bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromogenic detection of telomere lengths in situ aids the identification of precancerous lesions in the prostate
Authors: Ertunc Onur , Smearman Erica , Zheng Qizhi , Hicks Jessica L. , Brosnan-Cashman Jacqueline A. , Jones Tracy , Gomes-Alexandre Carolina , Trabzonlu Levent , Meeker Alan K. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Heaphy Christopher M.
Published: April 2023

Telomeres are terminal chromosomal elements that are essential for the maintenance of genomic integrity. The measurement of telomere content provides useful diagnostic and prognostic information, and fluorescent methods have been developed for this purpose. However, fluorescent-based tissue assays are cumbersome for investigators to undertake, both in research and clinical settings. Here, a robust chromogenicin situhybridization (CISH) approach was developed to visualize and quantify telomere content at single cell resolution in human prostate tissues, both frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE). This new assay (“Telo-CISH”) produces permanently stained slides that are viewable with a standard light microscope, thus avoiding the need for specialized equipment and storage. The assay is compatible with standard immunohistochemistry, thereby allowing simultaneous assessment of histomorphology, identification of specific cell types, and assessment of telomere status. In addition, Telo-CISH eliminates the problem of autofluorescent interference that frequently occurs with fluorescent-based methods. Using this new assay, we demonstrate successful application of Telo-CISH to help identify precancerous lesions in the prostate by the presence of markedly short telomeres specifically in the luminal epithelial cells. In summary, with fewer restrictions on the types of tissues that can be tested, and increased histologic information provided, the advantages presented by this novel chromogenic assay should extend the applicability of tissue-based telomere length assessment in research and clinical settings.
Strigolactones optimise plant water usage by modulating vessel formation
Authors: Zhao Jiao , Shi Dongbo , Kaeufer Kiara , Song Changzheng , Xu Xiaocai , Luzzietti Laura , Bennett Tom , Kaufmann Kerstin , Greb Thomas
Published: April 2023

Wood formation is fundamental for the remarkable growth of plant bodies by continuously providing cells for long-distance transport of water and nutrients1–3. Vessel elements, the water transporting units within woody tissues, are generated from a cylindrical domain of cambium stem cells (CSCs) producing different vascular cell types in a bidirectional manner4–6. However, knowledge on the regulation of CSC activity is limited with unclear cell fate trajectories as the most obscure aspect in this context. Here, via revealing transcriptome signatures of CSCs and their derivatives with single cell resolution inArabidopsis thaliana, we discover that the strigolactone (SL) signalling pathway modulates cell type composition in vascular tissues and thereby increases drought resistance. In particular, we find that SL signalling negatively regulates vessel element formation and thereby plant water usage. SL signalling is generally associated with differentiating vascular tissues but low in developing vessels and in CSCs implying a local role during fate decisions in CSC-derived cells. Highlighting the importance of vascular tissue composition for the overall plant water balance, alteration of vessel element formation has a direct impact on transpiration rates through leaf stomata. Our results demonstrate the importance of structural alignment of water transporting tissues to unstable water regimes and provide perspectives for a long-term modulation of drought resistance in plants.
In plantaexploitation of leaf apoplastic compounds: a window of opportunity for spatiotemporal studies of apoplastic metabolites, hormones and physiology
Authors: Franzisky Bastian L. , Sölter Jakob , Xue Cheng , Harter Klaus , Stahl Mark , Geilfus Christoph-Martin
Published: April 2023

Processes in the leaf apoplast are relevant for development, cell wall rheological properties, plant nutrition, sink-source portioning, microbe-host plant-interactions or intercellular information exchange and signaling and are therefore regulated or influenced by the composition of the leaf apoplastic solute.

In contrast to the traditional methods for the extraction of apoplastic solutes that are more or less destructive, we propose a new method that allows extraction of leaf apoplastic solutes (i) non-invasively and, thus, (ii) over time. Moreover, the method has (iii) a high spatial resolution that allows identification of solute-microdomains in the leaf apoplast. The method was established forArabidopsis thalianaandVicia fabaleaves but should also be applicable to other plants species with similar leaf morphologies. It is based on the infiltration of an aqueous extraction solution into the apoplast followed by its recovery seconds later, both through the stomata. By this, the apoplast (and its solutes) of an identical leaf can be sampled on successive days with negligible symplastic contamination.

A spatiotemporal mapping of leaf apoplastic ion and metabolite patterns within the identical leaf opens a window of opportunity for understanding apoplast biology. As for example, the existence of apoplastic abscisic acid gradients within a leaf in response to salinity was witnessed in this study, as was the unsuspected accumulation of kaempferol glycosides in the leaf apoplast.

