bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Platelets induce cell apoptosis of cardiac cells via FasL after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Krott Kim J. , Reusswig Friedrich , Dille Matthias , Krüger Evelyn , Gorressen Simone , Karray Saoussen , Polzin Amin , Kelm Malte , Fischer Jens-W. , Elvers Margitta 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAcute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Cell apoptosis in the myocardium plays an important role in ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury, leading to cardiac damage and dysfunction. Platelets are major players of hemostasis and play a crucial role in vessel occlusion, inflammation and cardiac remodeling after I/R. Here, we studied the impact of platelets on cell apoptosis in the myocardium using a close-chest mouse model of AMI. We found caspase-3 positive resident cardiac cells while leukocytes were negative for caspase-3. Using two different mouse models of thrombocytopenia, we detected a significant reduction of caspase-3 positive cells in the infarct border zone after I/R injury. Further, we identified platelet FasL to induce cell apoptosis via the extrinsic pathway of Fas receptor activation of target cells. Mechanistically, hypoxia triggers platelet adhesion to FasR suggesting that platelet induced apoptosis is elevated after I/R. Platelet-specific FasL knock-out mice showed reduced Bax and BcL-2 expression suggesting that platelets modulate the intrinsic and the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis leading to reduced infarct size after myocardial I/R injury. Therefore, platelet induced cardiac damage needs to be taken into account while optimizing antithrombotic/antiplatelet strategies for patients with AMI.
Ether lipids influence cancer cell fate by modulating iron uptake
Authors: Henry Whitney S. , Müller Sebastian , Yang Jia-Shu , Innes-Gold Sarah , Das Sunny , Reinhardt Ferenc , Sigmund Kim , Phadnis Vaishnavi V. , Wan Zhengpeng , Eaton Elinor , Sampaio Julio L. , Bell George W. , Viravalli Amartya , Hammond Paula T. , Kamm Roger D. , Cohen Adam E. , Boehnke Natalie , Hsu Victor W. , Levental Kandice R. , Rodriguez Raphaël , Weinberg Robert A. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTCancer cell fate has been widely ascribed to mutational changes within protein-coding genes associated with tumor suppressors and oncogenes. In contrast, the mechanisms through which the biophysical properties of membrane lipids influence cancer cell survival, dedifferentiation and metastasis have received little scrutiny. Here, we report that cancer cells endowed with a high metastatic ability and cancer stem cell-like traits employ ether lipids to maintain low membrane tension and high membrane fluidity. Using genetic approaches and lipid reconstitution assays, we show that these ether lipid-regulated biophysical properties permit non-clathrin-mediated iron endocytosis via CD44, leading directly to significant increases in intracellular redox-active iron and enhanced ferroptosis susceptibility. Using a combination of in vitro three-dimensional microvascular network systems and in vivo animal models, we show that loss of ether lipids also strongly attenuates extravasation, metastatic burden and cancer stemness. These findings illuminate a mechanism whereby ether lipids in carcinoma cells serve as key regulators of malignant progression while conferring a unique vulnerability that can be exploited for therapeutic intervention.
Enhanced Working Memory Representations for Rare Events
Authors: Carrasco Carlos Daniel , Simmons Aaron Matthew , Kiat John E. , Luck Steven J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRare events (oddballs) produce a variety of enhanced physiological responses relative to frequent events (standards), including the P3b component of the event-related potential (ERP) waveform. Previous research has suggested that the P3b is related to working memory, which implies that working memory representations will be enhanced for rare stimuli. To test this hypothesis, we devised a modified oddball paradigm where a target disk was presented at one of 16 different locations, which were divided into rare and frequent sets. Participants made a binary response on each trial to report whether the target appeared in the rare set or the frequent set. As expected, the P3b was much larger for stimuli appearing at a location within the rare set. We also included occasional probe trials in which the subject reported the exact location of the target. Accuracy was higher for rare than frequent locations. In addition, memory reports on rare trials were more accurate in participants with larger P3b amplitudes on rare trials (although reports were not more accurate for trials with larger P3b amplitudes within participants). We also applied multivariate pattern analysis to the ERP data to “decode” the remembered location of the target. Decoding accuracy was greater for locations within the rare set than for locations within the frequent set. We then replicated and extended our behavioral findings in a follow-up experiment. These behavioral and electrophysiological results demonstrate that although both frequent and rare events are stored in working memory, working memory performance is enhanced for rare oddball events.Impact StatementFor many decades, researchers have observed that rare events elicit a broad range of physiological responses, and there has been much speculation about the functional significance of these responses. One such response is the P3b component, which is a large voltage deflection in scalp EEG recordings. Over 40 years ago, the P3b was hypothesized to reflect “context updating” (now often called “working memory updating”). However, there has been no direct evidence that working memory is actually enhanced for rare, P3b-eliciting events. In the present study, we found that both behavioral and electrophysiological measures of working memory were enhanced for rare events. However, it is not clear that the increased P3b-related brain activity actually caused the enhancement of working memory.
