bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term cellular and molecular signatures of pregnancy in the adult and ageing brain
Authors: Duarte-Guterman P , Richard JE , Lieblich SE , Eid RS , Lamers Y , Galea LAM 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPregnancy is marked by brain changes to volume, structure, connectivity, some of which are long-lasting. Few studies have examined possible mechanisms of these changes or the effects of multiple pregnancies. Here, we characterized various cellular and molecular signatures of parity (nulliparous, primiparous, biparous) in the hippocampus, an important area for cognitive and emotional regulation, and in plasma.We investigated density of neural stems cells (Sox2) and microglia (Iba-1), and levels of the postsynaptic density protein (PSD-95), cell signalling pathways, hippocampal and peripheral inflammation and the tryptophan-kynurenine (TRP-KYN) pathway, at 1 week after weaning (7 months) and in middle-age (13 months). Parity increased PSD-95 levels in both age groups and prevented the age-related decrease in neural stem cell density observed in nulliparous rats. Biparity increased cell signalling phosphoproteins (pp706sk, S6RP) and number of microglia in the dentate gyrus, regardless of age. Parity resulted in transient changes to the TRP-KYN system and peripheral inflammation. Thus, parity has lasting effects on synaptic plasticity and alters the trajectory of hippocampal aging.Highlights- Parity increased the postsynaptic protein PSD-95 in the hippocampus, regardless of age.- Biparity increased microglial density and cell signalling in the hippocampus, regardless of age.- Parity prevented the age-related decline in hippocampal neural stem cells.- Parity transiently increased tryptophan-kynurenine pathway metabolites.- Aging reduced plasma cytokine levels, an effect more prominent with nulliparity.
Exploring tumor-normal cross-talk with TranNet: role of the environment in tumor progression
Authors: Amgalan Bayarbaatar , Day Chi-Ping , Przytycka Teresa M. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThere is a growing awareness that tumor-adjacent normal tissues used as control samples in cancer studies do not represent fully healthy tissues. Instead, they are intermediates between healthy tissues and tumors. The factors that contribute to the deviation of such control samples from healthy state include exposure to the tumor-promoting factors, tumor-related immune response, and other aspects of tumor microenvironment. Characterizing the relation between gene expression of tumor-adjacent control samples and tumors is fundamental for understanding roles of microenvironment in tumor initiation and progression, as well as for identification of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for cancers.To address the demand, we developed and validated TranNet, a computational approach that utilizes gene expression in matched control and tumor samples to study the relation between their gene expression profiles. TranNet infers a sparse weighted bipartite graph from gene expression profiles of matched control samples to tumors. The results allow us to identify predictors (potential regulators) of this transition. To our knowledge, TranNet is the first computational method to infer such regulation.We applied TranNet to the data of several cancer types and their matched control samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Many predictors identified by TranNet are genes associated with regulation by the tumor microenvironment as they are enriched in G-protein coupled receptor signaling, cell-to-cell communication, immune processes, and cell adhesion. Correspondingly, targets of inferred predictors are enriched in pathways related to tissue remodelling (including the epithelial-mesenchymal Transition (EMT)), immune response, and cell proliferation. This implies that the predictors are markers and potential stromal facilitators of tumor progression. Our results provide new insights for the relationships between tumor adjacent control sample, tumor and the tumor environment. Moreover, the set of predictors identified by TranNet will provide a valuable resource for future investigations.The TranNet method was implemented in python, source codes and the data sets used for and generated during this study are available at the Github sitehttps://github.com/ncbi/TranNet.
Structural and mechanistic insight into ribosomal ITS2 RNA processing by nuclease-kinase machinery
Authors: Chen Jiyun , Chen Hong , Li Shanshan , Lin Xiaofeng , Hu Rong , Zhang Kaiming , Liu Liang 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPrecursor ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA) processing is a key step in ribosome biosynthesis and involves numerous RNases. A HEPN nuclease Las1 and a polynucleotide kinase Grc3 assemble into a tetramerase responsible for rRNA maturation. Here, we report the structures of full-lengthSaccharomyces cerevisiaeandCyberlindnera jadiniiLas1-Grc3 complexes, andCyberlindnera jadiniiLas1. The Las1-Grc3 structures show that the central coiled coil domain of Las1 facilitates pre-rRNA binding and cleavage, while the Grc3 C-terminal loop motif directly binds to the HEPN active center of Las1 and regulates pre-rRNA cleavage. Structural comparison between Las1 and Las1-Grc3 complex exhibits that Grc3 binding induces conformational rearrangements of catalytic residues associated with HEPN nuclease activation. Biochemical assays identify that Las1 processes pre-rRNA at the two specific sites (C2 and C2′), which greatly facilitates rRNA maturation. Our structures and specific pre-rRNA cleavage findings provide crucial insights into the mechanism and pathway of pre-rRNA processing in ribosome biosynthesis.
Desert endophytic fungi improve reproductive, morphological, biochemical, yield and fruit quality characteristics of tomato under drought stress
Authors: Halo Boshra Ahmed , Al-Yahyai Rashid , Al-Sadi Abdullah , Al-Sibani Asma 
Published: February 2023

