bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Research on IPO Pricing Efficiency under the Approval System and Registration System
Authors: Chen Zhelin , Wang Yidan
Published: April 2024

This article examines China’s evolving stock issuance system within its market-oriented economy, particularly focusing on the transition from the approval system to the registration system. The study evaluates the efficiency of Initial Public Offering (IPO) pricing under incomplete games, identifying high risks and uncertainties in the process. By analyzing 31 selected articles, the research categorizes IPO pricing efficiency based on the timeline of system transformation and explores three key influencing factors: macro-environmental factors, information factors, and role behavioral factors. The findings reveal minimal differences in the study of IPO pricing efficiency under different time intervals in the Chinese capital market. Moreover, the shift from the approval system to the registration system has positively impacted information disclosure, transmission speed, freedom, and individual responsibility in China’s capital market. The article concludes with a summary of the organized content and suggests future research directions, emphasizing the importance of continuous guidance and optimization for resource allocation in China’s capital market to foster healthy and stable development.
An Analysis on Multiple Rounds of Questioning Under the Registration System: Taking Hitake as an Example
Authors: Chen Keyu
Published: April 2024

The traditional approval system has in the past suffered from low approval efficiency and inadequate information disclosure, and was prone to market speculation and information asymmetry. In order to improve market transparency and standardization, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) formally implemented a registration system for stock issuance in 2019 and is gradually promoting related reforms. Under the registration system, if the regulator still has questions about a company’s response or needs further information, it may ask additional questions and request more information and explanations from the company. At this point, the company will face multiple rounds of questioning. Through the multiple rounds of questioning procedures, the regulator can gain an in-depth understanding of the situation of the proposed listed company, ask questions and request additional information, so as to better protect the rights and interests of investors and the stable operation of the market. This paper analyzes Hitake as an example of a company, and studies the reasons why Hitake experienced multiple rounds of questioning as well as the economic results of multiple rounds of questioning from both financial and nonfinancial perspectives. The significance of this paper is that by analyzing the multiple rounds of inquiries under the registration system of Hitake, it reflects the impact of the multiple rounds of inquiries, thus reflecting the far-reaching role of the registration system in today’s market as well as the revelation.
The comparison of macroeconomic development between the united states and japan in recent in recent years is analyzed from nasdaq and nikkei index
Authors: Deng Rongzhan
Published: April 2024

The changes in the Nasdaq and Nikkei over the past in recent years offer valuable insights for evaluating macroeconomic developments in the United States and Japan. Through an analysis of these two indicators, this paper can initially draw conclusions about the state of both countries’ economies. Over the past three years, the Nasdaq index has exhibited a relatively stable growth trend, maintaining strong overall growth despite fluctuations caused by global uncertainties. This may reflect advancements in areas such as technological innovation and the Internet sector, as well as investors’ optimism regarding future prospects. In contrast, the Nikkei index has displayed a more intricate and volatile pattern during this same period. While there have been some gains, it has experienced an overall decline marked by shocks. This could be attributed to various challenges faced by Japan including an aging population, low growth rate, and declining corporate competitiveness. The objective of this paper is to explore a similar model that explains stock markets in both the US and Japan. Many long-term investors base their stock decisions on the assumption that corporate cash flows should grow alongside economic performance while considering a constant or slow-moving discount rate. Therefore, it is expected that stock returns may exhibit correlation with future economic performance. Another concern worth addressing is how deflation might impact real stock returns.
The Impact of China’s Tax Policy Reform on the Gap between Rich and Poor
Authors: Liu Lin
Published: April 2024

Common prosperity is the goal that the Chinese government is constantly striving for, and the reform of the tax system is the only way to achieve this goal. In the past ten years, China has continuously carried out tax reform and achieved good results. Previous scholars have conducted in-depth research on China’s tax reform from multiple perspectives. Previous research has focused on the impact of tax policy on China’s economic growth, exploring how taxes stimulate or constrain the development of different industries and regions. And early research focused on social equity issues, examining the impact of tax policies on income distribution, and how to reduce the social gap between rich and poor through taxation. These studies provide lessons and theoretical support for current tax reforms and provide a basis for future research. This article will start from two aspects: personal income tax reform and value-added tax reform, and analyze the impact of personal income tax and value-added tax reforms on the gap between the rich and the poor.
Negative Impact of Income Tax on Economic Growth
Authors: Fang Wenting
Published: April 2024

In the intricate development of global trends, economic growth is a crucial part shaped by the factors all around from indicators like Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Gross National Income (GNI) to policies for taxation, exportation, social welfare and so on. Among them, taxation is an interesting topic discussed frequently by analysts and economists, which also contributed to wealth redistribution and inequality as important considerations. This article focuses on researching the impact of income tax on economic growth, including individual income tax and corporate income tax. The purpose of this research is to figure out whether cut in tax promotes economic growth in the United States. The results show that income tax rate indeed have a negative relationship with economic growth rate. The research’s data specifically shows how GDP shift up or down with the change of consumption, investment, employment rate, and so on. Cut in taxation somewhat promotes the GDP growth, while people are more willing to consume, invest, and governments are more abundant in funding. Finally, this research suggests the policy maker to consider the lagging effect of taxation policy on economic growth and timely adjustment of taxation structure progressivity, and further research and development.
How can Developing Countries in Asia Achieve Economic Growth? Taking Bangladesh as an example
Authors: Wu Hao
Published: April 2024

