bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cold protection allows local cryotherapy in a clinical-relevant model of traumatic optic neuropathy
Authors: Zhang Yikui , Li Mengyun , Yu Bo , Lu Shengjian , Zhang Lujie , Zhu Senmiao , Yu Zhonghao , Xia Tian , Huang Haoliang , Jiang WenHao , Zhang Si , Sun Lanfang , Ye Qian , Sun Jiaying , Zhu Hui , Huang Pingping , Hong Huifeng , Yu Shuaishuai , Li Wenjie , Ai Danni , Fan Jingfan , Li Wentao , Song Hong , Xu Lei , Chen Xiwen , Ou Jingxing , Li Wei , Yang Jian , Hu Yang , Wu Wencan
Published: November 2021

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is potentially an important therapy for central nervous system (CNS) trauma. However, its clinical application remains controversial, hampered by two major factors: 1) Many of the CNS injury sites, such as the optic nerve (ON), are deeply buried, preventing access for local TH. The alternative is to apply TH systemically, which significantly limits the applicable temperature range. 2) Even with possible access for “local refrigeration”, cold-induced cellular damage offsets the benefit of TH. Here we present a clinically translatable model of traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) by applying clinical trans-nasal endoscopic surgery to goats and non-human primates. This model faithfully recapitulates clinical features of TON such as the injury site (pre-chiasmatic ON), the spatiotemporal pattern of neural degeneration, and the accessibility of local treatments with large operating space. We also developed a computer program to simplify the endoscopic procedure and expand this model to other large animal species. Moreover, applying a cold-protective treatment, inspired by our previous hibernation research, enables us to deliver deep hypothermia (4°C) locally to mitigate inflammation and metabolic stress (indicated by the transcriptomic changes after injury) without cold-induced cellular damage, and confers prominent neuroprotection both structurally and functionally. Intriguingly, neither treatment alone was effective, demonstrating that in situ deep hypothermia combined with hibernation-mimicking cold protection constitutes a breakthrough for TH as a therapy for TON and other CNS traumas.
Hippocampus-sensitive and striatum-sensitive learning one month after morphine or cocaine exposure in male rats
Authors: Gardner Robert S. , Korol Donna L. , Gold Paul E.
Published: November 2021

These experiments examined whether exposure to drugs of abuse altered the balance between hippocampal and striatal memory systems as measured long after drug treatments. Male rats received injections of morphine (5 mg/kg), cocaine (20 mg/kg), or saline for five consecutive days. One month later, rats were then trained to find food on a hippocampus-sensitive place task or a striatum-sensitive response task. Relative to saline controls, morphine-treated rats exhibited impaired place learning but enhanced response learning; prior cocaine exposure did not significantly alter learning on either task. Another set of rats was trained on a dual-solution T-maze that can be solved with either place or response strategies. While a majority (67%) of control rats used place solutions in this task, morphine treatment one month prior resulted in a shift to response solutions exclusively (100%). Prior cocaine treatment did not significantly alter strategy selection. Molecular markers related to learning and drug abuse were measured in the hippocampus and striatum one month after drug exposure in behaviorally untested rats. Protein levels of glial-fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), an intermediate filament specific to astrocytes, increased significantly in the hippocampus after morphine, but not after cocaine exposure. Exposure to morphine or cocaine did not significantly change levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or a downstream target of BDNF signaling, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), in the hippocampus or striatum. Thus, exposure to morphine results in a long-lasting shift from hippocampal toward striatal dominance during learning. The effects of prior morphine injections on GFAP suggest that long-lasting alterations in hippocampal astrocytes may be associated with these behavioral strategy shifts.
Telomere length regulation by Rif1 protein from Hansenula polymorpha
Authors: Malyavko Alexander N. , Petrova Olga A. , Zvereva Maria I. , Polshakov Vladimir I. , Dontsova Olga A.
Published: November 2021

