bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prolonged exposure to insulin causes epigenetic alteration leading to insulin resistance
Authors: Bano Shehnaz , More Shyam , Mongad Dattatray S. , Khalique Abdul , Dhotre Dhiraj P. , Bhat Manoj K. , Seshadri Vasudevan 
Published: April 2022

AbstractGlucose homeostasis is maintained by insulin. It has been observed that hyperinsulinemia precedes insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is caused by multiple factors including genetic and diet. The molecular mechanism underlying insulin resistance (IR) is not completely understood. Using Glut4 and insulin receptor-expressing CHO cells we had previously shown that prolonged exposure of these cells to insulin in the absence of high levels of glucose led to insulin resistance in the cells. In the present study, we have shown that the underlying cause for the impaired GLUT4 trafficking is the defective PI3K/AKT pathway. This insulin resistance is likely due to epigenetic alterations as it is stable and can be maintained for several generations even when insulin is not provided, and epigenetic modifiers can reverse the insulin resistance. We extended these studies to liver cell line (BRL-3A) and show that these cells also develop impaired insulin signaling upon exposure to insulin in the absence of high levels of glucose. Transcriptomic analysis of the insulin-sensitive and -resistance cells uncover altered signaling networks involved in chromatin remodelling, Rho GTPases, and ubiquitination. Pathway analysis reveals the role of demethylase Kdm5b and lysine methyltransferase (Kmt2a and Kmt2e) in the development of insulin resistance. It is also observed that trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me3) is increased in insulin resistance cellular models. We further showed that mice injected with low doses of insulin when fasting develop insulin resistance with impaired glucose tolerance and increased HOMA-IR index. Altogether, these findings suggest dysregulated synthesis of insulin in the absence of glucose stimulus could lead to epigenetic alterations that may lead to insulin resistance.Summary StatementInsulin stimulation in the absence of glucose leads to insulin resistance. We have developed a cell and mouse model of insulin resistance in this study to characterise the molecular signalling involved in insulin resistance and early onset of type 2 diabetes. The transcriptomic analysis provides new insights on epi-transcriptomic regulation in insulin resistance.
Nanoparticle coatings for controlled release of quercetin from an angioplasty balloon
Authors: Craciun Ioana , Astete Carlos E. , Boldor Dorin , Jennings Merilyn H. , Gorman Jake D. , Sabliov Cristina M. , Dugas Tammy R. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a systemic vascular disease of the legs that results in a blockage of blood flow from the heart to the lower extremities. Now one of the most common causes of mortality in the U.S., the first line of therapy for PAD is to mechanically open the blockages using balloon angioplasty. Coating the balloons with antiproliferative agents can potentially reduce vessel re-narrowing, or restenosis after surgical intervention, but current drug-coated balloons releasing chemotherapy agents like paclitaxel have in some cases shown increased mortality long-term. Our aim was to design a novel drug-coated balloon using a polymeric nanodelivery system for a sustained release of polyphenols that reduce restenosis but with reduced toxicity compared to chemotherapy agents. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles with entrapped quercetin, a dimethoxy quercetin (rhamnazin), as well as quercetin conjugated to PLGA, were developed. Balloon catheters were coated with polymeric nanoparticles using an ultrasonic method, and nanoparticle characteristics, drug loading, coating uniformity and drug release were determined. The adhesion of nanoparticles to vascular smooth muscle cells and the antiproliferative effect of nano-delivered polyphenols were also assessed. Of the nanoparticle systems tested, those with covalently attached quercetin provided the most sustained release over a 6-day period. Although these particles adhered to cells to a smaller extent compared to other nanoparticle formulations, their attachment was resistant to washing. These particles also exhibited the greatest anti-proliferative effect. In addition, their attachment was not altered when the cells were grown in calcifying conditions, and in PAD tissue calcification is typically a condition that impedes drug delivery. Moreover, the ultrasonic coating method generated a uniform balloon coating. The polymeric nanoparticle system with covalently attached quercetin developed herein is thus proposed as a promising platform to reduce restenosis post-angioplasty.
Variation in fine scale recombination rate in temperature-evolved Drosophila melanogaster populations in response to selection
Authors: Winbush Ari , Singh Nadia D. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMeiotic recombination plays a critical evolutionary role in maintaining fitness in response to selective pressures due to changing environments. Variation in recombination rate has been observed amongst and between species and populations and within genomes across numerous taxa. Studies have demonstrated a link between changes in recombination rate and selection but the extent to which fine scale recombination rate varies between evolved populations during the evolutionary period in response to selection is under active research. Here we utilize a set of three temperature-evolved Drosophila melanogaster populations that were shown to have diverged in several phenotypes including recombination rate based on the temperature regime in which they evolved. Using whole genome sequencing data of these populations, we generated fine scale recombination maps of the three populations. We compare recombination rates and patterns among the three populations and show that they have diverged at fine scales but are conserved at broader scales. We further demonstrate a correlation between recombination rates and genomic variation in the three populations and observe variation in putative warm-spots between the populations with these enhanced areas and associated genes overlapping areas previously shown to have diverged in the three populations due to selection. These data support the existence of recombination modifiers in these populations which are subject to selection during evolutionary change.
Pubertal Development Underlies Optimization of Inhibitory Control Through Specialization of Ventrolateral Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Ravindranath Orma , Calabro Finnegan J. , Foran William , Luna Beatriz 
Published: April 2022