The presented method is relevant for plant developmental biologists, phytopathologists, plant physiologists, plant nutritionists and others that need to integrate apoplast biology into their research approaches.
Discovery of a novel drug using lipid-based formulation targeting G12D-mutated KRAS4B through non-covalent bonds
Authors: Lu Huixia , Hu Zheyao , Faraudo Jordi , Martí Jordi
Published: April 2023

One of the most common drivers in human cancer is KRAS4B. In recent years, the promising KRAS targeted drug development has attracted significant new research interest and reignited the field of RAS therapeutics. To signal, oncogenic KRAS4B not only requires a sufficient nucleotide exchange, but also needs to recruit effectors by exposing its effector-binding sites while anchoring to plasma membrane where KRAS4B-mediated signaling events occur. Phosphodiesterase-δplays an important role in sequestering KRAS4B from the cytoplasm and targeting it to cellular membranes. In this work, we have designed a drug LIG1 using lipid-based formulation to directly target both the switch-IIpocket of KRAS4B-G12D and phosphodiesterase-δ. LIG1 was found to lock KRAS4B in its GDP-bound state while the effector-binding domain is blocked by the interface of the plasma membrane which hinders the nucleotide exchange while simultaneously it can affect the GTP-bound KRAS4B to shift from an active state to its inactive state. LIG1 is also observed to stably accommodate itself in the prenyl-binding pocket of phosphodiesterase-δwhich impairs KRAS4B enrichment at the membrane and suppress the proliferation of KRAS4B-dependent cancer cells. In this work we report a drug based on lipid-based formulation that can foster drug discovery efforts for the targeting of oncogenes of the RAS family and beyond.
Questioning Neanderthal admixture: on models, robustness and consensus in human evolution
Authors: Tournebize Rémi , Chikhi Lounès
Published: April 2023

Genomic and ancient DNA data have revolutionized palaeoanthropology and our vision of human evolution, with indisputable landmarks like the sequencing of Neanderthal and Denisovan genomes. Yet, using genetic data to identify, date and quantify evolutionary events—like ancient bottlenecks or admixture—is not straightforward, as inferences may depend on model assumptions. In the last two decades, the idea that Neanderthals and members of theHomo sapienslineage interbred has gained momentum. From the status of unlikely theory, it has reached consensus among human evolutionary biologists. This theory is mainly supported by statistical approaches that depend on demographic models minimizing or ignoring population structure, despite its widespread occurrence and the fact that when ignored, population structure can lead to infer spurious demographic events. We simulated genomic data under a structured and admixture-free model of human evolution, and found that all the tested admixture approaches identified long Neanderthal fragments in our simulated genomes and an admixture event that never took place. We also observed that several published admixture models failed to predict important empirical diversity or admixture statistics, and that our model was best at predicting these statistics jointly. Our results suggest that models accounting for population structure are fundamental to improve our understanding of human evolution, and that admixture between Neanderthals andHomo sapiensneeds to be re-evaluated in the light of structured models. Beyond the Neanderthal case, we argue that ancient hybridization events, which are increasingly documented in many species, including with other hominins, may also benefit from such reevaluation.

Significance statement

The idea that Neanderthals and some ancestralHomo sapienspopulations interbred has gained momentum in the last two decades. Yet, this theory is mainly supported by statistical approaches that assume highly simplified models of hominin evolution. A major issue is that these methods have been poorly tested in the context of population structure, despite its widespread occurrence in many vertebrate species. We simulated data under a structured model and found that all tested methods identified spurious admixture events, suggesting a lack of robustness to population structure. Besides, our structured model was better at predicting several key genomic statistics than the tested admixture models. This suggests that admixture should be re-evaluated in the light of population structure, in hominins and beyond.
Human motor neurons are rare and can be transcriptomically divided into known subtypes
Authors: Gautier Olivia , Blum Jacob A. , Maksymetz James , Chen Derek , Schweingruber Christoph , Mei Irene , Hermann Anita , Hackos David H. , Hedlund Eva , Ravits John , Gitler Aaron D.
Published: April 2023

We performed single-nucleus RNA-sequencing on adult human spinal cord using a neuronal nuclei enrichment strategy. We obtained transcriptomic profiles of >14,000 spinal neurons, including a small population of motor neurons that shares similarities with mouse motor neurons and can be subdivided into alpha and gamma subtypes. We sought to compare our results to those from a recent study by Yadav and colleagues, which provides a single-nucleus transcriptomic atlas of the human spinal cord. While most neuronal nuclei from both studies share similar features, our results from motor neurons differ substantially. We reanalyzed their RNA-sequencing data and provide evidence that the authors incorrectly identified cholinergic cellular debris as motor neuron nuclei in their dataset, raising doubts about their conclusions regarding motor neurons. Our findings underscore the challenges associated with transcriptionally profiling motor neurons from the spinal cord because of their rarity. We propose specific enrichment strategies and recommend important quality control measures for future transcriptional profiling studies involving human spinal cord tissue and rare cell types.
Host-cell Interactions of Engineered T cell Micropharmacies
Authors: Bourne Christopher M. , Wallisch Patrick , Dacek Megan , Gardner Thomas , Pierre Stephanie , Vogt Kristen , Corless Broderick C. , Bah Mamadou A. , Pichardo Jesus Romero , Charles Angel , Kurtz Keifer G. , Tan Derek S. , Scheinberg David A.
Published: April 2023