PurposeCrops are increasingly affected by drought; hence, the current study explored the potential role of three desert endophytic fungi, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus terreus and Talaromyces variabilis, in conferring drought tolerance in tomato plants.Design/methodology/approachPreserved endophytic fungi from a Rhazya stricta desert plant were adopted to obtain the required fungal treatment; tomatoes received fungal treatments directly in plastic trays and subsequently in pots. Drought was applied using 15% of PEG-6000 at two stages: flowering and fruiting. The following parameters were measured: pollen sterility, growth characteristics, morphological analysis and biochemical analysis, including proline, gibberellic acid (GA3) and chlorophyll measurements; thus, the data were analyzed statistically using SPSS software.FindingsAll applied endophytes significantly promoted pollen viability and tomato yield under stressed and nonstressed conditions. Interestingly, these endophytes significantly enhanced the number of trichomes under drought stress and promoted tomato fruit quality. The colonized tomato plants accumulated a high proline level under drought stress but lower than un-inoculated stressed plants. Also, a significant rise in growth characteristics was observed by A. fumigatus and A. terreus under normal conditions. Moreover, both raised GA3 levels under drought-stressed and nonstressed conditions. Also these two endophytes enhanced chlorophyll and carotenoid contents under drought stress. Fruit characteristics were enhanced by nonstressed T. variabilis and stressed A. fumigatus.Originality/valueThe present endophytic fungi provide impressive benefits to their host in normal and drought-stressed conditions. Consequently, they represent valuable sources as sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to mitigate drought stress.
An efficient modeling approach of 1D-planar metamaterials in the high-frequency regime
Authors: Schiemer Melanie , Reum Thomas , Toepfer Hannes 
Published: February 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present an alternative modeling approach in terms of the determination of a physically equivalent circuit model for one-dimensional (1D) planar metamaterials in the high-frequency regime, without a postprocessing optimization procedure. Thereby, an efficient implementation of physical relationships is aimed.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, a method based on quasi-stationary simulations and mathematical conversions to derive the values for a physically equivalent circuit model is proposed. Because the electromagnetic coupling mechanisms are investigated in detail, a simplification for the considered multiconductor transmission line structure is achieved.

Findings
The results show that the proposed modeling approach is an efficient and physically meaningful alternative to classical full-wave simulation techniques for the investigated inhomogeneous transmission line structure in both the time domain as well as in the frequency domain. In the course of this, the effort is reduced while a comparable accuracy is maintained, whereby specific coupling mechanisms are considered in circuit simulations.

Originality/value
The process to obtain information about physically interpretable lumped element values for a given structure or to determine a layout for known ones is simplified with the aid of the proposed approach. An advantageous adaption of the presented procedure to other areas of application is well conceivable.
How to facilitate the educational inclusion of students with autism: learning from the experience of teachers in Spain
Authors: Muñoz-Martínez Yolanda , Simon Rueda Cecilia , Fernández-Blázquez MªLuz M. 
Published: February 2023

