bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Receptor-independent membrane mediated pathways of serotonin action
Authors: Dey Simli , Surendran Dayana , Enberg Oskar , Gupta Ankur , Fanibunda Sashaina E. , Das Anirban , Maity Barun Kumar , Dey Arpan , Kallianpur Mamata , Scheidt Holger , Walker Gilbert , Vaidya Vidita A. , Huster Daniel , Maiti Sudipta
Published: July 2020

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter as well as a somatic signaling molecule, and the serotonergic system is a major target for psychotropic drugs. Serotonin, together with a few related neurotransmitters, has recently been found to exhibit an unexpectedly high lipid membrane affinity1–3. It has been conjectured that extrasynaptic serotonin can diffuse in the lipid membrane to efficiently reach remote receptors (and receptors with buried ligand-binding sites)4, providing a mechanism for the diffuse ‘volume’ neurotransmission that serotonin is capable of5–10. Here we show that membrane binding by serotonin can directly modulate membrane properties and cellular function, independent of its receptor-mediated actions. Atomic force microscopy shows that serotonin binding makes artificial lipid bilayers softer. It induces nucleation of liquid disordered domains inside the raft-like liquid-ordered domains in a ternary bilayer displaying phase separation. Solid-state NMR spectroscopy corroborates this data, revealing a rather homogeneous decrease in the order parameter of the lipid chains in the presence of serotonin. In the RN46A immortalized serotonergic neuronal cell line, extracellular serotonin enhances transferrin receptor endocytosis, an action exerted even in the presence of both broad-spectrum serotonin receptor and transporter inhibitors. Similarly, it increases the binding and internalization of Islet Amyloid Polypeptide (IAPP) oligomers, suggesting a connection between serotonin, which is co-secreted with IAPP by pancreatic beta cells, and the cellular effects of IAPP. Our results uncover a hitherto unknown serotonin-bilayer interaction that can potentiate key cellular processes in a receptor-independent fashion. Therefore, some pathways of serotonergic action may escape potent pharmaceutical agents designed for serotonin transporters or receptors. Conversely, bio-orthogonal serotonin-mimetics may provide a new class of cell-membrane modulators.
RNA polymerase III transcription as a disease factor
Authors: Yeganeh Meghdad , Hernandez Nouria
Published: July 2020

RNA polymerase (Pol) III is responsible for transcription of different noncoding genes in eukaryotic cells, whose RNA products have well-defined functions in translation and other biological processes for some, and functions that remain to be defined for others. For all of them, however, new functions are being described. For example, Pol III products have been reported to regulate certain proteins such as protein kinase R (PKR) by direct association, to constitute the source of very short RNAs with regulatory roles in gene expression, or to control microRNA levels by sequestration. Consistent with these many functions, deregulation of Pol III transcribed genes is associated with a large variety of human disorders. Here we review different human diseases that have been linked to defects in the Pol III transcription apparatus or to Pol III products imbalance and discuss the possible underlying mechanisms.
Iodination of Antibodies with Immobilized Iodogen
Authors: Berg Eric A. , Fishman Jordan B.
Published: July 2020

Iodination, a chemical or enzymatic incorporation of 125I to specific amino acid side chains, is a commonly used method for labeling antibodies with radioisotopes. Commercially available products make iodination of antibodies a simple and quick process. One example, used here and available at Pierce, is the “Iodination bead,” or N-chloro-benzenesulfonamide immobilized on nonporous, polystyrene beads.
Experimental Platform Using the Amphibian Xenopus laevis for Research in Fundamental and Medical Immunology
Authors: Robert Jacques
Published: July 2020

The amphibian Xenopus constitutes a powerful, versatile, and cost-effective nonmammalian model with which to investigate important contemporary issues of immunity relevant to human health such as ontogeny of immunity, self-tolerance, wound healing, autoimmunity, cancer immunity, immunotoxicology, and adaptation of host immune defenses to emerging pathogens. This model system presents several attractive features: an external developmental environment free of maternal influence that allows for easy experimental access from early life stages; an immune system that is remarkably similar to that of mammals; the availability of large-scale genetic and genomic resources; invaluable major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-defined inbred strains of frogs; and useful tools such as lymphoid tumor cell lines, monoclonal antibodies, and MHC tetramers. Modern reverse genetic loss-of-function and genome-editing technologies applied to immune function further empower this model. Finally, the evolutionary distance between Xenopus and mammals permits distinguishing species-specific adaptation from more conserved features of the immune system. In this introduction, the advantages and features of Xenopus for immunological research are outlined, as are existing tools, resources, and methods for using this model system.
Subpolitics and sustainability reporting boundaries. The case of working conditions in global supply chains
Authors: Antonini Carla , Beck Cornelia , Larrinaga Carlos
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper explores the subpolitical role and main characteristics of a specific accounting technique, sustainability reporting boundaries. Its focus is on how the sett2ing of sustainability reporting boundaries affects the definition and distribution of social risks along the supply chain, particularly the risks related to working condition and human rights.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on Beck's (1986) exploration of the ways in which techno-economic spheres offer opportunities for the politicisation of new areas. It is argued that the sphere of sustainability reporting offers that opportunity for the politicisation of supply chains. Using the case of Inditex, the historical context of initiatives relating to the ready-made garment (RMG) industry at global, European and industry level as well as media coverage on the entity are analysed; this is correlated with the analysis of boundary setting in relation to sustainability reports, focusing specifically on working conditions.

