bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of post-disaster communication on destination visiting intention
Authors: Huang Mei , Wang Kexin , Liu Yue , Xu Shuangyu
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Effective post-disaster communication is essential for destination marketing organizations to encourage visitors following natural disasters. This research aimed to analyze the impact of two typical types of post-disaster communication messages – solidarity messages and testimonial messages – on post-disaster visiting intention. This research proposes effective communication strategies for post-disaster destination marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

For the case of Jiuzhai Valley, China, which experienced market recovery after two years of rebuilding following a 2017 earthquake, this study designed three contextual experiments based on post-disaster communication scenarios on the Internet and social media to test the causal chain between recovery message types and post-disaster visiting intentions. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance, independent samples t-tests, and the bootstrap method.

Findings

The results indicate that both solidarity messages and testimonial messages evoked higher visiting intention than the no-message group. However, solidarity messages (vs testimonial messages) were more effective when shared on the destination management organization's official account than when they were shared on an influencer's account, with their effects being mediated by the symbolic – as opposed to the hedonic – value of tourist behavior.

Practical implications

Destination management organizations should actively carry out marketing communication through the Internet and social media for areas that have experienced disasters. Crisis communicators should consider inviting popular social media influencers to visit the destination and share their experiences to enhance market confidence, while also paying more attention to the operation of official social media accounts.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on the use of the Internet and social media as tools for post-disaster marketing. By expanding on post-disaster communication theory, this study fills a research gap regarding the effectiveness of tourism marketing strategies after a crisis.
Examining interactions of factors affecting e-learning adoption in higher education: insights from a fuzzy set qualitative and comparative analysis
Authors: Tyagi Sanjay Kumar , Krishankumar Raghunathan
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the combined effect of eight factors – performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), hedonic motivation (HM), system quality (SQ), information quality (IQ), service quality (SEQ), digital literacy (DL) and computer anxiety (CA) on learners’ behavioral intention (BI) toward the adoption of e-learning in higher education institutions (HEIs) in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used factors from two theoretical models, the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and the DeLone and McLean Information Systems Success model. The study also considered DL and CA as additional factors because they could affect a learner’s intention in a developing country like India. Data were collected from three HEIs in Southern India and analyzed using fuzzy qualitative and comparative analysis (fsQCA).

Findings

The results of the study emphasize the importance of considering both individual and technological factors in e-learning adoption and provide evidence for the significance of integrating multiple theories in understanding the complex relationship between factors and learners’ BI. Four different configurations of the eight factors: EE*HM*SQ*IQ*SEQ*DL*∼CA; PE*EE*HM*SQ*IQ*DL*CA; PE*EE*HM*IQ*SEQ*DL*CA; and PE*EE*SQ*IQ*SEQ*DL*CA found to be sufficient to cause learners’ BI to use e-learning.

Research limitations/implications

This study explores the complex relationship between different factors and learners’ intention to adopt e-learning using the fsQCA method. These findings may need further validation in HEIs across different geographical locations.

Practical implications

This study provides practical insights for HEIs in India and other developing countries on how different factors combine and interact to determine e-learning adoption in multiple contexts.

Originality/value

Using fsQCA as a novel and rigorous method, this study uncovers the complex and nonlinear causal relationships among various factors that affect e-learning adoption. This study provides a holistic and contextualized understanding of e-learning adoption in a developing country’s scenario. This study can inform educators and policymakers on how to design and implement effective e-learning strategies that suit different learner profiles and contexts.
A chemosensitive-based ammonia gas sensor with PANI/PEO–ZnO nanofiber composites sensing layer
Authors: Konuk Ege Gözde , Akay Özge , Yüce Hüseyin
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the ammonia-sensing performance of polyaniline/polyethylene oxide (PANI/PEO) and polyaniline/polyethylene oxide/zinc oxide (PANI/PEO-ZnO) composite nanofibers at room temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

Gas sensor structures were fabricated using microfabrication techniques. First, onto the SiO2 wafer, gold electrodes were fabricated via thermal evaporation. PANI/PEO nanofibers were produced by the electrospinning method, and the ZnO layer was deposited by using radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering on the electrospun nanofibers as a sensing layer. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction were performed to characterize the analysis of nanofibers. After all, gas sensing analysis of PANI/PEO and PANI/PEO/ZnO nanofibers was conducted using an experimental setup at room temperature conditions. Furthermore, the impact of humidity (17%–90% RH) on the sensor resistance was actively investigated.

Findings

FTIR analysis confirms the presence of functional groups of PANI, PEO and ZnO in nanofiber structure. SEM micrographs demonstrate beads-free, thinner and smooth nanofibers with ZnO contribution to electrospun PANI/PEO nanofibers. Moreover, according to the gas sensing results, the PANI/PEO nanofibers exhibit 115 s and 457 s response time and recovery time, respectively. However, the PANI/PEO/ZnO nanofibers exhibit 245 s and 153 s response time and recovery time, respectively. PANI/PEO/MOx composite nanofibers ensure stability to the NH3 gas owing to the high surface/volume ratio and decrease in the humidity dependence of gas sensors, making gas sensors more stable to the environment.