This study analyzes the key drivers of economic growth in Bangladesh from 1980 to 2018 based on theoretical frameworks and historical data. It takes Bangladesh’s development experience as the research object and aims to make three contributions. Firstly, it examines the main contributing factors to Bangladesh’s past growth within the analytical framework of the neoclassical growth theory. This allows summarizing the underlying causes of Bangladesh’s historical economic growth trajectory. Secondly, it investigates the current contributing factors and obstacles to growth in Bangladesh to understand how countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar and Vietnam can achieve ongoing economic growth. Lastly, the research methodology employs empirical analysis of time series data on factors such as investment, labor force, technology and GDP within the framework of neoclassical growth theory. The findings suggest that capital accumulation, driven by investment, has made the largest contribution to Bangladesh’s strong economic performance in recent decades. However, risks remain if over-reliance on the garment industry and uneven regional development are not addressed through continued policy reforms focusing on diversification, balanced development and social inclusion. The study provides preliminary guidance for Bangladesh and similar nations to sustain their growth momentum.
Research on the Trade Imbalance between China and the United States
Authors: Lyu Fan
Published: April 2024

This paper analyzes the phenomenon of RMB depreciation on the basis of trade inequality between China and the United States. It is concluded that the causes of the trade imbalance between China and the United States are mainly related to the transfer of the global industrial chain, the highly complementary trade structure of China and the United States, the international dollar credit standard, etc. This paper puts forward some suggestions and measures to solve the pressure of RMB exchange rate and Sino-US trade imbalance. This paper argues that China should actively promote the internationalization of RMB and improve the formation mechanism of RMB exchange rate. In addition, China should promote the deep integration of the Chinese market into the global market and accelerate industrial innovation and upgrading. It also recommends the cultivation of foreign-related economic and rule of law talents to promote the easing of the relationship between the two sides and the common economic growth.
Case Analysis and Future Expectations of Chinese Enterprises Suffering Heavy Losses in the International Futures Market: Take the Bank of China and Tsingshan LME as Examples
Authors: Liu Jialei
Published: April 2024

Affected by various factors such as COVID-19 epidemic and war, the world economic situation changes more frequently, which leads to increased instability in the international and domestic financial derivatives market. For the substantial changes in the international and domestic financial derivatives market, how to deal with sudden changes and analyze the failure cases in the change of financial derivatives is of far-reaching significance to the rapidly developing domestic financial derivatives market. By taking the Bank of China “crude oil treasure’ margin call liquidation case and Tsingshan LME Nickel Futures Squeeze Case as the core of the study, this paper uses case analysis method to deeply study the possible problems and failures in the futures market under the condition of financial derivatives market instability and puts forward suggestions on how to deal with these problems. This paper analyzes the attributes and characteristics of China’s ‘crude oil treasure’ products and nickel futures products, restores the event process, describes the impact of the event on investors, trading institutions and banks, and puts forward suggestions for improvement. The suggestions in this paper are as follows: First, the company and the regulatory department should strengthen risk supervision and management; Second, companies and investors should improve their professional capabilities.
The impact of the US-China trade war on the global macroeconomy
Authors: Chen Hongcheng
Published: April 2024

In recent times, one of the major issues currently affecting the global economy has been the trade war between the United States and China. This paper examines the impact of the US-China trade war on the global macro economy, including U.S. tariffs, real exports, macroeconomic indicators, and production structure. This paper finds that increased U.S. tariffs on China not only reduce the welfare of U.S. consumers and firms but also cause a domino effect throughout other regions that significantly impact the global trade structure. The US-China trade war, with its complexity regarding taxes and extensive geopolitical implications on current economics, proves itself to be an interconnected entity dictating the course of the present world economy. Based on examining some essential elements, from real exports macroeconomic parameters, the trade conflict has merely exceeded the bilateral dimension and now marks even the global economy. Therefore, the dynamics of this trade war call for global collaboration and advanced planning to guard against its wide-ranging implications.
Research on the Influence of FDI on China’s Economic Innovation Development
Authors: Zhao Yuning
Published: April 2024

