bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated Hoxb5b expands vagal neural crest pool and blocks enteric neuronal development in zebrafish
Authors: Adam Howard Aubrey G. , Nguyen Aaron C. , Tworig Joshua , Ravisankar Priya , Singleton Eileen W. , Li Can , Kotzur Grayson , Waxman Joshua S. , Uribe Rosa. A.
Published: October 2021

Neural crest cells (NCCs) are a migratory, transient, and multipotent stem cell population essential to vertebrate embryonic development, contributing to numerous cell lineages in the adult organism. While great strides have been made in elucidating molecular and cellular events that drive NCC specification, comprehensive knowledge of the genetic factors that orchestrate NCC developmental programs is still far from complete. We discovered that elevated Hoxb5b levels promoted an expansion of zebrafish NCCs, which persisted throughout multiple stages of development. Correspondingly, elevated Hoxb5b also specifically expanded expression domains of the vagal NCC markers foxd3 and phox2bb. Increases in NCCs were most apparent after pulsed ectopic Hoxb5b expression at early developmental stages, rather than later during differentiation stages, as determined using a novel transgenic zebrafish line. The increase in vagal NCCs early in development led to supernumerary Phox2b+ enteric neural progenitors, while leaving many other NCC-derived tissues without an overt phenotype. Surprisingly, these NCC-derived enteric progenitors failed to expand properly into sufficient quantities of enterically fated neurons and stalled in the gut tissue. These results suggest that while Hoxb5b participates in vagal NCC development as a driver of progenitor expansion, the supernumerary, ectopically localized NCC fail to initiate expansion programs in timely fashion in the gut. All together, these data point to a model in which Hoxb5b regulates NCCs both in a tissue specific and temporally restricted manner.
Analytical Accuracy and Clinical Agreement of a Novel Internet of Things and AI-based Point-of-Care Testing Laboratory
Authors: Malucelli Lucca Centa , Neves Alves Gabriele Luise , Rank Filho Claucio Antonio , Correa Rafaela Fortes , Albano Vanessa Hintz , Rocha Saldanha Anita Leme da , Fakhouri Tereza Bellincanta , Santos Carolina Melchioretto dos , Severo Matheus Gonçalves , Ribeiro Victor Henrique Alves , de Almeida Bernardo Montesanti Machado , Klosovski Caio Corsi , Rocha Martinez Tania Leme da , Scartezini Marileia , Mazega Figueredo Marcus Vinícius
Published: October 2021

Point-of-care testing (POCT) offers several advantages over conventional laboratory testing. Nonetheless, a faster turnaround time, with less invasive procedures, is not enough if not associated with an acceptable level of accuracy. Here, we show the analytical validation behind the Hilab Flow (HiF), a multi-analyte POCT analyzer. HiF quantitative and qualitative tests for 6,175 clinical samples were compared to gold-standard methods from College of American Pathologists accredited laboratories. The compatibility between methods was evaluated in terms of association and clinical agreement. The established approval criteria was a kappa agreement > 0.8. A strong concordance was observed for the 27 analytes tested. Accuracy was greater than 90% for all HiF exams, indicating a good clinical agreement to gold standard laboratory testing. Results indicate that all quantitative and qualitative tests are suitable for POCT and present a reliable performance. HiF stands as a useful tool to aid decision-making in the clinical setting, with potential to contribute to healthcare solutions in diagnostic medicine worldwide.
Synchrony-Division Neural Multiplexing: An Encoding Model
Authors: Rezaei Mohammad R. , Popovic Milos R. , Prescott Steven A , Lankarany Milad
Published: October 2021

Cortical neurons receive mixed information from collective spiking activities of primary sensory neurons in response to a sensory stimulus. A recent study demonstrated that the time underlying the onset-offset of a tactile stimulus and its varying intensity can be respectively represented by synchronous and asynchronous spikes of S1 neurons in rats. This evidence capitalized on the ability of an ensemble of homogeneous neurons to multiplex, a coding strategy that was referred to as synchrony division multiplexing (SDM). Although neural multiplexing can be conceived by distinct functions of individual neurons in a heterogeneous neural ensemble, the extent to which nearly identical neurons in a homogeneous neural ensemble encode multiple features of a mixed stimulus remains unknown. Here, we present a computational framework to provide a system level understanding on how an ensemble of homogeneous neurons enable SDM. First, we simulate SDM with an ensemble of homogeneous conductance-based model neurons receiving a mixed stimulus comprising slow and fast features. Using feature estimation techniques, we show that both features of the stimulus can be inferred from the generated spikes. Second, we utilize linear nonlinear (LNL) cascade models and calculate temporal filters and static nonlinearities of differentially synchronized spikes. We demonstrate that these filters and nonlinearities are distinct for synchronous and asynchronous spikes. Finally, we develop an augmented LNL cascade model as an encoding model for the SDM by combining individual LNLs calculated for each type of spike. The augmented LNL model reveals that a homogeneous neural ensemble can perform two different functions, namely, temporal- and rate-coding, simultaneously.
A phosphoregulated RhoGEF feedback loop tunes cortical flow driven amoeboid migration in vivo
Authors: Lin Benjamin , Luo Jonathan , Lehmann Ruth
Published: October 2021