Originality/value

In this study, ZnO was deposited via RF magnetron sputtering techniques on PANI/PEO nanofibers as a different approach instead of in situ polymerization to investigate and enhance the sensor response and recovery time of the PANI/PEO/ZnO and PANI/PEO composite nanofibers to ammonia. These results indicated that ZnO can enhance the sensing properties of conductive polymer-based resistive sensors.
Transient analysis of variable thickness multi-directional functionally graded plates using isogeometric analysis
Authors: Tran Minh Thi , Thai Son
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The main objective of this study is to develop a numerical model based on Isogeometric Analysis to study the dynamic behavior of multi-directional functionally graded plates with variable thickness.

Design/methodology/approach

A numerical study was conducted on the dynamic behavior of multi-directional functionally graded plates. Rectangular and circular plates with variable thickness are taken into investigation. The third-order shear deformation plate theory of Reddy is used to describe the displacement field, while the equation of motion is developed based on the Hamilton's principle. Isogeometric Analysis approach is employed as a discretization tool to develop the system equation, where NURBS basis functions are used. The famous Newmark method is used to solve time-dependent problems.

Findings

The results obtained from this study indicated that the thickness gradation has a more considerable effect than in-plane variation of materials in MFGM plates. Additionally, the influence of the damping factor is observed to affect the vibration amplitude of the plate. The results obtained from this study could be used for future investigations, where the viscous elasticity and other dynamic factors are considered.

Originality/value

Although there have been a number of studies in the literature devoted to analyzing the linear static bending and free vibration of FGM and MFGM plates with variable thickness, the study on dynamic response of FGM and MFGM plate is still limited. Therefore, this study is dedicated to the investigation of the dynamic behavior of multi-directional functionally graded plates.
“Tis the season to…” segment the market
Authors: Furnelli Anthony , Hart Phil
Published: May 2023

Research methodology

This compact case study was developed from secondary sources readily available in the public domain. These included company websites, videos, social media and news articles.

Case overview/synopsis

Hallmark had a strong history of supporting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. During the 2019 holiday season, Hallmark Channel was suddenly caught in the middle of a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) ad controversy that attracted media attention. Critics of the ad claimed it went too far and was “inappropriate” to air. LGBTQ advocacy groups quickly rebuked that argument. Ultimately, the media frenzy was short-lived and Hallmark Channel continued to dominate the holiday programming landscape. This case evaluates the marketing aspects of the dilemma including customer segmentation, targeting and positioning (STP) strategy issues. Culture and industry analysis is also provided as a way for the reader to understand the complexity associated with marketing strategy. One underlying question is what role does STP play in understanding how to develop marketing strategies that build customer loyalty and help organizations compete in the marketplace?

Complexity academic level

This case should be used in marketing and management classes at the undergraduate level. Applicable concepts include segmentation, targeting, positioning, advertising, brand strategy and DEI issues. This case could also be taught in a DEI course or a segmentation special topics class that discusses the differences between customer groups.
Small‐spored Alternaria spp. (section Alternaria) are common pathogens on wild tomato species
Authors: Schmey Tamara , Small Corinn , Einspanier Severin , Hoyoz Lina Muñoz , Ali Tahir , Gamboa Soledad , Mamani Betty , Sepulveda German C. , Thines Marco , Stam Remco
Published: May 2023

The wild relatives of modern tomato crops are native to South America. These plants occur in habitats as different as the Andes and the Atacama Desert and are, to some degree, all susceptible to fungal pathogens of the genus Alternaria. Alternaria is a large genus. On tomatoes, several species cause early blight, leaf spots and other diseases. We collected Alternaria‐like infection lesions from the leaves of eight wild tomato species from Chile and Peru. Using molecular barcoding markers, we characterized the pathogens. The infection lesions were caused predominantly by small‐spored species of Alternaria of the section Alternaria, like A. alternata, but also by Stemphylium spp., Alternaria spp. from the section Ulocladioides and other related species. Morphological observations and an infection assay confirmed this. Comparative genetic diversity analyses show a larger diversity in this wild system than in studies of cultivated Solanum species. As A. alternata has been reported to be an increasing problem in cultivated tomatoes, investigating the evolutionary potential of this pathogen is not only interesting to scientists studying wild plant pathosystems. It could also inform crop protection and breeding programs to be aware of potential epidemics caused by species still confined to South America.
Study of 43SLEpatients with autoimmune liver cirrhosis: emphasis on clinical features and differences from lupus without cirrhosis
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Ying , Zhang Yu‐Xin , Wang Zi‐Qiao , Zhang Xin‐Yu , Zhang Xia , Jin Jia‐Yang , Li Jing , Gan Yu‐Zhou , Yang Fei , Liu Yan‐min , Liu Yan‐Ying , Li Zhan‐Guo
Published: May 2023

Objective

To investigate the clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus accompanied by autoimmune liver cirrhosis (SLE‐ALC) patients and differences from the non‐cirrhosis group.

