bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantification of GTPase cycling rates of GTPases and GTPase : effector mixtures using GTPase Glo™assays
Authors: Tschirpke Sophie , Daalman Werner K-G. , Laan Liedewij 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn different cellular activities like signal transduction, cell division, and intracellular transportation, small GTPases take on a vital role. Their functioning involves hydrolysing guanosine triphosphate (GTP) to guanosine diphosphate (GDP). In this article we explain the application of a commercially accessible GTPase assay, known as the GTPase Glo™ assay by Promega, for the quantitative investigation of GTPase - effector interactions and the interplay between effectors.Basic ProtocolConducting GTPase assays with GTPase : effector protein mixtures using the GTPase Glo™ assay (Promega).Supporting Protocol 1Analysing GTPase assays to correlate the assay readout (luminescence) to amount of remaining GTP.Supporting Protocol 2Fitting GTPase assay data to obtain GTPase cycling rates.
Defective Integrator activity shapes the transcriptome of patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Porozhan Yevhenia , Carstensen Mikkel , Thouroude Sandrine , Costallat Mickael , Rachez Christophe , Batsché Eric , Petersen Thor , Christensen Tove , Muchardt Christian 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHP1α/CBX5 is an epigenetic regulator with a suspected role in multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, using high-depth RNA sequencing on monocytes, we identified a subset of MS patients with reduced CBX5 expression, correlating with progressive stages of the disease and extensive transcriptomic alterations. Examination of rare non-coding RNA species in these patients revealed impaired maturation/degradation of U snRNAs and enhancer-RNAs, indicative of a reduced activity of the Integrator, a complex with suspected links to increased MS risk. At protein-coding genes, compromised Integrator activity manifested in reduced pre-mRNA splicing efficiency and altered expression of genes regulated by RNA polymerase II pause-release. Inactivation of Cbx5 in the mouse mirrored most of these transcriptional defects and resulted in hypersensitivity to Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE). Collectively, our observations suggested a major contribution of the Integrator complex in safeguarding against transcriptional anomalies characteristic of MS, with HP1α/CBX5 emerging as an unexpected regulator of this complex’s activity. These findings bring novel insights into the transcriptional aspects of MS and provide potential new criteria in patient stratification.
Preoptic area controls sleep-related seizure onset in a genetic epilepsy mouse model
Authors: Potesta Cobie Victoria , Cargile Madeleine Sandra , Yan Andrea , Xiong Sarah , Macdonald Robert L. , Gallagher Martin J. , Zhou Chengwen 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn genetic and refractory epileptic patients, seizure activity exhibits sleep-related modulation/regulation and sleep and seizure are intermingled. In this study, by using one hetGabrg2Q390XKI mice as a genetic epilepsy model and optogenetic methodin vivo, we found that subcortical POA neurons were active within epileptic network from the hetGabrg2Q390XKI mice and the POA activity preceded epileptic (poly)spike-wave discharges(SWD/PSDs) in the hetGabrg2Q390XKI mice. Meanwhile, as expected, the manipulating of the POA activity relatively altered NREM sleep and wake periods in both wt and the hetGabrg2Q390XKI mice. Most importantly, the short activation of epileptic cortical neurons alone did not effectively trigger seizure activity in the hetGabrg2Q390XKI mice. In contrast, compared to the wt mice, combined the POA nucleus activation and short activation of the epileptic cortical neurons effectively triggered or suppressed epileptic activity in the hetGabrg2Q390XKI mice, indicating that the POA activity can control the brain state to trigger seizure incidence in the hetGabrg2Q390XKI micein vivo.In addition, the suppression of POA nucleus activity decreased myoclonic jerks in theGabrg2Q390XKI mice. Overall, this study discloses an operational mechanism for sleep-dependent seizure incidence in the genetic epilepsy model with the implications for refractory epilepsy. This operational mechanism also underlies myoclonic jerk generation, further with translational implications in seizure treatment for genetic/refractory epileptic patients and with contribution to memory/cognitive deficits in epileptic patients.
CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing inSteinernemaentomopathogenic nematodes
Authors: Cao Mengyi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMolecular tool development in traditionally non-tractable animals opens new avenues to study gene functions in the relevant ecological context. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN)Steinernemaand their symbiotic bacteria ofXenorhabdusspp are a valuable experimental system in the laboratory and are applicable in the field to promote agricultural productivity. The infective juvenile (IJ) stage of the nematode packages mutualistic symbiotic bacteria in the intestinal pocket and invades insects that are agricultural pests. The lack of consistent and heritable genetics tools in EPN targeted mutagenesis severely restricted the study of molecular mechanisms underlying both parasitic and mutualistic interactions. Here, I report a protocol for CRISPR-Cas9 based genome-editing that is successful in two EPN species,S. carpocapsaeandS. hermaphroditum. I adapted a gonadal microinjection technique inS. carpocapsae, which created on-target modifications of a homologueSc-dpy-10(cuticular collagen) by homology-directed repair. A similar delivery approach was used to introduce various alleles inS. hermaphroditumincludingSh-dpy-10andSh-unc-22(a muscle gene), resulting in visible and heritable phenotypes of dumpy and twitching, respectively. Using conditionally dominant alleles ofSh-unc-22as a co-CRISPR marker, I successfully modified a second locus encoding Sh-Daf-22 (a homologue of human sterol carrier protein SCPx), predicted to function as a core enzyme in the biosynthesis of nematode pheromone that is required for IJ development. As a proof of concept,Sh-daf-22null mutant showed IJ developmental defectsin vivo(in insecta). This research demonstrates thatSteinernemaspp are highly tractable for targeted mutagenesis and has great potential in the study of gene functions under controlled laboratory conditions within the relevant context of its ecological niche.
High-fidelity, generalizable light-field reconstruction of biological dynamics with physics-informed meta neural representation
Authors: Yi Chengqiang , Ma Yifan , Sun Minglu , Yuan Xinyue , Zhu Lanxin , Sun Jiahao , Gao Shangbang , Zhang Meng , Zhang Yuhui , Wang Zhaoqiang , Tzung Hsiai , Li Dongyu , Liu Binbing , Fei Peng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractLight field microscopy (LFM) offers rapid volumetric imaging of dynamic biological processes via 2D light field snapshots. However, LFM’s 2D-to-3D inversion with limited spatial-angular tomography leads to artifacts and poor axial resolution. Here, we introduce light-field meta neural representation (LFMNR), a new LFM reconstruction paradigm based on physics-informed implicit neural representation and meta learning, to address these issues for LFM. Leveraging INR’s continuity, LFMNR achieves self-supervised, artifact-free 3D reconstruction with enhanced structural fidelity (∼2.2-fold improvement), spatial resolution (∼4.4-fold enhancement) and data compression (∼10-fold), when compared to classical model-based light-field deconvolution. In addition, our meta-learning and progressive sampling strategies also mitigate INR’s intrinsic limitations in weak generalization and low representation speed scene by scene, thereby resulting in rapid representation (∼100-fold acceleration) of hundreds of consecutive volumes capturing sustained biological dynamics in three dimensions. LFMNR demonstrates superior performance across diverse biological samples without any prior spatial structure knowledge. We showcase LFMNR’s capability in observing cell apoptosis in several hours and capturing instantaneous organelle interactions at millisecond timescale. LFMNR approach readily delivers high-fidelity, high-speed 3D imaging with vast potential applications in biological research and provides a paradigm shift with extensive value for computational imaging reconstruction.
Analysis of Minda Corporation Ltd: leveraging strategic financial tools and analytics
Authors: Sriram Mahadevan 
Published: November 2023