Foreign direct investment (FDI) and outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) are the primary methods through which capital moves internationally. They serve as significant conduits for technological spillover, which is vital for the progress of countries and regions. Through the combined impact of the growth in foreign direct investment and the two-way flow of FDI, China may enhance its access to various production resources, including labor, capital, and energy. Additionally, this enables China to improve the distribution of intangible assets such as knowledge and technology. Consequently, there is an urgent need to establish and implement a strategy that prioritizes innovation-driven development.This study utilizes China’s provincial panel data from 2000-2020 to examine the relationship between the expansion of foreign direct investment (FDI) and the level of innovation. The regional innovation index is used as the dependent variable, while the FDI scale is used as the independent variable. Additionally, a model is employed to test the impact of China’s FDI scale expansion on regional innovation capacity. Simultaneously, this study takes into account the disparities in development between the eastern region and the central and western regions, as well as the influence of the Pilot Free Trade Zone policy. Consequently, the sample is further categorized into the eastern region, central region, and western region for a more detailed analysis. Relevant countermeasures are provided based on the results of the empirical analysis mentioned above.
Research on Business Strategy Based on New Culture and Entertainment Industry
Authors: Zhang Xiwen
Published: April 2024

The Disney Company and Warner Brothers have long played an important role in shaping and disseminating American popular culture. With the gradual development and improvement of the Internet and the information technology these days, they are quietly subverting the traditional culture and entertainment industry. Disney and Warner Brothers, as two large and classic film and television companies, their success from their founding to today cannot be separated from their own business strategies. As Disney gradually became bigger and bigger, it acquired many famous companies as its subsidiaries, and Warner Brothers also developed many peripheral products, or cooperated with other companies for their marketing. However, in the process of continuous development, the two companies also faced different problems. This paper studies and analyzes the development status and business strategies of these two companies. At the same time, it also provides some suggestions that are beneficial for the two companies. This paper uses the comparison method, and uses the tabulator data to more convincingly reflect.
Analysis of the Influencing Factors of Marketing Strategy on Consumer Purchasing behaviour: A Case Study of Apple
Authors: Cai Qingyan , Chen Shi
Published: April 2024

This passage provides an analysis of Apple Inc.’s marketing strategies, focusing on its advertising and product marketing tactics, as well as its approach to celebrity and film marketing. It highlights Apple’s emphasis on simplicity and minimalism in its advertising campaigns, utilizing short, memorable slogans and a clean design aesthetic. The passage also discusses Apple’s use of secrecy and mystery surrounding product launches to generate consumer curiosity and anticipation. Additionally, it addresses Apple’s engagement with filmmakers to feature its products in movies and TV shows, further enhancing brand visibility. The passage concludes with suggestions for Apple, including the importance of understanding consumer needs, maintaining brand loyalty, and developing a comprehensive marketing strategy that addresses various factors influencing consumer behavior.
Decoding Disney’s Marketing Mastery: A Strategic Analysis
Authors: Zhu Wanying
Published: April 2024

Nowdays, the Walt Disney Company is one of the most influential entertainment companies in the world, which is famous for its creativity and unique marketing strategy.Disney used to be just a small animation studio but now it has influence all over the world. To investigate the key factors which made Disney’s successful global expansion and development,this paper did this following reserach. This research is mainly about Disney’s core business and the marketing strategy used by Disney. The study was conducted through a meticulous analysis of Disney’s primary business segments, its overarching business strategies, and its management practices. Furthermore, it examines Disney’s brand positioning, market penetration tactics, and customer engagement techniques that collectively forge its competitive advantage. By dissecting the synergy between Disney’s content creation and its promotional tactics, this research aims to unravel the intricacies of Disney’s approach in nurturing a loyal consumer base and securing its status as an indomitable force in the entertainment industry.
A Study on the Game Strategy of Chip Price Behavior at the Background of the US-China Trade War
Authors: Ma Minghao
Published: April 2024

The US-China trade war has had a profound impact on the game strategy and price behavior of chips in the semiconductor industry. This study aims to analyze the influencing factors, strategic shifts, and game theory dynamics of chip prices in the context of the trade war. The asymmetrical relationship between the United States and China in chip supply and demand, coupled with the imposition of tariffs and restrictions, has disrupted the supply chain, which leads to fluctuations in chip prices. The study highlights the artificial inflation of demand and oversupply of certain chip types because of stockpiling and entity list disruptions. It also examines the impact of tariffs on the cost structure of semiconductor manufacturing and the subsequent adjustments in pricing strategies. Furthermore, the study explores the localization strategies and shifts in global semiconductor production that have been prompted by the trade war and their implications on chip prices. Lastly, the study analyzes the repeated game perspective and its influence on the strategic choices and behaviors of the parties involved in the trade war. Overall, this study provides insights into the game strategy and price behavior of chips in the background of the US-China trade war, contributing to a better understanding of the dynamics and implications for the semiconductor industry.
Analysis of the energy trade game between major countries under the background of “carbon neutrality”: A case study of the photovoltaic industry in China and the United States
Authors: Wang Yixuan
Published: April 2024