Methods

Forty‐three patients with SLE‐ALC were enrolled in this study from 2653 patients with SLE in Peking University People's Hospital. A descriptive case–control study was performed between SLE‐ALC patients and the entry time‐matched non‐cirrhosis group.

Results

Among the 43 SLE‐ALC patients, 41 (95.3%) were female. Eight patients (18.6%) were first found to have cirrhosis and then diagnosed with SLE. Eighteen patients (41.9%) had jaundice and 27 (62.8%) had esophageal and gastric varices. The age of SLE‐ALC patients was 51.1 ± 17.2 years, which was significantly older than the non‐cirrhosis group (P < 0.001). Lung involvement was more common as initial manifestations in SLE‐ALC patients during the SLE course (P=0.027). Compared with the non‐cirrhosis group, SLE‐ALC patients had worse liver function. A significantly higher rate of hematological system involvement (anemia, leucopenia, and thrombocytopenia) and a higher level of immunoglobulins were observed in SLE‐ALC patients (P<0.05). Moreover, SLE‐ALC patients displayed a lower positive rate of anti‐double‐stranded DNA and anti‐ribosomal P protein (P<0.05). The most common radiologic manifestations are ascitic fluid (72.1%) and splenomegaly (71.4%) in SLE‐ALC patients. Six SLE‐ALC patients underwent liver biopsy, and interface hepatitis was present in all patients.

Conclusions

Cirrhosis is rare in SLE patients but is manifested as a unique pattern of clinical features characterized by late‐onset age, lung involvement, high immunoglobulins, and impaired liver function.
The value of personal professional financial advice to clients: A systematic quantitative literature review
Authors: MacDonald Kirsten L. , Loy Ellana , Brimble Mark , Wildman Karen
Published: May 2023

Financial advice is perceived to be inaccessible and complicated with consumers at the mercy of a sector under sustained scrutiny, raising questions about value for clients. This study systematically reviews the literature on the value of financial advice. Extant research focuses on financial benefits and lacks a holistic view of value and the factors impacting it. Gaps exist across non‐financial benefits, geographic regions and over time. We call for a sustained and coordinated approach to research in this field. The findings inform consumer engagement strategies, policies concerning the uptake of professional financial advice and development of the profession.
Glucocorticoids are differentially synthesized along the murine and human respiratory tree
Authors: Merk Verena M. , Renzulli Pietro , Vrugt Bart , Fleischmann Achim , Brunner Thomas
Published: May 2023

Background

Synthetic glucocorticoids (GC) are effective in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the lung. However, long‐term use leads to severe side effects. Endogenous GC can be synthesized locally, either de novo from cholesterol in a 11β‐hydroxylase (Cyp11b1)‐dependent manner, or by reactivation from 11‐dehydrocorticosterone/cortisone by 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (Hsd11b1). We aimed to define the molecular pathways of endogenous GC synthesis along the respiratory tree to provide a basis for understanding how local GC synthesis contributes to tissue homeostasis.

Methods

Expression of steroidogenic enzymes in murine lung epithelium was analyzed by macroscopic and laser capture microdissection, followed by RT‐qPCR. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to identify the cellular source of steroidogenic enzymes. Additionally, the induction of steroidogenic enzyme expression in the lung was analyzed after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. mRNA and protein expression of steroidogenic enzymes was confirmed in human lung tissue by RT‐qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, GC synthesis was examined in ex vivo cultures of fresh tissue from mice and human lobectomy patients.

Results

We observed that the murine and human lung tissue differentially expresses synthesis pathway‐determining enzymes along the respiratory tree. We detected Hsd11b1 expression in bronchial, alveolar, club and basal epithelial cells, whereas Cyp11b1 expression was detectable only in tracheal epithelial cells of mice. Accordingly, de novo synthesis of bioactive GC occurred in the large conducting airways, whereas reactivation occurred everywhere along the respiratory tree. Strikingly, Cyp11b1 but not Hsd11b1 expression was enhanced in the trachea upon LPS injection in mice.

Conclusion

We report here the differential synthesis of bioactive GC along the murine and human respiratory tree. Thus, extra‐adrenal de novo GC synthesis and reactivation may differentially contribute to the regulation of immunological and inflammatory processes in the lung.
Where business model innovation comes from and where it goes: A bibliometric review
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Antonialli Fabio , Bonnardel Sylvie Mira , Bareille Olivier
Published: May 2023

Business model innovation (BMI) has been evolving as a burgeoning topic in academia and business practice for over two decades. In recent years, knowledge production within the BMI field is accelerating at a tremendous rate, making it hard to keep up with the state of the art. Given its broad literature coverage and the systematic and reproducible process of applying statistical and quantitative techniques, the bibliometric review can complement existing structured literature reviews by providing a holistic view of BMI research, identifying new research gaps and deriving new perspectives to address emerging challenges. This study investigated 1032 BMI‐related publications from 2000 to 2021 with bibliometric techniques of citation, co‐citation, bibliographic coupling and the co‐occurrence of keywords analyses, aiming to develop a theoretical framework of BMI, understand the evolutionary nuances, capture emerging trends and set a future research agenda. Finally, this study advocates that future research could revisit the role of the BMI concept as a tool for achieving sustainable business development.
COVID‐19 reduced scleral buckling training in fellows and shifted young ophthalmologists' preference toward vitrectomy: An Asia‐Pacific survey
Authors: Wu Po‐Yi , Fung Adrian T. , Dave Vivek P. , Iu Lawrence P. L. , Sjahreza Emil , Chaikitmongkol Voraporn , Sivagurunathan Premala D. , Ahn Jeeyun , Misra Diva K. , Wong Chee Wai , Chou Hung‐Da
Published: May 2023