Cortical flow driven amoeboid migration utilizes friction from retrograde cortical actin flow to generate motion. Many cell types, including cancer cells, can assemble a cortical flow engine to migrate under confinement and low adhesion in vitro, but it remains unclear whether this engine is endogenously utilized in vivo. Moreover, in the context of a changing environment, it is not known how upstream regulation can set in motion and sustain a mutual feedback between flow and polarity. Here, we establish that Drosophila primordial germ cells (PGCs) utilize cortical flow driven amoeboid migration and that flows are oriented by external cues during developmental homing in vivo. The molecular basis of flow modulation is a phosphoregulated feedback loop involving RhoGEF2, a microtubule plus-end tracking RhoA specific RhoGEF, enriched at the rear of PGCs. RhoGEF2 depletion slows and disorganizes cortical flow, reducing migration speed, while RhoGEF2 activation accelerates cortical flow, thereby augmenting myosin II polarity and migration speed. Both perturbations impair PGC pathfinding, suggesting cortical flows must be tuned for accurate guidance. We surprisingly find that RhoGEF2 polarity and activation are independent of upstream canonical Gα12/13 signaling. Instead, its PDZ domain and conserved RhoA binding residues in its PH domain are required to establish a positive feedback loop that augments its basal activity. Upstream regulation of this feedback loop occurs via AMPK dependent multisite phosphorylation near a conserved EB1 binding SxIP motif, which releases RhoGEF2 from EB1 dependent inhibition. Thus, we reveal cortical flows as versatile, tunable engines for directed amoeboid migration in vivo.
LNCRNA expression landscape and specificity between brain regions
Authors: Adewale Joseph Ogunleye , Ali Umair , Michael Juwon Olufemi
Published: November 2021

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcribed into low potential protein coding RNA molecules, which account for over 70% of mammalian transcriptional products. The role of lncRNAs and their expression is still largely unknown, and the subject of recent investigations. Here, we used bulk RNA sequencing data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project to reveal the occurrence and identify the specificity of lncRNAs in 13 brain regions (1000 samples). We observed that these highly specific lncRNA were co-expressed with previously known mRNA markers for the 13 study regions of the brain. Further investigation revealed that splicing could influence the divergent biogenesis and enrichment of specific lncRNA alleles in different brain regions. Overall, we demonstrate the use of lncRNA as an independent tool for deconvolving brain regions and further highlights its use for cell-type identification from bulk transcriptome data.
The synthetic triterpenoids CDDO-TFEA and CDDO-Me, but not CDDO, are potent BACH1 inhibitors
Authors: Casares Laura , Moreno Rita , Higgins Maureen , Naidu Sharadha Dayalan , Neill Graham , Cassin Lena , Kiib Anders E. , Svenningsen Esben B. , Honda Tadashi , Poulsen Thomas B. , Dinkova-Kostova Albena T. , Olagnier David , de la Vega Laureano
Published: October 2021

The transcription factor BACH1 is a potential target against a variety of chronic conditions linked to oxidative stress and inflammation, and formation of cancer metastasis. However, only a few BACH1 degraders/inhibitors have been described. BACH1 is a transcriptional repressor of heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), which is positively regulated by transcription factor NRF2 and is highly inducible by derivatives of the synthetic oleanane triterpenoid 2- cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9(11)-dien-28-oic acid (CDDO). Most of the therapeutic activities of these compounds are due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are widely attributed to their ability to activate NRF2. However, with such a broad range of action, these drugs may have other molecular targets that have not been fully identified and could also be of importance for their therapeutic profile. Herein we identified BACH1 as a target of CDDO-derivatives, but not CDDO. While both CDDO and CDDO-derivatives activate NRF2 similarly, only CDDO-derivatives inhibit BACH1, which explains the much higher potency of CDDO-derivatives as HMOX1 inducers compared with unmodified CDDO. Notably, we demonstrate that CDDO-derivatives inhibit BACH1 via a novel mechanism that reduces BACH1 nuclear levels while accumulating its cytoplasmic form. Altogether, our study identifies CDDO-derivatives as dual KEAP1/BACH1 inhibitors, providing a rationale for further therapeutic uses of these drugs.
GATA2 haploinsufficiency causes an epigenetic feedback mechanism resulting in myeloid and erythroid dysplasi
Authors: Gioacchino Emanuele , Zhang Wei , Koyunlar Cansu , Zink Joke , de Looper Hans , Gussinklo Kirsten J. , Hoogenboezem Remco , Bosch Dennis , Bindels Eric , Touw Ivo P. , de Pater Emma
Published: October 2021