Genetically engineered, cytotoxic, adoptive T cells localize to antigen positive cancer cells inside patients, but tumor heterogeneity and multiple immune escape mechanisms have prevented the eradication of most solid tumor types. More effective, multifunctional engineered T cells are in development to overcome the barriers to the treatment of solid tumors, but the interactions of these highly modified cells with the host are poorly understood. We previously engineered prodrug-activating enzymatic functions into chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, endowing them with an orthogonal killing mechanism to conventional T-cell cytotoxicity. These drug-delivering cells, termed Synthetic Enzyme-Armed KillER (SEAKER) cells, demonstrated efficacy in mouse lymphoma xenograft models. However, the interactions of an immunocompromised xenograft with such complex engineered T cells are distinct from those in an immunocompetent host, precluding an understanding of how these physiologic processes may affect the therapy. Here, we also expand the repertoire of SEAKER cells to target solid-tumor melanomas in syngeneic mouse models using specific targeting with TCR-engineered T cells. We demonstrate that SEAKER cells localize specifically to tumors, and activate bioactive prodrugs, despite host immune responses. We additionally show that TCR-engineered SEAKER cells are efficacious in immunocompetent hosts, demonstrating that the SEAKER platform is applicable to many adoptive cell therapies.
Inhibition of microtubule detyrosination by parthenolide facilitates functional CNS axon regeneration
Authors: Leibinger Marco , Zeitler Charlotte , Paulat Miriam , Gobrecht Philipp , Hilla Alexander , Andreadaki Anastasia , Guthoff Rainer , Fischer Dietmar
Published: April 2023

Injured axons in the central nervous system (CNS) usually fail to regenerate, causing permanent disabilities. However, the knockdown of PTEN or treatment of neurons with hyper-IL-6 (hIL-6) transforms neurons into a regenerative state, allowing them to regenerate axons in the injured optic nerve and spinal cord. Transneuronal delivery of hIL-6 to the injured brain stem neurons enables functional recovery after severe spinal cord injury. Here we demonstrate that the beneficial hIL-6 and PTEN knockout effects on axon growth are limited by the induction of tubulin detyrosination in axonal growth cones. Hence, cotreatment with parthenolide, a compound blocking microtubule detyrosination, synergistically accelerates neurite growth of cultured murine and primary RGCs isolated from adult human eyes. Systemic application of the prodrug dimethylamino-parthenolide (DMAPT) enables axon regeneration in the injured optic nerve and spinal cord. Moreover, combinatorial treatment further improves hIL-6-induced axon regeneration and locomotor recovery after severe SCI. Thus, DMAPT facilitates functional CNS regeneration and reduces the limiting effects of pro-regenerative treatments, making it a promising drug candidate for treating CNS injuries.

Significance statement

Injured axons in the CNS usually fail to regenerate, causing permanent disabilities. No clinically approved drugs are currently available to improve or accelerate axon regeneration. We demonstrate that pro-regenerative treatments’ induced tubulin detyrosination in axonal growth cones limits axon growth. Hence, cotreatment with parthenolide, a compound blocking detyrosination, synergistically accelerates neurite growth of primary murine and, demonstrated for the first time,humanretinal ganglion cells. Furthermore, systemic application of the parthenolide’s prodrug DMAPT accelerates hIL-6-mediated optic nerve regeneration and locomotor recovery after severe spinal cord injury. Thus, DMAPT facilitates functional CNS regeneration and reduces the limiting effects of pro-regenerative treatments, making it a potential (adjuvant) drug candidate for treating CNS injuries.
Metformin regulates bone marrow stromal cells to accelerate bone healing in diabetic mice
Authors: Guo Yuqi , Wei Jianlu , Liu Chuanju , Li Xin , Yan Wenbo
Published: April 2023

Diabetes mellitus is a group of chronic diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels. Diabetic patients have a higher risk of sustaining osteoporotic fractures than non-diabetic people. The fracture healing is usually impaired in diabetics and our understanding of the detrimental effects of hyperglycemia on fracture healing is still inadequate. Metformin is the first-line medicine for type-2 diabetes (T2D). However, its effects on bone in T2D patients remain to be studied. To assess the impacts of metformin on fracture healing, we compared the healing process of closed wound fixed fracture, non-fixed radial fracture, and femoral drill-hole injury models in T2D mice with and without metformin treatment. Our results demonstrated that metformin rescued the delayed bone healing and remolding in T2D mice in all the three injury models. The proliferation, osteogenesis, chondrogenesis of the bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) derived from WT and T2D mice treated with or without metformin were comparedin vitroandin vivoby assessing the subcutaneous ossicle formation of the BMSC implants in recipient T2D mice.In vivotreatment with metformin to T2D mice could effectively rescue the impaired differentiation potential and detrimental lineage commitment of BMSCs, caused by the hyperglycemic conditions. Moreover, the Safranin O staining of cartilage formation in the endochondral ossification under hyperglycemic condition significantly increased at day 14 post-fracture in T2D mice receiving metformin treatment. The chondrocyte transcript factor SOX9 and PGC1α, important to maintain chondrocyte homeostasis, were both significantly upregulated in callus tissue isolated at the fracture site of metformin-treated MKR mice on day 12 post-fracture. Metformin also rescued the chondrocyte disc formation of BMSCs isolated from T2D mice. Taken together, our study demonstrated that metformin facilitated bone healing, bone formation and chondrogenesis in T2D mouse models.
Deep Learning Enhanced Fast Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging with A Few Photons
Authors: Xiao Dong , Sapermsap Natakorn , Chen Yu , Day-Uei Li David
Published: April 2023