Background

To assess rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery trends and training among young ophthalmologists (YOs, vitreoretinal fellows or attendings/consultants with ≤10 years of independent practice) and the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

An anonymous online survey was completed by 117 YOs in the Asia‐Pacific regarding their RRD surgery experiences in 2021–2022.

Results

To achieve a 90% probability of surgical competency, 91 vitrectomy and 34 scleral buckling (SB) completions during fellowship were needed. In total, 49 (41.9%) YOs had fellowship affected by COVID‐19. In the COVID versus pre‐COVID era, however, the volume of SB completions per fellowship year decreased significantly (median [IQR] 3.3 [1.5, 9] vs. 13 [6.5, 23];p < 0.001) and was lower than the required volume to achieve competency. YOs were less confident in conducting SB versus vitrectomy (3.5 ± 1.1 vs. 4.2 ± 0.8,p < 0.001), and they reported a decrease in the proportion of SB (−3.1%,p = 0.047) and an increase in the proportion of vitrectomy (+4.8%,p < 0.001) after the pandemic outbreak. Apart from RRD clinical characteristics, surgical confidence is among the main factors that affect surgical method decisions. During the pandemic, more YOs may have avoided SB due to the need for general anaesthesia, leading to longer surgical time and risk of viral transmission during intubation/extubation.

Conclusions

SB surgical exposure is suboptimal in most fellowship programs in the 11 Asia‐Pacific countries/regions we surveyed and further declined during the COVID‐19 pandemic. YOs are less confident in performing SB, leading to a trend toward primary vitrectomy since the COVID‐19 outbreak.
Biodiversity dynamics in landscapes with fluctuating connectivity
Authors: Marco Palamara Gian , Rozenfeld Alejandro , de Santana Charles N. , Klecka Jan , Riera Rodrigo , Eguíluz Victor M. , Melián Carlos J.
Published: May 2023

Biodiversity can increase in both high‐ and low‐connected landscapes. However, we lack predictions related to biodiversity dynamics when accounting for the temporal heterogeneity in the connections among the habitats of a landscape. Here, we study the relationship between fluctuations in landscape connectivity and biodiversity dynamics at local and regional scales. We contrast predictions about species richness between landscapes with and without fluctuations in connectivity. Our results show that local (α) and regional (γ) richness can increase together in dynamic landscapes characterized by periodic connectivity, clarifying empirical findings of high biodiversity in both low and high‐connected landscapes. Our results also suggest that fluctuations in connectivity increase the overall number of species coexisting in dynamic landscapes when compared with static landscapes with no fluctuations in connectivity. Extending metacommunity theory, by including fluctuations in landscape connectivity, can thus provide new testable predictions about species diversity across broad spatiotemporal scales in rapidly changing landscapes.
Comparison of acute flaccid myelitis and transverse myelitis in children and evaluation of diagnostic criteria
Authors: Helfferich Jelte , Bruijstens Arlette L. , Knoester Marjolein , Brouwer Oebele F. , Neuteboom Rinze F. ,   the 2016 Enterovirus D68 Acute Flaccid Myelitis Working Group and the Dutch Study Group for Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis
Published: May 2023

Background and purpose

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) and transverse myelitis (TM) are serious conditions that may be difficult to differentiate, especially at onset of disease. In this study, we compared clinical features of pediatric AFM and TM and evaluated current diagnostic criteria, aiming to improve early and accurate diagnosis.

Methods

Two cohorts of children with enterovirus D68‐associated AFM and clinically diagnosed TM were compared regarding presenting clinical features, additional investigations, and outcome. Current diagnostic criteria for AFM and TM were applied to evaluate their specificity.

Results

Children with AFM (n = 21) compared to those with TM (n = 36) were younger (median 3 vs. 10 years), more often had a prodromal illness (100% vs. 39%), predominant proximal weakness (69% vs. 17%), and hyporeflexia (100% vs. 44%), and less often had sensory deficits (0% vs. 81%), bowel and/or bladder dysfunction (12% vs. 69%), and hyperreflexia (0% vs. 44%). On magnetic resonance imaging, brainstem involvement was more common in AFM (74% vs. 21%), whereas supratentorial abnormalities were only seen in TM (0% vs. 40%). When omitting the criterion of a sensory level, 11 of 15 (73%) children with AFM fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for TM. Of children with TM, four of 33 (12%) fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for probable/definite AFM.