The transcription factor GATA2 has pivotal roles in hematopoiesis. Germline GATA2 mutations in patients result in GATA2 haploinsufficiency syndrome characterized by immunodeficiency, bone marrow failure, and predispositions to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Clinical symptoms in GATA2 patients are diverse and mechanisms driving GATA2 related phenotypes largely unknown. To explore the impact of GATA2 haploinsufficiency on hematopoiesis, we generated a zebrafish model carrying a heterozygous mutation of gata2b (gata2b+/−), an orthologue of GATA2. Morphological analysis revealed myeloid and erythroid dysplasia in gata2b+/−kidney marrow (KM). single nucleus (sn)-ATAC-seq showed that the co-accessibility between the transcription start site (TSS) and a +3.5-4.1kb enhancer was more robust in gata2b+/−zebrafish HSPCs compared to wild type, increasing gata2b expression. This is suggestive of an auto-regulatory feedback mechanism, where gata2b expression remains at sufficient levels after the loss of a single allele to maintain the HSPC pool. As a result, gata2b+/−chromatin is also more accessible in the erythroid and myeloid lineage, causing several defects. scRNA-seq data revealed a differentiation delay in erythroid progenitors, hallmarked by downregulation of intrinsic signals like cytoskeletal transcripts, aberrant proliferative signatures, and downregulation of Gata1a, a master regulator of erythropoiesis, likely preceding erythroid dysplasia. This shows that the cell intrinsic compensatory mechanisms for the maintenance of normal levels of Gata2b to maintain HSPC integrity result in aberrant lineage differentiation and a preleukemia syndrome.
Steroid hormone catabolites activate the pyrin inflammasome through a non-canonical mechanism
Authors: Magnotti Flora , Chirita Daria , Dalmon Sarah , Martin Amandine , Bronnec Pauline , Sousa Jeremy , Helynck Olivier , Lee Wonyong , Kastner Daniel , Chae Jae Jin , McDermott Michael F. , Belot Alexandre , Popoff Michel , Sève Pascal , Georgin-Lavialle Sophie , Munier-Lehmann Hélène , Tran Tu Anh , Langhe Ellen De , Wouters Carine , Jamilloux Yvan , Henry Thomas
Published: October 2021

The pyrin inflammasome acts as a guard of RhoA GTPases and is central to immune defences against RhoA-manipulating pathogens. Pyrin activation proceeds in two steps. Yet, the second step is still poorly understood. Using cells constitutively activated for the pyrin step 1, a chemical screen identified etiocholanolone and pregnanolone, two catabolites of testosterone and progesterone, acting at low concentrations as specific step-2 activators. High concentrations of these metabolites fully and rapidly activated pyrin, in a human-specific, B30.2 domain-dependent manner and without inhibiting RhoA. Mutations in MEFV, encoding pyrin, cause two distinct autoinflammatory diseases (PAAND and FMF). Monocytes from PAAND patients, and to a lower extent from FMF patients, displayed increased responses to these metabolites. This study provides a new perspective on pyrin activation, indicates that endogenous steroid catabolites can drive autoinflammation, through the pyrin inflammasome, and explains the “steroid fever” described in the late 1950s, upon steroid injection in humans.
Vocal tract allometry in a mammalian vocal learner
Authors: de Reus Koen , Carlson Daryll , Lowry Alice , Gross Stephanie , Garcia Maxime , Rubio-Garcia Ana , Salazar-Casals Anna , Ravignani Andrea
Published: October 2021

Acoustic allometry occurs when features of animal vocalisations can be predicted from body size measurements. Despite this being considered the norm, allometry sometimes breaks, resulting in species sounding smaller or larger than expected for their size. A recent hypothesis suggests that allometry-breaking mammals cluster into two groups: those with anatomical adaptations to their vocal tracts and those capable of learning new sounds (vocal learners). Here we test which mechanism is used to escape from acoustic allometry by probing vocal tract allometry in a proven mammalian vocal learner, the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina). We test whether vocal tract structures and body size scale allometrically in 68 young individuals. We find that both body length and body mass accurately predict vocal tract length and one tracheal dimension. Independently, body length predicts vocal fold length while body mass predicts a second tracheal dimension. All vocal tract measures are larger in weaners than in pups and some structures are sexually dimorphic within age classes. We conclude that harbour seals do comply with anatomical allometric constraints. However, allometry between body size and vocal fold length seems to emerge after puppyhood, suggesting that ontogeny may modulate the anatomy-learning distinction previously hypothesised as clear-cut. We suggest that seals, like other species producing signals that deviate from those expected from their vocal tract dimensions, may break allometry without morphological adaptations. In seals, and potentially other vocal learning mammals, advanced neural control over vocal organs may be the main mechanism for breaking acoustic allometry.
Clamping of DNA shuts the condensin neck gate
Authors: Lee Byung-Gil , Rhodes James , Löwe Jan
Published: October 2021