Rif1 is a large multifaceted protein involved in various processes of DNA metabolism – from telomere length regulation and replication to double-strand break repair. The mechanistic details of its action, however, are often poorly understood. Here, we report functional characterization of the Rif1 homologue from methylotrophic thermotolerant budding yeast Hansenula polymorpha DL-1. We show that, similar to other yeast species, H. polymorpha Rif1 suppresses telomerase-dependent telomere elongation. We uncover two novel modes of Rif1 recruitment at H. polymorpha telomeres: via direct DNA binding and through the association with the Ku heterodimer. Both of these modes (at least partially) require the intrinsically disordered N-terminal extension – a region of the protein present exclusively in yeast species. We also demonstrate that Rif1 binds Stn1 and promotes its accumulation at telomeres in H. polymorpha.
Generation and network analysis of an RNA-seq transcriptional atlas for the rat
Authors: Summers Kim M. , Bush Stephen J. , Wu Chunlei , Hume David A.
Published: November 2021

The laboratory rat is an important model for biomedical research. To generate a comprehensive rat transcriptomic atlas, we curated and down-loaded 7700 rat RNA-seq datasets from public repositories, down-sampled them to a common depth and quantified expression. Data from 590 rat tissues and cells, averaged from each Bioproject, can be visualised and queried athttp://biogps.org/ratatlas. Gene correlation network (GCN) analysis revealed clusters of transcripts that were tissue or cell-type restricted and contained transcription factors implicated in lineage determination. Other clusters were enriched for transcripts associated with biological processes. Many of these clusters overlap with previous data from analysis of other species whilst some (e.g. expressed specifically in immune cells, retina/pineal gland, pituitary and germ cells) are unique to these data. GCN on large subsets of the data related specifically to liver, nervous system, kidney, musculoskeletal system and cardiovascular system enabled deconvolution of cell-type specific signatures. The approach is extensible and the dataset can be used as a point of reference from which to analyse the transcriptomes of cell types and tissues that have not yet been sampled. Sets of strictly co-expressed transcripts provide a resource for critical interpretation of single cell RNA-seq data.
Structural insights into the activation of autoinhibited human lipid flippase ATP8B1 upon substrate binding
Authors: Cheng Meng-Ting , Chen Yu , Chen Zhi-Peng , Zhou Cong-Zhao , Hou Wen-Tao , Chen Yuxing
Published: November 2021

The human P4-type ATPase ATP8B1 in complex with the auxiliary noncatalytic protein CDC50A or CDC50B mediates the transport of cell membrane lipids from the outer to the inner membrane leaflet, which is crucial to maintain the asymmetry of membrane lipid. Its dysfunction usually leads to imbalance of bile acid circulation, and eventually causing intrahepatic cholestasis diseases. Here we found that both ATP8B1-CDC50A and ATP8B1-CDC50B possess a higher ATPase activity in the presence of the most favored substrate phosphatidylserine (PS); and moreover, the PS-stimulated activity could be augmented upon the addition of bile acids. The cryo-electron microscopy structures of ATP8B1-CDC50A at 3.36 Å and ATP8B1-CDC50B at 3.39 Å enabled us to capture an unprecedented phosphorylated and autoinhibited state, with the N- and C-terminal tails separately inserting into the cytoplasmic inter-domain clefts of ATP8B1. The PS-bound ATP8B1-CDC50A structure at 3.98 Å indicated the autoinhibited state could be released upon PS binding. Structural analysis combined with mutagenesis revealed the residues that determine the substrate specificity, and a unique positively charged loop in the phosphorylated domain of ATP8B1 for the recruitment of bile acids. Altogether, we updated the Post-Albers transport cycle, with an extra autoinhibited state of ATP8B1, which could be activated upon substrate binding. These findings not only provide structural insights into the ATP8B1-mediated restoration of human membrane lipid asymmetry during bile acid circulation, but also advance our understanding on the molecular mechanism of P-type ATPases.
Morphology of immatures of the thelytokous ant,Monomorium trivialeWheeler (Formicidae: Myrmicinae: Solenopsidini) with descriptions of the extraordinary last-instar queen larvae
Authors: Idogawa Naoto , Gotoh Ayako , Dobata Shigeto
Published: November 2021