Assistive sensory-motor perturbations influence learned neural representations
Authors: Rajeswaran Pavithra , Payeur Alexandre , Lajoie Guillaume , Orsborn Amy L. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTTask errors are used to learn and refine motor skills. We investigated how task assistance influences learned neural representations using Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), which map neural activity into movement via a decoder. We analyzed motor cortex activity as monkeys practiced BCI with a decoder that adapted to improve or maintain performance over days. The dimensionality of the population of neurons controlling the BCI remained constant or increased with learning, counter to expected trends from motor learning. Yet, over time, task information was contained in a smaller subset of neurons or population modes. Moreover, task information was ultimately stored in neural modes that occupied a small fraction of the population variance. An artificial neural network model suggests the adaptive decoders contribute to forming these compact neural representations. Our findings show that assistive decoders manipulate error information used for long-term learning computations, like credit assignment, which informs our understanding of motor learning and has implications for designing real-world BCIs.
Mitochondrial pyruvate transport regulates presynaptic metabolism and neurotransmission
Authors: Tiwari Anupama , Myeong Jongyun , Hashemiaghdam Arsalan , Zhang Hao , Niu Xianfeng , Laramie Marissa A. , Stunault Marion I. , Sponagel Jasmin , Patti Gary , Shriver Leah , Klyachko Vitaly , Ashrafi Ghazaleh 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTGlucose has long been considered the primary fuel source for the brain. However, glucose levels fluctuate in the brain during sleep, intense circuit activity, or dietary restrictions, posing significant metabolic stress. Here, we demonstrate that the mammalian brain utilizes pyruvate as a fuel source, and pyruvate can support neuronal viability in the absence of glucose. Nerve terminals are sites of metabolic vulnerability within a neuron and we show that mitochondrial pyruvate uptake is a critical step in oxidative ATP production in hippocampal terminals. We find that the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier is post-translationally modified by lysine acetylation which in turn modulates mitochondrial pyruvate uptake. Importantly, our data reveal that the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier regulates distinct steps in synaptic transmission, namely, the spatiotemporal pattern of synaptic vesicle release and the efficiency of vesicle retrieval, functions that have profound implications for synaptic plasticity. In summary, we identify pyruvate as a potent neuronal fuel and mitochondrial pyruvate uptake as a critical node for the metabolic control of synaptic transmission in hippocampal terminals.HIGHLIGHTSSerum pyruvate is taken up by the brain and efficiently oxidized in the TCA cycle.The mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) is essential for presynaptic energy metabolism.Acetylation of the MPC complex modulates mitochondrial pyruvate uptake.MPC activity regulates the release and retrieval of synaptic vesicles in nerve terminals.
Does blockchain adoption engender environmental sustainability? The mediating role of customer integration
Authors: Mohamed Summer K. , Haddad Sandra , Barakat Mahmoud 
Published: March 2024

PurposeDue to the rapid increase in environmental degradation and depletion of natural resources, there has been a recent shift in global focus from economic concerns to environmental ones. The purpose of this research is to examine the relevant literature on the use of blockchain technology to promote environmental sustainability through customer integration.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed framework is based on the theoretical lens of systems theory (ST) and knowledge-based view (KBV) theory, and is developed by conducting a systematic literature review of 51 articles, (16) from 2022, (17) from 2021, (10) 2020, (5) 2019, (2) 2018 and (1) from 2017 on blockchain technology (BCT), environmental supply chain performance (ESCP) and customer integration.FindingsThree main propositions are formulated and demonstrated using the developed framework, which shows that BCT has the potential to revolutionize the supply chain from an environmental sustainability perspective through facilitating waste management, reduction of energy consumption and reduction of carbon emissions/pollution. The technology will not only enhance the environmental sustainability but also facilitate customer integration through resolving transparency issues, protecting data/enhancing security, database decentralization, promoting trust and immutability.Originality/valueThe effects of blockchain on supply chain performance has been studied in the past; however, no studies were found which shed light on how BCT can affect ESCP through the mediation of customer integration.
