bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial metabolism inDrosophilamacrophage-like cells regulates body growth via modulation of cytokine and insulin signaling
Authors: Sriskanthadevan-Pirahas Shrivani , Tinwala Abdul Qadeer , Turingan Michael J , Khan Shahoon , Grewal Savraj S 
Published: February 2023

SummaryMacrophages play key roles in regulating and maintaining tissue and whole-body metabolism in both normal and disease states. While the cell-cell signaling pathway that underlie these functions are becoming clear, less is known about how alterations in macrophage metabolism influence their roles as regulators of systemic physiology. Here we investigate this by examining Drosophila macrophage-like cells called hemocytes. We used knockdown of TFAM, a mitochondrial genome transcription factor, to reduce mitochondrial OxPhos activity specifically in larval hemocytes. We find that this reduction in hemocyte OxPhos leads to a decrease in larval growth and body size. These effects are associated with a suppression of systemic insulin, the main endocrine stimulator of body growth. We also find that TFAM knockdown leads to decreased hemocyte JNK signaling and decreased expression of the TNF alpha homolog, Eiger in hemocytes. Furthermore, we show that genetic knockdown of hemocyte JNK signaling or Eiger expression mimics the effects of TFAM knockdown and leads to a non-autonomous suppression of body size but without altering hemocyte numbers. Our data suggest that modulation of hemocyte mitochondrial metabolism can determine their non-autonomous effects on organismal growth by altering cytokine and systemic insulin signaling. Given that mitochondrial metabolism can be controlled by nutrient availability, our findings may explain how macrophages function as nutrient-responsive regulators of tissue and whole-body physiology and homeostasis.
Spatial heterogeneity in biofilm metabolism elicited by local control of phenazine methylation
Authors: Evans Christopher R. , Smiley Marina K. , Thio Sean Asahara , Wei Mian , Price-Whelan Alexa , Min Wei , Dietrich Lars E.P. 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACTWithin biofilms, gradients of electron acceptors such as oxygen stimulate the formation of physiological subpopulations. This heterogeneity can enable cross-feeding and promote drug resilience, features of the multicellular lifestyle that make biofilm-based infections difficult to treat. The pathogenic bacteriumPseudomonas aeruginosaproduces pigments called phenazines that can support metabolic activity in hypoxic/anoxic biofilm subzones, but these compounds also include methylated derivatives that are toxic to their producer under some conditions. Here, we uncover roles for the global regulators RpoS and Hfq/Crc in controlling the beneficial and detrimental effects of methylated phenazines in biofilms. Our results indicate that RpoS controls phenazine methylation by modulating activity of the carbon catabolite repression pathway, in which the Hfq/Crc complex inhibits translation of the phenazine methyltransferase PhzM. We find that RpoS indirectly inhibits expression of CrcZ, a small RNA that binds to and sequesters Hfq/Crc, specifically in the oxic subzone ofP. aeruginosabiofilms. Deletion ofrpoSorcrctherefore leads to overproduction of methylated phenazines, which we show leads to increased metabolic activity—an apparent beneficial effect—in hypoxic/anoxic subpopulations within biofilms. However, we also find that biofilms lacking Crc show increased sensitivity to an exogenously added methylated phenazine, indicating that the increased metabolic activity in this mutant comes at a cost. Together, these results suggest that complex regulation of PhzM allowsP. aeruginosato simultaneously exploit the benefits and limit the toxic effects of methylated phenazines.Significance StatementP. aeruginosacauses biofilm-based infections and is known for its production of colorful phenazine derivatives. Among these the methylated phenazines are the most toxic and can cause condition-dependent damage to their producer. In this study, we show that methylated phenazines also have a beneficial effect in that they specifically support metabolic activity at depth inP. aeruginosabiofilms, where oxygen limitation would otherwise stall metabolism. We describe a new link betweenP. aeruginosaglobal regulators that control methylated phenazine production in a manner that limits their toxicity while simultaneously enabling their contribution to metabolism. These results expand our understanding of the strategies that enableP. aeruginosasurvival in multicellular structures, which is key to its success during chronic host colonization.
Interleukin 12 correlates with performance, metabolism and acid-base balance during physical exercise
Authors: Castilho Ione Vieira , Gonçalves Luis Carlos Oliveira , Rodolpho Shirley Gomes Leite , Lopes Jaqueline Santos Silva , França Eduardo Luzia , Honório França Adenilda , de Magalhães Neto Aníbal Monteiro 
Published: February 2023