We present a deep learning (DL) framework, which we term FPFLI (Few-PhotonFluorescenceLifetimeImaging), for fast analyzing fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) data under highly low-light conditions with only a few photon-per-pixels (PPPs). FPFLI breaks the conventional pixel-wise lifetime analysis paradigm and fully exploits the spatial correlation and intensity information of fluorescence lifetime images to estimate lifetime images, pushing the photon budget to an unprecedented low level. The DL framework can be trained by synthetic FLIM data and easily adapted to various FLIM systems. FPFLI can effectively and robustly estimate FLIM images within seconds using synthetic and experimental data. The fast analysis of low-light FLIM images made possible by FPFLI will promise a broad range of potential applications.
Patient-derived glioblastoma neurosphere cultures differentially express nicotinic acetylcholine receptors depending on ambient choline
Authors: Gondarenko Elena A. , Mazur Diana V. , Masliakova Marina , Ryabukha Yana A. , Kasheverov Igor E. , Tsetlin Victor I. , Kudryavtsev Denis S. , Antipova Nadine V.
Published: April 2023

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive type of brain cancer with a poor prognosis. GBM cells, developing in the environment of neural tissue, often exploit neurotransmitters and their receptors to promote their growth and invasion. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play a crucial role in the central nervous system signal transmission, are widely represented in the brain, the GBM cells expressing several subtypes of nAChRs which are suggested to transmit signals from neurons, thus promoting tumor invasion and growth. Functional α1*, α7 and α9 nAChRs are demonstrated on several patient-derived GBM neurosphere cultures and U87MG cell line using neurotoxins and fluorescent calcium assay. Selective α1*, α7 and α9 nAChR antagonists stimulated cell growth in presence of nicotinic agonists. Choline, normally present in blood, is capable of activating α1*, α7 and α9 nAChR subtypes, mediates the antagonist’s influence on cell proliferation. Several cultivating conditions have been shown to directly change sensitivity of primary GBM lines to nAChR ligands. Thus, results ofin vitrotesting of nAChR ligands on GBM lines should be interpreted and reviewed in cell culture conditions-aware manner.
Cell division can accelerate the loss of a heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA mutation in a mouse model of mitochondrial disease
Authors: Su Tianhong , Bernardino Gomes Tiago M , Smith Anna L M , Whitehall Julia C , Blain Alasdair P , Simard Marie-Lune , Scholten Louisa , Stewart James B , Turnbull Doug M , Lawless Conor , Greaves Laura C
Published: April 2023

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations accumulate in both mitotic and post-mitotic somatic tissues of normal individuals with age. They clonally expand within individual cells and cause mitochondrial dysfunction. In contrast, in patients with inherited disease-causing mtDNA mutations the mutation load decreases in mitotic tissues over time, whereas the mutations load in post-mitotic tissues remains relatively stable. The mechanisms underlying this decrease in mitotic tissues, and whether mitochondrial function is restored at the tissue level are unknown. Here, using a combination of homogenate tissue and single crypt/muscle fibre pyrosequencing we have shown a decrease in the mutation load of the germline heteroplasmic m.5024C>T mutation in multiple mitotic tissues of a mouse model of inherited mitochondrial disease (C5024T mice). We have then usedin silicopredictions to model the cellular dynamics of mtDNA mutation load in mitotic and post mitotic tissues. We demonstrate that: (1) the rate of m.5024C>T decrease correlates with the rate of tissue turnover; (2) the mutation load decrease is not associated with changes in overall cellular proliferation and apoptosis within the mitotic colonic epithelium; instead, it could be due to an upper limit of m.5024C>T load in stem cell populations; (3) the m.5024C>T mutation load is maintained in post-mitotic tissues over time with a consistent load amongst individual muscle fibres; (4)in silicomodelling supports a scenario where genetic drift is accelerated in mitotic tissues by high levels of mtDNA replication coupled with mtDNA segregation at cell division. This study has advanced our understanding of the dynamics of mtDNA mutations and phenotype development in patients with mtDNA disease.