AbstractInhibitory control improves into young adulthood after specialization of relevant brain systems during adolescence. However, the biological mechanisms supporting this unique transition are not well understood. Given that adolescence is defined by pubertal maturation, we examined relative contributions of chronological age and pubertal maturation to inhibitory control development. 105 8-19-year-olds completed 1-5 longitudinal visits (227 visits total) in which pubertal development was assessed via self-reported Tanner stage and inhibitory control was assessed with an in-scanner antisaccade task. As expected, percent and latency of correct antisaccade responses improved with age and pubertal stage. When controlling for pubertal stage, chronological age was distinctly associated with correct response rate. In contrast, pubertal stage was uniquely associated with antisaccade latency even when controlling for age. Chronological age was associated with fMRI task activation in several regions including the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, while puberty was associated with right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) activation. Furthermore, task-related connectivity between VLPFC and cingulate was associated with both pubertal stage and response latency. These results suggest that while age-related developmental processes may support maturation of brain systems underlying the ability to inhibit a response, puberty may play a larger role in the effectiveness of generating cognitive control responses.
Innovation as a driver of SMME performance in South Africa: a quantile regression approach
Authors: Matekenya Weliswa , Moyo Clement 
Published: April 2022

PurposeInnovation is regarded as a crucial determinant of growth and development in South Africa, and small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) have been earmarked as instruments for the achievement of the socio-economic goals and innovation as set out in the National Development Plan. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of innovation on SMME performance in South Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical analysis was conducted using the quantile regression technique to examine the effect of innovation on the performance of firms at different sales levels. Data from the World Bank's enterprise survey was used for the analysis.FindingsThe results of the empirical analysis showed that R & D expenditures have a positive and significant effect on performance for firms with higher sales (high growth or larger firms). There is evidence that the introduction of new products/services promotes performance for low growth/ smaller firms.Practical implicationsThe empirical results imply that innovation is crucial for SMMEs’ development and growth. However, smaller/low growth firms are not able to spend on R & D due to a lack of funds which could be the reason for their low survival rate. More support needs to be provided to smaller firms with lower sales growth, given the large financial outlay required for R & D expenditures. Despite the lack of funding for R & D expenditure, smaller firms are encouraged to introduce new products and methods of production that do not require major financial outlays.Originality/valueThere is scant empirical evidence on the impact of innovation on firm performance in South Africa. Most studies investigate the challenges faced by SMMEs and the different types of innovation approaches used by firms. Furthermore, the study employs the quantile regression approach which highlights the effect of innovation on firms of different sizes.
Exploring effects of message framing on supportive behaviors toward environmental corporate social responsibility
Authors: Kim Young , Chon Myoung-Gi 
Published: April 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to shed light on how effective environmental corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication can be achieved through persuasive communication strategies using message framing.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted an online experimental study with a 2 (narrative: narrative or non-narrative) × 2 (framing: gain or loss) between-subjects design.FindingsThe findings showed that environmental CSR communication using narrative framing messages is most effective in creating strong CSR associations between a company and the environmental CSR domain and sharing the company's CSR information on supportive communication and advocating for the environmental campaign.Originality/valueThis study highlights the importance of a company's environmental CSR communication efforts using the right message format (narrative style) to increase its persuasive sequence from CSR evaluation to supportive behaviors, contributing to theoretical development in the research of environmental CSR communication. This study suggests that environmental CSR campaign managers should first formalize the company's environmental responsiveness by clearly establishing policies and practicing CSR performance that could result in a strong CSR association before asking their target publics to engage in pro-environmental activities.
Covid-19 and intentions to study abroad: evidence from overseas university applications to the UK