AbstractStudies involving physical exercise are no longer performed only to evaluate the performance of athletes, but have become an important tool to understand how different forms of stress affect immunometabolism. The present study investigated the acute impact of a treadmill running test on different biomarkers, the acid-base system, glycemia/lactatemia, and the correlation between IL-12 and metabolism/performance. Ten male subjects participated in a cross-sectional study. The treadmill protocol was progressively increased until exhaustion. The IL-12 concentration was measured using the “Cytometric Bead Array” kit (CBA, BD Bioscience, USA) through flow cytometry, and the data were analyzed using FCAP Array software. The test had an average time of 13 minutes and 51 seconds and induced alterations in IL-12 concentration of 160%, lactate of 607%, blood glucose of 58%, blood pH of −3%, BE of −529%, bicarbonate of - 58%, and anion gap of 232%. It was observed that the lower the percentage variation in IL-12, the greater the phase to reach the anaerobic threshold (AT) in Km/h, and the time to reach this same threshold, and the opposite was also true, confirmed by the Spearman test. (−0.900 between IL-12 and the time to reach AT and −0.872 between IL-12 and the phase to reach AT). Other correlations were observed: between post-IL-12 and pre anion gap of 1.0, post-IL-12 and post chloride of 1.0, percentage change in IL-12 and post anion gap of 1.0 and percentage variation in IL-12 and post lactate of 0.943, pre-IL-12 and post anion gap of −1.0, post-IL-12 and pre LDH of −0.943, post-IL-12 and post LDH of −0.943, post-IL −12 and BE post of −9.943, post-IL-12 and post bicarbonate of −0.943, and post-IL-12 and post pH of −0.943. The AT was reached in 7:52 minutes, in the 14.9 km/h phase, with a heart rate of 163 beats per minute, an absolute power of 524 W, and an absolute VO2 of 3.12 l.min. A correlation between IL-12 and performance, metabolism, and blood acid-base balance is suggested. Furthermore, it is expected that approximately 15% of glycemia is formed by the CORI cycle, through the removal of lactate and reestablishment of glycemia, however, this estimate can be exceeded in athletes, according to the level of training.
Comparative transcriptomics reveal differential gene expression inPlasmodium vivaxgeographical isolates and implications on erythrocyte invasion mechanisms
Authors: Kepple Daniel , Ford Colby T. , Williams Jonathan , Abagero Beka , Li Shaoyu , Popovici Jean , Yewhalaw Delenasaw , Lo Eugenia 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPlasmodium vivaxuses Duffy binding protein (PvDBP1) to bind to the Duffy Antigen-Chemokine Receptor (DARC) to invade human erythrocytes. Individuals who lack DARC expression (Duffy-negative) are thought to be resistance toP. vivax. In recent years,P. vivaxmalaria is becoming more prevalent in Africa with a portion of these cases detected in Duffy-negatives. Apart from DBP1, members of the reticulocyte binding protein (RBP) and tryptophan-rich antigen (TRAg) families may also play a role in erythrocyte invasion. While the transcriptomes of the Southeast Asian and South AmericanP. vivaxare well documented, the gene expression profile ofP. vivaxin Africa and more specifically the expression level of several erythrocyte binding gene candidates as compared to DBP1 are largely unknown. This paper characterized the firstP. vivaxtranscriptome in Africa and compared with those from the Southeast Asian and South American isolates. The expression of 4,404 gene transcripts belong to 12 functional groups including 43 specific erythrocyte binding gene candidates were examined. Overall, there were 10-26% differences in the gene expression profile amongst the geographical isolates, with the Ethiopian and CambodianP. vivaxbeing most similar. Majority of the gene transcripts involved in protein transportation, housekeeping, and host interaction were highly transcribed in the EthiopianP. vivax. Erythrocyte binding genes includingPvRBP2aandPvRBP3expressed six-fold higher thanPvDBP1and60-fold higher thanPvEBP/DBP2. Other genes includingPvRBP1a, PvMSP3.8, PvMSP3.9, PvTRAG2, PvTRAG14, andPvTRAG22also showed relatively high expression. Differential expression was observed among geographical isolates, e.g.,PvDBP1andPvEBP/DBP2were highly expressed in the Cambodian but not the Brazilian and Ethiopian isolates, whereasPvRBP2a andPvRBP2b showed higher expression in the Ethiopian and Cambodian than the Brazilian isolates. Compared toPvs25, the standard biomarker for detecting female gametocytes,PvAP2-G(PVP01_1440800), GAP (PVP01_1403000), andPvs47(PVP01_1208000) were highly expressed across geographical samples. These findings provide an important baseline for future comparisons ofP. vivaxtranscriptomes from Duffy-negative infections and highlight potential biomarkers for improved gametocyte detection.
Overall biomass yield on multiple nutrient sources
Authors: Golan Ohad , Gampp Olivia , Eckert Lina , Sauer Uwe 
Published: February 2023