Findings

The analysis suggests that accounting technologies that set contested boundaries are subpolitical, that is, defined outside traditional political processes. The paper finds that the way social risks are framed along the supply chain renders them invisible and impersonal and that the framing of these risks becomes endless as they are contested by different groups of experts. Setting sustainability reporting boundaries has subpolitical properties in producing and framing those risks, whilst is simultaneously limited by the inherent politicisation of such an exercise. The questionable legitimacy of sustainability reporting boundaries calls for the construction not only of discursive justifications but also of new possibilities for political participation.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis is limited to working conditions along one organisation's supply chain.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper is threefold: (1) It studies in-depth how working conditions in global supply chains are portrayed in sustainability reports. (2) It answers the call to study accounting technologies themselves, in this case sustainability reporting boundaries. (3) It extends Beck's work on global ecological dangers to working conditions in global supply chains to explore how sustainability reporting boundaries are subpolitically involved in the definition and distribution of social risks along the supply chain.
Effects of temperature and Ti addition on high-temperature oxidation behaviors of Co-Al-W based superalloys
Authors: Ma Chunmei , Yang Songting , Zhang Yuheng , Wang Kaikun , Fu Huadong
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Due to the special service environment of superalloys, this paper aims to obtain effects of temperature and Ti addition on high temperature oxidation behavior of Co-Al-W-B alloys.

Design/methodology/approach

Isothermal oxidation experiment of Co-Al-W-based alloys were carried out at 800°C, 900°C and 1000°C for different times (3, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 h) referring to the method of HB5258-2000. Oxidation weight gain curves and oxidation products were detected.

Findings

The results showed that the average oxidation rates of Co-Al-W-B alloy at 800 °C and 900 °C were 0.489 g·m−2·h−1and 0.888 g·m−2·h−1, respectively, which belonged to an antioxidant grade. However, the average oxidation rate at 1000 °C was 2.068 g m−2·h−1, belonging to the secondary oxidation resistance class. In the alloy with Ti addition, dense Ti oxides film were formed at the early oxidation stage and then gradually diffused later, which can increase the oxidation resistance of the alloys to some extent. By analyzing the oxidation products of Co-Al-W-B alloy, it was found that a dense Al2O3layer could be formed when the alloy was oxidized at 800°C. The continuous Al2O3layer would prevent the oxygen from further spreading and make the alloy into the stable oxidation stage. However, only a non-dense Al2O3layer were observed with 900°C oxidation.

Originality/value

It can provide references for the composition design, preparation process optimization and protective coating selection of the γ′ phase strengthened cobalt-base superalloys.
Assessing the effectiveness of internal Sharīʿah audit structure and its practices in Islamic financial institutions: a case study of Islamic banks in Yemen
Authors: Algabry Latifah , Alhabshi Syed Musa , Soualhi Younes , Othman Anwar Hasan Abdullah
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore and assess the key Sharīʿah governance factors that may have an influence on the internal Sharīʿah audit structure and its practices in Islamic financial Institutions in Yemen, particularly in the Islamic banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

To do so, the study adopts a qualitative approach employing case study analysis, and both primary and secondary data are used to formulate the appropriate interview questions and achieve the objectives of the study.

Findings

The authors observed that the key factors that help in assessing the internal Sharīʿah audit structure and its practices are Sharīʿah auditor charter, audit plan and audit manual. In addition, the authors observed that, in general, internal Sharīʿah audit tends to be subjective in Yemeni banks because they depend on the internal Sharīʿah auditor’s qualifications and experience more than formal guidelines and regulations. This is because there are no detailed internal Sharīʿah audit plans or detailed audit manual. Moreover, the internal Sharīʿah auditor charter is not comprehensive in explaining the duties required of the internal Sharīʿah auditor, and it is mixed with the Sharīʿah Supervisory Board (SSB) duties. This means the internal Sharīʿah auditor lacks the critical tools that enable him to achieve the desired audit manual objectives where the effectiveness of internal Sharīʿah audit can be measured.