Author Summary

Healthy individuals randomly accumulate pathogenic mtDNA mutations with age in dividing cells, causing mitochondrial dysfunction. Interestingly, patients with mitochondrial disease show a relative decrease in the loads of inherited mtDNA mutations in some dividing cells over time. The mechanisms underlying this decrease are unknown. Here we show a decrease in the load of the germline heteroplasmic m.5024C>T mutation in dividing cells and tissues of a mouse model of mitochondrial disease. In contrast, the mutation load in non-dividing cells and tissue remains stable. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that a higher frequency of mtDNA replication in dividing cells, coupled with stem cells having an upper tolerance limit for m.5024C>T, causes an overall decrease in m.5024C>T load at the tissue level.
Influences of persona self on luxury brand attachment in the Metaverse context
Authors: Kim Juran , Bae Joonheui
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of actual and persona self-congruence on luxury brand attachment and the effects of luxury brand attachment on attitude toward luxury brands and purchase intentions using empirical data on Metaverse users.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors recruited 300 Metaverse users from South Korea to participate in the survey. Participants were asked whether the participants had experienced Metaverse, including Roblox and Zepeto, before participating in the survey. The Gucci Garden was suggested as a luxury brand in the Metaverse for the participants.

Findings

The findings clarify the concept of persona self-congruence and support the congruence's effects on luxury brand attachment in the Metaverse context. This study found a positive relationship between persona self-congruence and luxury brand attachment that influences attitude and purchase intentions in the context of Metaverse, contributing to the theoretical and practical implications for luxury brand management.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to luxury brand marketing in the Metaverse context by clarifying the concept of persona self-congruence and articulating the congruence's effects on luxury brand attachment in the context of the Metaverse.

Practical implications

In the post-pandemic world, this study offers luxury brand practitioners new insights to help the practitioners develop and manage luxury brand strategies by understanding the influence of persona self-congruence and luxury brand attachment on luxury brand evaluation in the Metaverse context.

Originality/value

This study addresses an innovative and practical issue related to the impact of persona self-congruence on luxury brand attachment in the Metaverse, offering new insights for luxury brand management in the post-pandemic world.
Interplay in management practices, innovation, business environment, degree of competition and environmental policies: a comparative study
Authors: Rehman Fazal Ur , Prokop Viktor
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The study aims to examine the impacts of management practices on innovation along with the mediating and moderating role of degree of competition, business environment and environmental policies.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were derived from the World Bank Enterprise Survey 2019 for Greece, Italy, Turkey, Portugal and Jordan and analyzed by using PLS-SEM to find results.

Findings

Findings revealed that management practices have positive significant relationship with the innovation among firms for Greece, Turkey, Portugal and Jordan but surprisingly insignificant relationship in Italy. Further, management practices have positive significant relationship with the environmental policies, business environment and degree of competition among firms in Greece, Italy, Turkey, Portugal and Jordan. In addition, environmental policies, business environment and degree of competition have positive significant relationship with innovation among firms in Greece, Italy, Turkey, Portugal and Jordan.

Practical implications

These useful insights would enable practitioners and policy makers to develop and apply more influential management practices to boost up the level of innovation among firms.

Originality/value

Although the topics of management practices and innovation have received a great concern of academia, but this is the first study that offers a comprehensive model of the relationship in these domains.
Framing biases and language choices: how the Japanese media broadcast foreign aid policy for Africa
Authors: Hatani Faith
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how the Japanese media conveyed the country’s foreign aid policy and analyse how framing biases in the news differ depending on which language (either Japanese or English) was used in the broadcasts.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a qualitative single case-study design and conducts a content analysis. The study uses news videos about the fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development aired on YouTube by the Japanese media using Japanese and English.

Findings

The findings reveal subtle but notable differences in the patterns of the framing biases in the Japanese media’s news aired in Japanese intended for the domestic audience, and in the news on the same topic broadcast in English to the international audience.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of the study is the rather small data set used for the single case study of one event.

Social implications

Framing biases could lead the general public in a monolingual society to a more skewed view of their government’s policy and its activities abroad. This could be an obstacle to developing a common ground for global issues and cross-border policy agendas.

Originality/value

The study explores an under-researched function of language in international affairs. It highlights how the mass media in a non-English-speaking country uses a dual approach to framing news while addressing different audiences. To the best of the author’s knowledge, the context that this paper deals with is novel because there are limited studies on the nexus between the influence of language choices and media logic in the field of international business.
Impact of “mindfulness” or full awareness meditation on learning abilities
Authors: Lucero-Romero Giovanni , Arias-Bolzmann Leopoldo G.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study experimentally aims to determine the degree of influence that mindfulness training exerts on learning capacity at the university level and contrasts it with previous observational or relational studies that have shown contradictory results.

Design/methodology/approach

A quasi-experiment was carried out to measure the variation of six academic learning abilities – a) self-efficacy, b) organization of and attention to studies, c) stress control due to time pressure and the environment, d) involvement with college activity, e) emotional satisfaction, and f) class communication – which together comprise the research questionnaire called the college learning effectiveness inventory (CLEI). The CLEI questionnaire was administered before and after the participants were trained in the mindfulness technique. The study was conducted in Ecuador, and the participants were selected from among the graduate students of a local university.