Condensin is a Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) complex needed for the compaction of DNA into chromatids during mitosis. Lengthwise DNA compaction by condensin is facilitated by ATPase-driven loop extrusion, a process that is believed to be the fundamental activity of most, if not all SMC complexes. In order to obtain molecular insights, we obtained cryo-EM structures of yeast condensin in the presence of a slowly-hydrolysable ATP analogue and linear, as well as circular DNAs. The DNAs were shown to be “clamped” between the engaged heterodimeric SMC ATPase heads and the Ycs4 subunit, in a manner similar to previously reported DNA-bound SMC complex structures. Ycgl, the other non-SMC subunit was only flexibly bound to the complex, while also binding DNA tightly, and often remaining at a distance from the head module. In the clamped state, the DNA is encircled, or topologically entrapped, by the kleisin Brnl and the two engaged head domains of Smc2 and Smc4, and this tripartite ring is closed at all interfaces, including at the neck of Smc2. We show that the neck gate opens upon head engagement in the absence of DNA, but it remains shut when DNA is present. Our work demonstrates that condensin and other SMC complexes go through similar conformations of the head modules during their ATPase cycle. In contrast, the behaviour of the Ycgl subunit in the condensin complex might indicate differences in the implementation of the extrusion reactions and our findings will constrain further mechanistic models of loop extrusion by SMC complexes.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

DNA needs to be compacted dramatically to fit into nuclei and during cell division, when dense chromatids are formed for their mechanical segregation, a process that depends on the protein complex condensin. It forms and enlarges loops in DNA through loop extrusion. Our work resolves the atomic structure of a DNA-bound state of condensin in which ATP has not been hydrolysed. The DNA is clamped within a compartment that has been reported previously in other SMC complexes, including Rad50, cohesin and MukBEF. With the caveat of important differences that we also uncovered, it means that all SMC complexes cycle through at least some similar states and undergo similar conformational changes in their head modules, while hydrolysing ATP and translocating DNA.
Hidden pathway for cytokine receptor activation: Structural insights into a marine sponge-derived lectin that activates the thrombopoietin receptor via recognition of the fucose moiety
Authors: Watari Hiromi , Kageyama Hiromu , Masubuchi Nami , Nakajima Hiroya , Onodera Kako , Focia Pamela J. , Oshiro Takumi , Matsui Takashi , Kodera Yoshio , Ogawa Tomohisa , Yokoyama Takeshi , Hirayama Makoto , Hori Kanji , Freymann Douglas M. , Komatsu Norio , Araki Marito , Tanaka Yoshikazu , Sakai Ryuichi
Published: October 2021

N-glycan-mediated activation of the thrombopoietin receptor (MPL) under pathological conditions has been implicated in myeloproliferative neoplasms induced by mutant calreticulin, which forms an endogenous receptor-agonist complex that constitutively activates the receptor. However, the molecular basis for this mechanism has not been studied because no external agonists existed. We describe the structure and function of a marine sponge-derived MPL agonist, thrombocorticin (ThC), a homodimerized lectin with calcium-dependent fucose-binding properties. ThC-induced activation persists due to limited receptor internalization. The strong synergy between ThC and thrombopoietin suggests that ThC catalyzes the formation of receptor dimers on the cell surface. MPL is subject to sugar-mediated activation, where the kinetics differ from those of cytokines. This result suggests the presence of diverse receptor activation pathways in human thrombopoiesis.

One-sentence summary

A marine sponge lectin catalyzes thrombopoietin receptor dimerization and activation, exhibiting strong synergy with thrombopoietin, and modulates internalization of the receptor.
Correcting the Hebbian Mistake: Toward a Fully Error-Driven Hippocampus
Authors: Zheng Yicong , Liu Xiaonan L. , Nishiyama Satoru , Ranganath Charan , O’Reilly Randall C.
Published: October 2021

The hippocampus plays a critical role in the rapid learning of new episodic memories. Many computational models propose that the hippocampus is an autoassociator that relies on Hebbian learning (i.e., “cells that fire together, wire together”). However, Hebbian learning is computationally suboptimal as it modifies weights unnecessarily beyond what is actually needed to achieve effective retrieval, causing more interference and resulting in a lower learning capacity. Our previous computational models have utilized a powerful, biologically plausible form of error-driven learning in hippocampal CA1 and entorhinal cortex (EC) (functioning as a sparse autoencoder) by contrasting local activity states at different phases in the theta cycle. Based on specific neural data and a recent abstract computational model, we propose a new model called Theremin (Total Hippocampal ERror MINimization) that extends error-driven learning to area CA3 — the mnemonic heart of the hippocampal system. In the model, CA3 responds to the EC monosynaptic input prior to the EC disynaptic input through dentate gyrus (DG), giving rise to a temporal difference between these two activation states, which drives error-driven learning in the EC→CA3 and CA3↔CA3 projections. In effect, DG serves as a teacher to CA3, correcting its patterns into more pattern-separated ones, thereby reducing interference. Results showed that Theremin, compared with our original model, has significantly increased capacity and learning speed. The model makes several novel predictions that can be tested in future studies.

