bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary Pyruvate Targets Cytosolic Phospholipase A2 to Mitigate Inflammation and Obesity in Mice
Authors: Hasan Sadaf , Ghani Nabil , Zhao Xiangli , Good Julia , Huang Amanda , Wrona Hailey Lynn , Liu Jody , Liu Chuan-ju 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObesity has a multifactorial etiology and is known to be a state of chronic low-grade inflammation, known as meta-inflammation. This state is associated with the development of metabolic disorders such as glucose intolerance and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Pyruvate is a glycolytic metabolite and a crucial node in various metabolic pathways. However, its role and molecular mechanism in obesity and associated complications are obscure. In this study, we reported that pyruvate substantially inhibited adipogenic differentiationin vitroand its administration significantly prevented HFD-induced weight gain, white adipose tissue inflammation, and metabolic dysregulation. To identify the target proteins of pyruvate, drug affinity responsive target stability was employed with proteomics, cellular thermal shift assay, and isothermal drug response to detect the interactions between pyruvate and its molecular targets. Consequently, we identified cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) as a novel molecular target of pyruvate and demonstrated that pyruvate restrained diet-induced obesity, white adipose tissue inflammation, and hepatic steatosis in a cPLA2-dependent manner. Studies with global ablation of cPLA2 in mice showed that the protective effects of pyruvate were largely abrogated, confirming the importance of pyruvate/cPLA2 interaction in pyruvate attenuation of inflammation and obesity. Overall, our study not only establishes pyruvate as an antagonist of cPLA2 signaling and a potential therapeutic option for obesity, but it also sheds light on the mechanism of its action. Pyruvate’s prior clinical use indicates that it can be considered a safe and viable alternative for obesity, whether consumed as a dietary supplement or as part of a regular diet.
Gαi2 Interaction with EB1 Controls Microtubule Dynamics and Rac1 Activity inXenopusNeural Crest Cell Migration
Authors: Villaseca Soraya , Leal Juan Ignacio , Tovar Lina Mariana , Ruiz María José , Guajardo Jossef , Morales-Navarrete Hernan , Mayor Roberto , Torrejón Marcela 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCell migration is a complex and essential process in various biological contexts, from embryonic development to tissue repair and cancer metastasis. Central to this process are the actin and tubulin cytoskeletons, which control cell morphology, polarity, focal adhesion dynamics, and overall motility in response to diverse chemical and mechanical cues. Despite the well-established involvement of heterotrimeric G proteins in cell migration, the precise underlying mechanism remains elusive, particularly in the context of development. This study explores the involvement of Gαi2, a subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins, in cranial neural crest cell migration, a critical event in embryonic development. Our research uncovers the intricate mechanisms underlying Gαi2 influence, revealing a direct interaction with the microtubule-associated protein EB1, and through this with tubulin, suggesting a regulatory function in microtubule dynamics modulation. Here, we show that Gαi2 knockdown leads to microtubule stabilization, alterations in cell polarity and morphology with an increased Rac1-GTP concentration at the leading edge and cell-cell contacts, impaired cortical actin localization and focal adhesion disassembly. Interestingly, in Gαi2 knockdown cells, RhoA-GTP was found to be reduced at cell-cell contacts and concentrated at the leading edge, providing evidence of Gαi2 significant role in polarity. Remarkably, treatment with nocodazole, a microtubule-depolymerizing agent, effectively reduces Rac1 activity, restoring cranial NC cell morphology, actin distribution, and overall migration. Collectively, our findings shed light on the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying cranial neural crest cell migration and highlight the pivotal role of Gαi2 in orchestrating microtubule dynamics through EB1 and EB3 interaction, modulating Rac1 activity during this crucial developmental process.
Systematical assessment of the impact of single spike mutations of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sub-variants on the neutralization capacity of post-vaccination sera
Authors: Katzmarzyk Maeva , Clesle Denise Christine , van den Heuvel Joop , Hoffmann Markus , Garritsen Henk , Pöhlmann Stefan , Jacobsen Henning , Cicin-Sain Luka 
Published: September 2023