With the global climate change poses a major threat to human society, more and more countries begin to “carbon neutral” as a national strategy. As a major country in the global carbon emissions, China and the United States focus on the development of the clean industry - photovoltaic industry to increase investment, in order to deal with global climate problems. At the same time, China and the United States for the photovoltaic industry game also presents a two-way interaction situation, on the one hand, the two countries for the “carbon neutral” energy strategy affects the two countries’ trade borders, on the other hand, the two countries’ trade strategy also affects the global “carbon neutral” process. This article will be based on the current stage of the two sides of the energy use, the development of photovoltaic industry strength comparison and other aspects of the photovoltaic energy game between China and the United States to discuss.
Game Theory and Game Mechanics Design
Authors: Pi Jiasheng
Published: April 2024

This paper focuses on the significance of game balance in games and explores the application of game theory concepts for designing and analyzing balanced gameplay. When analyzing instances of games, the paper initially presents the renowned prisoner’s dilemma, a prominent problem in game theory, and delves into diverse strategies along with their corresponding advantages, thereby enabling readers to appreciate the captivating essence of game theory. After that, the paper respectively mentions two individual cases from two different forms of games. The well-known game Rock-Paper-Scissors is a simple strategy game. FPS (First Person Shooter) game is a sort of video game that is a complex strategy game. In analyzing this type of game, the paper draws images to show the imbalance in the game. In the end, the article puts forward the prospect that game theory can contribute to game design. The approach adopted in this study integrates existing research in game theory with practical insights from game design, without delving into extensive theoretical derivations or complex formulas.
A single dose of AC102 restores hearing in a guinea pig model of noise-induced hearing loss to almost prenoise levels
Authors: Rommelspacher Hans , Bera Sujoy , Brommer Benedikt , Ward Rachael , Kwiatkowska Monika , Zygmunt Tomasz , Theden Florian , Üsekes Berk , Eren Neriman , Nieratschker Michael , Arnoldner Christoph , Plontke Stefan K. , Hellmann-Regen Julian , Schlingensiepen Reimar
Published: April 2024

Although sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a serious condition, there are currently no approved drugs for its treatment. Nevertheless, there is a growing understanding that the cochlear pathologies that underlie SSNHL include apoptotic death of sensory outer hair cells (OHCs) as well as loss of ribbon synapses connecting sensory inner hair cells (IHCs) and neurites of the auditory nerve, designated synaptopathy. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a common subtype of SSNHL and is widely used to model hearing loss preclinically. Here, we demonstrate that a single interventive application of a small pyridoindole molecule (AC102) into the middle ear restored auditory function almost to prenoise levels in a guinea pig model of NIHL. AC102 prevented noise-triggered loss of OHCs and reduced IHC synaptopathy suggesting a role of AC102 in reconnecting auditory neurons to their sensory target cells. Notably, AC102 exerted its therapeutic properties over a wide frequency range. Such strong improvements in hearing have not previously been demonstrated for other therapeutic agents. In vitro experiments of a neuronal damage model revealed that AC102 protected cells from apoptosis and promoted neurite growth. These effects may be explained by increased production of adenosine triphosphate, indicating improved mitochondrial function, and reduced levels of reactive-oxygen species which prevents the apoptotic processes responsible for OHC death. This action profile of AC102 might be causal for the observed hearing recovery in in vivo models.
Topological wetting states of microdroplets on closed-loop structured surfaces: Breakdown of the Gibbs equation at the microscale
Authors: Lin Dongdong , Wang Shixian , Xu Wenwu , Chen Yuhao , Li Pei , Fang Ye-Guang , Zhao Wenhui , Duan Xiangmei , Yang Xinju , Jiang Zuimin , Fang Wei-Hai , Zeng Xiao Cheng , Francisco Joseph S. , Gao Yurui
Published: April 2024

Microdroplets are a class of soft matter that has been extensively employed for chemical, biochemical, and industrial applications. However, fabricating microdroplets with largely controllable contact-area shape and apparent contact angle, a key prerequisite for their applications, is still a challenge. Here, by engineering a type of surface with homocentric closed-loop microwalls/microchannels, we can achieve facile size, shape, and contact-angle tunability of microdroplets on the textured surfaces by design. More importantly, this class of surface topologies (with universal genus value = 1) allows us to reveal that the conventional Gibbs equation (widely used for assessing the edge effect on the apparent contact angle of macrodroplets) seems no longer applicable for water microdroplets or nanodroplets (evidenced by independent molecular dynamics simulations). Notably, for the flat surface with the intrinsic contact angle ~0°, we find that the critical contact angle on the microtextured counterparts (at edge angle 90°) can be as large as >130°, rather than 90° according to the Gibbs equation. Experiments show that the breakdown of the Gibbs equation occurs for microdroplets of different types of liquids including alcohol and hydrocarbon oils. Overall, the microtextured surface design and topological wetting states not only offer opportunities for diverse applications of microdroplets such as controllable chemical reactions and low-cost circuit fabrications but also provide testbeds for advancing the fundamental surface science of wetting beyond the Gibbs equation.
Elements of successful NIH grant applications
Authors: Araj Houmam , Worth Leroy , Yeung David T.
Published: April 2024