Conclusions

Although there is considerable overlap between AFM and TM in children, we found important early differentiating clinical and diagnostic features. Meeting diagnostic criteria for AFM in children with TM and vice versa underlines the importance of thorough clinical examination and early and accurate diagnostic studies.
Association between age and inflammatory disease activity on magnetic resonance imaging in relapse onset multiple sclerosis during long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Coerver Eline , Janssens Sophie , Ahmed Aroosa , Wessels Mark , van Kempen Zoé , Jasperse Bas , Barkhof Frederik , Koch Marcus , Mostert Jop , Uitdehaag Bernard , Killestein Joep , Strijbis Eva
Published: May 2023

Background and purpose

Inflammatory disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS) decreases with advancing age. Previous work found a decrease in contrast‐enhancing lesions (CELs) with age. Here, we describe the relation of age and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of inflammatory disease activity during long‐term follow‐up in a large real‐world cohort of people with relapse onset MS.

Methods

We investigated MRI data from the long‐term observational Amsterdam MS cohort. We used logistic regression models and negative binomial generalized estimating equations to investigate the associations between age and radiological disease activity after a first clinical event.

Results

We included 1063 participants and 10,651 cranial MRIs. Median follow‐up time was 6.1 years (interquartile range = 2.4–10.9 years). Older participants had a significantly lower risk of CELs on baseline MRI (40–50 years vs. <40 years: odds ratio [OR] = 0.640, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.45–0.90; >50 years vs. <40 years: OR = 0.601, 95% CI = 0.33–1.08) and a lower risk of new T2 lesions or CELs during follow‐up (40–50 years vs. <40 years: OR = 0.563, 95% CI = 0.47–0.67; >50 years vs. <40 years: OR = 0.486, 95% CI = 0.35–0.68).

Conclusions

Greater age is associated with a lower risk of inflammatory MRI activity at baseline and during long‐term follow‐up. In patients aged >50 years, a less aggressive treatment strategy might be appropriate compared to younger patients.
Genomics reveal the origins and current structure of a genetically depauperate freshwater species in its introduced Alaskan range
Authors: Campbell Matthew A. , Hale Matthew C. , Jalbert Chase S. , Dunker Kristine , Sepulveda Adam J. , López J. Andrés , Falke Jeffrey A. , Westley Peter A. H.
Published: May 2023

Invasive species are a major threat to global biodiversity, yet also represent large‐scale unplanned ecological and evolutionary experiments to address fundamental questions in nature. Here we analyzed both native and invasive populations of predatory northern pike (Esox lucius) to characterize landscape genetic variation, determine the most likely origins of introduced populations, and investigate a presumably postglacial population from Southeast Alaska of unclear provenance. Using a set of 4329 SNPs from 351 individual Alaskan northern pike representing the most widespread geographic sampling to date, our results confirm low levels of genetic diversity in native populations (average 𝝅 of 3.18 × 10−4) and even less in invasive populations (average 𝝅 of 2.68 × 10−4) consistent with bottleneck effects. Our analyses indicate that invasive northern pike likely came from multiple introductions from different native Alaskan populations and subsequently dispersed from original introduction sites. At the broadest scale, invasive populations appear to have been founded from two distinct regions of Alaska, indicative of two independent introduction events. Genetic admixture resulting from introductions from multiple source populations may have mitigated the negative effects associated with genetic bottlenecks in this species with naturally low levels of genetic diversity. Genomic signatures strongly suggest an excess of rare, population‐specific alleles, pointing to a small number of founding individuals in both native and introduced populations consistent with a species' life history of limited dispersal and gene flow. Lastly, the results strongly suggest that a small isolated population of pike, located in Southeast Alaska, is native in origin rather than stemming from a contemporary introduction event. Although theory predicts that lack of genetic variation may limit colonization success of novel environments, we detected no evidence that a lack of standing variation limited the success of this genetically depauperate apex predator.
Characterization of the molecular interactions between resveratrol derivatives and death‐associated protein kinase 1
Authors: Yokoyama Takeshi , Kusaka Katsuhiro
Published: May 2023

Death‐associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1), a Ca2+/calmodulin‐regulated serine/threonine kinase, regulates cell apoptosis and autophagy and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Targeting DAPK1 may be a promising approach for treating AD. In our previous study, we found that a natural polyphenol, resveratrol (1), is a moderate DAPK1 inhibitor. In the present study, we investigated the interactions between natural and synthetic derivatives of 1 and DAPK1. Binding assays including intrinsic fluorescence quenching, protein thermal shift and isothermal titration calorimetry indicated that oxyresveratrol (3), a hydroxylated derivative, and pinostilbene (5), a methoxylated derivative, bind to DAPK1 with comparable affinity to 1. The enzymatic assay showed that 3 more effectively inhibits the intrinsic ATPase activity of DAPK1 compared with 1. Crystallographic analysis revealed that the binding modes of the methoxylated derivatives were different from those of 1 and 3, resulting in a unique interaction. Our results suggest that 3 may be helpful in treating AD and provide a clue for the development of promising DAPK1 inhibitors.
Comparison of electric field‐dependent property in BaTiO3‐based piezoceramics between single and coexisting phases
Authors: Zhao Chunlin , He Tao , Lin Cong , Wu Xiao , Lin Tengfei , Gao Min , Tao Hong , Wu Wenjuan , Wu Bo
Published: May 2023