SummaryThe evolution of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants significantly affects vaccine effectiveness. While these effects can only be studied retrospectively, neutralizing antibody titers are most used as correlates of protection. However, studies assessing neutralizing antibody titers often show heterogeneous data. To address this, we investigated assay variance and identified virus infection time and dose as factors affecting assay robustness. We next measured neutralization against Omicron sub-variants in cohorts with hybrid or vaccine induced immunity, identifying a gradient of immune escape potential. To evaluate the effect of individual mutations on this immune escape potential of Omicron variants, we systematically assessed the effect of each individual mutation specific to Omicron BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.12.1, and BA.4/5. We cloned a library of pseudo-viruses expressing spikes with single point mutations, and subjected it to pooled sera from vaccinated hosts, thereby identifying multiple mutations that independently affect neutralization potency. These data might help to predict antigenic features of novel viral variants carrying these mutations and support the development of broad monoclonal antibodies.
Phenome-wide association study of ovarian cancer identifies common comorbidities and reveals shared genetics with complex diseases and biomarkers
Authors: Mulugeta Anwar , Lumsden Amanda L , Madakkatel Iqbal , Stacey David , Lee S. Hong , Mäenpää Johanna , Oehler Martin K. , Hyppönen Elina 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundOvarian cancer (OC) is commonly diagnosed among older women who have comorbidities. This hypothesis-free phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) aimed to identify comorbidities associated with OC, as well as traits that share a genetic architecture with OC.MethodsWe used data from 181,203 white British female UK Biobank participants and analysed OC and OC subtype-specific genetic risk scores (OC-GRS) for an association with 889 diseases and 43 other traits. We conducted PheWAS and colocalisation analyses for individual variants to identify evidence for shared genetic architecture.ResultsThe OC-GRS was associated with 10 diseases, and the clear cell OC-GRS was associated with five diseases at the FDR threshold (p =5.6×10−4). Mendelian randomisaiton analysis (MR) provided robust evidence for the association of OC with higher risk of “secondary malignant neoplasm of digestive systems” (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.33, 2.02), “ascites” (1.48, 95% CI 1.17, 1.86), “chronic airway obstruction” (1.17, 95% CI 1.07, 1.29), and “abnormal findings on examination of the lung” (1.51, 95% CI 1.22, 1.87). Analyses of lung spirometry measures provided further support for compromised respiratory function. PheWAS on individual OC variants identified five genetic variants associated with other diseases, and seven variants associated with biomarkers (all, p ≤4.5×10−8). Colocalisation analysis identified rs4449583 as the shared causal variant for OC and seborrheic keratosis.ConclusionsOC is associated with digestive and respiratory comorbidities. Several variants affecting OC risk were associated with other diseases and biomarkers, with this study identifying a novel genetic locus shared between OC and skin conditions.
Investigating the role of non-helpers in group-living thrips
Authors: Gilbert James D. J. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACTBehavioural variation among individuals is a hallmark of cooperative societies, which commonly contain breeders and non-breeders, helpers and non-helpers. In some cases labour is divided, with non-breeders “helping”. Conversely, in some societies subordinate non-breeders often donothelp. These individuals may be (i) an insurance workforce to ensure continuity of help for breeders when other helpers are lost, (ii) conserving energy while waiting to breed themselves, or (iii) simply of too poor physiological quality either to help or breed.In the Australian Outback, Acacia thripsDunatothrips aneurae(Thysanoptera) glueAcaciaphyllodes into “domiciles” using silk-like secretions, either alone or cooperatively. Domicile maintenance is important for humidity, so repair can be interpreted as helping. I found that not all females helped to repair experimental damage; some repaired partially or not at all ("non-helpers"). At the same time, some co-foundresses are non- or only partially reproductive, and their role is currently unknown.I first tested the possibility that helping and breeding are divided, with non-helping females breeding, and non-breeders helping. In a lab experiment, I rejected this idea. Experimentally damaged domiciles were typically repaired by reproductive females, and not by non- or partially reproductive individuals.To test whether non-helpers are an insurance workforce, I successively removed repairing females and found that non-helping females did not increase effort as a result. Then, in a field experiment, I tested whether non-helping females were conserving energy while waiting to breed by removing all other females, allowing either a helpful female or a non-helping female to “inherit” her domicile. Isolated like this, non-helpers laid very few eggs compared to helpers or naturally occurring single foundresses, despite having similar ovarian development.My findings show that labour was not divided: reproduction and helping covaried positively, probably depending on individual variation in female quality and intra-domicile competition. Non-helping females were neither an insurance workforce nor conserving energy waiting to breed themselves. They are likely simply of poor quality, freeloading by benefiting from domicile maintenance by others. I hypothesize they are tolerated because of selection for indiscriminate communal brood care in the form of domicile repair.
Workplace spirituality: exploring past, present and future through bibliometric analysis
Authors: Barik Satyajit , Nayak Tanaya 
Published: September 2023

