, we developed a high throughput screen of wild, industrial and laboratoryS. cerevisiaeisolates to identify strains with a natural propensity for greater recombinant protein production, specifically focussing on laccase multicopper oxidases from the fungiTrametes trogiiandMyceliophthora thermophila. Using this method, we identified 20 non-laboratory strains with higher capacity to produce active laccase. Interestingly, lower levels of laccase mRNA were measured in most cases, indicating that the drivers of elevated protein production capacity lie beyond the regulation of recombinant gene expression. We characterized the identified strains using complementary genomic and proteomic approaches to reveal several potential pathways driving the improved expression phenotype. Gene ontology analysis suggests broad changes in cellular metabolism, specifically in genes/proteins involved in carbohydrate catabolism, thiamine biosynthesis, transmembrane transport and vacuolar degradation. Targeted deletions of the hexose transporterHXT11and the Coat protein complex II interacting paralogsPRM8and9, involved in ER to Golgi transport, resulted in significantly improved laccase production from the S288C laboratory strain. Whereas the deletion of the Hsp110SSE1gene, guided by our proteomic analysis, also led to higher laccase activity, we did not observe major changes of the protein homeostasis network within the strains with higher laccase activity. This study opens new avenues to leverage the vast diversity ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaefor recombinant protein production, as well as offers new strategies and insights to enhance recombinant protein yields of current strains.
Search for charmed baryons in the
Λc+η
system and measurement of the branching fractions of
Λc(2880)+
and
Λc(2940)+
decaying to
Λc+η
and
pD0
relative to
Σc(2455)π
Authors: Li S. X. , Shen C. P. , Adachi I. , Ahn J. K. , Aihara H. , Asner D. M. , Atmacan H. , Aushev T. , Ayad R. , Banerjee Sw. , Belous K. , Bennett J. , Bessner M. , Bilka T. , Biswas D. , Bodrov D. , Bozek A. , Bračko M. , Branchini P. , Browder T. E. , Budano A. , Campajola M. , Chang M.-C. , Cheon B. G. , Chilikin K. , Cho H. E. , Cho K. , Choi S.-K. , Choi Y. , Choudhury S. , Dash N. , De Nardo G. , De Pietro G. , Dhamija R. , Dingfelder J. , Doležal Z. , Dong T. V. , Dubey S. , Ecker P. , Ferber T. , Fulsom B. G. , Gaur V. , Garmash A. , Goldenzweig P. , Graziani E. , Grube B. , Guan Y. , Gudkova K. , Hadjivasiliou C. , Hsu C.-L. , Ipsita N. , Itoh R. , Iwasaki M. , Jacobs W. W. , Ji Q. P. , Jia S. , Jin Y. , Joo K. K. , Kiesling C. , Kim D. Y. , Kim Y. J. , Kinoshita K. , Kodyš P. , Korobov A. , Korpar S. , Kovalenko E. , Križan P. , Krokovny P. , Kuhr T. , Kumar R. , Kumara K. , Kwon Y.-J. , Li L. K. , Li Y. , Li Y. B. , Liventsev D. , Masuda M. , Maurya S. K. , Meier F. , Merola M. , Miyabayashi K. , Mizuk R. , Mussa R. , Nakano T. , Nakao M. , Natochii A. , Nayak M. , Nishida S. , Pakhlov P. , Pakhlova G. , Pardi S. , Park J. , Park S.-H. , Patra S. , Paul S. , Pedlar T. K. , Pestotnik R. , Piilonen L. E. , Podobnik T. , Prencipe E. , Prim M. T. , Russo G. , Sandilya S. , Savinov V. , Schnell G. , Schwanda C. , Seino Y. , Senyo K. , Shiu J.-G. , Solovieva E. , Starič M. , Sumihama M. , Takizawa M. , Tamponi U. , Tanida K. , Tenchini F. , Uchida M. , Uglov T. , Uno S. , Wang E. , Won E. , Yabsley B. D. , Yan W. , Yelton J. , Yin J. H. , Yuan L. , Zhilich V. ,   The Belle Collaboration
Published: August 2024