Is there a formula for a competitive NIH grant application? The Serenity Prayer may provide one: "Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the ability to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." But how to tell the difference? In this Perspective, we provide an inclusive roadmap—elements of NIH funding. Collectively, we have over 30 y of peer review experience as NIH Scientific Review Officers in addition to over 30 y of program experience as NIH Program Officers. This article distills our NIH experience. We use Euclid’s 13-book landmark,
The Elements,
as our template to humbly share what we learned. We have three specific aims: inform, guide, and motivate prospective applicants. We also address ways that support diversity and inclusion among applicants and young investigators in biomedical research. The elements we describe come from a wide range of sources. Some themes will be general. Some will be specific. All will be candid. The ultimate goal is a competitive application, serenity, and hopefully both.
Kinetic coevolutionary models predict the temporal emergence of HIV-1 resistance mutations under drug selection pressure
Authors: Biswas Avik , Choudhuri Indrani , Arnold Eddy , Lyumkis Dmitry , Haldane Allan , Levy Ronald M.
Published: April 2024

Drug resistance in HIV type 1 (HIV-1) is a pervasive problem that affects the lives of millions of people worldwide. Although records of drug-resistant mutations (DRMs) have been extensively tabulated within public repositories, our understanding of the evolutionary kinetics of DRMs and how they evolve together remains limited. Epistasis, the interaction between a DRM and other residues in HIV-1 protein sequences, is key to the temporal evolution of drug resistance. We use a Potts sequence-covariation statistical-energy model of HIV-1 protein fitness under drug selection pressure, which captures epistatic interactions between all positions, combined with kinetic Monte-Carlo simulations of sequence evolutionary trajectories, to explore the acquisition of DRMs as they arise in an ensemble of drug-naive patient protein sequences. We follow the time course of 52 DRMs in the enzymes protease, RT, and integrase, the primary targets of antiretroviral therapy. The rates at which DRMs emerge are highly correlated with their observed acquisition rates reported in the literature when drug pressure is applied. This result highlights the central role of epistasis in determining the kinetics governing DRM emergence. Whereas rapidly acquired DRMs begin to accumulate as soon as drug pressure is applied, slowly acquired DRMs are contingent on accessory mutations that appear only after prolonged drug pressure. We provide a foundation for using computational methods to determine the temporal evolution of drug resistance using Potts statistical potentials, which can be used to gain mechanistic insights into drug resistance pathways in HIV-1 and other infectious agents.
Carbon reduction and water saving potentials for growing corrugated boxes for express delivery services in China
Authors: Xu Zenghui , Zhuo La , Feng Bianbian , Li Meng , Wang Wei , Huang Hongrong , Wu Pute
Published: April 2024

Corrugated packaging for express grew by 90 times to 16.5 Mt y
−1
in China, where 81% of recent global express delivery growth occurred. However, the environmental impacts of production, usage, disposal, and recycling of corrugated boxes under the entire supply chain remain unclear. Here, we estimate the magnitudes, drivers, and mitigation potentials of cradle-to-grave life-cycle carbon footprint (CF) and three colors of water footprints (WFs) for corrugated cardboard packaging in China. Over 2007 to 2021, CF, blue and gray WFs per unit package decreased by 45%, 60%, and 84%, respectively, while green WF increased by 23% with growing imports of virgin pulp and China’s waste ban. National total CF and WFs were 21 to 102 folded with the scale effects. Only a combination of the supply chain reconstruction, lighter single-piece packaging, and increased recycling rate can possibly reduce the environmental footprints by 24 to 44% by 2035.
All 81 crepant resolutions of a finite quotient singularity are hyperpolygon spaces
Authors: Bellamy Gwyn , Craw Alastair , Rayan Steven , Schedler Travis , Weiss Hartmut
Published: April 2024

We demonstrate that the linear quotient singularity for the exceptional subgroup

G
G

in

S
p

(
4
,

C

)

\mathrm {Sp}(4,\mathbb {C})

of order 32 is isomorphic to an affine quiver variety for a 5-pointed star-shaped quiver. This allows us to construct uniformly all 81 projective crepant resolutions of

C

4

/

G

\mathbb {C}^4/G

as hyperpolygon spaces by variation of GIT quotient, and we describe both the movable cone and the Namikawa Weyl group action via an explicit hyperplane arrangement. More generally, for the

n
n

-pointed star shaped quiver, we describe completely the birational geometry for the corresponding hyperpolygon spaces in dimension

2
n
−
6

2n-6

; for example, we show that there are 1684 projective crepant resolutions when

n
=
6

n=6

. We also prove that the resulting affine cones are not quotient singularities for

n
≥
6

n \geq 6

.
LettuceDB: an integrated multi-omics database for cultivated lettuce
Authors: Zhou Wenhui , Yang Tao , Zeng Liucui , Chen Jing , Wang Yayu , Guo Xing , You Lijin , Liu Yiqun , Du Wensi , Yang Fan , Hua Cong , Cai Jia , van Hintum Theo , Liu Huan , Gu Ying , Wei Xiaofeng , Wei Tong
Published: April 2024