PurposeThis paper aims to do a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on workplace spirituality to address the intellectual framework of workplace spirituality and the framework's future direction.Design/methodology/approachA multistep screening procedure was used to obtain data from the Scopus database, which included 648 papers ranging from 1998 to 2023. The bibliometric analysis is conducted by using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny.FindingsThe bibliometric analysis showcases that workplace spirituality is a multidimensional concept primarily studied in the organizational behavior domain. The most important research themes were organizational culture and spirituality. In addition, this paper advances workplace spirituality literature by identifying the keywords, prominent authors, journals and conceptual structure.Research limitations/implicationsThe study summarizes the existing knowledge on workplace spirituality using bibliometric analysis, classifies thematic areas, identifies research gaps and suggests future avenues of research.Originality/valueThe review paper conducts a bibliometric analysis of the emerging area of workplace spirituality over time. These results can also serve as a guide for future research in the subject of workplace spirituality.
Critical factors influencing the adoption of building information modelling (BIM) using technological adoption framework and structural equation modelling
Authors: Wong Chee Fui , Lau See Hung , Tan Ooi Kuan , Yap Jeffrey Boon Hui 
Published: September 2023

PurposeThis paper studies the critical factors from the perspectives of technological quality, personal compatibility and organisational commitment using the technological adoption framework (TAF). The proposed TAF studies the critical factors that influence the intention to use building information modelling (BIM) taking into consideration of the “Perceived Ease of Use (PEU)” and “Perceive Usefulness (PU).”Design/methodology/approachThe proposed study is a quantitative research study using the TAF model and the statistical analysis using “Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM).” The questionnaires are developed based on the literature review study and disseminated to the stakeholders in the Malaysian construction industry, including consultants, contractors, and clients. The data collected are analysed using PLS-SEM to identify the correlation between the critical factors influencing BIM adoption and the moderation influence of the PEU and PU towards the “Intention to Use (IU)” BIM.FindingsThe data collected from 185 construction industry stakeholders in Malaysia was utilised to develop the structural equation model. The measurement model was analysed in terms of composite reliability, discriminant validity, and collinearity issues. Subsequently, the SEM is analysed, and the findings on the hypothesis on the correlation between the critical factors and the intention to use BIM are examined. The study also examines the mediation effects of the PEU and PU towards the BIM adoption in the Malaysian construction industry.Originality/valueThis research conceptual framework, TAF, is derived from the integration of the existing underpinning theories of the technological adoption model and the technology–organisation–environment framework. This new TAF can be used for the study of new technology adoption. This cross-sectional research study is in line with the “Construction 4.0 Strategic Plan” in Malaysia to establish the current BIM adoption scenario and formulate the framework to promote incentives to promote BIM adoption.
Linking technology readiness and customer engagement: an AI-enabled voice assistants investigation
Authors: Shah Tejas R. , Kautish Pradeep , Walia Sandeep 
Published: September 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to establish and empirically investigate a research model examining the effect of four dimensions of the technology readiness index – optimism, innovativeness, discomfort and insecurity – on customer engagement that further influences purchase intention in the context of online shopping through artificial intelligence voice assistants (AI VAs).

Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected in India from 429 customers in a self-administered online survey. Data analysis uses the structural equation modelling technique.

Findings
Technology readiness dimensions, e.g. optimism, innovativeness, discomfort and insecurity, are critical factors driving customer engagement. Customer engagement further results in purchase intention in online shopping through AI VAs.

Research limitations/implications
This study adds to the literature by understanding how customers’ technology readiness levels drive engagement and purchase intention. However, this study includes customer engagement as a unidimensional construct. Further research can consist of customer engagement as a multidimensional construct.

Practical implications
The findings offer guidelines for e-retailers to enhance customer engagement that matches their personality traits, thereby strengthening their purchase intention through AI VAs.

Originality/value
The research contributes to the literature by empirically investigating a research model, revealing optimism, innovativeness, discomfort and insecurity as crucial parameters for customer engagement and purchase intention.
Embedding a sustainability mindset in responsible management education
Authors: Cripps Karen , Smith Simon 
Published: September 2023

Purpose
Organisational responses to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals depend on the competency and mindset of business leaders to lead responsibly. This study is informed and underpinned by the Principles of Responsible Management Education. This study aims to examine how embedding the “sustainability mindset principles” within a university programme can contribute to responsible management education and, by extension, leadership development.

