bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Foxf1-Wnt-Nr2f1 cascade promotes atrial cardiomyocyte differentiation in zebrafish
Authors: Coppola Ugo , Kenney Jennifer , Waxman Joshua S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNr2f transcription factors (TFs) are conserved regulators of vertebrate atrial cardiomyocyte (AC) differentiation. However, little is known about the mechanisms directing Nr2f expression in ACs. Here, we identified a conserved enhancer 3’ to thenr2f1alocus, which we call3’reg1-nr2f1a(3’reg1), that can promote Nr2f1a expression in ACs. Sequence analysis of the enhancer identified putative Lef/Tcf and Foxf TF binding sites. Mutation of the Lef/Tcf sites within the3’reg1reporter, knockdown of Tcf7l1a, and manipulation of canonical Wnt signaling support that Tcf7l1a is derepressed via Wnt signaling to activate the transgenic enhancer and promote AC differentiation. Similarly, mutation of the Foxf binding sites in the3’reg1reporter, coupled with gain- and loss-of-function analysis supported that Foxf1 promotes expression of the enhancer and AC differentiation. Functionally, we find that Wnt signaling acts downstream of Foxf1 to promote expression of the3’reg1reporter within ACs and, importantly, both Foxf1 and Wnt signaling require Nr2f1a to promote a surplus of differentiated ACs. CRISPR-mediated deletion of the endogenous3’reg1abrogates the ability of Foxf1 and Wnt signaling to produce surplus ACs in zebrafish embryos. Together, our data support that downstream members of a conserved regulatory network involving Wnt signaling and Foxf1 function on anr2f1aenhancer to promote AC differentiation in the zebrafish heart.Author SummaryVertebrate hearts are comprised of atrial chambers, which receive blood, and ventricular chambers which expel blood, whose functions need to be coordinated for proper blood circulation. During development, different genetic programs direct the development of these chambers within the vertebrate heart. Members of a family of genes calledNr2fsare conserved regulators of atrial chamber development in vertebrates, with mutations inNr2f2of humans being associated with congenital heart defects affecting the atrium. Here, we examine how the genenr2f1a, which is required for normal atrial chamber development in the model zebrafish, is regulated. Using tools, including transgenic reporter lines and genetic mutants, we identify that factors previously shown to regulate atrial chamber development in mammals have conserved roles regulating a genetic element that promotesnr2f1aexpression within developing atrial cells. Since there is a lack of understanding regarding regulation ofNr2fgenes during vertebrate atrial cell development, our work provides insights into the conservation of genetic networks that promote heart development in vertebrates and if perturbed could underlie congenital heart defects.
ERK signaling promotes resistance to TRK kinase inhibition in NTRK fusion-driven glioma mouse models
Authors: Schmid Sebastian , Russell Zachary R , Yamashita Alex Shimura , West Madeline E , Parrish Abigail G , Walker Julia , Rudoy Dmytro , Yan James Z , Quist David C , Gessesse Betemariyam N , Alvinez Neriah , Cimino Patrick J , Kumasaka Debra K , Parchment Ralph E , Holland Eric C , Szulzewsky Frank 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPediatric-type high-grade gliomas frequently harbor gene fusions involving receptor tyrosine kinase genes, including neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor (NTRK) fusions. Clinically, these tumors show high initial response rates to tyrosine kinase inhibition but ultimately recur due to the accumulation of additional resistance-conferring mutations. Here, we developed a series of genetically engineered mouse models of treatment-naïve and –experienced NTRK1/2/3 fusion-driven gliomas. Both the TRK kinase domain and the N-terminal fusion partners influenced tumor histology and aggressiveness. Treatment with TRK kinase inhibitors significantly extended survival of NTRK fusion-driven glioma mice in a fusion– and inhibitor-dependent manner, but tumors ultimately recurred due to the presence of treatment-resistant persister cells. Finally, we show that ERK activation promotes resistance to TRK kinase inhibition and identify MEK inhibition as a potential combination therapy. These models will be invaluable tools for preclinical testing of novel inhibitors and to study the cellular responses of NTRK fusion-driven gliomas to therapy.
Non-linear development of EEG coherence in adolescents and young adults shown by the analysis of neurophysiological trajectories and their covariance