Practical implications

One of the important implications of this study is providing very important guidance about enhancing the areas where shortfalls are found within the Sharīʿah governance process in the Yemeni banking system. This enhancement process of the internal factors of Sharīʿah governance can be achieved by increasing the awareness of the enhancing internal Sharīʿah audit structure as it reflects ultimately on the internal Sharīʿah auditor’s role and his practices.

Originality/value

Understanding the effectiveness of internal Sharīʿah audit structure among internal auditors will improve the Sharīʿah audit framework standards, enhance the Sharīʿah knowledge among internal auditors and provide general guidelines to design audit programmes for Sharīʿah governance auditing process.
Online dating apps as a marketing channel: a generational approach
Authors: Rita Paulo , Ramos Ricardo Filipe , Moro Sérgio , Mealha Marta , Radu Lucian
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to understand if an online dating app is considered an acceptable channel to conduct advertising activities and understand the differences between Generations X, Y and Z for such acceptance.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 411 Tinder users’ reactions were obtained and analyzed using text mining to compute the sentiment score of each response, and a Kruskal–Wallis H test to verify if there are statistical differences between each generation.

Findings

The results showed positive acceptability toward the marketing campaign on Tinder, especially Z Generation. Nevertheless, the statistical analysis revealed that the differences between each generation are not statistically significant.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation relates to the fact that the participants, during the data collection, revealed their identification, perhaps leading to acquiescence bias. In addition, the study mainly covered the male population. A balanced sample would be positive to examine any possible differences between gender.

Practical implications

Results provide an essential indication for companies regarding their marketing activities conducted on Tinder to fully exploit the possibility of using Tinder as an alternative and valuable channel to conduct marketing activities.

Originality/value

Up until now, no studies tried to understand the effect of a marketing activity online on an online dating app.
The moderating role of gender and age in the adoption of mobile wallet
Authors: Chawla Deepak , Joshi Himanshu
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that influence the attitude and behavioral intention towards mobile wallet adoption and to examine the moderating effect of gender and age between antecedents of mobile wallet adoption and user attitude and intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature review, certain themes around mobile wallet adoption were generated around which inputs were sought through two focus group discussions, first of which comprised working executives and second comprised students. A sample of 744 users of mobile wallet provided their awareness on mobile wallets, various mobile wallet services used and perception on ease of use, usefulness, trust, security, facilitating conditions and lifestyle compatibility (LC). To examine the moderating effect of gender and age, two methods, namely, Henseler’s partial least squares-multi group analysis (PLS-MGA), a non-parametric approach, and PLS-MGA, parametric approach, are used. The data was analyzed using partial least square-structural equation modeling.

Findings

The ease of use, usefulness, trust, security, facilitating conditions and LC significantly influence user attitude and intention. The results show that both gender and age moderate the relationship between select antecedents and attitude and intention and the influence is seen more for males and young users.

Research limitations/implications

The sample comprises students and professionals from metros and large cities; hence, the generalizability of the results to the population at large may be limited. This study only examines the moderating role of age and gender. Future studies may include other demographic variables such as education, income, occupation, experience and household size.

Practical implications

The findings help mobile wallet service providers understand the relevance and influence of various antecedent variables on the attitude and intention to adopt technology. This will help to plan and prioritize attributes for marketing purposes to increase the adoption and usage rates. Moreover, managers should plan strategies to enhance confidence among females and old age customers.

Originality/value

The proposed model both investigates the impact of antecedents on user attitude and intention and examines the moderating effect of select demographic variables. There are few empirical studies on the moderating effect of gender and age in the context of mobile wallets in India.
Numerical study of flow and heat transfer behaviors during direct-chill casting of large-size magnesium alloy billet under pulsed magnetic field
Authors: Duan Wenchao , Yin Siqi , Liu Wenhong , Yang Jian , Zhu Qingfeng , Bao Lei , Wang Ping , Cui Jianzhong , Zhang Zhiqiang
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of pulsed magnetic field (PMF) with different duty cycles on the melt flow and heat transfer behaviors during direct-chill (DC) casting of large-size magnesium alloy billet and find the appropriate range of duty cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

A transient two-dimensional mathematical model coupled electromagnetic field, flow field and thermal field, is conducted to study the melt flow and temperature field under PMF and compared with that under the harmonic magnetic field.

Findings

The results reveal that melt vibration and fluctuation are generated due to the instantaneous impact of repeated thrust and pull effects of Lorentz force under PMF. The peak of Lorentz force decreases greatly with the increasing duty cycle, but the melt fluctuation region is expanded with higher duty cycle, which accelerates the interior melt velocity and reduces the temperature gradient at the liquid-solid interface. However, PMF with overly high duty cycle has adverse effect on the melt convection and limited influence on the interior melt. A duty cycle of 20% to 50% is a reasonable range.

Practical implications

This paper can provide guiding significance for the setting of duty cycle parameters on DC casting under PMF.