Findings

The learning ability measured by the CLEI was improved by a statistically significant margin in the two groups.

Research limitations/implications

The treatment groups consisted of graduate students who did not have opportunities for full-time activities on campus, as they were limited to attending regular classes at specific times, usually at night. The dropout rate was 14% due to inconveniences caused by the pandemic. These conditions could have affected the study results both positively and negatively. In addition, the pandemic limited academic interactions, which are required to evaluate the learning results after applying the research instrument. This limitation was especially critical for people who had experienced online classes only.

Practical implications

Offering graduate students the opportunity to learn about and adopt a mindfulness practice helps to improve their academic outcomes, as reflected through the statistical measurement of the CLEI indicator.

Social implications

This study is especially relevant within the context of sanitary conditions due to the pandemic and the intensive use of technology for managing academic interactions, both of which have replaced physical contact between participants.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this study are related to the determination of the practical effects of mindfulness training in postgraduate university settings and the identification of the mechanisms involving participants' reflecting upon, learning and understanding the importance of perfecting their soft skills to facilitate their learning processes and face today's uncertain environments.
Cosmopolitanism and organizational commitment: a mediation effect of organizational citizenship behavior within the UAE
Authors: Behery Mohamed
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of cosmopolitanism on organizational commitment (OC), with a particular focus on the mediating impact of the employees’ challenge-oriented and affiliation-oriented organizational citizenship behaviors within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The researcher has adopted the theory of planned behavior, the theory of reasoned action and the social exchange theory as a theoretical foundation.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative (deductive) method is used. The primary data is collected using a cross-sectional questionnaire. The data collection process was administered across five months. A total of 800 questionnaires were distributed randomly to various business sectors and industries in the UAE. A response rate of 86.9% was achieved, leading to 695 complete and feasible questionnaires.

Findings

Statistical analyzes prove that cosmopolitanism was indeed a valid predictor of OC. Contrary to the expectations, and more specifically, the results revealed that diversity is not a predictor of both challenge-oriented organizational citizenship and OC. The current study indicates that global openness (GOP) is an insignificant predictor of OC. Most remarkably, the present study shows a partially substantial mediation effect of affiliation-oriented organizational citizenship between GOP and OC. Last but not least, challenge-oriented and affiliation-oriented organizational citizenship are significant full mediators between one-world consciousness, cultural acceptance and OC.

Originality/value

Globalization has dramatically increased the diversity of the workforce. This scenario has led to the creation of the concept of Cosmopolitanism. The UAE is a unique setting, given that the workforce in the region is globally diverse. Thus, this study is a unique attempt to bridge the gap between the rich Western theories and the under-researched Non-Western context, namely, the UAE. As each city has its local-rooted environment, one cannot argue that Cosmopolitanism inevitably ignores international orientation. This study explains the embedded factors that constitute Dubai city’s cosmopolitan community, where developments and emerging growing economic trends arise.
Mobile devices usage in retail settings: gender and generation preferences
Authors: Cavalinhos Sílvia , Salgueiro Maria de Fátima , Marques Susana Henriques
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The tendency shows that more customers will bring and use their mobile devices in-store. This study proposes a further analysis of the complementary role of the mobile device in an in-store purchase providing a characterisation of those customers and analyses their usage preferences and behaviour intentions, presenting new insights concerning gender and generation preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research with customers of electronic stores was conducted based on a questionnaire applied at the store’s exit. To assess the differences between genders and among generations were used the parametric T-Test and one-way ANOVA.

Findings

The results demonstrate divergencies between generations when using mobile devices. In addition, they indicate that males have more intention to manage shopping tasks efficiently and consequently are less affected by in-store marketing stimuli and less predisposed to impulse purchases.

Research limitations/implications

Although real customers participated, a convenience sample was used. The results should be compared with research on other retailer types. The customer shopping motivations and the types of mobile device usage should be further investigated since they can change the experience and the retailer’s outcomes.

Practical implications

Contributing to related specific research areas such as shopping behaviour and technology in retail settings by showing the usage preferences, the study also provides information for retailers, especially those needing to approach the Gen Z customers, improving the development of strategies.

Originality/value

This research explores further the complementary role of the mobile device in an in-store purchase. By conducting the study in a new setting, it brings new insight into a less explored, yet important sector.
Toward understanding sophisticated markets and consumers: a win-win strategic alternative
Authors: Ornelas Sánchez Sidney A. , Vera-Martínez Jorge
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to conceptually address the understanding of certain consumers and businesses that show new dynamics, including a heightened interest in quality and the concomitant development of entities and mechanisms designed to ensure certain standards as well as an increased level of involvement of the consumer with the product. These segments are identified and labeled as sophisticated markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a literature review following a conceptual model methodology, this study poses eight research propositions to seek a more profound and comprehensive understanding of this type of market that could potentially benefit several industries. This study explores and discusses some of the essential differences of sophisticated markets with a twofold purpose: to recognize the existence of sophisticated markets as a distinct category and suggest issues that may constitute interesting further research works.