AbstractMicroorganisms utilize nutrients primarily to generate biomass and replicate. When a single nutrient source is available, the produced biomass increases linearly with the initial amount of the available nutrient. This linear trend can be predicted to high accuracy by “black box models” that consider growth as a single chemical reaction with nutrients as substrates and biomass as a product. Since natural environments typically feature multiple nutrients, we here quantify the effect of co-utilization of multiple nutrients on bacterial biomass production. First, we demonstrate a mutual effect between the metabolism of different nutrient sources where the ability to utilize one is affected by the other. Second, we show that for some nutrient combinations, the produced biomass is no longer linear to the initial amount of nutrients. These observations cannot be explained by the traditional “black box models”, presumably because the metabolism of one nutrient affects another, which is not accounted for by these models. To capture these observations, we extent “black box models” to include catabolism, anabolism, and biosynthesis of biomass precursors and phenomenologically add a mutual effect between the metabolism of the nutrient sources. The expanded model qualitatively recaptures the experimental observations and, unexpectedly, predicts that the produced biomass is not only dependent on the combination of nutrient sources but also on their relative initial amounts. We validate this prediction experimentally by demonstrating how measurement of the produced biomass can be used to determine how each nutrient effects the metabolic processes of another.
Hospitality SMEs and the circular economy: strategies and practice post-COVID
Authors: Bowen Robert , Dowell David , Morris Wyn 
Published: February 2023

PurposeThis research evaluates specific circular economy issues in relation to the hospitality sector. This is investigated in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, considering the impact that the experiences of UK hospitality SMEs had on their circular economy activities. Viewed through a resource bricolage lens, for some this was a consequence of the challenges of the pandemic, while others were proactive in pursuing circular economy strategies.Design/methodology/approachA sequential mixed methods research design is established based on a pragmatic worldview. The first phase analyses secondary data from the Business Insights and Conditions Survey (BICS) to evaluate circular economy aspects on hospitality businesses in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Phase 2 collects and analyses qualitative semi-structured interview data from directors of hospitality SMEs to investigate the experiences of businesses in this research context.FindingsResults point to a desire for hospitality SMEs to engage in circular economy activities, especially as a means of achieving financial efficiency, however this is sometimes constrained by increased costs. Resource bricolage theory underlines potential advantages for SMEs to engage with the local community to support circular economy activities and bring mutual benefits.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the under-researched topic of circular economy issues in hospitality SMEs. The focus on SMEs is significant as small businesses are more resource-constrained than larger businesses. The context of the post-COVID period is also notable due to changing attitudes towards circular economy aspects from the experiences of the pandemic.
Farmers’ policy cognition, psychological constructs and behavior of land transfer: empirical analysis based on household surveys in Beijing
Authors: Zhang Yating , Tsai Chung-Han , Liu Wei , Weng Kun 
Published: February 2023