Crop genomics has advanced rapidly during the past decade, which generated a great abundance of omics data from multi-omics studies. How to utilize the accumulating data becomes a critical and urgent demand in crop science. As an attempt to integrate multi-omics data, we developed a database, LettuceDB (https://db.cngb.org/lettuce/), aiming to assemble multidimensional data for cultivated and wild lettuce germplasm. The database includes genome, variome, phenome, microbiome and spatial transcriptome. By integrating user-friendly bioinformatics tools, LettuceDB will serve as a one-stop platform for lettuce research and breeding in the future.

Database URL: https://db.cngb.org/lettuce/
Adapting to organizational change in a public sector high-reliability context: the role of negative affect and normative commitment to change
Authors: Pircher Verdorfer Armin , van Ginkel Gerco
Published: April 2024

This study aims to investigate the impact of organizational change in a public sector high-reliability context. Drawing on conservation of resources theory, our theoretical model posits that change can be stressful and cause negative affective reactions toward the change, which undermine adjustment and post-change functioning. A quantitative case study was carried out on a Dutch air force squadron undergoing a significant organizational change, including the collection of three waves of survey data from squadron members. The data underwent analysis through a process of moderated mediation. Consistently with the theoretically derived hypotheses, results show that negative affect toward the change predicted important adjustment indicators, that is, higher levels of work role overload and work errors. Furthermore, we found that the detrimental effects of negative affect were mitigated by the level of normative commitment to change, that is, the felt obligation to provide support for the change. Overall, the study’s intended contribution lies in its detailed examination of change dynamics in the specific context of public high-reliability organizations and its potential to inform theory and practice in that area.
A Superconducting Tensor Detector for Mid-Frequency Gravitational Waves: Its Multichannel Nature and Main Astrophysical Targets
Authors: Bae Yeong-Bok , Park Chan , Son Edwin J , Ahn Sang-Hyeon , Jeong Minjoong , Kang Gungwon , Kim Chunglee , Kim Dong Lak , Kim Jaewan , Kim Whansun , Lee Hyung Mok , Lee Yong-Ho , Norton Ronald S , Oh John J , Oh Sang Hoon , Paik Ho Jung
Published: April 2024

Mid-frequency band gravitational-wave detectors will be complementary to the existing Earth-based detectors (sensitive above 10 Hz or so) and the future space-based detectors such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), which will be sensitive below around 10 mHz. A ground-based superconducting omnidirectional gravitational radiation observatory (SOGRO) has recently been proposed along with several design variations for the frequency band of 0.1–10 Hz. For two conceptual designs of SOGRO (i.e. SOGRO and advanced SOGRO [aSOGRO]), we examine their multichannel natures, sensitivities, and science cases. One of the key characteristics of the SOGRO concept is its six detection channels. The response functions of each channel are calculated for all possible gravitational wave (GW) polarizations including scalar and vector modes. Combining these response functions, we also confirm the omnidirectional nature of SOGRO. Hence, even a single SOGRO detector will be able to determine the position of a source and polarizations of GWs, if detected. Taking into account SOGRO’s sensitivity and technical requirements, two main targets are most plausible: GWs from compact binaries and stochastic backgrounds. Based on assumptions we consider in this work, detection rates for intermediate-mass binary black holes (in the mass range of hundreds up to $10^{5}\, M_\odot$) are expected to be 0.0065–8.1 yr−1. In order to detect the stochastic GW background, multiple detectors are required. Two aSOGRO detector networks may be able to put limits on the stochastic background beyond the indirect limit from cosmological observations.
The blood-testis barrier disruption is a prerequisite for toxicant-induced peritubular macrophage increases in the testis of peripubertal rats
Authors: Fang Xin , Tiwary Richa , Nguyen Vivian P , Richburg John H
Published: April 2024

Peritubular macrophages (PTMφ) are predominantly localized near spermatogonial stem cells in the testis. We previously revealed that exposure of peripubertal male Fischer rats to mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) leads to increased PTMφs in the testis. The mechanisms that trigger increases in PTMφs in the testis are poorly understood. However, MEHP exposure is known to both induce spermatocyte apoptosis and to perturb the blood-testis barrier (BTB). This study aims to elucidate the association between the disruption of BTB and the increases of PTMφs in the testis by comparing the effects observed with MEHP to 2 other testicular toxicants with variable effects on the BTB and subtype of germ cell undergoing apoptosis. Methoxyacetic acid (MAA) acts directly on spermatocytes and does not affect BTB function, whereas cadmium chloride (CdCl2) induces profound injury to BTB. The results indicated that MAA exposure significantly increased spermatocyte apoptosis, whereas no significant changes in the numbers of PTMφs in the testis occurred. In contrast, CdCl2 exposure disrupted BTB function and increased the abundance of PTMφs in the testis. To further investigate whether MEHP-induced changes in BTB integrity accounted for the increase in PTMφs, a plasmid for LG3/4/5, the functional component of laminin-alpha 2, was overexpressed in the testis to stabilize BTB integrity before MEHP exposure. The results showed that LG3/4/5 overexpression substantially reduced the ability of MEHP to compromise BTB integrity and prevented the increase in PTMφ numbers after MEHP exposure. These results indicate that BTB disruption is necessary to increase PTMφs in the testis induced by toxicants.
Maintaining Community During Disruption: Lessons From the Accelerating Change in Medical Education Consortium
Authors: Elliott Victoria Stagg , Hammoud Maya M. , Richardson Judee , Santen Sally A. , Van Rite Eric , Lomis Kimberly D.
Published: April 2024