Findings

The process of sophistication might occur in different industries. This study poses implications of sophisticated markets to better understand consumers and business through research propositions that can be classified into two main domains: consumer–firm relationships and communicational implications.

Originality/value

Previous studies addressing luxury or specialized markets have not considered these terms to be sufficient to describe what we propose be labeled as a sophisticated market. This study addresses this gap in literature and proposes a streamline of research that pursues a deeper understanding of this phenomenon.
Peer reference, post reference desk: what is next? An interview with Allison Faix, instruction coordinator and librarian at Coastal Carolina University
Authors: Faix Allison
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Kimbel Library used a peer reference model of service beginning in 2009 that was successful for several years but eventually phased out due to shifting priorities and needs. This article aims to describe Kimbel Library's second attempt at creating and using a peer reference program in 2018, how it was different from the original approach, and what ultimately happened.

Design/methodology/approach

In this article Reference Services Review Co-editor Sarah Barbara Watstein interviews Allison Faix, Instruction Coordinator and Librarian at Coastal Carolina University, about her experiences with peer reference services.

Findings

Because of the marked decline in the number of research-based questions asked at the library's help desk, the library found itself with smart, well-trained peer research assistants who were disappointed that their research assistance was not in greater demand.

Originality/value

This interview looks at two different ways that peer reference was implemented at the same institution starting in 2009.
Risk contagion in financial markets: A systematic review using bibliometric methods
Authors: Su Fei , Zhai Lili , Zhou Yunyan , Zhuang Zixi , Wang Feifan
Published: April 2023

We explore evolving research trends and hotspots in financial contagion through keywords co‐occurrence and co‐citation network analyses. 2,071 articles have been collected from Web of Science Core Collection database from 2005 to 2021 and been analyzed by using bibliometric methods. The results indicate a tremendous growth in research on financial contagion, especially following the Global Finance Crisis. The current research mainly focuses on understanding the causes and consequences of past financial crises and recessions, examining the network effects of banks and other important financial institutions on risk contagion, developing new systematic approaches to modelling financial contagion, and providing empirical evidences for financial contagion among various asset classes and across different countries and regions. We find that there is still no consensus regarding the causes and measures of financial contagion, however, new promising perspectives have emerged to expand research in this area. We also propose several future directions for studies on financial contagion based on the research gap identified in this review.
Some Questions Raised by the Practice of Online Analysis1
Authors: Martin‐Vallas François
Published: April 2023

In this paper the author explores some of the issues raised by the practice of online analysis. In particular, he emphasizes the difference between the setting and the frame and proposes a theoretical approach of the latter as emerging within the transferential dynamic.
Gaming the IRS’ Third‐Party Reporting System: Evidence from Pari‐Mutuel Wagering
Authors: FERGUSON DUKE
Published: April 2023

This study examines whether taxpayers intentionally avoid Internal Revenue Service (IRS) third‐party reports. In 2017 an IRS amendment created a quasi‐exogenous shock that reduced third‐party tax reporting of pari‐mutuel gambling winnings from certain types of wagers. I consider the effect that this rule change had on taxpayer behavior. Using a difference‐in‐differences research design comparing thoroughbred racing in the United States to Canada, I find a 27% increase in gambler's investment into wager‐types that became less likely to trigger third‐party reports. Further, I provide evidence that this effect was because of third‐party reporting, not withholding, and was stronger in more informed gambling populations. These findings suggest that taxpayers knowingly avoid third‐party reports, enabling underreporting of income to the IRS. This has important policy implications because underreported individual income is the largest driver of the $496 billion annual gap between legal tax liability and actual tax collections in the United States.
Porous hydrogel composite with whey protein isolate and galactomannans of Leucaena leucocephala (subabul) seeds: Stability, rheological, thermal, and morphological characterization
Authors: Ray Aratrika , Sharma Abhinav , Singhal Rekha S.
Published: April 2023

The present study was aimed at curating a porous KCl crosslinked hydrogel with purified subabul galactomannans (SG) from the defatted seeds of Leucaena leucocephala (subabul) and κ‐carrageenan (κC) by inducing whey protein isolate (WPI). WPI showed 345% foam overrun and minimal foam drainage (%) at 70°C when whipped for 5 min at pH 6.8 in the hydrogel prepared with 6.5% w/v SG + 1% w/v κC + 0.63% w/v KCl + 2% w/v WPI. The SG and WPI incorporated porous hydrogel (SGWP) showed maximum G′ (3010 Pa) and frequency independence (>30 Hz) at 65°C. NMR (1H), scanning electron microscopy, and thermal characterization of SGWP showed a crosslinked microporous gel network formation. SGWP had high water uptake rate (Q) (432%) at 45°C. The stability of SGWP at neutral pH and high temperature (65°C) added an impetus to this study as it could be used for a wide range of applications. Hence the protein–polysaccharide complexation improvised the functional properties of the porous hydrogels. The results suggested a possible valorization of galactomannans from subabul, a forest resource, into a porous hydrogel suitable as a matrix for delivery of bioactive(s) or an aerogel for multifarious industrial applications.