We search for excited charmed baryons in the Λc+η system using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 980  fb−1. The data were collected by the Belle detector at the KEKB e+e− asymmetric-energy collider. No significant signals are found in the Λc+η mass spectrum, including the known Λc(2880)+ and Λc(2940)+. Clear Λc(2880)+ and Λc(2940)+ signals are observed in the pD0 mass spectrum. We set upper limits at 90% credibility level on ratios of branching fractions of Λc(2880)+ and Λc(2940)+ decaying to Λc+η relative to Σc(2455)π of <0.13 for the Λc(2880)+ and <1.11 for the Λc(2940)+. We measure ratios of branching fractions of Λc(2880)+ and Λc(2940)+ decaying to pD0 relative to Σc(2455)π of 0.75±0.03(stat)±0.07(syst) for the Λc(2880)+ and 3.59±0.21(stat)±0.56(syst) for the Λc(2940)+.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Trustworthiness, motivation and reward as predictors of knowledge sharing attitude and intention among students
Authors: Warraich Nosheen Fatima , Riaz Zoonash , Ali Irfan 
Published: August 2024

Purpose
Knowledge is considered an asset for any organization. To distribute knowledge and expertise among stakeholders of an organization, there is a need to develop knowledge sharing (KS) culture. However, different factors affect KS. This study aims to identify the influence of trustworthiness (trust, ability, benevolence and integrity) and motivation and reward on KS attitudes and intentions of law students.

Design/methodology/approach
The objectives of the study were achieved by using a quantitative research design. Law students of the colleges affiliated with Punjab University were the population for the present research. The sampling frame of the study was all law colleges, and data was collected through a convenient sampling technique. Data was collected through personal visits to sampled colleges. Questionnaires were circulated among 330 respondents and two hundred valid responses were collected with a 61% response rate. Descriptive analysis was completed using SPSS and path analysis was measured through SmartPLS. The quality of the measurement model was assessed and then hypotheses were tested.

Findings
Findings revealed that there was no impact of trustworthiness (trust, ability, benevolence and integrity) on the KS attitude of students. However, motivation and rewards significantly impacted (ß = 0.590; p > 0.01) the KS attitudes. KS attitude also has a significant impact on KS intentions (ß = 0.560; p > 0.01).

Originality/value
The current study is a valuable addition to the literature by providing the impact of trustworthiness, motivation and reward on law students’ KS intentions and attitudes in developing countries. The present study also provides insights for authorities and decision-makers in making decisions regarding the development of KS among students.
Examining the nexus of building regulations, urban planning, and housing prices and affordability: insights from Prishtina, Kosovo
Authors: Hoxha Visar 
Published: August 2024

PurposeThe present study aims to investigate the relationship between building regulations, urban planning, and perceptions of housing affordability and prices in Prishtina, Kosovo.Design/methodology/approachA self-report survey with 1,000 respondents, selected through stratified probability sampling, provided the necessary data. Principal component analysis was applied to the questionnaire's internal structure, while regression analysis helped uncover housing affordability and housing prices perception predictors.FindingsThe study found that building regulation standards and zoning/land-use regulations reveal positive relationships with housing prices and housing affordability perception. Among these components, building regulations and standards show a stronger connection with housing affordability and price perception in comparison to urban planning and development.Research limitations/implicationsBy investigating the relationship between building regulations, urban planning, and housing affordability and price perception in Prishtina, the present research makes a valuable contribution to the existing literature. The findings of this research hold significant implications for policymakers, urban planners, and developers, highlighting the relevance of adopting a well-balanced approach to building regulations and urban planning in order to uphold and maintain housing affordability and understand housing price dynamics.Originality/valueThe novelty of this research originates from the investigation of these relationships within a rapidly urbanizing city context, contributing to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics between regulatory policies and outcomes in the housing market. Further research should examine additional dimensions and employ longitudinal designs to gain a deeper understanding of the components predicting housing affordability and price perception in Prishtina and similar urban contexts.
Navigating gendered spaces: a feminist phenomenological exploration of women entrepreneurs lived experiences within government support agencies
Authors: Oliveira Edicleia , Basini Serge , Cooney Thomas M. 
Published: August 2024