The ant genusMonomoriumis one of the most species-rich but taxonomically problematic groups in the hyperdiverse subfamily Myrmicinae. An East Asian species,M. trivialeWheeler, produces both reproductive queens and sterile workers via obligate thelytokous parthenogenesis. Here, we describe the immature forms ofM. trivialebased on light and scanning electron microscopy observations, with a note on the striking caste dimorphism in the last larval instar. The last-instar queen larvae were easily recognized by their large size, “aphaenogastroid” body shape, and rows of doorknob-like tubercles on the lateral and dorsal body surface. This type of queen-specific structure has not been found in ants in general, let alone congeneric species found in Japan. In stark contrast to the queen larvae, worker larvae showed a “pheidoloid” body shape and a body surface similar to other ants. The worker larvae were estimated to have three instars, consistent with previously described congeners. The pupae of both castes had no cocoon, a characteristic commonly described in other Myrmicinae species. In total, the developmental period from egg to adult worker averaged 59 days under 25°C. We discuss possible functions of the tubercles of queen larvae based on previous studies.
Whole-genomes from the extinct Xerces Blue butterfly can help identify declining insect species
Authors: de-Dios Toni , Fontsere Claudia , Renom Pere , Stiller Josefin , Llovera Laia , Uliano-Silva Marcela , Sánchez-Gracia Alejandro , Wright Charlotte , Lizano Esther , Caballero Berta , Navarro Arcadi , Civit Sergi , Robbins Robert K. , Blaxter Mark , Marquès-Bonet Tomàs , Vila Roger , Lalueza-Fox Carles
Published: November 2021

The Xerces Blue (Glaucopsyche xerces) is considered to be the first butterfly to become extinct at global scale in historical times. It was notable for its chalky lavender wings with conspicuous white spots on the ventral wings. The last individuals were collected in their restricted habitat, in the dunes near the Presidio military base in San Francisco, in 1941. We sequenced the genomes of four 80 to 100-year-old Xerces Blue, and seven historical and one modern specimens of its closest relative, the Silvery Blue (G. lygdamus). We compared these to a novel annotated genome of the Green-Underside Blue (G. alexis). Phylogenetic relationships inferred from complete mitochondrial genomes indicate that Xerces Blue was a distinct species that diverged from the Silvery Blue lineage at least 850,000 years ago. Using nuclear genomes, both species experienced population growth during the Eemian interglacial period, but the Xerces Blue decreased to a very low effective population size subsequently, a trend opposite to that observed in the Silvery Blue. Runs of homozygosity and deleterious load in the Xerces Blue were significantly greater than in the Silvery Blue, suggesting a higher incidence of inbreeding. These signals of population decline observed in Xerces Blue could be used to identify and monitor other insects threatened by human activities, whose extinction patterns are still not well known.
Phase of neural oscillations as a reference frame for attention-based routing in visual cortex
Authors: Aboutorabi Ehsan , Ray Sonia Baloni , Kaping Daniel , Shahbazi Farhad , Treue Stefan , Esghaei Moein
Published: November 2021

Selective attention allows the brain to efficiently process the image projected onto the retina, selectively focusing neural processing resources on behaviorally relevant visual information. While previous studies have documented the crucial role of the action potential rate of single neurons in relaying such information, little is known about how the activity of single neurons relative to their neighboring network contributes to the efficient representation of attended stimuli and transmission of this information to downstream areas. Here, we show in the dorsal visual pathway of monkeys (medial superior temporal (MST) area) that neurons fire spikes preferentially at a specific phase of the ongoing population beta (~20 Hz) oscillations of the surrounding local network. This preferred spiking phase shifts towards a later phase when monkeys selectively attend towards (rather than away from) the receptive field of the neuron. This shift of the locking phase is positively correlated with the speed at which animals report a visual change. Furthermore, our computational modelling suggests that neural networks can manipulate the preferred phase of coupling by imposing differential synaptic delays on postsynaptic potentials. This distinction between the locking phase of neurons activated by the spatially attended stimulus vs. that of neurons activated by the unattended stimulus, may enable the neural system to discriminate relevant from irrelevant sensory inputs and consequently filter out distracting stimuli information by aligning the spikes which convey relevant/irrelevant information to distinct phases linked to periods of better/worse perceptual sensitivity for higher cortices. This strategy may be used to reserve the narrow windows of highest perceptual efficacy to the processing of the most behaviorally relevant information, ensuring highly efficient responses to attended sensory events.
A mixed blessing of viruses in wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Shi Ling-Dong , Dong Xiyang , Liu Zongbao , Yang Yuchun , Lin Jih-Gaw , Li Meng , Gu Ji-Dong , Zhu Li-Zhong , Zhao He-Ping
Published: November 2021