When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged early in 2020, the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Accelerating Change in Medical Education Consortium focused on maintaining its community of 37 medical schools and 11 graduate medical education projects along with the core substance of its work. The initial response was to cancel events and reduce the workload of consortium members, but it quickly became clear that the consortium needed additional strategies. The constituents needed resources, support, and community. The authors, along with the rest of the AMA team, learned to maximize the benefits and minimize the drawbacks of operating virtually. These insights supported the continuation, and even expansion, of the consortium’s innovations despite extremely stressful circumstances. In this Scholarly Perspective, the authors outline the actions that they and the AMA team took in 2020 and 2021 at the beginning of the pandemic and as that crisis progressed and was further intensified by the significant distress reflected in the protests after the murder of George Floyd. The goal of these actions was to maintain the consortium’s core substance, innovation, momentum, and sense of community. The authors describe lessons learned in 2020 and 2021 via a novel model developed to facilitate ongoing collaboration and respond rapidly to the needs of overwhelmed medical educators. This model is composed of 4 phases: assessing needs, mining experts, convening people, and generating products. This model for leveraging a community of practice can help educators optimize collaboration, whether educators are pursuing innovation in the training of physicians or other health care professionals and whether in times of extreme stress or stability, the model provides a pathway for maintaining community. The prepandemic way of working will not return. Virtual participation and collaboration will remain a part of work and daily life for the foreseeable future and beyond.
Variants in autophagy genes MTMR12 and FAM134A are putative modifiers of the hepatic phenotype in α1-antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Tafaleng Edgar N. , Li Jie , Wang Yan , Hidvegi Tunda , Soto-Gutierrez Alex , Locke Adam E. , Nicholas Thomas J. , Wang Yung-Chun , Pak Stephen , Cho Michael H. , Silverman Edwin K. , Silverman Gary A. , Jin Sheng Chih , Fox Ira J. , Perlmutter David H.
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims:

In the classical form of α1-antitrypsin deficiency, a misfolded variant α1-antitrypsin Z accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum of liver cells and causes liver cell injury by gain-of-function proteotoxicity in a sub-group of affected homozygotes but relatively little is known about putative modifiers. Here, we carried out genomic sequencing in a uniquely affected family with an index case of liver failure and 2 homozygous siblings with minimal or no liver disease. Their sequences were compared to sequences in well-characterized cohorts of homozygotes with or without liver disease, and then candidate sequence variants were tested for changes in the kinetics of α1-antitrypsin variant Z degradation in iPS-derived hepatocyte-like cells derived from the affected siblings themselves.

Approach and Results:

Specific variants in autophagy genes MTMR12 and FAM134A could each accelerate the degradation of α1-antitrypsin variant Z in cells from the index patient, but both MTMR12 and FAM134A variants were needed to slow the degradation of α1-antitrypsin variant Z in cells from a protected sib, indicating that inheritance of both variants is needed to mediate the pathogenic effects of hepatic proteotoxicity at the cellular level. Analysis of homozygote cohorts showed that multiple patient-specific variants in proteostasis genes are likely to explain liver disease susceptibility at the population level.

Conclusions:

These results validate the concept that genetic variation in autophagy function can determine susceptibility to liver disease in α1-antitrypsin deficiency and provide evidence that polygenic mechanisms and multiple patient-specific variants are likely needed for proteotoxic pathology.
Nurse-Led Care Coordination in a Transitional Clinic for Uninsured Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Coiner Sarah , Hernandez Alison , Midyette Paula , Patel Bela , Talley Michele
Published: April 2024

Purpose/Objectives:

The purpose of this article is to inform the reader of the practice of the registered nurse care coordinator (RNCC) within an interprofessional, nurse-led clinic serving uninsured diabetic patients in a large urban city. This clinic serves as a transitional care clinic, providing integrated diabetes management and assisting patients to establish with other primary care doctors in the community once appropriate. The clinic uses an interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) model with the RNCC at the center of patient onboarding, integrated responsive care, and clinic transitioning.

Primary Practice Setting:

Interprofessional, nurse-led clinic for uninsured patients with diabetes.