PurposeThis research examines farmers’ cognitions to the policy and how such cognitions influence their intentions and behaviors of land transfer, with the implementation of the Three Rights Separation (TRS) policy.Design/methodology/approachUsing data collected from the Beijing area, this research tests the relationship between farmers’ policy cognition and their intention/behavior through the mediation of their psychological constructs. Both Causal step test and Bootstrap test are adopted.FindingsFarmers’ intention of land transfer is influenced by their cognition of the TRS policy. In this process, farmers’ psychological constructs play a mediating role between their policy cognition and their intentions of land transfer, thereby eventually influencing their behaviors. This research confirms that institutions are not exogenous and the policy is not wishful thinking from the government. Instead, any policies, even enacted by governmental authority, have to be internalized within target groups’ cognition to be implemented.Originality/valueLand transfer deserves close attention since it is the direct aim of the TRS reform. In this regard, this paper, based on an institutional perspective, aims to extend our understanding on the incentives of land transfer. This research proposes a revised model of planned behavior and argues that farmers’ intention of land transfer is influenced by their cognition of the TRS policy. On one hand, this study is the first to examine farmers’ cognition formed through the implementation of the TRS policy. On the other hand, it reveals the path of how policy can finally influence farmers’ intentions and behaviors through shaping their cognitions and changing subjective perceptions, which enriches our understanding of the mechanism of how policy has a concrete impact on society.
The coordination mechanism of a risk-averse green supply chain
Authors: Wang Yuhong , Sheng Xiaoqi , Xie Yudie 
Published: February 2023

Purpose
This study aims to establish a centralized decision-making game model and manufacturer-led Stackelberg game model based on factors of risk aversion of supply chain members and product greenness. The research aims to study whether the introduction of the “cost + risk sharing” contract affects coordination of this type of green supply by calculating the optimal decision of each mode.

Design/methodology/approach
This research designs a supply chain model under centralized and decentralized decision-making. This model uses the Stackelberg game to calculate the optimal decision under decentralized decision-making to evaluate the effect of a green supply chain and then analyze the “cost + risk sharing” contract and the degree of coordination of the supply chain. A sensitivity analysis is conducted on the centralized mode for the impact of variables on the supply chain.

Findings
This research finds a double marginalization effect in decentralized decision-making, and the risk aversion coefficient plays a decisive role in the utility of supply chain members. The specific range of risk- and cost-sharing factors allows supply chain members to achieve Pareto improvements and provides decision-making based on the corresponding management strategies according to each other’s risk preference degree.

Research limitations/implications
The influence of each variable on the green supply chain in the centralized mode is studied by MATLAB numerical simulation. It provides reference for green supply chain members to formulate corresponding management strategies according to each other's risk preference degree.

Originality/value
This research innovatively considers manufacturers and retailers to explore the market demand for product greenness. It introduces a novel “cost + risk sharing” contract to coordinate the green supply chain.
Exploring the outcomes of servant leadership under the mediating role of relational energy and the moderating role of other-focused interest
Authors: Özkan Osman Seray , Üzüm Burcu , Çakan Serdar , Güzel Mevlüdiye , Gülbahar Yasemin 
Published: February 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to explain the mediating role of relational energy and the moderating role of other-focused interest in the relationship between servant leadership and its outputs (namely, work effort, flourishing and organizational citizenship behavior), using the theory of resource conservation and social contagion.

Design/methodology/approach
The survey method was used in the study, and longitudinal data were collected to prevent the common method variance error and to reveal the causal relationships. Structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings
According to the results, it was observed that relational energy has a full mediator role in the relationship between servant leadership, work effort and flourishing, and relational energy has an integral part mediator role in the relationship between servant leadership and organizational citizenship behavior. In addition, it has been determined that other focus interest plays a moderating role in the relationship between servant leadership and relational energy.