Activated sludge of wastewater treatment plants harbors a very high diversity of both microorganisms and viruses, wherein the latter control microbial dynamics and metabolisms by infection and lysis of cells. However, it remains poorly understood how viruses impact the biochemical processes of activated sludge, for example in terms of treatment efficiency and pollutant removal. Using metagenomic and metatranscriptomic deep sequencing, the present study recovered thousands of viral sequences from activated sludge samples of three conventional wastewater treatment plants. Gene-sharing network indicated that most of viruses could not be assigned to known viral genera, implying activated sludge as an underexplored reservoir for new viruses and viral diversity. in silico Predictions of virus-host linkages demonstrated that infected microbial hosts, mostly belonging to bacteria, were transcriptionally active and able to hydrolyze polymers including starches, celluloses, and proteins. Some viruses encode auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) involved in carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) for resistance to multiple drugs. The former group of virus-encoded genes (i.e. AMGs) may enhance the biodegradation of contaminants like starches and celluloses, suggesting a positive role for viruses in strengthening the performance of activated sludge. However, the latter group (i.e. ARGs) would be disseminated to different microorganisms using viruses as gene shuttles, demonstrating the possibility for viruses to facilitate the spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment. Collectively, this study highlights the mixed blessing of viruses in wastewater treatment plants, and deciphers how they manipulate the biochemical processes in the activated sludge, with implications for both environmental protection and ecosystem security.
Enhanced fluorescence from semiconductor quantum dot-labelled cells excited at 280 nm
Authors: McFarlane Mollie , Hall Nicholas , McConnell Gail
Published: November 2021

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have significant advantages over more traditional fluorophores used in fluorescence microscopy including reduced photobleaching, long-term photostability and high quantum yields, but due to limitations in light sources and optics, are often excited far from their optimum excitation wavelengths in the deep-UV. Here, we present a quantitative comparison of the excitation of semiconductor QDs at a wavelength of 280 nm, compared to the longer wavelength of 365 nm, within a cellular environment. We report increased fluorescence intensity and enhanced image quality when using 280 nm excitation compared to 365 nm excitation for cell imaging across multiple datasets, with a highest average fluorescence intensity increase of 3.59-fold. We also find no significant increase in photobleaching of QDs associated with 280 nm excitation.
Climatic curves as predictors in MaxEnt niche modeling
Authors: Mikula Ondřej
Published: November 2021

Environmental niche modelling (ENM) uses different types of variables to predict species occurrence. In widespread use are variables derived from climatic curves, i.e., average annual changes in some climatic parameter. This study shows how to use the climatic curves themselves as ENM predictors. The key step is projection of the curves’ constituent variables on a suitable spline basis, which preserves time-ordering of the variables and supports smoothness of predictions. Complexity of the model is controlled by sensible choice of the spline basis, followed by lasso regularization in model fitting.
Cocaine-induced locomotor activation differs across six sets of inbred mouse substrains
Authors: Gaines Christiann H. , Schoenrock Sarah A. , Farrington Joseph , Lee David F. , Aponte-Collazo Lucas J. , Shaw Ginger , Miller Darla R. , Ferris Martin T. , de Villena Fernando Pardo-Manuel , Tarantino Lisa M.
Published: November 2021

Cocaine use disorders (CUD) are devastating for affected individuals and impose a significant burden on society, but there are currently no FDA-approved therapies. The development of novel and effective treatments has been hindered by substantial gaps in our knowledge about the etiology of these disorders. The risk for developing a CUD is influenced by genetics, the environment and complex interactions between the two. Identifying specific genes and environmental risk factors that increase CUD risk would provide an avenue for the development of novel treatments.