Authors: Di Pietro Giorgio 
Published: April 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate how Covid-19 impacted overseas students’ decision to apply for an undergraduate degree at UK universities.Design/methodology/approachThis study compares the number of university applications from overseas students in summer and autumn 2020 with those in the period 2011–2019. Multivariate analysis techniques are used.FindingsThe results show that the pandemic has led to a drop in university applications from foreign students by 11–14%. Such decline has been driven by a reduction in the number of applicants from high-income countries as opposed to those from middle-lower income countries. Two explanations may account for this finding. First, students from affluent countries, compared to those from poorer countries, may be more likely to find a good alternative to the UK where to carry out their studies (including their home country). Second, the option of deferring study abroad plans due to the pandemic may be more affordable for applicants from high-income countries.Originality/valueWhile understanding how Covid-19 has impacted international student mobility is an emerging issue in the literature, not only are there few studies providing evidence on this, but these are based on qualitative analysis. This paper uses quantitative methods that allow to separate the effect of Covid-19 from that associated with other factors affecting the flow of international students.
Machine learning and engineering feature approaches to detect events perturbing the indoor microclimate in Ringebu and Heddal stave churches (Norway)
Authors: Miglioranza Pietro , Scanu Andrea , Simionato Giuseppe , Sinigaglia Nicholas , Califano America 
Published: April 2022

PurposeClimate-induced damage is a pressing problem for the preservation of cultural properties. Their physical deterioration is often the cumulative effect of different environmental hazards of variable intensity. Among these, fluctuations of temperature and relative humidity may cause nonrecoverable physical changes in building envelopes and artifacts made of hygroscopic materials, such as wood. Microclimatic fluctuations may be caused by several factors, including the presence of many visitors within the historical building. Within this framework, the current work is focused on detecting events taking place in two Norwegian stave churches, by identifying the fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity caused by the presence of people attending the public events.Design/methodology/approachThe identification of such fluctuations and, so, of the presence of people within the churches has been carried out through three different methods. The first is an unsupervised clustering algorithm here termed “density peak,” the second is a supervised deep learning model based on a standard convolutional neural network (CNN) and the third is a novel ad hoc engineering feature approach “unexpected mixing ratio (UMR) peak.”FindingsWhile the first two methods may have some instabilities (in terms of precision, recall and normal mutual information [NMI]), the last one shows a promising performance in the detection of microclimatic fluctuations induced by the presence of visitors.Originality/valueThe novelty of this work stands in using both well-established and in-house ad hoc machine learning algorithms in the field of heritage science, proving that these smart approaches could be of extreme usefulness and could lead to quick data analyses, if used properly.
The impact of demographical, geographical and climatological factors on building defects in Belgium
Authors: Van Den Bossche Nathan , Blommaert Anke , Daniotti Bruno 
Published: April 2022

PurposeQuality failures in the design and construction process can entail significant delays and costs. Databases of building defects have proven to be useful for drawing conclusions on underlying causes of building defects and for identifying potential improvement actions to reduce the occurrence of building defects.Design/methodology/approachThe database comprising 27,074 cases from a Belgian insurance company was studied, and it was found that moisture problems account for 48% of all building defects, and stability problems 23%. To better analyse the geographical variability, the data were enriched with demographical, geographical and climatological factors of the municipality the concerned buildings were located in. This combined information was used to determine underlying external factors that impact the probability that specific types of building defects occur.FindingsThe analysis of the data shows that external factors do indeed have a statistically significant impact. The factor with the highest impact is the number of walls the building has in common with its neighbours. The most significant climatological factor is the wind speed.Originality/valueA better understanding of the frequency of building defects and factors that contribute to the likelihood are important variables to consider in quality control and prevention.
Opportunities for social activism in transformative service research: a research agenda
Authors: Keränen Joona , Olkkonen Laura 
Published: April 2022