Originality/value

There are few reports on the effect of PMF parameters during DC casting with applying PMF, especially for duty cycle, a parameter unique to PMF. The findings will be helpful for applying the external field of PMF on DC casting.
Agility and lean practices as antecedents of supply chain social sustainability
Authors: Nath Vishnu , Agrawal Rajat
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The present study aims to empirically investigate whether supply chain agility and lean management practices are antecedents of supply chain social sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 311 supply chain practitioners from the Indian manufacturing sector. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to test the validity and reliability of the measures used, and a structural model was analyzed to test the hypotheses of the current study.

Findings

The results indicate that agility and lean practices are significant antecedents of social sustainability orientation as well as social sustainability performance. The results also suggest that agility has a significant indirect effect on operational performance via social sustainability orientation, basic social sustainability practices as well as agility is indirectly affecting social sustainability performance via social sustainability orientation and basic social sustainability practices.

Practical implications

The results of the present study have implications for managers that want to make their supply chain more socially sustainable.

Originality/value

The study is unique in the sense that it empirically links agility and lean practices with social sustainability orientation, social substantiality performance and operational performance in supply chains.
A data-driven and network-aware approach for credit risk prediction in supply chain finance
Authors: Rishehchi Fayyaz Mohammad , Rasouli Mohammad R. , Amiri Babak
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a data-driven model to predict credit risks of actors collaborating within a supply chain finance (SCF) network based on the analysis of their network attributes. This can support applying reverse factoring mechanisms in SCFs.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on network science, the network measures of the actors collaborating in the investigated SCF are derived through a social network analysis. Then several supervised machine learning algorithms are applied to predict the credit risks of the actors on the basis of their network level and organizational-level characteristics. For this purpose, a data set from an SCF within an automotive industry in Iran is used.

Findings

The findings of the research clearly demonstrate that considering the network attributes of the actors within the prediction models can significantly enhance the accuracy and precision of the models.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this research is to investigate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed model within a single case.

Practical implications

The proposed model can provide a well-established basis for financial intermediaries in SCFs to make more sophisticated decisions within financial facilitation mechanisms.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature of credit risk evaluation by considering credit risk as a systematic risk that can be influenced by network measures of collaborating actors. To do so, the paper proposes an approach that considers network characteristics of SCFs as critical attributes to predict credit risk.
Effect of wastes and admixtures on compressive strength of concrete
Authors: Sharma Rachit
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper presents the effects of replacing fine aggregate (FA) with waste foundry sand (WFS) in natural aggregate and construction waste aggregate concrete specimens without and with superplasticizer (SP), silica fume (SF) and fiber (F) to solve the disposal problems of various wastes along with saving the environment. This study aims to investigate the effect of construction waste, WFS along with additives on the stress-strain behavior and development of compressive strength with age.

Design/methodology/approach

The various concrete specimen were prepared in mix proportion of 1: 2: 4 (cement (C): sand: coarse aggregate). The water-cement ratio of 0.5 (decreased by 10% for samples containing SP) to grading 1: 2: 4 under air-dry condition was adopted in the preparation of concrete specimens. The compressive strength of various concrete specimen were noticed for 3, 7 and 28 days by applying load through universal testing machine.

Findings

Upon adding construction and demolition waste aggregates, the compressive strength of concrete after 28 days was comparable to that of the control concrete specimen. An enhancement in the value of compressive strength is perceived when FA is replaced with WFS to the extent of 10%, 20% and 30%. If both construction and demolition waste aggregate and WFS replacing FA are used, the compressive strength increases. When FA is interchanged with WFS in natural aggregate or construction demolition waste aggregate concrete including usage of SF or F, the compressive strength improves significantly. Further, when construction and demolition waste aggregate and WFS replacing FA including SP are used, the compressive strength improves marginally compared to that of control specimen. The rate of strength development with age is observed to follow similar trend as in control concrete specimen. Therefore, construction and demolition waste and or WFS can be used effectively in concrete confirming an improvement in strength.

Originality/value

The utilization of these wastes in concrete will resolve the problem of their disposal and save the environment.
Key training practice indicators for optimal site supervisors’ utilisation in construction firms
Authors: Ijaola Irewolede Aina , Idoro Godwin Iroroakpo , Oladokun Michael Gbolagade
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The skills and knowledge of site supervisors play an important role in the outcome of construction projects. Evidence gleaned from the literature indicates that poor performance of construction projects remains a central concern for stakeholders in the construction sector. This suggests that the site supervisor’s training is important in the construction project outcomes. Various training programmes are available for site supervisors, yet construction firms are not satisfied with them. The purpose of this study is to determine the key training practice indicators for optimal site supervisor’s usage in construction firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a cross-sectional survey research design. In the approach, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to determine the key training practice indicators for site supervisors. Data were collected from 218 construction site supervisors using a questionnaire.