Authors: Chorlian David B. , Kamarajan Chella , Meyers Jacquelyn L. , Pandey Ashwini K. , Zhang Jian , Kinreich Sivan , Porjesz Bernice 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTo contribute to the understanding of changes in the factors governing the development of neural connectivity, the developmental structure of EEG coherence in adolescents and young adults was analyzed using the means, variances, and covariances of high alpha frequency band coherence measures from a set of 27 coherence pairs obtained from a sample of 1426 participants from the COGA study with 5006 observations over ages 12 through 31. Means and covariances were calculated at 96 age centers by a LOESS method.In the current study, trajectories of covariance matrices considered as individual units were determined by tensorial analysis: calculation of Riemannian geodesic (non-Euclidean) distances between matrices and application of both linear and non-linear dimension reduction techniques to these distances. Results were evaluated by bootstrap methods.Mean coherence trajectories for males and females were very similar, showing a steady upward trend from ages 12 to 20 which diminishes gradually from 20 to 25 and reaches stability from 25 to 31. In contrast, the individual covariance trajectories of males and female differed, with the male covariance levels becoming greater than that of females during the developmental process. Tensorial determination of the distances from the initial covariance matrix of subsequent covariance matrices to age 20 had the same trajectory as the mean coherence values. Tensorial determination of the trajectories of the covariance matrices of males and females based on their all pairs geodesic distances revealed a non-linear pattern in the multi-dimensional space of each of the trajectories: A steady increase in one dimension is accompanied by deviations from it peaking at age 20 which have both transient and lasting effects. There is a precise temporal parallelism of this pattern of covariance in males and females, while there is a consistent distance between the male and female covariance structures throughout the developmental process. Between region differences (anterior-posterior) within each sex are greater than between sex differences within regions. Examining development using multiple methods provides unique insight into the developmental process.
Eedcontrols craniofacial osteoblast differentiation and mesenchymal proliferation from the neural crest
Authors: Casey-Clyde Tim , Liu S. John , Serrano Juan Antonio Camara , Teng Camilla , Jang Yoon-Gu , Vasudevan Harish N. , Bush Jeffrey O. , Raleigh David R. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe histone methyltransferase Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is required for specification of the neural crest, and mis-regulation of neural crest development can cause severe congenital malformations. PRC2 is necessary for neural crest induction, but the embryonic, cellular, and molecular consequences of PRC2 activity after neural crest induction are incompletely understood. Here we show thatEed, a core subunit of PRC2, is required for craniofacial osteoblast differentiation and mesenchymal proliferation after induction of the neural crest. Integrating mouse genetics with single-cell RNA sequencing, our results reveal that conditional knockout ofEedafter neural crest cell induction causes severe craniofacial hypoplasia, impaired craniofacial osteogenesis, and attenuated craniofacial mesenchymal cell proliferation that is first evident in post-migratory neural crest cell populations. We show thatEeddrives mesenchymal differentiation and proliferationin vivoand in primary craniofacial cell cultures by regulating diverse transcription factor programs that are required for specification of post-migratory neural crest cells. These data enhance understanding of epigenetic mechanisms that underlie craniofacial development, and shed light on the embryonic, cellular, and molecular drivers of rare congenital syndromes in humans.
Endogenous Nodal switches Wnt interpretation from posteriorization to germ layer differentiation in geometrically constrained human pluripotent cells
Authors: Ortiz-Salazar Miguel Angel , Camacho-Aguilar Elena , Warmflash Aryeh 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe Wnt pathway is essential for inducing the primitive streak, the precursor of the mesendoderm, as well as setting anterior-posterior coordinates. How Wnt coordinates these diverse activities remains incompletely understood. Here, we show that in Wnt-treated human pluripotent cells, endogenous Nodal signaling is a crucial switch between posteriorizing and primitive streak-including activities. While treatment with Wnt posteriorizes cells in standard culture, in micropatterned colonies, higher levels of endogenously induced Nodal signaling combine with exogenous Wnt to drive endoderm differentiation. Inhibition of Nodal signaling restores dose-dependent posteriorization by Wnt. In the absence of Nodal inhibition, micropatterned colonies undergo spontaneous, elaborate morphogenesis concomitant with endoderm differentiation even in the absence of added extracellular matrix proteins like Matrigel. Our study shows how Wnt and Nodal combinatorially coordinate germ layer differentiation with AP patterning and establishes a system to study a natural self-organizing morphogenetic event inin vitroculture.
Expected idiosyncratic entropy
Authors: Tavakoli Baghdadabad Mohammadreza 
Published: March 2024