Learning outcomes
After completion of the case study, the students will be able to understand the calculation of cost of individual sources of funds and cost of capital, examine various tools such as economic value added and cash value added analyses which help determining whether a company has added value to its shareholders or not and explore the application of Benford’s law and the Beneish M-score in detecting manipulation of numbers in financial statements.

Case overview/synopsis
Nimmy Jacob, a newly recruited research analyst with an equity research firm, was entrusted with tracking the “auto ancillary industry”, specifically “Minda Corporation Ltd” (MIL). MIL was a leading diversified auto components manufacturing companies in India. The company’s share price meteorically rose during February 2021–2022 (Figure 1). The company’s turnover over the past few years had grown at a compounded annual growth rate of 15% during the three preceding years. The company had in the recent past bought a 15% stake in another competitor, Pricol Ltd, for a consideration of INR 400 crores and previously had used joint ventures and acquisitions to scale up its operations. Jacob, apart from the conventional financial analysis, had to ascertain whether all the strategic decisions were adding value to the shareholders’ investments by exploring the various tools available for the same and also calculate the minimum expected rate of return for MIL. Jacob was apprehensive about the financial statements, although the numbers for the company were good. Jacob was skeptical about a high-growth company having the incentive to manipulate its earnings. Manipulations could be in the form of abnormal increase in accruals, inconsistency in expenses and high days of receivables. Therefore, Jacobs used certain analytics/statistical tools to detect any manipulation of numbers in the financial statements of the company and to ascertain apt findings about the company.