Findings

Findings show that training practices are a multidimensional concept consisting of training needs assessment, training delivery, training evaluation and transfer. From the 50 training practice variables, this study establishes 12 key training practice indicators for training site supervisors in construction firms.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should adopt a longitudinal survey for examining training practices in construction firms.

Practical implications

The identified key training indicators can inform the policies and practices used in the training of site supervisors.

Originality/value

This study contributes to knowledge by establishing 12 significant training practice indicators for optimal site supervisors’ usage in construction firms.
Servant leadership and employee innovative behaviour: exploring psychological pathways
Authors: Iqbal Amjad , Latif Khawaja Fawad , Ahmad Muhammad Shakil
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Drawing on social exchange theory (SET) and conservation of resource (COR) theory, the purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between servant leadership and employees' innovative behaviour and explore the neglected mediating role of psychological safety and thriving.

Design/methodology/approach

Following cross-sectional research design, data was collected from 347 employees of large size information technology (IT) companies in Pakistan. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique was used for data analysis.

Findings

The results reveal that servant leadership has direct and positive relationship with employees' innovative behaviour. Moreover, psychological safety and thriving partially mediate this relationship.

Practical implications

This research reinforces the role of servant leadership in organizations striving for a high rate of innovation. Findings of this study suggest managers to practice servant leadership behaviours which enhance employees psychological resources: psychological safety and thriving and prompt them to engage in innovative behaviour.

Originality/value

This research makes novel contribution to the incipient literature by providing first empirical evidence on the simultaneous role of psychological safety and thriving in translating the influence of servant leadership on employees' innovative behaviour.
Public users’ perception of Airbnb in Malaysia: should we regulate?
Authors: Al Sadat Zyed Zafirah , Yong Mun Yee , Tedong Peter Aning
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Drawing from available literature and several case studies, this research aims to determine the criteria to be considered in shaping a framework regulating Airbnb. This paper will identify the regulatory frameworks of Airbnb from an international perspective and investigate the public perception on the criteria to be considered in shaping the framework regulating Airbnb. The criteria needed to be considered to regulate Airbnb are suggested accordingly.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach based on central tendency statistics was adopted in this research. Questionnaires were administered to the public to investigate the public's opinion on the criteria to be considered to regulate Airbnb. Finally, the criteria to be considered to regulate Airbnb will be determined. By using the mean analysis, this paper will tease out the ranking of the criteria that should be prioritized in shaping the Airbnb regulatory framework.

Findings

The results indicated that the criteria of “permits and safety” and “housing rules enforcement” outweigh the other “taxes” and “rule enforcement” criteria and shall be prioritized by the local authorities during the formation of Airbnb regulations in Malaysia.

Originality/value

This paper provides valuable pointers for policymakers before the expansion of Airbnb and before it becomes more difficult to regulate.
From tree to network: reordering an archival catalogue
Authors: Bell Mark
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper presents the results of a number of experiments performed at the National Archives, all related to the theme of linking collections of records. This paper aims to present a methodology for translating a hierarchy into a network structure using a number of methods for deriving statistical distributions from records metadata or content and then aggregating them. Simple similarity metrics are then used to compare and link, collections of records with similar characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is to consider a record at any level of the catalogue hierarchy as a summary of its children. A distribution for each child record is created (e.g. word counts and date distribution) and averaged/summed with the other children. This process is repeated up the hierarchy to find a representative distribution of the whole series. By doing this the authors can compare record series together and create a similarity network.

Findings

The summarising method was found to be applicable not only to a hierarchical catalogue but also to web archive data, which is by nature stored in a hierarchical folder structure. The case studies raised many questions worthy of further exploration such as how to present distributions and uncertainty to users and how to compare methods, which produce similarity scores on different scales.

Originality/value

Although the techniques used to create distributions such as topic modelling and word frequency counts, are not new and have been used to compare documents, to the best of the knowledge applying the averaging approach to the archival catalogue is new. This provides an interesting method for zooming in and out of a collection, creating networks at different levels of granularity according to user needs.
Internet banking service quality, e-customer satisfaction and loyalty: the modified e-SERVQUAL model
Authors: Raza Syed Ali , Umer Amna , Qureshi Muhammad Asif , Dahri Abdul Samad
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study explores the service quality dimensions in Internet banking and their impact on e-customer’s satisfaction and e-customer’s loyalty. This study tries to inspect the structural association between Internet banking service quality, electronic customer satisfaction and electronic customer loyalty based on separate constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

In this present research, quantitative approach is applied. The data is gathered from 500 bank clients in Pakistan by using structured questionnaires, and the theoretical model is tested by partial least square structured equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Moreover, convergent validity and discriminant validity were assessed.