PurposeThis article explores women entrepreneurs' lived experiences in their interactions with government enterprise support agencies. It investigates the relationship between gendering and Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO), as a normative orientation adopted at the institutional level and justified by an economic rationale. It also explores how women entrepreneurs articulate their experiences through embodied metaphors and image schemas, shedding light on how they navigate the institutional entrepreneurial space.Design/methodology/approachThis study is framed within the concept of Phenomenological Orientation as conceptualised in feminist phenomenology. It applies Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, a qualitative methodology focused on interpreting accounts of first-person lived experiences of a phenomenon. It combines IPA with Conceptual Metaphor Theory to understand women's articulation of their embodied relationship within the entrepreneurial space.FindingsFindings reveal that the entrepreneurial orientation functions as a gendering process within entrepreneurial institutions, reinforcing masculine hegemonic ideals and marginalising women entrepreneurs. Women's phenomenological orientations often diverge from the normative entrepreneurial orientation, highlighting the need for a more inclusive framework in institutional entrepreneurial spaces.Research limitations/implicationsThis article contributes to women's entrepreneurship literature by underlining the temporal dimension of entrepreneurship and the tension that underpins their interactions with government support bodies. It calls for inclusive policies and procedures to match the heterogeneity of orientations. While highlighting its limitations, it also suggests future research directions to deepen the understanding of entrepreneurship and inform more suitable support structures for all entrepreneurs.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by shedding light on the nuanced interplay between gendering, entrepreneurial orientation, and women entrepreneurs' lived experiences. It extends previous research by framing “orientation” within a temporality framework, offering a novel perspective on the gendering of entrepreneurial spaces.
Social comparisons at social networking sites: how social Media-induced fear of missing out and envy drive compulsive use
Authors: Tandon Anushree , Laato Samuli , Islam Najmul , Dhir Amandeep 
Published: August 2024

PurposeA major portion of our social interaction now occurs online, facilitated by social networking sites (SNSs) that enable people to connect and communicate at will. However, the characteristics of SNS communication can introduce problematic outcomes on otherwise healthy processes, one of which is social comparison. In this work, we investigate whether compulsive SNS use could be driven by two phenomena related to social comparison: the fear of missing out (FoMO) and envy.Design/methodology/approachUsing the stimulus-organism-response framework, we developed a model that was tested with data from a sample of SNS users (N = 330) based in the United States. The analysis was done through partial least squares structural equation modeling.FindingsOur findings show FoMO's association with the two forms of dispositional experienced envy, benign and malicious, as well as expected envy of others (expected envy). Interestingly, benign and expected envy were associated with SNS stalking and self-disclosure, but malicious envy had non-significant associations. Finally, both SNS stalking and self-disclosure were linked to compulsive SNS use.Originality/valueWe study the nuanced ways in which the two forms of experienced envy and expected envy can be triggered by FoMO and result in users' engagement with problematic SNS use. Our research provides evidence that, in addition to benign envy being an antecedent of compulsive SNS use, the wish to invoke envious feelings in others can also significantly drive compulsive use.
Economic freedom and its subcomponents: effects on Islamic bank performance
Authors: Masrizal  , Sukmana Raditya , Fianto Bayu Arie , Abd. Majid M. Shabri 
Published: August 2024

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the profitability of Islamic banks benefits from economic freedom and its subcomponents.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a sample of 41 Islamic banks from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Countries selected from 2010–2020. It conducts an empirical approach based on the System Generalized Method of Moments (SGMM).FindingsOverall, economic freedom has a substantial impact on the profitability of Islamic banks. We then investigate the relationship between the subcomponents of economic freedom and the profitability of Islamic banks. The study’s breakdown components suggest that financial and investment freedoms are favorable indicators, while business and monetary freedoms have a negative effect.Practical implicationsThis research can serve as a guideline for Islamic bank management in terms of maintaining performance. The results of this study provide policy implications for the government to offer friendly regulations for economic actors to engage in financial transactions by looking at the economic freedom sub-component.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, the study of the role of economic freedom in Islamic banking performance is limited, particularly in the context of OIC Countries.