Rodent models of addiction-relevant behaviors have been a valuable tool for studying the genetics of response to drugs of abuse. Traditional genetic mapping using genetically and phenotypically divergent inbred mice has been successful in identifying numerous chromosomal regions that influence addiction-relevant behaviors, but these strategies rarely result in identification of the causal gene or genetic variant. To overcome this challenge, reduced complexity crosses (RCC) between closely related inbred mouse substrains have been proposed as a method for rapidly identifying and validating functional variants. The RCC approach is dependent on identifying phenotypic differences between substrains. To date, however, the study of addiction-relevant behaviors has been limited to very few sets of substrains, mostly comprising the C57BL/6 lineage.

The present study expands upon the current literature to assess cocaine-induced locomotor activation in 20 inbred mouse substrains representing six inbred strain lineages (A/J, BALB/c, FVB/N, C3H/He, DBA/2 and NOD) that were either bred in-house or supplied directly by a commercial vendor. To our knowledge, we are the first to identify significant differences in cocaine-induced locomotor response in several of these inbred substrains. The identification of substrain differences allows for the initiation of RCC populations to more rapidly identify specific genetic variants associated with acute cocaine response. The observation of behavioral profiles that differ between mice generated in-house and those that are vendor-supplied also presents an opportunity to investigate the influence of environmental factors on cocaine-induced locomotor activity.
Organizational-level visual identity: an integrative literature review
Authors: Gregersen Magnus Kristian , Johansen Trine Susanne
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The aim is to review and discuss main conceptualizations, themes and assumptions within organizational-level visual identity (VI) in order to identify potential avenues of theoretical advancement of VI as an independent construct.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrative review approach offers a structured, nuanced perspective on the concept by synthesizing extant literature through an iterative, critical and qualitative process.

Findings

The synthesis identifies three overlapping terms [corporate visual identity (CVI), visual brand identity (VBI) and VI] and two main themes (visual consistency and authenticity). The dominant assumptions underpinning consistency and authenticity are challenged by alternative understandings, which provide a platform for perceiving visual consistency and authenticity in new ways.

Research limitations/implications

The review offers an overview of organizational-level VI that helps define the concept as well as critical reflections which open up for additional research avenues that may develop it and point to potential areas for exploration.

Practical implications

The review provides practitioners with a platform for discussing how to approach visual identities with regards to consistency and authenticity.

Originality/value

The review contributes with a synthesis of VI literature covering 50 years. It offers a structured presentation of and critical discussion on the underlying, dominant assumptions. By challenging these dominant assumptions, a palette of future research opportunities, with potentials to nuance and develop the concept as a unique construct, are presented.
Uncovering value creation in innovation ecosystems: paths towards shared value
Authors: Arena Marika , Azzone Giovanni , Piantoni Giulia
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Although innovation ecosystems (IEs) are generally considered capable of creating shared value (SV), this potentiality has often been taken for granted and not deeply analysed, yet. As a result, in the literature, there is not a framework that defines the process of SV creation in IEs or which aspects should be considered for understanding it. Moving from these considerations, this paper aims to propose a conceptual model of how IEs can create SV, identifying the main building blocks of the process and the aspects that characterize these building blocks.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors reviewed the literature on IEs and value creation over the last 15 years, by structurally analysing 120 articles. On the basis of such review, the authors identified main dimensions of analysis focusing on the conceptualization of SV in IEs.

Findings

First, the authors developed a conceptual model relying on a process-based logic and framing the SV creation in terms of inputs, here intended as four key characteristics (actors, structure, governance and relations), internal processes (strategies and internal mechanisms) and outputs (the value created). Second, each element of value creation is explored, highlighting the main evidence emerging from prior studies in connection to each block.

Originality/value

This paper drives the identification of some relevant relationships that connect the characteristics of the IEs, the strategies and the internal mechanisms to the output of the process, i.e. the SV created.
Morality in the era of smart devices
Authors: Sui Jiarui , Mo Tiantian
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Does using smart devices change people's moral standards? The objective of this paper is to investigate how people's moral behavioral intentions while employing smart devices are modulated by their socioeconomic status (SES; as measured by educational level and income).

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were randomly assigned to either the smart devices condition or the non-smart devices condition, and their moral standards was measured by the adapted Moral Foundations Questionnaire. Data were collected from both China and the UK.