Findings

Results show that all the dimensions are found to have a positive and significant influence on customer satisfaction while customer’s satisfaction has a significant and positive impact on customer’s loyalty. Findings indicate that service quality plays a very important role in every society, as it has become the basis for how customers interpret online banking and, in the end, how it interacts and operates with online services.

Practical implications

This research adds up considerably to the literature of bank marketing, and it is also fruitful for the academicians since it demonstrates the way Internet banking service quality determinants predict e-satisfaction of clients which ultimately raises the e-loyalty of clients. This study is useful for those E-retailers and managers who want to grab e-retailing market.

Originality/value

This research suggests a model which ultimately enhances customer loyalty towards Internet banking service quality through customer satisfaction in Pakistan. It involves modified model of E-SERVQUAL (user friendliness, efficiency of websites, personal need, and site organization) which connects it to electronic customer satisfaction and electronic customer loyalty. Therefore, it will assist the Internet banking sector in building effective marketing tactics, establishing long lasting relationships with clients and acquiring the competitive edge in the market.
Effects of Clinical Reasoning Prompts on Nursing Students’ Clinical Judgment for a Patient Experiencing Respiratory Distress
Authors: Tesoro Mary Gay , Simmons Anne Marie , de Barros Alba Lucia Bottura Leite , Lopes Camila Takao , Guandalini Lidia Santiago , Cruz Elaine Drehmer de Almeida , Maurício Aline Batista
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE

To test the effects of clinical reasoning prompts on students’ clinical judgment of a written case study.

METHODS

An experimental pre‐ and posttest study with second semester nursing students (N = 163).

FINDINGS

The intervention was insufficient to significantly improve clinical judgment. Students identified that the prompts would help them “narrow… down the problem” and “slow… the decision‐making process” to improve analysis. The most accurate patient problem was identified by 28% of students in pretest and 35% in posttest.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence of variations in nursing students’ clinical judgment and students’ desire to use decision‐making algorithms.

NURSING IMPLICATIONS

Nurse educators should provide students with additional education and practice to identify and solve these types of problems.
Association between transfusion of blood products and acute kidney injury following cardiac surgery
Authors: Rasmussen Sebastian R. , Kandler Kristian , Nielsen Rikke V. , Jakobsen Peter C. , Ranucci Marco , Ravn Hanne B.
Published: July 2020

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication following cardiac surgery associated with increased mortality. Red blood cell transfusion enhances the risk of developing AKI. However, the impact of other blood products on AKI is virtually unexplored. The aim of this study was to explore if transfusion of red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma and platelets alone or in combination were associated with postoperative AKI.

Methods

Patients undergoing elective on‐pump cardiac surgery were included (n = 1960) between 2012 to 2014. Transfusion data were collected intraoperatively and until the first postoperative day. AKI was classified according to the KDIGO criteria. Data were analysed using univariate and stepwise multiple logistic regression with adjustment for clinical risk factors and complementary blood products.

Results

AKI was observed in 542 patients (27.7%). In univariate analysis and following adjustment for clinical risk factors, administration of red blood cells, freshfrozen plasma and platelets were all independently associated with KDIGO stage 2‐3. Following additional adjustment for complementary blood products, only red blood cell transfusion remained significantly associated with AKI. A dose‐dependent association between volume of red blood cells and degree of AKI severity was observed.

Conclusion

Transfusion of all blood products in a dose‐dependent manner increased the risk for AKI. However, in multivariate analysis combining all blood products, only red blood cell transfusion remained significantly associated with AKI development.
The inherited methylome landscape is directly altered with paternal aging and associated with offspring neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Denomme Michelle M. , Haywood Mary E. , Parks Jason C. , Schoolcraft William B. , Katz‐Jaffe Mandy G.
Published: July 2020

Paternal aging and the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring are well documented. Yet, the underlying mechanism and the mode of inheritance have not been conclusively established. Advancing paternal age is a subtle and varying phenotype. As such, it is likely that a threshold for cumulative risk may exist that, if surpassed, culminates in a predisposition to disease and ultimately an observed phenotype in offspring. Epigenetic regulation provides a plausible explanation for the nongenetic paternal transmission of disease susceptibility. With the use of whole‐genome methylation sequencing, the data described herein substantiate an increasingly compromised DNA methylation profile as sperm ages and, for the first time, also demonstrate a generational correlation in sperm and blastocyst of an altered methylome associated with advanced paternal age. Methylation alterations are not randomly distributed across the genome, but appear clustered at certain chromosomal locations, and significantly colocalize with regions of nucleosome retention. Genes associated with autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are significantly enriched with causative methylation aberrations in both sperm and embryos from aged fathers. The long‐term health burden and societal economic impact of these conditions are substantial and will continue with increasingly prevalent diagnosis. This work provides a mechanistic link between the paternal age effect and offspring neurodevelopmental disorders leading to a better understanding of causation and investigation into potential future therapy.
Interactions between cannabidiol and Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol in modulating seizure susceptibility and survival in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome
Authors: Anderson Lyndsey L. , Low Ivan K. , McGregor Iain S. , Arnold Jonathon C.
Published: July 2020