Leadership coaching strategies for Black women leaders who code switch: avoiding linguistic profiling career boundaries
Authors: Carter Angela Danielle , Sisco Stephanie 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis case study, within the context of boundaryless and protean career development frameworks, investigates linguistic profiling and how code-switching is used to mitigate its impact on Black leaders during their careers. The experiences of Black women coaches and the coaching support they offered Black women clients in code-switching, leadership and career advancement are described. The value of leadership coaching when used to navigate these career progression challenges is emphasized.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a multiple-case study approach of two Black women leadership coaches.FindingsThe findings of this study illustrate the understanding of code-switching and the coaching techniques employed by two Black women leadership coaches. Sage focused on educational strategies, offering historical contexts and resources, while Khadijah leaned on empathy-driven methods, using storytelling to evoke reflection. Both coaches emphasized creating safe spaces for open dialog, encouraged clients to reconsider their actions and values regarding code-switching challenges and sought to prompt clients towards authenticity while navigating career spaces effectively.Practical implicationsAdditional strategies for coach practitioners include cultivating trust and a safe environment; active listening; challenging biases and assumptions; contextual understanding; empowering authentic self-expression; fostering skill development; challenging stereotypes; promoting autonomy and flexibility and adopting cross-cultural sensitivity, humility and competence. These practical coaching strategies bridge the gap in career development research by demonstrating how race-conscious strategies can promote workplace inclusivity and promulgate career development.Originality/valueThe study underscores the problem of linguistic profiling, the complexity of code-switching and implications for Black women navigating their career journey within professional spaces. It highlights the significance and value of tailored leadership coaching strategies to promote career advancement. This study addresses the gap in career development research related to linguistic profiling avoidance strategies for workplace inclusivity.
External audits and official controls – what’s the difference in their usefulness and credibility?
Authors: Rogala Piotr , Kafel Piotr , Lapina Inga 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThe study aims to determine whether audited organizations experience differences between external audits and official controls.Design/methodology/approachA survey among 100 organic food producers was conducted to explore differences regarding the usability of external audits and official controls. The survey was conducted in 2020 using the computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) method supplemented by the computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) method. Organizations processing organic farming products in Poland were chosen for the study.FindingsThree primary benefits associated with external audits and official controls were identified, i.e. (1) enabling and initiating activities related to the improvement of the organization, (2) improving the financial performance of the organization and (3) enhancing credibility. For most organizations, the assessment of these features was at the same level for both external audits and official control. However, if these assessments differed, commercial audits were assessed at a higher level than official controls.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to only one specific type of manufacturing organization and one European country.Originality/valueThe literature review shows some conceptual differences between audits and official controls, but the results of this study show that the business environment does not perceive these differences as significant. Thus, the value of the study is reflected in the conclusion that both external audits and official controls are considered useful and credible approaches to monitoring the quality within the organization, which allows us to state that external evaluation is generally seen as an opportunity to improve the performance of the organization.
Cloud Computing and firm performance: a SEM microdata analysis for Israeli firms
Authors: Katz Raúl , Jung Juan , Goldman Matan 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to study the economic effects of Cloud Computing for a sample of Israeli firms. The authors propose a framework that considers how this technology affects firm performance also introducing the indirect economic effects that take place through cloud-complementary technologies such as Big Data and Machine Learning.

Design/methodology/approach
The model is estimated through structural equation modeling. The data set consists of the microdata of the survey of information and communication technologies uses and cyber protection in business conducted in Israel by the Central Bureau of Statistics.

Findings
The results point to Cloud Computing as a crucial technology to increase firm performance, presenting significant direct and indirect effects as the use of complementary technologies maximizes its impact. Firms that enjoy most direct economic gains from Cloud Computing appear to be the smaller ones, although larger enterprises seem more capable to assimilate complementary technologies, such as Big Data and Machine Learning. The total effects of cloud on firm performance are quite similar among manufacturing and service firms, although the composition of the different effects involved is different.

Originality/value
This paper is one of the very few analyses estimating the impact of Cloud Computing on firm performance based on country microdata and, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the first one that contemplates the indirect economic effects that take place through cloud-complementary technologies such as Big Data and Machine Learning.