Findings

Individuals' SES moderated people's moral standards when using smart devices. Specifically, when employing smart devices (vs non-smart devices), moral standards declined for low-SES individuals. However, the effect of employing smart devices was not significant for high-SES individuals. This suggests that certain demographics may be more inclined to harm others with smart devices.

Practical implications

In emerging markets, the widespread of smart devices in workplace may lower consumers' and employees' moral standards for certain demographics. Managers and marketers need to be aware of this erosion of morality and employ some preventive measures in advance.

Originality/value

This paper examined morality in the era of smart devices. Even though the use of smart devices has become a norm in developed markets, smart devices usage is still on the rise in emerging markets. The authors findings enhance the understanding of moral behaviors and contribute to the knowledge of how smart devices are changing human behaviors.
Shaking table test on single segment prefabricated concrete bridge pier connected by grouting sleeve
Authors: Xu Junming , Jia Yanmin , Liang Dongwei
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Prefabricated pier technology has the advantages of quick construction time, relatively little traffic interference and relatively small environmental impact. However, its applicability under earthquake conditions is not yet fully understood. The seismic performance and influence parameters of a prefabricated concrete pier connected by embedded grouting sleeve (GS) in a pile cap are investigated in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

Two prefabricated pier scale model specimens with different reinforcement anchorage lengths and two comparative cast-in-place (CIP) pier model specimens are designed and manufactured for a seismic simulation shaking table. With the continuous increase of input ground motion strength, the changes in basic dynamic characteristics, damage development, acceleration and displacement variation laws, and pier bottom strain responses are compared among the specimen. The finite element software ABAQUS is used to simulate the test pier.

Findings

The crack location of the two prefabricated pier specimens is almost the same as that of the CIP pier specimens; CIP pier specimens show more penetrated cracks than prefabricated pier specimens, as well as an earlier crack penetration time. The acceleration, displacement and strain response of the CIP pier specimens are more affected by earthquake activity than those of the prefabricated pier specimens. The acceleration, displacement and strain responses of the two prefabricated piers are nearly identical. The finite element results are in close agreement with the acceleration and displacement response data collected from the test, which verifies the feasibility of the finite element model established in ABAQUS.

Originality/value

A GS connection method is adopted for the prefabricated pier, and on the premise of meeting the minimum reinforcement anchorage length required by the code, this study explores the influences of different reinforcement anchorage lengths on the seismic performance of prefabricated piers in high-intensity areas. A shaking table loading test is used to simulate the real changes of the structure under the earthquake. This work may provide a valuable reference for the design and seismic performance analysis of prefabricated pier, particularly in terms of seismic stability.
Storytelling in online shops: the impacts on explicit and implicit user experience, brand perceptions and behavioral intention
Authors: Karampournioti Evmorfia , Wiedmann Klaus-Peter
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper examines in detail how the use of storytelling with parallax technology can influence the user experience (UX) in online shops as well as brand- and behavior-relevant variables. Furthermore, this study analyzes the causal relationships between UX, brand attitudes and brand-related behavioral intentions in terms of purchase intention and price premiums. Explicit and implicit paths of human information processing are considered.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 266 respondents completed a web-based experiment under two conditions (text-based vs parallax storytelling online shop). An existing and operational online shop was used. The causal relationships were assessed by using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). To measure implicit information processing, a single category implicit association test was applied.

Findings

By applying the storytelling technique with parallax scrolling, the online shop increased visitors' UX on explicit and implicit information processing levels and increased the online shop's overall perceived attractiveness. Storytelling with parallax motion enables an efficient transmission of brand-related associations to consumers' minds, enhances their explicit and implicit brand attitudes and increases their willingness to pay a higher price. Moreover, this study provides empirical evidence on the effects of UX on brand-related measures by applying PLS-SEM and thus reveals a causal chain of effects from UX on online shop attractiveness, brand attitude and behavioral intentions. Again, explicit and implicit perceptions were considered.