Complexity academic level
This case study is intended for discussion in corporate finance, financial reporting and analysis and financial analytics at Master of Business Administration/undergraduate level.

Supplementary material
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS1: Accounting and finance
Salespeople and teams as stakeholder and knowledge managers: a service-ecosystem, co-creation, crossing-points perspective on key outcomes
Authors: Plouffe Christopher R. , DeCarlo Thomas E. , Fergurson J. Ricky , Kumar Binay , Moreno Gabriel , Schmitt Laurianne , Sleep Stefan , Volpers Stephan , Wang Hao 
Published: November 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to explore the increasing importance of the intraorganizational dimension of the sales role (IDSR) based on service-ecosystem theory. Specifically, it examines how firms can improve interactions both internally and with external actors and stakeholders to both create and sustain advantageous “thin crossing points” (Hartmann et al. 2018). Academic research on sales ecosystems has yet to fully harness the rich insights and potential afforded by the crossing-point perspective.

Design/methodology/approach
After developing and unpacking the paper’s guiding conceptual framework (Figure 1), the authors focus on crossing points and the diversity of interactions between the contemporary sales force and its many stakeholders. They examine the sales literature, identify opportunities for thinning sales crossing points and propose dozens of research questions and needs.

Findings
The paper examines the importance of improving interactions both within and outside the vendor firm to thin crossing points, further develops the concept of the “sales ecosystem” and contributes a series of important research questions for future examination.

Research limitations/implications
The paper focuses on applying “thick” and “thin” crossing points, a key element of Hartman et al. (2018). The primary limitation of the paper is that it focuses solely on the crossing-points perspective and does not consider other applications of Hartman et al. (2018).

Practical implications
This work informs managers of the need to improve interactions both within and outside the firm by thinning crossing points. Improving relationships with stakeholders will improve many vendor firm and customer outcomes, including performance.

Originality/value
Integrating findings from the literature, the authors propose a conceptual framework to encompass the entire diversity of idiosyncratic interactions as well as long-term relationships the sales force experiences. They discuss the strategic importance of thinning crossing points as well as the competitive disadvantages, even peril, “thick” crossing points create. They propose an ambitious research agenda based on dozens of questions to drive further examination of the IDSR from a sales-ecosystem perspective.
The challenge of skill development through “experiencing” integrated marketing communications
Authors: O'Connor Christina , Moran Gillian 
Published: November 2023

PurposeIntegrated marketing communications (IMC) is possibly “the richest and most accessible service-learning experience” in the marketing curriculum (Petkus, 2000, p. 68). Yet, despite this recognition, scholars and practitioners continue to lament the pronounced theory-practice gap between how IMC is taught and the practice of it in industry (Schultz and Patti, 2009; Kerr and Kelly, 2017). This research embeds IMC practice within a classroom setting and subsequently explores student marketers' perceptions of their skill development through experiential client-based learning.Design/methodology/approachAn in-depth qualitative study demonstrates the value of integrating experiential learning within an IMC course, captured through students' reflective practice.FindingsEvidence suggests that experiential, client-based projects are suitable for fostering key practice-based skills in the classroom through students “experiencing” IMC at work. However, this is not always easy. In fact, building key skills such as leadership, motivation, communications, organisation and teamwork presents various challenges for students, whilst students appear unaware of other pertinent skills (e.g. persuasion, critical thinking) gained through exposure to “real-world” IMC tasks.Practical implicationsInstructors adopting experiential learning in the marketing classroom have an opportunity to actively design tasks to embed key workplace skills to bridge the theory-practice gap. Client-based projects offer fertile ground for students to experience marketing in action whilst ultimately bolstering their confidence in their workplace skills.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the marketing education literature and acknowledges the importance of embedding key workplace skills into the contemporary marketing curriculum. An overview of challenges and solutions for instructors seeking to adopt experiential learning via client-based projects in the IMC classroom is presented within this research.
Economic policy uncertainty and the Greek economic crisis
Authors: Hardouvelis Gikas , Karalas Georgios , Karanastasis Dimitrios , Samartzis Panagiotis 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThe authors construct an index of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) for Greece using textual analysis and analyze its role in the 10-year Greek economic crisis.Design/methodology/approach To identify the causal relationship between various measures of economic activity and EPU in Greece, the authors use a sophisticated “shock-based” structural vector autoregressive identification scheme. Additionally, the authors use two additional models to ensure the robustness of the results.Findings EPU is negatively associated with domestic economic activity and economic sentiment, and positively with bond credit spreads. EPU is also estimated to have prolonged the crisis even in periods when macroeconomic imbalances were cured. The results are robust across various model specifications and different proxies of economic activity.Originality/value Brunnermeier (2017) observed that uncertainty may be central to understanding the evolution of the Greek crisis. Yet little attention has been paid to policy uncertainty in the existing long and growing literature on the Greek crisis. The authors attempt to fill this gap.
Navigating the path of family business research: a personal reflection
Authors: Mogaji Emmanuel 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThis article provides a personal response to the questions raised by Ratten et al. (2023) on what family business researchers have learnt about the family business field and tips for the future.Design/methodology/approachThis viewpoint article takes an autoethnographic reflective approach to address the five questions posed to distinguished family business researchers in Ratten et al. (2023).FindingsIn family business research, scholars must address key intersectionalities. These include evolving gender dynamics, global reach, the impact of technology and the growing importance of sustainability. Women's roles in family businesses need thorough examination, while family business definitions must account for global operations. The influence of technology demands exploration, and sustainability is crucial for businesses of all sizes. Scholars should offer theory and practical guidance, bridging the gap between research and real-world application in this evolving landscape.Originality/valueThis article highlights the critical intersectionalities shaping the family business field. Through the autoethnographic reflective approach, the article provides both verbatim advice and future-oriented tips, delivering original and innovative insights into the needs of the family business management domain.
Multi-faceted US uncertainty connectedness with domestic and global geopolitical risk
Authors: Kyriazis Nikolaos A. , Economou Emmanouil M.L. 
Published: November 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to explore the spillover impacts that domestic or global aspects of geopolitical risk generate on uncertainty. The latter is derived from a spectrum of different sources in the USA (economic policy, monetary policy, fiscal policy, national security, government spending, taxation) from 1985 up to November 2022.