Design/methodology/approach
An illustrative case study using 84 students was applied, including undergraduate, postgraduate and executive Master of Business Administration students. An exploratory, qualitative design was followed, primarily adopting focus groups.

Findings
Evidenced learning gains in connecting sustainability knowledge with personal beliefs and behaviours, provide a compelling basis for educational and business practitioners to focus on the sustainability mindset principles (SMPs). Mapping of mindset against leading global competency frameworks provides important theoretical insight. Learning is illustrated through multiple dimensions (i.e. cognitive, behavioural and affective) to inform leadership development approaches.

Research limitations/implications
The mapping of sustainability competency frameworks against the SMP, alongside qualitative research insights, provides a compelling basis for further research into the learning gains from embedding the mindset principles. The situated nature of the study and the lack of longitudinal measurement of what students take forward into their lives and workplaces is a limiting factor to be considered.

Practical implications
This study evidences the value of “whole-person” learning for responsible management, which can helpfully inform the design of both educational and workplace leadership development programmes.

Originality/value
This study is original in the pedagogic examination of the learning dimensions of the SMPs in a Business and Management programme. It also offers new insights in terms of the implications for leadership development.
Reliability characteristics of COVID-19 death rate using generalized progressive hybrid censored data
Authors: Irfan Mohd , Sharma Anup Kumar 
Published: September 2023

PurposeA progressive hybrid censoring scheme (PHCS) becomes impractical for ensuring dependable outcomes when there is a low likelihood of encountering a small number of failures prior to the predetermined terminal time T. The generalized progressive hybrid censoring scheme (GPHCS) efficiently addresses to overcome the limitation of the PHCS.Design/methodology/approachIn this article, estimation of model parameter, survival and hazard rate of the Unit-Lindley distribution (ULD), when sample comes from the GPHCS, have been taken into account. The maximum likelihood estimator has been derived using Newton–Raphson iterative procedures. Approximate confidence intervals of the model parameter and their arbitrary functions are established by the Fisher information matrix. Bayesian estimation procedures have been derived using Metropolis–Hastings algorithm under squared error loss function. Convergence of Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) samples has been examined. Various optimality criteria have been considered. An extensive Monte Carlo simulation analysis has been shown to compare and validating of the proposed estimation techniques.FindingsThe Bayesian MCMC approach to estimate the model parameters and reliability characteristics of the generalized progressive hybrid censored data of ULD is recommended. The authors anticipate that health data analysts and reliability professionals will get benefit from the findings and approaches presented in this study.Originality/valueThe ULD has a broad range of practical utility, making it a problem to estimate the model parameters as well as reliability characteristics and the significance of the GPHCS also encourage the authors to consider the present estimation problem because it has not previously been discussed in the literature.
Intellectual capital disclosure (ICD) in Islamic banks: does the diversity of Shariah committee matters?
Authors: Adznan Syaima , Muhamad Sori Zulkarnain Bin , Mohamad Shamsher 
Published: September 2023

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the moderating effects of the Shariah committee (SC) on the extent of intellectual capital disclosure (ICD) of Islamic banks.

Design/methodology/approach
This study provides evidence from an analysis of a sample of Islamic banks in multiple countries over a seven-year period (2012–2018). The extent of intellectual capital information was measured and regressed against several corporate governance attributes covering board and audit committee characteristics, gender diversity of SC members and moderating variables of the SC, while controlling for firm-specific variables. A checklist was developed to measure the extent of the ICD of Islamic banks on a rubric scale ranging from 0 to 3.

Findings
The results show that the size and gender diversity among SC significantly influence the ICD practices of Islamic banks. Apart from contributing to the literature, this study may serve as valuable input for Islamic banking practitioners including regulators and standard setters to empower women and use all their potential for better intellectual capital output.

Practical implications
The paper highlights two main implications. Firstly, the regulator should look at the size and composition of the SC to enable a conducive environment for sound deliberation of Shariah matters. Secondly, the gender diversity among SC should be considered because women and man may have different approaches, and the best optimal combination of resources could enhance Islamic banks’ competitive advantage.

Originality/value
This study highlights the importance of gender diversity and size of SC in influencing the disclosure practices related to Shariah matters by the Islamic banks.