The evolution of electrical properties with an electric field (E) was compared between single‐phase BT ceramic and phase‐coexistence BT‐based (BTS–0.15BCT) ceramic. The dielectric, ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and strain properties are all found to be electric field‐dependent, especially for BTS–0.15BCT ceramic with small domains and easy polarization rotation induced by phase coexistence. High ferroelectric and strain properties are obtained in this ceramic because sufficient domain switching can easily be achieved. The high dielectric constant can be further elevated after poling this ceramic due to the E‐induced multiphase transitions. Dynamic piezoelectric measurement reveals that the dynamic piezoelectricity can reach to ∼740 pC/N, which is much higher than the static value (∼620 pC/N) of poled BTS–0.15BCT ceramic. However, the converse piezoelectric coefficient will decrease at high E, because of the quick decrease in dynamic dielectric response caused by clamped polarization at high E. All the results demonstrate that phase‐coexistence BT‐based ceramic shows electric field‐related properties due to the soft structure, whereas it cannot be observed in BT ceramic with stable phase structure and large domains. This work reveals the evolution difference and structure origin of electrical properties in BT‐based piezoceramics with different phase structures.
A tribute to Sebastián Cerdán and his key contributions to brain metabolism
Authors: Satrustegui Jorgina , Larrubia Pilar López , Rodrigues Tiago B. , Choi In‐Young , McKenna Mary C.
Published: May 2023

This is a tribute to Sebastián Cerdán, a brilliant and innovative NMR spectroscopist whose studies contributed greatly to the fundamental information to the understanding of brain metabolism, particularly in regard to multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) techniques. Sebastián Cerdán sadly passed away in May 2022. He was a wonderful mentor and colleague who will be greatly missed.

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Toward discovering a novel family of peptides targeting neuroinflammatory states of brain microglia and astrocytes
Authors: Koss K. M. , Son T. , Li C. , Hao Y. , Cao J. , Churchward M. A. , Zhang Z. J. , Wertheim J. A. , Derda R. , Todd K. G.
Published: May 2023

Microglia are immune‐derived cells critical to the development and healthy function of the brain and spinal cord, yet are implicated in the active pathology of many neuropsychiatric disorders. A range of functional phenotypes associated with the healthy brain or disease states has been suggested from in vivo work and were modeled in vitro as surveying, reactive, and primed sub‐types of primary rat microglia and mixed microglia/astrocytes. It was hypothesized that the biomolecular profile of these cells undergoes a phenotypical change as well, and these functional phenotypes were explored for potential novel peptide binders using a custom 7 amino acid‐presenting M13 phage library (SX7) to identify unique peptides that bind differentially to these respective cell types. Surveying glia were untreated, reactive were induced with a lipopolysaccharide treatment, recovery was modeled with a potent anti‐inflammatory treatment dexamethasone, and priming was determined by subsequently challenging the cells with interferon gamma. Microglial function was profiled by determining the secretion of cytokines and nitric oxide, and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase. After incubation with the SX7 phage library, populations of SX7‐positive microglia and/or astrocytes were collected using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting, SX7 phage was amplified in Escherichia coli culture, and phage DNA was sequenced via next‐generation sequencing. Binding validation was done with synthesized peptides via in‐cell westerns. Fifty‐eight unique peptides were discovered, and their potential functions were assessed using a basic local alignment search tool. Peptides potentially originated from proteins ranging in function from a variety of supportive glial roles, including synapse support and pruning, to inflammatory incitement including cytokine and interleukin activation, and potential regulation in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders.

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The debated neuroanatomy of the fourth ventricle
Authors: Spierer Ronen
Published: May 2023

The fourth ventricle is a small, fluid‐filled cavity located within the brain that plays a vital role in the body's physiological functions. Therefore, the anatomical elements forming it bear significant clinical relevance. However, the exact relations between the elements that form its roof are still debated in the neuroanatomical literature; the inferior medullary velum, and the ventricle's median aperture in particular. In some atlases, the inferior medullary velum is placed in the midline, while in others, it is placed in the transverse plane. The median aperture is also displayed in different ways in midsagittal drawings: as a round perforation of a midline velum, as a foramen in an uncharacterized part of the ventricle, and as a gap between the nodule and the brainstem. This work aims to provide a comprehensive review of the different descriptions of the fourth ventricle, in order to gain a clearer understanding of the ventricular system's structure.
Anxiety and depression among nursing students during the COVID‐19 lockdown: A cross‐sectional correlational study
Authors: Mosteiro‐Diaz Maria‐Pilar , Baldonedo‐Mosteiro Carmen , Campos Pavan Baptista Patricia , Gamez‐Fernandez Aida , Franco‐Correia Sara
Published: May 2023

Aims and Objectives

To determine the prevalence and levels of anxiety and depression symptoms among nursing students during the coronavirus lockdown, and to examine factors associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression on this population.