Author Summary

Exemplified by the famous case of patient H.M. (Henry Molaison) who had his hippocampus surgically removed, the hippocampus is critical for learning and remembering about everyday events — what is typically called “episodic memory.” The dominant theory for how it learns is based on the intuitive principle stated by Donald Hebb in 1949, that neurons that “fire together, wire together” — when two neurons are active at the same time, the strength of their connection increases. We show in this paper that using a different form of learning based on correcting errors (error-driven learning) results in significantly improved episodic memory function in a biologically-based computational model of the hippocampus. This model also provides a significantly better account of behavioral data on the testing effect, where learning by testing with partial cues is better than learning with the complete set of information.
Chest X-ray Severity and its Association with Outcomes in Patients with COVID-19 Presenting to the Emergency Department
Authors: Kotok Daniel , Robles Jose Rivera , Girard Christine , Shettigar Shruti , Lavina Allen , Gillenwater Samantha , Kim Andrew , Hadeh Anas
Published: November 2021

Background

Severity of radiographic abnormalities on chest X-ray (CXR) in patients with COVID-19 has been shown to be associated with worse outcomes, but studies are limited by different scoring systems, sample size, patient age and study duration. Data regarding the longitudinal evolution of radiographic abnormalities and its association with outcomes is scarce. We sought to evaluate these questions using a well-validated scoring system (the Radiographic Assessment of Lung Edema [RALE] score) using data over 6 months from a large, multi-hospital healthcare system.

Methods

We collected clinical and demographic data and quantified radiographic edema on CXRs obtained in the emergency department (ED) as well as on days 1-2 and 3-5 (in those admitted) in patients with a nasopharyngeal swab positive for SARS-CoV-2 PCR visiting the ED for COVID-19-related complaints between March and September 2020. We examined the association of baseline and longitudinal evolution of radiographic edema with severity of hypoxemia and clinical outcomes.

Results

870 patients were included (median age 53.6, 50.8% female). Inter-rate agreement for RALE scores was excellent (ICC = 0.84, 95% CI 0.82 - 0.87, p < 0.0001). RALE scores correlated with hypoxemia as quantified by SpO2-FiO2 ratio (r = -0.42, p < 0.001). Admitted patients had higher RALE scores than those discharged (6 [2, 11] vs 0 [0, 3], p < 0.001). An increase of RALE score of 4 or more was associated with worse 30-day survival (p < 0.01). Larger increases in the RALE score were associated with worse survival.

Conclusions

The RALE score is reproducible and easily implementable in adult patients presenting to the ED with COVID-19. Its association with physiologic parameters and outcomes at baseline and longitudinally makes it a readily available tool for prognostication and early ICU triage, particularly in patients with worsening radiographic edema.
Dissecting CTCF site function in a tense HoxD locus
Authors: Bruneau Benoit G.
Published: November 2021

In this issue of Genes & Development, Amândio and colleagues (pp. 1490–1509) dissect the function of a cluster of several CTCF binding sites in the HoxD cluster by iterative deletions in mice. They found additive functions for some, and intriguingly found that some sites function as insulators, while others function as anchors for enhancer–promoter interactions. These functions vary depending on developmental context. The work provides new insights into the roles played by CTCF in regulating developmental patterns and 3D chromatin organization.
Two decades of Wikipedia research: a PubMed bibliometric network analysis
Authors: Mostafa Mohamed M.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the structure and dynamics of scholarly publications dealing with Wikipedia. The research also aims to investigate how such research evolved since its launch in 2001.

Design/methodology/approach

Wikipedia has grown to be the biggest online encyclopedia in terms of comprehensiveness, reach and coverage. Based on 1,040 PubMed Wikipedia documents written by 5,280 authors over two decades (2001–2021), this paper conducts a bibliometric review of the intellectual structure of scholarly publications dealing with Wikipedia.

Findings

Results show that annual scholarly publications on Wikipedia growth rate is 13.26. Major outlets publishing Wikipedia’s research arePloS One,the Journal of Medical Internet Research,Nucleic Acids Research,Studies in Health Technology and Informatics,Bioinformaticsandthe International Journal of Medical Informatics. Results also show that the author collaboration network is very sparse, signifying rather negligible collaboration among the authors. Furthermore, results reveal that the Wikipedia research institutions’ collaboration network reflects what is sometimes termed Wikipedia’s “North-South divide,” indicating limited collaboration between rich and poor nations’ institutions. Finally, the multiple correspondence analysis applied to obtain the Wikipedia research conceptual map and its intellectual structure reveals the intellectual thrust and the diversity of the scholarly publications dealing with Wikipedia.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this research represents the first application of bibliometric methods to investigate two decades of scholarly publications dealing with Wikipedia based on the PubMed database.
Customer helping and advocacy behaviours within dyadic financial service relationships: a gift-giving perspective
Authors: van Tonder Estelle , Saunders Stephen Graham , Mwavita Mwarumba , Kim Sohee
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine customer helping and advocacy behaviours within dyadic financial service relationships involving customers and fellow customer helpers.