PurposeThis study analyses the barriers and facilitators for the educational inclusion of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from the perspective of their teachers.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative methodology was applied, specifically a multiple case study from which 24 in-depth interviews were conducted with teachers who had worked previously with students with ASD. The participants were Spanish teachers from different educational stages (from early childhood education to baccalaureate) and with different roles (ordinary classroom teachers and support teachers).FindingsThe results show that collaboration amongst teachers, their attitudes, the way of understanding the supports, the creation of collaboration between students and the organisation of both the school and the classroom are important for the inclusion of students with ASD. The analyses and discussion of the facilitators for the inclusion of these students are especially relevant, since they provide useful guidance for teachers who want to respond to the right of these students to an inclusive education.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations and future research lines of this study are related to the logic of amplitude and depth, respectively. Regarding amplitude, the authors highlighted the importance of gathering the voices of professionals committed to the development of more inclusive practices; however, the authors also identified the need to expand the listening to the voices of teachers who do not have such experience. This raises a possible future research line: to explore how to reach teachers with no experience in inclusive education in order to contribute to the transformation of their practice.Practical implicationsThere is extensive knowledge within the classrooms, which the authors aimed to demonstrate in this study, with the hope that others can learn from it. The obtained results are useful to every teacher who wishes to create an inclusive school. In agreement with the consideration of inclusive education as a process, this investigation identified strategies and resources that facilitate the learning and participation of students with ASD, as well as barriers that must be tackled to advance in this regard.Originality/valueThe authors aimed to contribute to understanding the advances in the development of the right to inclusive education. To this end, the authors gathered the voices of teachers (those from the ordinary classroom and those considered “support teachers”) from regular schools that welcome students with ASD and which had a history of commitment to the development of more inclusive education. There is extensive knowledge within the classrooms, which the authors aimed to demonstrate in this study, with the hope that others can learn from it. The obtained results are useful to every teacher who wishes to create an inclusive school.
The level of digital competencies for the provision of smart information service at academic libraries in Jordan
Authors: Hamad Faten , Al-Fadel Maha , Shehata Ahmed Maher Khafaga 
Published: February 2023

Purpose
Technological advancement has forced academic libraries to change their traditional services and routines by adopting emerging technologies to respond to the changing information needs of their users who are now more technologically inclined and prefer to access information remotely and in a timely manner. Smart technologies are the recent trends in academic libraries. This research aims to investigate the level of smart information service implementation at academic libraries in Jordan. It also aimed to investigate the correlation between the level of smart information services offered by the libraries and the level of digital competencies among the library staff.

Design/methodology/approach
This research is designed using survey design to collect comprehensive information from the study participants. A questionnaire was disseminated to 340 respondents, and 246 questionnaires were returned and were suitable for analysis with a response rate of 72.4%.

Findings
The results indicated a moderate level of smart information service offered by academic libraries, as well as a moderate level of digital skills associated with the advocacy of smart information services. The results also indicated a strong and positive relationship between the level of smart information services at the investigated libraries and the level of digital competencies among the librarians.

Practical implications
The findings will help other academic libraries understand how to respond to the emergent change in users’ information-seeking behavior by understanding their available human resources competencies and the requirement to undergo this emergent change.

Originality/value
This paper provides insights and practical solutions for academic libraries in response to global information trends based on users’ behaviors. This research was conducted in Jordan as one of the developing countries and hence it provides insights of the situation there. It will help academic libraries in Jordan and the region to handle and cope with the challenges associated with technology acceptance based on its staff level of digital competencies. The contribution of this research that it was done in a developing country where progress in the filed can be considered slow because of many factors, mainly economics, where institutions focus on essential library objectives, which are information resources development and databases subscriptions.
Linking decentralization in decision-making to resilience outcomes: a supply chain orientation perspective
Authors: Adana Saban , Manuj Ila , Herburger Michael , Cevikparmak Sedat , Celik Hasan , Uvet Hasan 
Published: February 2023