Design/methodology/approach
Vector autoregressive schemes are used to detect causality and reverse causality between each aspect of geopolitical risk and each source of US uncertainty.

Findings
Notably, national security generates higher geopolitical risk by almost 8% in the first month but decreases GPR by 2% in the third month after the shock. USA is found to constitute a cornerstone as regards global peace and that the overall economic or monetary conditions or war status in the USA are remarkably more influential toward domestic and global geopolitical uncertainty than separate strands of fiscal policymaking. Reverse causality displays sizably weaker effects overall.

Originality/value
This study sheds light on the determinants of geopolitical risk and domestic instability by an international perspective and provides a compass for better decision-making for fiscal and monetary policymakers and market participants.
Islamic vs. conventional banking: what about the efficiency during coronavirus?
Authors: Bakour Amal 
Published: November 2023

Purpose
The aim of this paper is to investigate and to measure the efficiency of Islamic banks through a comparative study with their conventional counterparts during the coronavirus period for the case of MENA region.

Design/methodology/approach
Indeed, this study will use the parametric method for a panel of 92 banks, including 27 Islamic banks and 65 conventional banks, over a ten-year period (2012–2021) and from eight MENA countries, namely, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Yemen and Tunisia.

Findings
The findings show that Islamic banks are more profitable than conventional banks before and during Covid-19, this result can be explained by the effectiveness of Shariah principles, differences in cost control, management and resource allocation. In addition, this study found that conventional banks outperformed Islamic banks after Covid-19.

Originality/value
This is a recent empirical study that investigates a timely and important topic.
Analyzing destination country risk profiles in business study abroad programs: a neural network approach
Authors: Brattin Rick L. , Sexton Randall S. , Austin Rebekah E. , Guo Xiang , Scarmeas Erica M. , Hulett Michelle J. 
Published: November 2023

Purpose
This study aims to identify how objective indicators of destination country risk differentiate business study abroad programs from those in other academic disciplines.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors trained a neural network model on six years of student-initiated inquiries about study abroad programs at a large US university. The model classified business versus nonbusiness study abroad programs using objective measures of destination country risk as the primary inputs.

Findings
The model correctly classifies business and nonbusiness study abroad programs with over 70% accuracy. Business programs were found to be 20% less likely to include destinations where the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend nonroutine vaccinations and favor countries with higher Global Peace Index scores.

Practical implications
These results underscore the need to consider destination country risk in the design and administration of study abroad programs. An understanding of student preferences for lower risk destinations can contribute to improved planning, execution and student experiences in these programs.

Social implications
Better planning and management of study abroad programs based on understanding of destination country risk can lead to enhanced student safety and experiences.

Originality/value
This study offers a unique perspective on understanding study abroad programs by focusing on objective measures of destination country risk rather than risk perceptions. It also is, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the first to use a neural network to classify study abroad programs as business versus nonbusiness using objective measures of country-specify risk indicators.