Design/methodology/approach

The gift-giving literature was used to propose a customer-to-customer interaction model, which was tested and cross-validated among electronic banking customers in South Africa (n = 404) and Australia (n = 244). Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to respondents who are users of electronic banking services and who previously received help with the service from a fellow customer. Data analysis included multi-group structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings support the view that selected source credibility dimensions may influence greater affective commitment towards fellow customer helpers at various levels. Subsequently, further altruistic gift-giving in the form of customer helping and advocacy behaviours may result from higher levels of affective commitment. Feeling secure in their relationships with fellow customer helpers, customer recipients of help are likely to further socialise other customers who may share a common interest in the service category (e.g. electronic banking), but do not necessarily support the financial service provider of the customer.

Originality/value

The findings extend the conceptual domain of affective commitment and shed light on the factors contributing to the development of strengthened bonds between customers and fellow customer helpers within dyadic financial service relationships. Additionally, greater financial service socialisation and use may be achieved when the helping and advocacy behaviours of customer helpers are not restricted to a specific service provider. Subsequently, the current investigation advances knowledge of the underlying processes involved in motivating these desired service outcomes and behaviours.
International entrepreneurial startups' location under uncertainty through a heterogeneous multi-layer decision-making approach: evidence and application of an emerging economy
Authors: Razavi Hajiagha Seyed Hossein , Ahmadzadeh Kandi Niloofar , Amoozad Mahdiraji Hannan , Jafari-Sadeghi Vahid , Hashemi Shide Sadat
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Science and technology parks (STPs) have a limited capacity, which can create challenging conditions for applicants. This makes the location selection a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem to find and apply for the most appropriate STP with the highest accordance with the startup's requirements. This research aims to select the most appropriate STP to locate an international entrepreneurial pharmaceutical startup under uncertainty. Since drugs are generally produced domestically in developing countries such as Iran, the access of pharmaceutical startups to the resources provided by STPs can lead to overcoming competitors and improving the country's health system.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, the factors or attributes effective on startup location were extracted through a two-round Delphi method, which was performed among 15 experts within three groups. Subsequently, the determining factors were used to select the location of a pharmaceutical startup among possible STPs. In this regard, decision-makers were allowed to use different types of numbers to transfer their opinion. Afterward, the heterogeneous weighted aggregated sum product assessment (HWASPAS) method was applied to calculate the score of each alternative and rank them to place the studied startup successfully.

Findings

The results indicated that Tehran STP stands in the first place; however, if the decision was made based on single criterion like cost, some other STPs could be preferable, and many managers would lose this choice. Furthermore, the results of the proposed method were close to other popular heterogeneous MCDM approaches.

Originality/value

A heterogeneous WASPAS is developed in this article for the first time to enable international entrepreneurs to imply their opinion with various values and linguistic variables to reduce the emphasis on accurate data in an uncertain environment.
Heuristic biases and investment decisions: multiple mediation mechanisms of risk tolerance and financial literacy—a survey at the Tanzania stock market
Authors: Kasoga Pendo Shukrani
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of heuristic biases on investment decisions through multiple mediation mechanisms of risk tolerance and financial literacy in the Tanzanian stock market.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 316 individual investors in the Tanzanian stock market was obtained through questionnaires. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The findings show that financial literacy mediates insignificantly the effects of overconfidence, availability, anchoring and representativeness heuristics on investment decisions. Further, financial literacy does not influence the effect of risk tolerance and investment decisions. Risk tolerance is confirmed as a positive mediator of overconfidence, availability, anchoring and representativeness heuristics in investment decisions. Also, the study shows that overconfidence exerts a stronger influence on investment decisions, followed by availability, representativeness, risk tolerance, anchoring and financial literacy.

Research limitations/implications

The study deals with real investors. Therefore, it uses fewer items to measure the constructs in order to avoid respondent bias. Further research could examine the effects of heuristic biases on investment decisions by adding or modifying the items of particular constructs and studying institutional investors.

Practical implications

The findings can help individual investors to analyze and evaluate their behavior toward stock selection. Securities institutions can use this research to understand investors' behavior, evaluate future market trends and provide advice to the investors.

Originality/value

Previous studies have examined the impact of heuristics on the investment decisions of individual investors. The unique empirical analysis developed in this paper is that it examines the multiple mediation mechanisms of risk tolerance and financial literacy with respect to heuristic biases and investment decisions in the Tanzanian stock market.
Demands, challenges and solutions for Irandoc to improve and expand activities of academic and research libraries (ARLs)
Authors: Rajabali Beglou Reza
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology (Irandoc) undertaken activities to improve and expand Academic and Research Libraries (ARLs). However, it is necessary to identify demands, challenges and solutions for Irandoc to improve and extend activities of these libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, documents of Science & Technology Information System (STIS) commission analyzed in order to investigate the most important steps taken by Irandoc. The results of this part of research used to conduct interviews with administrators and experts in four groups including thirteen ARL managers, four middle and upper level managers at Irandoc, two deputies in Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (MSRT), and four experts in this field. Therefore, the present study was qualitative with content analysis approach. The credibility of the research findings promoted by a peer debriefing and member checking methods.