PurposeGlobal supply chains are increasingly becoming more prone to high-impact disruptions, which has been fairly evident with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The capacity to address disruptions is essential for the survival of any organization. Coping with increasing complexity and uncertainties requires a systemic view of supply chains. Furthermore, a comprehensive understanding of the governance structure and timely decision-making are critical in times of disruptions. Although several aspects of supply chain resilience (SCRES) are broadly studied in the literature, the relationship between supply chain orientation (SCO), decentralization in decision-making and SCRES is an understudied area.Design/methodology/approachThis study takes a longitudinal approach to address this research gap with a comprehensive meta-analytic review to explore the relationships between the constructs of interest through the lenses of contingency and dynamic capability theories. Furthermore, 2 surveys with sample sizes of 250 and 200 were conducted with supply chain professionals to test the research framework before and after the pandemic to compare the findings.FindingsStructural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis indicates a positive relationship between SCO and decentralization and between decentralization and SCRES. The post-COVID-19 analysis further validates the influence of agility, collaboration and situational awareness related to decentralization and resilience. More importantly, capabilities have a higher impact on resilience during the pandemic than before.Practical implicationsThe results entreat organizations to attain decentralized decision-making vis-à-vis dedicated functional teams charged with reacting timely to disruptions. The teams should be empowered to leverage their knowledge and experiences regardless of their position in the hierarchy.Originality/valueAlthough SCRES is an active research stream, the structural aspects of SCRES and its relationship with SCO are understudied. Therefore, this research puts forth a research framework and empirically tests hypotheses that frame the relationship between SCO, decentralization and resilience outcomes in pre- and post-COVID environments.
Evaluating sustainability reporting on GRI standards in developing countries: a case of Pakistan
Authors: Khan Ismail , Fujimoto Yuka , Uddin Muhammad Jasim , Afridi Muhammad Asim 
Published: February 2023

PurposeThis study aims to examine sustainability reporting through the lens of global reporting initiative (GRI) standards in developing economies, particularly in Pakistan, from the perspective of stakeholder theory, legitimacy theory, and system theory.Design/methodology/approachQualitative and quantitative analyses on economic, social and environmental areas of sustainability reporting based on the GRI standards are applied across 57 organizations listed on the Pakistan stock exchange over the years 2016–2020.FindingsThe results from the content analysis and descriptive statistics show that overall sustainability reporting increased persistently over time and limited organizations disclose economic, social and environmental sustainability based on GRI standards. Moreover, the result from the two-tailed correlation analysis shows positive relations between economic, social and environmental sustainability reporting.Research limitations/implicationsFollowing the GRI standards, the regulators, government and policymakers need to assess the sustainability reporting based on GRI standards to improve corporate operations' transparency, stakeholder trust and legitimacy. The organizations should move beyond the compliance of regulatory norms and adopt the globally accepted sustainability GRI standards to improve sustainability reporting. The same kind of sustainability reporting is also advised for other countries with similar backgrounds and sustainability challenges.Social implicationsThe integrated sustainability reporting framework based on GRI standards enables the organizations to work as a system of interconnected economic, social and environmental sustainability to resolve the issue of sustainability reporting, ensure the trust of multiple stakeholders and legitimize their business operations in society.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge and thorough review of literature, this is the first study that examines the sustainability reporting based on GRI in the developing country of Pakistan to extend the findings of previous studies from conventional sustainability reporting to the globally accepted GRI based sustainability reporting. Using system theory, this study provides an additional contribution to the consideration concerning sustainability reporting based on GRI standards in the context of Pakistan.
The mediation effect of audit committee quality and internal audit function quality on the firm size–financial reporting quality nexus
Authors: Islam Manirul , Slof John , Albitar Khaldoon 
Published: February 2023

PurposeThis study examines the effects of firm size on financial reporting quality (FRQ) through the mediating effects of audit committee (AC) quality and internal audit function (IAF) quality.Design/methodology/approachBased on data from a questionnaire survey and archival sources of non-financial companies listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the authors perform both structural equational modeling and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression to test the developed hypotheses.FindingsResults show that the firm size is positively related to IAF quality. Firm size, AC quality and IAF quality are significantly associated with abnormal accruals (FRQ). Moreover, the authors find a mediation effect of the IAF quality on the relationship between firm size and FRQ, while no mediation effect is observed for AC quality. Thus, the study advocates companies focus on AC quality and IAF quality to enhance FRQ as it has a significant impact on corporate disclosure and investor decisions.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, the study is restricted to the survey questions that cover particular areas of the AC and IAF. Second, the sample selection focuses on relatively big industries in terms of the number of firms and excludes small sectors.Practical implicationsThe findings provide significant implications for professionals and policymakers in making regulatory reforms and revising existing policies to improve governance monitoring performance and FRQ.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the mediation effect of AC quality and IAF quality on firm size–FRQ nexus in a developing country.