PurposeWe propose a risk factor for idiosyncratic entropy and explore the relationship between this factor and expected stock returns.Design/methodology/approachWe estimate a cross-sectional model of expected entropy that uses several common risk factors to predict idiosyncratic entropy.FindingsWe find a negative relationship between expected idiosyncratic entropy and returns. Specifically, the Carhart alpha of a low expected entropy portfolio exceeds the alpha of a high expected entropy portfolio by −2.37% per month. We also find a negative and significant price of expected idiosyncratic entropy risk using the Fama-MacBeth cross-sectional regressions. Interestingly, expected entropy helps us explain the idiosyncratic volatility puzzle that stocks with high idiosyncratic volatility earn low expected returns.Originality/valueWe propose a risk factor of idiosyncratic entropy and explore the relationship between this factor and expected stock returns. Interestingly, expected entropy helps us explain the idiosyncratic volatility puzzle that stocks with high idiosyncratic volatility earn low expected returns.
Examining knowledge and skills acquisition from youth leadership programs in Brunei: is self-esteem the missing link in training transfer?
Authors: Hisa Adilah , Ishak Nurul Amirah , Islam Md Zahidul 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis study aims to examine the impact of knowledge and skills acquisition from youth leadership programs on the extent of training transfer. Additionally, it explores the role of self-esteem as a potential intervening mechanism in linking the acquired knowledge and skills to the transfer of training.Design/methodology/approachUsing a non-probability purposive sampling, data were gathered from participants of youth leadership programs in Brunei. The study hypotheses were validated using multiple linear regression analysis and Hayes PROCESS macro.Findings The findings revealed that knowledge and skills acquisition positively affect the extent of training transfer among youth leadership program participants. Moreover, self-esteem is found to be a crucial mediator in the relationship between knowledge and skills acquired from youth leadership programs and the extent of training transfer.Practical implicationsThe study suggests that to optimize the transfer of training in the youth leadership programs, relevant stakeholders – training providers, and practitioners – must prioritize not only the knowledge and skills acquisition but also the cultivation of participants’ self-esteem. To achieve this, a primary focus should be placed on the criticality of designing such programs to address these factors. Policymakers, particularly in Brunei, can enhance the leadership pipeline among the youth population and expedite progress toward achieving the national vision by aligning leadership development initiatives with the broader national development agenda.Originality/valueCollectively, this study enhances understanding of training transfer in youth leadership development, an often-overlooked area in the literature.
Project managers: old, grumpy and suspicious or just “once bitten, twice shy?”
Authors: Prater James , Kirytopoulos Konstantinos 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis research aspires to contribute in the area of exploration of the psychological traits evolving by practitioners within the project management profession. Specifically, it investigates whether there is any difference in optimism levels among experienced project management practitioners and newcomers in the profession.Design/methodology/approachThe research used the life orientation test-revised (LOTR) (Scheier et al., 1994) to calculate respondents’ optimism scores. With these scores at hand, the researchers could then apply inferential statistics in order to deduce any differences observed among optimism score and the respondents’ characteristics (age, years of experience etc.).FindingsBased on the results of this research, several demographic variables were shown to be statistically significant with optimism. These were (1) the number of years of experience the respondent had in managing projects, (2) working in a government organisation and (3) possessing specific project management certifications, all of which were found to adversely affect the respondent’s optimism score.Originality/valueThis research was unique in applying a well-known psychological test instrument (LOTR) to provide insight into the psychological impacts of a career as an information technology (IT) project manager. It is also highly likely that this correlation between the length of time working as a project manager and the adverse impact on their optimism would also apply to not just IT project managers but all experienced project managers.
Marketing halal investment in Jordan: an investigation of Muslims’ behavioral intention to invest in Hajj fund sukuk
Authors: Almrafee Mohammad Nabeel 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
This study aims to examine the effect of several factors on Muslims' intentions to invest in the Hajj fund Sukuk, Jordan. The study's hypothesis and model were derived from previous studies.