Findings

The results showed that strengthening of STIS commission, reinforced Irandoc's authoritative duties in MSRT, establishing a network of ARLs, promoting Irandoc's relationship with ARLs, institutional mapping among organizations in the field of libraries and information, updating of Irandoc's policies and statutes regarding ARLs, completing library statistics and information, standardizing, monitoring and evaluating ARLs, developing Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs, and future study of ARLs were among the most important operational and executive strategies for improving and expanding ARLs' activities.

Originality/value

Organizational structure of the relationship among MSRT, Irandoc, ARLs and the types of services and resources ARLs provide in six levels, as well as conceptual model of Irandoc's position in this field presented.
Retail crowding: meta-analysis of contextual and cultural moderators
Authors: de Oliveira Santini Fernando , Ladeira Wagner Junior , Pinto Diego Costa , Herter Marcia Maurer , Mattila Anna S. , Perin Marcelo Gattermann
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Although academics and retail managers share a common belief that crowded stores generate more sales, there is a growing concern about the negative impact of retail crowding on customer relationship management (CRM). This research aims to understand the underlying processes driving the effect, and it explores potential moderators that may mitigate the negative effects on consumer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employs a meta-analysis on retail crowding effects and potential moderators.

Findings

The integrative model of retail crowding reveals that social needs, crowd similarity, crowd expectation and uncertainty avoidance mitigate the negative retail crowding effects on satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The authors advance the retailing literature by synthesizing recent studies on retail crowding. The findings also provide a clearer understanding of the mediating role of negative emotions in the relationship between retail crowding and satisfaction.

Practical implications

This research offers guidance for retail managers on how to mitigate the harmful effects of crowding on customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the retailing literature and offers guidance for retailers on how to mitigate the harmful effects of crowding on cvustomer satisfaction. Our moderation analyses provide insights into how and when crowding drives consumer satisfaction.
Does e-government help shape citizens' engagement during the COVID-19 crisis? A study of mediational effects of how citizens perceive the government
Authors: Amosun Tunde Simeon , Chu Jianxun , Rufai Olayemi Hafeez , Muhideen Sayibu , Shahani Riffat , Gonlepa Miapeh Kous
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of e-government usage on citizen engagement during the COVID-19 crisis in China, in relation to the mediating role of how citizens perceive the government. A model was also proposed to explain the relationship between e-government usage during the COVID-19 crisis and the mediating role that different perceptions of government play in influencing citizens level of engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model was tested empirically through a survey conducted online with 866 research participants, comprising of Chinese citizens from three large cities, which include Hefei, Shanghai and Nanjing.

Findings

The results in structural equation modeling showed that e-government usage has a significant positive influence on citizens' perception about trust in government, government transparency and government reputation but not significant influence on citizens' engagements. However, an indirect relationship was found out in the mediation analysis. There was also a significant relationship between the different perceptions of government. Mediation analysis showed that all the different perceptions of government mediate the relationship between e-government usage and citizens' engagements during the COVID-19 crisis. The single mediation pathways were found to be most effective mediators, identifying citizens' perception about trust in government to be the most effective mediator.

Originality/value

This study filled the gap in literature by examining how e-government usage by Chinese citizens during the COVID-19 crisis helped influence their attitude and behavior. Specifically, this study is one of the first to integrate citizens' usage of e-government and citizens' engagement through the different citizens' perceptions of government such as trust in government, transparency of government and government reputation in a non-liberal country.
Cracks in the mirror hypothesis: High specularity does not reduce detection or predation risk
Authors: Franklin Amanda M. , Rankin Katrina J. , Ospina Rozo Laura , Medina Iliana , Garcia Jair E. , Ng Leslie , Dong Caroline , Wang Lu‐Yi , Aulsebrook Anne E. , Stuart‐Fox Devi
Published: October 2021

Some animals, including certain fish, beetles, spiders and Lepidoptera chrysalises, have such shiny or glossy surfaces that they appear almost mirror‐like. A compelling but unsubstantiated hypothesis is that a highly specular or mirror‐like appearance enhances survival by reflecting the surrounding environment and reducing detectability.

We tested this hypothesis by asking human participants to wear a mobile eye‐tracking device and locate highly realistic mirror‐green and diffuse‐green replica beetles against a variety of backgrounds in a natural forest environment. We also tested whether a mirror‐like appearance enhances survival to wild predators by monitoring the survival of mirror‐green and diffuse‐green replica beetles in a forested habitat and an open habitat.

Human participants showed no difference in the detection probability or detection latency of mirror versus diffuse replica beetles, indicating that mirror‐like appearance does not impair prey capture. The field predation experiment found no difference in survival between the mirror and diffuse replica beetles in forested environments. Similarly, there was no difference in survival when beetles were deployed in the open habitat where there is no background to reflect, indicating that predators detect and do not actively avoid mirror‐like beetles.