Practical implications
The research offers important implications for servant leaders on how to improve individual and organizational outcomes.

Originality/value
The study contributes to the servant leadership literature by associating resource conservation theory with social contagion theory. The study differs from previous studies with two main features. First, the previous studies generally adopted a perspective of energy sender. This research, on the other hand, is based on the perception of energy receivers (followers of a servant leader). Second, a moderating role of other-focused interest is explored in the relationship between servant leadership and relational energy.
Assessment of barriers to the adoption of sustainable building materials (SBM) in the construction industry of a developing country
Authors: Eze Emmanuel Chidiebere , Sofolahan Onyinye , Omoboye Olayinka Gideon 
Published: February 2023

PurposeSustainable/Green building materials (SBMs/GBMs) offer a wide range of benefits which cut across the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainability. The incorporation of these materials in construction projects in most developing countries is still low owing to some factors. This study assessed the major barriers to the incorporation of SBMs in the delivery of construction projects in developing countries, with Nigeria as a case in point.Design/methodology/approachThe well-structured quantitative questionnaire was used to gather data from the key players in the construction industry, using the snowball sampling method and electronic means of questionnaire administration. Frequencies, percentile, relative importance index, Kruskal–Wallis H test, Kendall's coefficient of concordance and exploratory factor analysis were used to analyse the gathered data.FindingsThe study revealed that the major constructs of barriers to SBM adoption in construction projects are: (1) resistance and information barriers (Eigenvalues = 5.237; % of V = 23.806), (2) regulation and funding of R&D (Eigenvalues = 2.741; % of V = 12.457), (3) cost and market barriers (Eigenvalues = 2.223; % of V = 10.105), (4) government incentive and suppliers' availability (Eigenvalues = 1.728; % of V = 7.852) and (5) GB experts and labour barriers (Eigenvalues = 1.307; % of V = 5.942).Originality/valueThis study assessed the view of construction experts in the five states of the south-eastern geo-political zone of Nigeria, particularly as regards the barriers to the incorporation of sustainable building materials in construction projects in the region.
Measuring performances through multiplicative functions by modifying the MEREC method: MEREC-G and MEREC-H
Authors: Keleş Nuh 
Published: February 2023

PurposeThis study aims to apply new modifications by changing the nonlinear logarithmic calculation steps in the method based on the removal effects of criteria (MEREC) method. Geometric and harmonic mean from multiplicative functions is used for the modifications made while extracting the effects of the criteria on the overall performance one by one. Instead of the nonlinear logarithmic measure used in the MEREC method, it is desired to obtain results that are closer to the mean and have a lower standard deviation.Design/methodology/approachThe MEREC method is based on the removal effects of the criteria on the overall performance. The method uses a logarithmic measure with a nonlinear function. MEREC-G using geometric mean and MEREC-H using harmonic mean are introduced in this study. The authors compared the MEREC method, its modifications and some other objective weight determination methods.FindingsMEREC-G and MEREC-H variants, which are modifications of the MEREC method, are shown to be effective in determining the objective weights of the criteria. Findings of the MEREC-G and MEREC-H variants are more convenient, simpler, more reasonable, closer to the mean and have fewer deviations. It was determined that the MEREC-G variant gave more compatible findings with the entropy method.Practical implicationsDecision-making can occur at any time in any area of life. There are various criteria and alternatives for decision-making. In multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) models, it is a very important distinction to determine the criteria weights for the selection/ranking of the alternatives. The MEREC method can be used to find more reasonable or average results than other weight determination methods such as entropy. It can be expected that the MEREC method will be more used in daily life problems and various areas.Originality/valueObjective weight determination methods evaluate the weights of the criteria according to the scores of the determined alternatives. In this study, the MEREC method, which is an objective weight determination method, has been expanded. Although a nonlinear measurement model is used in the literature, the contribution was made in this study by using multiplicative functions. As an important originality, the authors demonstrated the effect of removing criteria in the MEREC method in a sensitivity analysis by actually removing the alternatives one by one from the model.