Design/methodology/approach
The present study was undertaken based on a self-administered questionnaire of 356 Jordanians who are Muslims and non-investors in Hajj Fund Sukuk. The sample was selected using a purposive sampling method. The data were analyzed using Smart-PLS version 4.

Findings
The results indicated that social influence, knowledge, religion and return on investment significantly affect the purchase intention of Jordanian Muslims to invest in Hajj Fund Sukuk.

Research limitations/implications
There are some limitations to this study. First, the study was done in Jordan; thus, additional research might be conducted in other parts of the Islamic world to learn more about the perception of investing in Islamic Sukuk, particularly Hajj Sukuk. Second, while the present study used a quantitative research technique to achieve its purpose, it would be advantageous if the researchers used more qualitative techniques, such as interviews or focus groups, in the future to explore additional factors that may impact Muslims' intent to invest in Hajj Fund Sukuk.

Practical implications
The findings of the current study could help practitioners in the Islamic sukuk industry by identifying the key factors that encourage Muslims to invest in Hajj sukuk. They may use the results of this study in the formulation of marketing policies and the development of marketing strategies to persuade more investors to invest their money in these sukuk.

Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study carried out to better understand the main factors that may influence Muslims to invest in Hajj Sukuk in the Jordanian context. Hence, this study contributes to increasing the body of knowledge in the area of Islamic marketing in general and in the field of Islamic sukuk investment specifically.
Role of strategic knowledge management practices in enhancing strategic perspectives of an organisation to improve entrepreneurial performance
Authors: Shaik Aqueeb Sohail , Jain Monika , Mendiratta Aparna , Alarifi Ghadah , Arrigo Elisa 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the significance and impact of strategic knowledge management (SKM) practices and organisational change capacity (OCC) in improving strategic thinking and strategic orientation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their contribution in overall improvement of entrepreneurial performance.

Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative research methodology using partial least square structural equation modelling with data of 296 sample from the target group as managers and owners from various SMEs in the UK has been used in the study.

Findings
The findings suggest that SMEs that invest in SKM and OCC are more proficient at adjusting to fluctuations in the business landscape and develop effective strategies that lead to improved entrepreneurial performance. The study provides evidence that SKM encompasses more than just the acquisition and use of information. It also involves the establishment of a learning and innovation culture that facilitates strategic thinking and direction. Similarly, OCC is not just about implementing change but also about developing the agility and flexibility to adapt to market changes, consumer demands and technology.

Practical implications
According to the research, SMEs may boost their entrepreneurial performance and keep a competitive advantage in the modern, dynamic business environment by investing in SKM and OCC. The capacity of SMEs to implement SKM and organisational change should be encouraged and supported by policymakers and practitioners, who should also offer the necessary tools and assistance to do so.

Originality/value
This study offers a valuable addition to the previously published works on SKM and OCC within SMEs. It offers empirical data that highlights the significance of SKM and OCC in fostering strategic thinking, strategic orientation and ultimately, boosting entrepreneurial performance. The study also highlights the challenges faced by SMEs in implementing SKM and OCC and provides recommendations for overcoming these challenges.
Expressing learners’ competences through the use of pedagogically-informed knowledge mapping: case study in constructing a holographic projector
Authors: Nitchot Athitaya , Gilbert Lester 
Published: March 2024

PurposeOur study aims to focus on the application of knowledge mapping to provide pedagogically-structured learners' competences.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted an experiment examined the associations between the pedagogical quality of students’ pedagogically-informed knowledge (PIK) maps, class assignment scores and perceptions of PIK mapping’s uses.FindingsThe results showed that higher assignment scores were significantly predicted by higher quality PIK maps, ratings for PIK mapping were significantly higher than other mappings, and the learners’ experience of PIK mapping led to a significant change of attitude towards mapping as a learning activity and to a positive opinion of the value of PIK mapping in particular. Interestingly, there was no significant relation between learners’ opinion ratings of the uses of PIK mapping in learning and their assignment scores.Originality/valueQuestions remain on the generalizability of the findings, and on the features of a PIK map which are particularly useful to a learner. This study investigated the value of PIK mapping in the context of a practical class on the building of simple DIY (do-it-yourself) holographic projectors; it may be thought that the applied nature of the topic was more suited to the PIK mapping of learner competences and intended learning outcomes than a more theoretic classroom topic on holography. A future study is planned to address this issue.
Configuration analysis of asymmetric trust between infrastructure PPP project participants
Authors: Li Huimin , Dai Boxin , Cao Yongchao , Su Limin , Li Feng 
Published: March 2024

PurposeTrust is the glue that holds cooperative relationships together and often exists in an asymmetric manner. The purpose of this study is to explore how to mitigate the issue of losses or increased transaction costs caused by opportunistic behavior in a soft environment where trust asymmetry is quite common and difficult to avoid.Design/methodology/approachThis study focuses on examining asymmetric trust between the government and the private sector in public-private partnership (PPP) projects. Drawing upon both project realities and relevant literature, the primary conditional variables influencing asymmetric trust are identified. These variables encompass power perception asymmetry, information asymmetry, interaction behavior, risk perception differences and government-side control. Subsequently, through the use of a survey questionnaire, binary-matched data from both the government and the private sector are collected. The study employs fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to conduct a configurational analysis, aiming to investigate the causal pathways that trigger asymmetric trust.FindingsNo single conditional variable is a necessary condition for the emergence of trust asymmetry. The pathways leading to a high degree of trust asymmetry can be categorized into two types: those dominated by power perception and those involving a combination of multiple factors. Differences in power perception play a crucial role in the occurrence of high trust asymmetry, yet the influence of other conditional variables in triggering trust asymmetry should not be overlooked.Originality/valueThe findings can contribute to advancing the study of trust relationships in the field of Chinese PPP projects. Furthermore, they hold practical value in facilitating the enhancement of trust relationships between the government and the private sector.