Our results suggest that a mirror‐like appearance does not reduce attack by predators. Instead, highly specular, mirror‐like surfaces may have evolved for an alternate visual function or as a secondary consequence of selection for a non‐visual function, such as thermoregulation.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Oral immunotherapy in children with a food allergy—Where do we stand? – Review
Authors: Pulik Kaja , Ruszczyński Marek , Krenke Rafał
Published: October 2021

The number of hospitalisations due to an anaphylactic reaction to food is continuously increasing. Therefore, there is an urgent need to seek effective therapy. Currently, the only way to treat food allergies is to avoid allergens and to administer intramuscular adrenaline if an accidental allergen intake occurs. The only causal therapeutic strategy is specific oral immunotherapy. An increasing amount of data confirms this therapy's effectiveness and safety, but the results remain inconclusive due to the lack of long‐term follow‐up. In this state‐of‐the‐art review, we briefly summarise the latest placebo‐controlled randomised controlled trials on oral immunotherapy (OIT) to treat food allergy. During the paper's review, we asked the following questions: does the therapy permanently increase the amount of allergen consumed without symptoms? Does it significantly increase or decrease the occurrence of severe systemic reactions – requiring the administration of adrenaline or hospitalisation? Many authors describe outcomes such as an increase in the amount of allergen that can be safely ingested; however, significant clinical benefits such as decreased hospitalisations or anaphylaxis incidence are rarely included in the results. To date, there is no unified protocol of therapy, which makes comparisons between studies difficult because of significant differences in types, doses, and routes of administration of the allergen, timeline for up‐dosing and maintenance, duration of the therapy, and primary outcomes of OIT.
An overview of hydrogen prospects: Economic, technical and policy considerations
Authors: Aguilera Roberto F. , Inchauspe Julian
Published: November 2021

Hydrogen is expected to play a role in the future low‐carbon economy as an energy carrier, but its market penetration remains to be seen. Much of the existing literature generally focuses on comparison of marginal production costs and prices to make rather optimistic projections. This study argues that such analysis is myopic as important barriers are ignored. Following Porter’s five‐force approach, we methodologically identify the economic market forces that shape the development of hydrogen markets, and discuss key obstacles in the supply chain. Using evidence of available hydrogen technologies and costs, the distribution network is identified as a major fixed‐investment barrier to market entry, but it is argued that much of it could be overcome if natural gas infrastructure and technology is shared with the hydrogen sector. Natural gas, in turn, is projected to function as a transition fuel under current carbon emissions targets. This study finds that policy costs needed to promote hydrogen to achieve environmental goals can be substantially reduced if government and private investment decisions strategically focus on synergies with natural gas. The possible formulation of such policies is discussed using Australia’s hydrogen industry as a case study.
The effect of a public transportation expansion on no‐show appointments
Authors: Smith Laura Barrie , Yang Zhiyou , Golberstein Ezra , Huckfeldt Peter , Mehrotra Ateev , Neprash Hannah T.
Published: November 2021

Objective

To test whether there were fewer missed medical appointments (“no‐shows”) for patients and clinics affected by a significant public transportation expansion.

Study setting

A new light rail line was opened in a major metropolitan area in June 2014. We obtained electronic health records data from an integrated health delivery system in the area with over three million appointments at 97 clinics between 2013 and 2016.

Study design

We used a difference‐in‐differences research design to compare whether no‐show appointment rates differentially changed among patients and clinics located near versus far from the new light rail line after it opened. Models included fixed effects to account for underlying differences across clinics, patient zip codes, and time.

Data extraction methods

We obtained data from an electronic health records system representing all appointments scheduled at 97 outpatient clinics in this system. We excluded same‐day, urgent care, and canceled appointments.

Principal findings

The probability of no‐show visits differentially declined by 0.5 percentage points (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.9 to −0.1), or 4.5% relative to baseline, for patients living near the new light rail compared to those living far from it, after the light rail opened. The effects were stronger among patients covered by Medicaid (−1.6 percentage points [95% CI: −2.4 to −0.8] or 9.5% relative to baseline).

Conclusions

Improvements to public transit may improve access to health care, especially for people with low incomes.
Blueberry juice: Bioactive compounds, health impact, and concentration technologies—A review
Authors: Tobar‐Bolaños Guisella , Casas‐Forero Nidia , Orellana‐Palma Patricio , Petzold Guillermo
Published: October 2021

Blueberries are a popular fruit with an attractive flavor and color, as well as health benefits. These health benefits have been attributed to the important number of bioactive compounds in blueberries with activities such as antioxidant, antitumor, antimutagenic, and antidiabetic effects and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Despite these advantages, blueberries are only obtained fresh in certain seasons; therefore, the food and beverage industry transforms them into jelly, puree, or juice. However, the concentration process could help preserve the bioactive compounds of blueberry byproducts. Concentration technologies focus on the removal of excess water to increase the product stability and reduce storage and transportation costs by causing them to take up less space or as a pretreatment before dehydration. These technologies include evaporation, reverse osmosis, and freeze concentration, and each one has different effects on the efficiency, quality, and nutritional value of the final concentrates. However, freeze concentration and reverse osmosis produce a higher‐final quality concentrate than evaporation due to the use of low temperatures, which prevents the loss of thermolabile components such as bioactive compounds. Therefore, this review summarizes the impact of concentration technologies on the bioactive compounds and health benefits of blueberry juice.