Findings/Conclusions:

Interprofessional models of care are strengthened using a specialized care coordinator.

Implications for Case Management Practice:

Care coordination is a key component in case management of a population with chronic disease. The RNCC, having specialized clinical expertise, is an essential member of the interdisciplinary team, contributing a wide range of resources to assist patients in achieving successful outcomes managing diabetes. Transitional care coordination, moving from unmanaged to managed diabetes care, is part of a bundled health care process fundamental to this clinic's IPCP model. In a transitional clinic setting, frequent interaction with patients through onboarding, routine check-ins, and warm handoff helps support and empower the patient to be engaged in their personal health care journey.
Continuing Insurance Coverage for Flap-Based Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Foppiani Jose A. , Kim Erin , Weidman Allan A. , Alvarez Angelica Hernandez , Escobar-Domingo Maria J. , Valentine Lauren , Lee Theodore C. , Mathes David W. , Lee Bernard T. , Lin Samuel J.
Published: April 2024

Background

The recent proposed alterations to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regulations, although subsequently reversed on August 21, 2023, have engendered persistent concerns regarding the impact of insurance policies on breast reconstruction procedures coverage. This study aimed to identify factors that would influence women's preferences regarding autologous breast reconstruction to better understand the possible consequences of these coverage changes.

Methods

A survey of adult women in the United States was conducted via Amazon Mechanical Turk to assess patient preferences for breast reconstruction options, specifically deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap surgery. The Cochrane-Armitage test evaluated trends in flap preferences concerning incremental out-of-pocket payment increases.

Results

Of 500 total responses, 485 were completed and correctly answered a verification question to ensure adequate attention to the survey, with respondents having a median (interquartile range) age of 26 (25–39) years. When presented with the advantages and disadvantages of DIEP versus TRAM flaps, 78% of respondents preferred DIEP; however, as DIEP's out-of-pocket price incrementally rose, more respondents favored the cheaper TRAM option, with $3804 being the “indifference point” where preferences for both procedures converged (P < 0.001). Notably, respondents with a personal history of breast reconstruction showed a higher preference for DIEP, even at a $10,000 out-of-pocket cost (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Out-of-pocket cost can significantly influence women's choices for breast reconstruction. These findings encourage a reevaluation of emergent insurance practices that could potentially increase out-of-pocket costs associated with DIEP flaps, to prevent cost from decreasing equitable patient access to most current reconstructive options.
Epidemiological Predictors of Financial Toxicity in Surgical Burn Injuries
Authors: Sana Hamaiyal , Ehsan Anam N. , Saha Shivangi , Hathi Preet , Malapati Sri Harshini , Katave Coral , Ganesh Praveen , Huang Chuan-Chin , Vengadassalapathy Srinivasan , Sabapathy S Raja , Kumar Neeraj , Chauhan Shashank , Singhal Maneesh , Ranganathan Kavitha
Published: April 2024

Background

Burns constitute a major global health challenge, causing over 11 million injuries and 300,000 deaths annually and surpassing the economic burden of cervical cancer and HIV combined. Despite this, patient-level financial consequences of burn injuries remain poorly quantified, with a significant gap in data from low- and middle-income countries. In this study, we evaluate financial toxicity in burn patients.

Methods

A prospective, multicenter cohort study was conducted across two tertiary care hospitals in India, assessing 123 adult surgical in-patients undergoing operative interventions for burn injuries. Patient sociodemographic, clinical, and financial data were collected through surveys and electronic records during hospitalization and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Out-of-pocket costs (OOPCs) for surgical burn treatment were evaluated during hospitalization. Longitudinal changes in income, employment status, and affordability of basic subsistence needs were assessed at the 1-, 3-, and 6-month postoperative time point. Degree of financial toxicity was calculated using a combination of the metrics catastrophic health expenditure and financial hardship. Development of financial toxicity was compared by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics using logistic regression models.

Results

Of the cohort, 60% experienced financial toxicity. Median OOPCs was US$555.32 with the majority of OOPCs stemming from direct nonmedical costs (US$318.45). Cost of initial hospitalization exceeded monthly annual income by 80%. Following surgical burn care, income decreased by US$318.18 within 6 months, accompanied by a 53% increase in unemployment rates. At least 40% of the cohort consistently reported inability to afford basic subsistence needs within the 6-month perioperative period. Significant predictors of developing financial toxicity included male gender (odds ratio, 4.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.25–14.29; P = 0.02) and hospital stays exceeding 20 days (odds ratio, 11.17; 95% confidence interval, 2.11–59.22; P ≤ 0.01).

Conclusions

Surgical treatment for burn injuries is associated with substantial financial toxicity. National and local policies must expand their scope beyond direct medical costs to address direct nonmedical and indirect costs. These include burn care insurance, teleconsultation follow-ups, hospital-affiliated subsidized lodging, and resources for occupational support and rehabilitation. These measures are crucial to alleviate the financial burden of burn care, particularly during the perioperative period.