Background and Purpose

Extracts from the cannabis plant can dramatically improve the health of children suffering from refractory epilepsies such as Dravet syndrome. These extracts typically contain cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid with well‐documented anticonvulsant effects, but may also contain Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC). It is unclear whether the presence of Δ9‐THC modulates the anticonvulsant efficacy of CBD. Here, we utilized the Scn1a+/− mouse model of Dravet syndrome to examine this question.

Experimental Approach

Scn1a+/− mice recapitulate core features of Dravet syndrome, including hyperthermia‐induced seizures, early onset spontaneous seizures and sudden death. We assessed the effects on CBD and Δ9‐THC alone, and in combination on hyperthermia‐induced seizures, spontaneous seizures and premature mortality.

Key Results

Administered alone, CBD (100 mg·kg−1 i.p.) was anticonvulsant against hyperthermia‐induced seizures as were low (0.1 and 0.3 mg·kg−1 i.p.) but not higher doses of Δ9‐THC. A subthreshold dose of CBD (12 mg·kg−1) enhanced the anticonvulsant effects of Δ9‐THC (0.1 mg·kg−1). Sub‐chronic oral administration of Δ9‐THC or CBD alone did not affect spontaneous seizure frequency or mortality while, surprisingly, their co‐administration increased the severity of spontaneous seizures and overall mortality.

Conclusion and Implications

Low doses of Δ9‐THC are anticonvulsant against hyperthermia‐induced seizures in Scn1a+/− mice, effects that are enhanced by a sub‐anticonvulsant dose of CBD. However, proconvulsant effects and increased premature mortality are observed when CBD and Δ9‐THC are sub‐chronically dosed in combination. The possible explanations and implications of this are discussed.
Inhibition of heparanase protects against pancreatic beta cell death in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice via reducing intra‐islet inflammatory cell infiltration
Authors: Song Wen‐Yu , Jiang Xiao‐Han , Ding Ying , Wang Yan , Zhou Ming‐Xuan , Xia Yun , Zhang Chen‐Yu , Yin Chong‐Chong , Qiu Chen , Li Kai , Sun Peng , Han Xiao
Published: July 2020

Background and Purpose

Intra‐islet heparan sulfate (HS) plays an important role in the maintenance of pancreatic islet function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect mechanism of HS loss on the functioning of islets in diabetic mice.

Experimental Approach

The hypoglycaemic effect of a heparanase inhibitor, OGT2115, was tested in a streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mouse model. The islets in pancreatic sections were also stained to reveal their morphology. An insulinoma cell line (MIN6) and primary isolated murine islets were used to investigate the effect of OGT2115 in vitro.

Key Results

Intra‐islet HS was clearly lost in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice due to the increased heparanase expression in damaged islets. OGT2115 prevented intra‐islet HS loss and improved the glucose profile and insulin secretion in streptozotocin‐treated mice. The apoptosis of pancreatic beta cells and the infiltration of mononuclear macrophages, CD4‐ and CD8‐positive T‐cells in islets was reduced by OGT2115 in streptozotocin‐treated mice, but OGT2115 did not alter the direct streptozotocin‐induced damage in vitro. The expression of heparanase was increased in high glucose‐treated isolated islets but not in response to direct streptozotocin stimulation. Further experiments showed that high glucose stimuli could decreased expression of PPARγ in cultured islets, thereby relieving the PPARγ‐induced inhibition of heparanase gene expression.

Conclusion and Implications

Hyperglycaemia could cause intra‐islet HS loss by elevating the expression of heparanase, thereby aggravating inflammatory cell infiltration and islet damage. Inhibition of heparanase might provide benefit for pancreatic beta cell protection in Type 1 diabetes.
DockVis: Visual Analysis of Molecular Docking Trajectories
Authors: Furmanová Katarína , Vávra Ondřej , Kozlíková Barbora , Damborský Jiří , Vonásek Vojtěch , Bednář David , Byška Jan
Published: July 2020