Originality/value

Science and practice are increasingly emphasizing that storytelling emotionalizes content, which facilitates effective communication and builds strong relationships with customers. Little evidence exists about its efficient implementation in an online shopping context and in fulfilling hedonic and pragmatic needs throughout the online journey. This study provides novel insights into managing online shoppers' UX, brand-related perceptions and behavioral intentions with the optimal use of techniques to implement storytelling. Furthermore, this is one of the first studies to holistically consider the human perception of online shops by drawing on theories and methods of psychology, marketing, consumer behavior, brand research and consumer neuroscience and considering explicit and implicit information processing in terms of hedonic and pragmatic UX and brand-related measures.
Prevalence and underlying factors of depressive disorders among PhD students: a mixed-method study in the Indian context
Authors: LT Leethu , Hense Sibasis , Kodali Prakash Babu , Thankappan Kavumpurathu Raman
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study estimated the prevalence of depressive disorders among PhD students and analyzed the underlying factors in the Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilized an “Integrative framework” and a mixed-method approach involving survey and in-depth interviews. The survey was conducted among 240 PhD students using multistage cluster sampling in two public universities of Kerala, India. Data were collected using a self-administered Patient Health Questionnaire-9. In-depth interviews were conducted among 12 students using semi-structured interview guide. Multinomial regression and thematic analyses were undertaken to examine the factors associated with depressive disorders.

Findings

About 31.7, 41.7, 17.9, 6.7 and 2.1% had no/minimal, mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe depressive disorders, respectively. Students belonging to economically weaker section (OR = 3.06; 95% CI = 1.32–7.12), having limited knowledge of local language (OR = 4.24; 95% CI = 1.00–17.95) and earning less than INR 20,000/month (OR = 2.36; 95% CI = 1.12–5.00) were more likely to report moderate to severe depressive disorders. In addition, thematic analyses of interviews found that financial hardship, disagreement between student-supervisor, compromised students' support services and an uncertain job market were the key factors affecting the mental health of students and inhibiting academic performance.

Originality/value

This study adds to the existing literature by examining the prevalence and underlying factors of depressive disorders among doctoral students in the Indian context. The results of this study can act as a guide for universities and educational regulatory bodies to address the burgeoning issue of depressive disorders among research students in India.
State‐ownership and corporate cash holding: Evidence from China
Authors: Yang Jizhe , Jiang Tingfeng , Dai Lu
Published: November 2021

With a background of the recent reform of Chinese state‐owned enterprises (SOEs), how the state ownership affects the behaviour of corporations is an important research topic. Using a dataset of 2,908 listed nonfinancial firms in China from 2007 to 2017, we innovatively employ the Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition method to investigate the endowment and state‐ownership effects on corporate cash holdings. We find that the cash reserve level in SOEs is statistically significantly lower than that in non‐SOEs, whereas 78.98% of the difference can be explained by endowment differences, and only the remaining 21.02% is a distortion of state ownership. Moreover, the dynamic decomposition shows the state‐ownership effect on SOEs' cash holdings changes from positive to negative, meaning that credit discrimination has become more serious than soft budget constraints in recent years.
Informal groups, disruptive innovations, and industry change in low‐tech peripheries
Authors: Martinus Kirsten
Published: November 2021

People often engage in informal activities or personal endeavours that lead to both deliberate and serendipitous disruptive innovation and industry change. Some such innovation and change is found in geographic or other peripheries without corporate research and development budgets or successful track records in inventive activities. Yet little research exists to explain how those peripheral and informal groups and their pursuits contribute to industry development and transformation. This article addresses that gap. Drawing on thematic analyses of 30 interviews with hobbyist and commercial beekeepers in Western Australia, the article examines the beekeeping industry and considers how hobbyists function as industry external knowledge sources and user innovators. Findings suggest that hobbyist–firm interactions are platforms for value creation and appropriation for both groups and their respective local communities, in addition to being based on both competition and collaboration in parallel markets of exchange. In particular, hobbyist innovators are important for low‐tech industry advancement and provide crucial scientific, practical, and local geographic knowledge that changes industry approaches and activities. These findings are likely to be significant to other low‐tech industries with informal local groups acting as sources of knowledge and information for disruptive innovations or industry transformation.
Catholic Social Thought and Design Thinking: Putting the Option for the Poor into Practice
Authors: Puen Stephanie Ann Y.
Published: November 2021