Practical Application

A porous hydrogel is defined as a solid, or collection of solid bodies, with sufficient open space to enable a fluid to pass through or around them. Leucaena leucocephala seed (forest resource) galactomannans are non‐starch polysaccharides having weak gelling capacity. Whey protein isolates (WPI) are a dairy industry byproduct having excellent foaming properties. Incorporation of WPI in the hydrogel prepared with subabul galactomannan and κ‐carrageenan using KCl as a crosslin could form a stable porous structure having high water uptake rate (Q) at neutral pH and elevated temperature. The hydrogel so developed could be a step toward circular economy.
Utilization of the Fordham Risk Screening Tool for violence risk assessment in an emergency department
Authors: Racine Christopher W. , Johnston Douglas N. , Quigley Kerry M. , Strout Tania D. , Durst Linda S. , Guido Ben J. , Wolfrum Lee A.
Published: April 2023

Background

Violence is a critical problem in the emergency department (ED) and patients experiencing mental health crises are at greater violence risk; however, tools appropriate for assessing violence risk in the ED are limited. Our goal was to evaluate the utility of the Fordham Risk Screening Tool (FRST) in reliability assessing violence risk in adult ED patients with acute mental health crises through evaluation of test characteristics compared to a reference standard.

Methods

We evaluated performance of the FRST when used with a convenience sample of ED patients undergoing acute psychiatric evaluation. Participants underwent assessment with the FRST and an established reference standard, the Historical Clinical Risk Management‐20, Version 3 (HCR‐20 V3). Diagnostic performance was assessed through evaluation of test characteristics and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Psychometric assessments examined the measurement properties of the FRST.

Results

A total of 105 participants were enrolled. In comparison to the reference standard, the AUROC for the predictive ability of the FRST was 0.88 (standard error 0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81–0.96). Sensitivity was 84% (95% CI 69%–94%) while specificity was 93% (95% CI 83%–98%). The positive predictive value was 87% (95% CI 73%–94%) and negative predictive value was 91% (95% CI 83%–86%). Psychometric analyses provided reliability and validity evidence for the FRST when used in the ED setting.

Conclusions

These findings support the potential utility of the FRST when used to assess violence risk in adult ED patients experiencing a mental health crisis. Future research with more diverse populations and ED settings is warranted.
Alluvial fan and fan delta facies architecture recording initial marine flooding in the Mio‐Pliocene syn‐rift sequence of the Fish Creek‐Vallecito Basin, southern California
Authors: Alasad Rawan , Olariu Cornel , Steel Ronald J.
Published: April 2023

The timing and character of the initial marine flooding of extensional basins has implications for their tectonic history. Yet, the recognition of such flooding is difficult along rift basin margins due to the dominance of coarse‐grained systems and the lack of marine fauna. This study conducts detailed facies and stratigraphic analysis of a Mio‐Pliocene alluvial fan and fan‐delta succession in the Fish Creek Vallecito Basin in southern California. Our goal is to characterize the marine flooding surface, determine the paleogeographic position of the shoreline and estimate the magnitude of relative base‐level rise that occurred during the marine incursion associated with the opening of the Gulf of California. Our results show that the flooding of the Elephant Trees alluvial fans is often marked by an abrupt lithologic and facies change from meter‐scale boulder‐rich subaerial debrites (proximal alluvial fan facies association) to centimetre‐scale granule‐rich subaqueous debrites, ripple‐laminated sandstones and mudstones (prodelta facies association). By delineating the zone of transition between the subaerial and subaqueous facies, we place the initial flooding paleo‐shoreline 4 km up the alluvial fan's paleo‐depositional slope. Considering alluvial fan slope gradients between 1° and 5°, this 4 km transgression would require an estimated 70–350 m of water depth during the initial marine incursion. Interfingering of fan‐delta deposits with subaqueous marine and planktonic‐rich evaporites suggests that the basin was below sea‐level after, and perhaps even before, the marine flooding. Subaerial subsea‐level basins exist in Death Valley and the Salton Trough today within similar extensional and transtentional tectonic regimes. This subaerial subsea‐level interpretation might explain the high magnitude and abrupt relative base‐level rise recorded by the facies transitions in the Fish Creek Vallecito Basin. These results suggest that the Fish Creek Vallecito Basin underwent significant extension during its early and nonmarine depositional phase, allowing it to reach subsea‐level elevations. The tectonic history of the Fish Creek Vallecito Basin maybe similar to other extensional basins where rapid subsidence allows the accumulation of nonmarine strata below sea‐level prior to the marine flooding, then restricted and deep marine strata immediately after flooding.