Computation of trajectories for ligand binding and unbinding via protein tunnels and channels is important for predicting possible protein–ligand interactions. These highly complex processes can be simulated by several software tools, which provide biochemists with valuable information for drug design or protein engineering applications. This paper focuses on aiding this exploration process by introducing the DockVis visual analysis tool. DockVis operates with the multivariate output data from one of the latest available tools for the prediction of ligand transport, CaverDock. DockVis provides the users with several linked views, combining the 2D abstracted depictions of ligands and their surroundings and properties with the 3D view. In this way, we enable the users to perceive the spatial configurations of ligand passing through the protein tunnel. The users are initially visually directed to the most relevant parts of ligand trajectories, which can be then explored in higher detail by the follow‐up analyses. DockVis was designed in tight collaboration with protein engineers developing the CaverDock tool. However, the concept of DockVis can be extended to any other tool predicting ligand pathways by the molecular docking. DockVis will be made available to the wide user community as part of the Caver Analyst 3.0 software package (www.caver.cz).
Operational Risks and Firm Market Performance: Evidence from China*
Authors: Bai Chunguang , Gao Wenlian , Sarkis Joseph
Published: July 2020

This study investigates how different operational risks impact firm stock market performance. By using a sample of 762 operational risk events published by 543 listed Chinese firms over the period of 2010–2017, we document an overall significantly negative market reaction to operational risks. Specifically, we find that the stock market reaction differs across operational risk types. Man‐made operational risk and disruption operational risk events are associated with greater negative market reaction than nature‐caused and nondisruption operational risk events, respectively. We further find that regulatory violations (external risks) have a smaller negative market reaction than operational incidents (internal risks). Finally, we show that different determinants of competitive forces, namely, a firm's market share and product substitutability, have contrasting effects on the market reaction of all operational risks. These findings can aid various stakeholders to understand the impact of different operational risks and advance cost‐effective mechanisms aimed at mitigating operational risks in China, with potential application to other regions.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided hepaticogastrostomy using a new fully covered metallic stent without fistula dilatation
Authors: Kuraoka Naosuke , Hashimoto Satoru , Matsui Shigeru
Published: July 2020

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Predicting complex spikes in striatal projection neurons of the direct pathway following neuromodulation by acetylcholine and dopamine
Authors: Lindroos Robert , Hellgren Kotaleski Jeanette
Published: July 2020

The input structure of the basal ganglia, striatum, receives dense neuromodulatory input in the form of dopamine and acetylcholine. The two systems are tightly connected, for example, synchronized activity of cholinergic interneurons, leading to increased acetylcholine release, has been shown to directly trigger dopamine release from dopaminergic terminals in striatum. Both signals are further needed for induction of locomotion. High dopamine concentration leads to increased excitability of the direct pathway striatal projection neurons. High cholinergic tone inhibits various potassium channels further increasing the excitability of striatal projection neurons. Here, we investigate the combined effect of concurrent high acetylcholine and dopamine using biophysically detailed models based on rodent data. The aim of the study is to investigate how neuromodulation affects dendritic integration. The result shows that neuromodulation paired with synaptic activation of dendrites can give rise to complex spiking patterns, resembling spike shapes seen in the hippocampus. In the hippocampus, these complex spikes are associated with behavioral time scale plasticity and place cell tuning. We further investigate the mechanisms behind the complex spikes and find that there are two components, one axo‐somatic and one dendritic in origin.
Identification of functional long non‐coding RNAs in gastric cancer by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Li Yang , Ma Dongyang , Li Tang , Yin Yuan
Published: July 2020

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proven to play important roles in various cancers, including gastric cancer (GC). However, detailed knowledge about lncRNAs in GC is limited. Therefore we carried out an in‐depth study of public data and found 83 differently expressed lncRNAs in GC. To further confirm the target genes of these lncRNAs, we constructed a co‐expression network between lncRNAs and mRNAs and found three lncRNAs (MBNL1‐AS1, HAND2‐AS1 and MIR100HG) were at the core of the network. By coalition analysis of clinical information and the three lncRNAs’ expression level from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GSE15459 data sets, we found MIR100HG could be a potential prognostic factor. Clinical samples showed patients with higher MIR100HG expression had poorer prognosis, and further experiments demonstrated that MIR100HG was associated with proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells. Hopefully, MIR100HG might be considered as a novel prognostic factor and biomarker for GC.
Supraventricular bigeminy originating from the mitral annulus: What is the mechanism?
Authors: Yokoyama Masaaki , Yamashita Seigo , Tokuda Michifumi , Mahida Saagar , Yoshimura Michihiro , Yamane Teiichi
Published: July 2020

We present a case of a 67‐year‐old female with a previous history of pulmonary vein isolation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who presented with supraventricular bigeminy with a constant coupling interval. The supraventricular bigeminy originated from the anterior mitral annulus with initial mapping suggestive of a focal mechanism. However detailed mapping using an ultrahigh resolution mapping system (with the manual shifting of the annotation window) revealed very low amplitude potentials connecting the previous sinus beat with continuous activation along the mitral annulus. Our observations were indicative of a re‐entry mechanism underlying the supraventricular bigeminy.