Exploring the impact of serious leisure on well-being and self-perceived employability: the mediating role of career adaptability amongst Chinese undergraduates
Authors: Ma Yin , Nimmi P.M. , Mouratidou Maria , Donald William E. 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis study aims to explore the impact of engaging in serious leisure (SL) on the well-being (WB) and self-perceived employability (PE) of university students while also considering the role of career adaptability (CA) as a mediator.Design/methodology/approachA total of 905 domestic undergraduate students from China completed an online survey.FindingsThe findings reveal that participation in SL positively influences WB and PE. Additionally, the results indicate that CA mediates the SL-WB relationship but not the SL-PE relationship.Originality/valueThe theoretical contribution of this research comes from advancing our understanding of sustainable career theory through empirical testing of SL, PE, and CA on WB outcomes within a higher education setting. The practical implications of this study involve providing universities with strategies to support domestic Chinese undergraduate students in enhancing their WB and PE through active engagement in SL pursuits and the development of CA. Moreover, our findings serve as a foundation for future research investigating whether insights gained from domestic Chinese undergraduate students can provide solutions on a global scale to address the persistent challenges of improving student WB and PE.
Enucleating the student support and services needs in higher education: the application of Kano analysis as a strategic tool
Authors: Tejero-Dakay Irish , Lozano Lorafe , Ferolin Rosana 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis paper aims to help higher education institutions (HEIs) develop a better understanding of student support and services needs, thereby enabling them to allocate limited resources for initiatives that effectively improve student experience.Design/methodology/approachAn assessment framework following the Kano analysis is developed to categorize student service features based on customer satisfaction and need fulfillment. The framework is used at a local university, using 23 service features listed as minimum requirements by the national regulatory body for education. Analysis of the satisfaction survey results and prioritization are based on quality indices derived from a factor of importance and the satisfaction gap. A survey was conducted for two academic years to generate a comparison of results.FindingsOf the list mandated as minimum requirements for HEIs, the study revealed that no features were regarded as “must-be,” eight as performing, 14 as attractive and one as indifferent by the students. As these results were disaggregated per year level, the natural decay of delight as in the Kano theory was exhibited as there were less attractive features for students who have been in the university longest. After a full-year academic cycle, results compared to the baseline figures seemed to reveal of impact of the achievement of performance targets by the units rendering specific activities on client satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsFurther rounds of the study are needed to build up more data sets on the relationship between objective performance and satisfaction level for performing features, mindful that this categorization is also bound to change along the way.Practical implicationsAs HEIs in the Philippines journey towards the establishment of their own respective internal quality assurance systems, this study provides a practical approach for institutions to transform a mere list of student services for compliance into a strategic tool to enhance the student experience.Originality/valueIn the context of continuous quality improvement, the study presents how the qualitative Kano model, along with simple quantitative tools in the methodology, can be utilized not only in the planning stage of service design but also in closing the planning, doing, checking and acting (PDCA) cycle and opening the quality improvement spiral.
Application of Six Sigma methodology in the analysis of variance: process shift versus inflation coefficient
Authors: Joghee Ravichandran , Varghese Reesa 
Published: March 2024

Purpose The purpose of this article is to study the link between mean shift and inflation coefficient when the underlying null hypothesis is rejected in the analysis of variance (ANOVA) application after the preliminary test on the model specification.Design/methodology/approach A new approach is proposed to study the link between mean shift and inflation coefficient when the underlying null hypothesis is rejected in the ANOVA application. First, we determine this relationship from the general perspective of Six Sigma methodology under the normality assumption. Then, the approach is extended to a balanced two-stage nested design with a random effects model in which a preliminary test is used to fix the main test statistic.Findings The features of mean-shifted and inflated (but centred) processes with the same specification limits from the perspective of Six Sigma are studied. The shift and inflation coefficients are derived for the two-stage balanced ANOVA model. We obtained good predictions for the process shift, given the inflation coefficient, which has been demonstrated using numerical results and applied to case studies. It is understood that the proposed method may be used as a tool to obtain an efficient variance estimator under mean shift.Research limitations/implications In this work, as a new research approach, we studied the link between mean shift and inflation coefficients when the underlying null hypothesis is rejected in the ANOVA. Derivations for these coefficients are presented. The results when the null hypothesis is accepted are also studied. This needs the help of preliminary tests to decide on the model assumptions, and hence the researchers are expected to be familiar with the application of preliminary tests.Practical implications After studying the proposed approach with extensive numerical results, we have provided two practical examples that demonstrate the significance of the approach for real-time practitioners. The practitioners are expected to take additional care before deciding on the model assumptions by applying preliminary tests.Originality/value The proposed approach is original in the sense that there have been no similar approaches existing in the literature that combine Six Sigma and preliminary tests in ANOVA applications.