Background

Nursing students deal with diverse stressors during their university lives. Confinement measures during COVID‐19 outbreak may have inﬂuenced students' mental health and well‐being. Anxiety and depression are common among nursing students due to different factors. Evidence relating to anxiety and depression in nursing student population during SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic is limited.

Design

A cross‐sectional descriptive co‐relational study during the lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak in Spain was conducted.

Methods

An online questionnaire was developed by using google forms. Sociodemographic characteristics form, and the Spanish version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used. Spanish nursing students across the country were enrolled. Data collection was performed between 4 April 2020 and 21 April 2020. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine the association between sociodemographic variables, COVID‐19 and HADS scores.

Results

1319 participants were enrolled. The sample was formed by 87.1% female students with a mean age of 22 years (SD ± 5.677). We found a mean score of 8.47 ± 4.104 on Scale HADS‐Anxiety and 6.80 ± 2.988 on HADS‐Depression. 31.6% students presented abnormal scores of anxiety symptoms, and only 11.4% participants revealed abnormal scores on HADS‐Depression.

Conclusions

The reported prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms on nursing students during the COVID‐19 lockdown is 56.4% and 38.2%, respectively. 43.6% of the sample scored normal anxiety levels, and 61.8% obtained normal depression levels. Higher anxiety and depression levels were statistically associated with being a first‐year student, being a smoker, feeling fear, feeling stress and having any close family member infected.

Relevance to clinical practice

These data should be valuable for detection and for further treatment decision of this disorders at the initial stage and could be important to prevent further damages to mental health and promote physical, psychological and well‐being among this population.
A review of Phillips‐Sul approach‐based club convergence tests
Authors: Tomal Mateusz
Published: May 2023

The Phillips‐Sul approach to testing the club convergence hypothesis has attracted considerable research interest in recent years due to its advantages over alternative methods. This paper aims to review theoretical papers that extend the Phillips‐Sul approach, empirical studies that apply Phillips‐Sul approach‐based club convergence tests, as well as the software used to execute these methods. The review revealed that, first, the Phillips‐Sul approach has seen modifications regarding the procedure of trend extraction from time series, the log t regression and the algorithm clustering panel units into convergence clubs. Second, the Phillips‐Sul approach has been widely used not only in economics and finance but also in ecological, energy and health studies. Finally, the paper provides guidance for further development of the Phillips‐Sul approach. This review is useful for researchers and practitioners investigating convergence and club convergence processes.
Chemicals mediate the interaction between plant‐associated fungi and insects
Authors: Xu Yang , Xu Lei , He Hong
Published: May 2023

Plants, insects, and fungi have successfully colonized almost all terrestrial ecosystems, and their interactions have been the subject of numerous studies in recent decades. Plant‐associated fungi include endophytic, arbuscular mycorrhizal, ambrosia, saprotrophic, pathogenic, and floral fungi. These fungi interact with insects through various mechanisms, including the modification of plant nutritional quality and degradation of plant defensive allelochemicals that are toxic to insects. Additionally, certain fungi assist plants in defending against insect attacks. Correspondingly, insects have evolved sophisticated nervous, digestive, and muscular systems that assist them in recognizing, preying on, and dispersing plant‐associated fungi; these organ systems allow insects to detect and respond to various chemical signatures in the environment. Insects can be nourished, attracted, repelled, poisoned, and killed by chemical molecules produced by plant‐associated fungi, which could be beneficial or detrimental to plants. This review summarizes the functions of different chemicals from the perspective of plant–fungus–insect interactions and discusses the challenges and future perspectives in this chemical ecology research field.
The Connection between Perceived Workplace Discrimination and Viewing Work as a Spiritual Calling
Authors: Scheitle Christopher P. , Bolger Daniel , Daniels Denise , Ecklund Elaine Howard
Published: May 2023

Research shows that perceived workplace discrimination shapes an individual's job satisfaction and intent to leave a job. This study considers whether these impacts may be attenuated if an individual views their work as a spiritual calling. Using data from a nationally representative survey (N = 9,907), our analysis shows that perceived work discrimination due to race, gender, and religion are all independently associated with less job satisfaction net of a variety of other measures. Viewing work as a spiritual calling is associated with greater job satisfaction, even when accounting for traditional measures of religiosity. The negative impact of perceived discrimination on job satisfaction is weaker among those who view work as a spiritual calling. These findings provide evidence of the mechanisms underlying job satisfaction and have implications for understanding how religion might help mitigate the negative consequences of perceived discrimination in the workplace, or allow discrimination to potentially go unaddressed.
Mating behavior of the Sydney funnel‐web spider (Atracidae:Atrax robustus) and implications for the evolution of courtship in mygalomorph spiders
Authors: Frank S.‐C. , Christensen K. , Lourenço R. , Harms D. , Buzatto B. A.
Published: May 2023