PurposeThis paper highlights the potential of social activism – defined as a public act that aims to challenge the status quo by bringing alternative views or narratives to the debate – in transformative service research and proposes a future research agenda.Design/methodology/approachThis paper builds upon a review of social activism in the management and communications literature to identify its potential for social change in service (eco)systems.FindingsThis paper outlines three ways in which social activism can influence companies (external activism, internal activism, and activism as practice) and illustrates how they can be used to advance transformative service research in selected priority areas.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper develops a future research agenda and suggests research questions that could guide scholarly inquiry at the intersection of social activism and transformative service research.Practical implicationsFor managers and policy makers, this paper highlights how social activism can influence companies' attempts to drive social change.Originality/valueThis paper is among the first to link social activism and transformative service research and highlight novel research opportunities at their intersection.
International entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa: interfirm coordination and local economy dynamics in the informal economy
Authors: Boafo Christopher , Catanzaro Alexis , Dornberger Utz 
Published: April 2022

PurposeThe International Labor Organization (2020) estimates that eight out of ten enterprises (i.e. own-account workers and small economic units) are informal worldwide. However, less is known about the internationalization of informal enterprises. Here, it is argued that economic blocs, such as sub-Saharan Africa, with a greater proportion of informal enterprises, may provide broader societal legitimacy for them to operate internationally. Thus, informal firms would need to collaborate with other firms to overcome their resource constraints. Geographic colocation is one way to facilitate positive interfirm interactions that promote networking and subsequently cooperation. The purpose of this paper is, thus, to addresses two questions. Firstly, how and to what extent does interfirm marketing cooperation in geographic colocation influence the internationalization of micro and small informal manufacturing enterprises? Secondly, how do the perceived benefits of local external economies moderate this relationship?Design/methodology/approachThe study draws evidence from 125 randomly selected informal enterprises located in two major clusters in Ghana, using a mixed-method approach.FindingsThe partial least square - structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis applied revealed two central points. Firstly, sharing marketing costs allows informal firms to upgrade their phases of export development directly. Secondly, the linkage of increasing sales activities and local external economies encourages the progress of the phases of export development and the scope of internationalization. Results confirm that the cluster benefits of interfirm cooperation and local external economies on the informal firm internationalization process complement each other in addition to their linear relationship.Originality/valueThe study contributes to understanding the nexus of the informal sector, geographic colocation and the entrepreneurial internationalization literature. The results should motivate researchers and policymakers to approach informal firm internationalization through collaborative business activities.
Advancing influence tactics to the team level: the case of self-managed teams
Authors: Unger-Aviram Esther , Katz-Navon Tal , Vashdi Dana Rachel 
Published: April 2022

PurposeBy combining the influence tactics and team development literatures, this paper aims to propose a new team-level approach to influence tactics in self-managed teams and a temporal account of the extent to which team-level influence tactics are associated with team performance as a dynamic process.Design/methodology/approachUsing 75 self-managed teams, we examined the relationship between the proportion of team members who tend to use each influence tactic to a high degree and team performance at initial versus advanced stages of team development.FindingsResults demonstrated at initial stages of team development, a high proportion of team members who tend to use assertiveness was detrimental to team performance, whereas at advanced stages of team development, a high proportion of team members tending to use ingratiation was detrimental, while rationality was positively associated with team performance. Additionally, a Fuzzy Qualitative Comparative Analysis showed that at advanced stages of team development, tactics configuration matters.Originality/valueThis study sets the stage for a team-level theory of influence tactics by examining the relationship between the proportion of team members who tend to use influence tactics to a high degree and team performance at initial versus advanced stages of team development, and the configurations of tactics associated with better team performance at these developmental stages. While the individual-level literature on influence tactics is based on notions of power and politics, in a team context and specifically with self-managed teams, there is a need to integrate theories of team processes and dynamics to understand how influence tactics are associated with performance.