Spiders have become a model group for sexual selection and mating system studies, but our understanding of courtship behavior in the group is heavily biased towards the infraorder Araneomorphae (‘modern’ spiders, such as orb weavers, jumping spiders, wolf spiders, crab spiders and many more). In the Mygalomorphae (tarantulas, trapdoor spiders, funnel‐web spiders and relatives), only a few descriptions of courtship are available and recent developments in the phylogenetics of the group offer an opportunity to remap and investigate the evolution of mating behaviors. Using 81 trials filmed in captivity, we report on the courtship behaviors of the iconic Sydney funnel‐web spider (Atracidae:Atrax robustus), which belongs to a large clade of biologically understudied mygalomorphs. Thirteen distinct behaviors are described for males, out of which at least two seem new to mygalomorphs, while four female behaviors are described. Moreover, the sequences of male behaviors are presented for when they come into contact with females inside or outside of their burrows. The mating positions of the pair, including details of how males use their legs and clasping spurs to grasp the females, are also presented. We discuss our results in a modern phylogenetic context, filling a gap in the understanding of sexual selection in the Mygalomorphae where such studies are rare and biased towards tarantulas. Finally, we attempt to consolidate descriptions of potentially homologous behaviors from several families in the group and offer insights into the evolution of cannibalism, male clasping spurs and female catalepsis (quiescence while mating).
curating #blackgirlquarantine
Authors: Botts‐Ward Reelaviolette
Published: May 2023

This autoethnographic visual essay narrates a Black feminist praxis of ancestral collage‐making within my curation of #blackgirlquarantine: an exhibition of blackwomxnhealing in the wake of 20201 (BGQ). I detail my spiritual, affective, and embodied journey of stretching collage art to make room for memorializing the lives of Black womxn and girls who are no longer here to tell their stories. I write at the intersection of healing, memory, and mourning, and merge a Methodology for the Black Feminist Sacred2 with visual anthropology and digital humanities to read creative rituals of digital altar work as text.
A Borrelia burgdorferi LptD homolog is required for flipping of surface lipoproteins through the spirochetal outer membrane
Authors: He Huan , Pramanik Ankita S. , Swanson Selene K. , Johnson David K. , Florens Laurence , Zückert Wolfram R.
Published: May 2023

Borrelia spirochetes are unique among diderm bacteria in their lack of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the outer membrane (OM) and their abundance of surface‐exposed lipoproteins with major roles in transmission, virulence, and pathogenesis. Despite their importance, little is known about how surface lipoproteins are translocated through the periplasm and the OM. Here, we characterized Borrelia burgdorferi BB0838, a distant homolog of the OM LPS assembly protein LptD. Using a CRISPR interference approach, we showed that BB0838 is required for cell growth and envelope stability. Upon BB0838 knockdown, surface lipoprotein OspA was retained in the inner leaflet of the OM, as determined by its inaccessibility to in situ proteolysis but its presence in OM vesicles. The topology of the OM porin/adhesin P66 remained unaffected. Quantitative mass spectrometry of the B. burgdorferi membrane‐associated proteome confirmed the selective periplasmic retention of surface lipoproteins under BB0838 knockdown conditions. Additional analysis identified a single in situ protease‐accessible BB0838 peptide that mapped to a predicted β‐barrel surface loop. Alphafold Multimer modeled a B. burgdorferi LptB2FGCAD complex spanning the periplasm. Together, this suggests that BB0838/LptDBb facilitates the essential terminal step in spirochetal surface lipoprotein secretion, using an orthologous OM component of a pathway that secretes LPS in proteobacteria.
Relationship between parental stress and post‐traumatic stress disorder: The moderating effect of visitation restrictions in paediatric intensive care units during COVID‐19
Authors: Cho Young Il , Kim Hyo Jin , Kim Dong Hee
Published: May 2023

Background

Visitation restrictions due to COVID‐19 kept parents from being with their children who were hospitalized in the PICU and from meeting with professional staff.

Aim

This study examined the moderating effect of COVID‐19‐induced visitation restrictions on the relationship between stress and post‐traumatic stress disorder in parents of children admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit.

Study Design

We conducted a descriptive, exploratory study involving 93 parents of children hospitalized in the paediatric intensive care unit using the Korean version of the Parental Stressor Scale: Paediatric Intensive Care Unit and the Revised Impact of Events Scale. Descriptive, Pearson's correlation, and logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the data. Self‐reported survey questionnaires were provided for parents to complete in a separate area of the outpatient clinic when they visited for follow‐up care after their children were discharged from the paediatric intensive care unit.

Results

Mothers showed significantly higher post‐traumatic stress disorder scores than fathers. The relationship between all the sub‐domains of perceived stress and post‐traumatic stress disorder was statistically significant. Visitation restrictions because of the COVID‐19 pandemic had significant moderating effects on the relationship between perceived parental stress and post‐traumatic stress disorder. Moreover, the moderating effects of COVID‐19 were exhibited when the two sub‐domains—hyperarousal and intrusion—were investigated.

Conclusions

Paediatric intensive care unit visitation may be an important intervention for parental post‐traumatic stress disorder. Parental visitation should be enabled, and alternative interventions should be developed in situations where visitation is prohibited.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

It is necessary to develop and apply various and effective alternatives visitation that can prepare hospitals for visiting restrictions during pandemic situations which could emerge in the future.