Catholic social thought offers a vision and principles for a community wherein all creation flourishes. An important principle in Catholic social thought is the option for the poor, which describes the commitment of the Catholic Church to the well‐being of the marginalized and vulnerable. However, the body of Catholic social thought does not necessarily focus on models or concrete practices to actualize said principles, as these will be dependent on the particular context of the people living out the principles of Catholic social thought. Catholic social ethicists require resources and tools to help put these principles into practice, especially in the face of complex social issues such as poverty or economic inequality. One such possible tool is design thinking, a problem‐solving methodology used by organizations in the face of wicked problems. Design thinking offers concrete tools that can help communities solve challenging problems and has been used in the social sector as well as in business. Thus, this article argues that design thinking offers a concrete methodology that encourages creativity and systems thinking in crafting solutions to unprecedented and complex problems in order to help people exercise the option for the poor more readily. Design thinking can help provide language and strategies that can illuminate and operationalize the option for the poor in ways that are understandable and helpful for all, even those who may not necessarily subscribe to Catholicism.
“The Poor Feel it the Most”: The Antilles Bishops, the Poor, and Climate Change
Authors: Perkins Anna Kasafi
Published: November 2021

This discussion examines the critical nexus that the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) identifies between the poor and climate change. Attention is paid to the AEC’s 2015 Declaration on Climate Change, particularly its concern with the unjust impact of climate change on the poor, poor communities, and poor countries, among which are to be found the small‐island developing nations and people of the Caribbean. Indeed, the bishops are clear that, although the negative impact of climate change is felt by various population groups, including the well‐off, “the poor feel it most.” In line with Catholic social teaching, the Antilles bishops call out poverty as the result of injustice and a lack of attention to the common good. Some of the key insights of Laudato Sí treat similar concerns expressed in the repeated refrain “cry of the poor and the cry of the earth.” These concerns are discussed in an attempt to deepen and challenge the AEC’s thoughts while rooting its ideas squarely in the Catholic social teaching tradition. Francis’s method, like that of the Antilles bishops, is marked by dialogue that takes on real problems, especially those of the poor. Francis echoes and reinforces the AEC’s concern with the outsize effect of climate change and environmental destruction on the poor, which is even more urgent in the face of the COVID pandemic, which has disproportionately affected the poor in nations marked by great inequality.
Religious Protection from Populist Violence: The Catholic Church and the Philippine Drug War
Authors: Brooke Steven , Buckley David , David Clarissa , Mendoza Ronald
Published: November 2021

Populists often demonize outgroups while undermining institutions that protect citizens against the abuse of state power. Under these conditions, how can vulnerable communities protect themselves? We argue that actors coupling a normative commitment to human rights with the local organizational capacity to intervene can systematically reduce victimization. Focusing on the Philippine Catholic Church in the country's ongoing “drug war,” we identify five potential mechanisms producing protection. Directly, these actors can raise attention, offer sanctuary, or disrupt enforcement, while indirectly they can shrink vulnerable populations and build local solidarity. We evaluate this argument with a mixed‐method research design. A new dataset of over 2,000 drug war killings throughout Metro Manila shows that neighborhoods with a Catholic parish experience approximately 30% fewer killings than those without. Original interviews with clergy and laity in these parishes support both direct and indirect mechanisms, with strongest evidence for attention raising and building community solidarity.
Surgical treatments for obstructive sleep apnea decrease the risk of erectile dysfunction: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Hwang Juen‐Haur , Ong Hueih‐Ling , Chen Yi‐Chun
Published: November 2021

Background

It has been reported that the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) is significantly higher in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), compared with patients without OSA. However, there is limited evidence on whether surgical treatments in patients with OSA could decrease ED risk.

Objectives

To assess the impact of surgical treatments for OSA on the risk of ED by analysis of claims data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database between 1997 and 2012.

Material and methods

We identified 20,675 male adults with newly diagnosed OSA during the study period; 16,040 patients ever received surgical treatments (treated cohort) and 4635 patients never received surgical treatments (untreated cohort). According to 3:1 propensity score matching, we analyzed 8337 patients in the treated cohort and 2779 controls in the untreated cohort. We estimated the incidence rates (IRs) and hazard ratios (HRs) of incident ED in both cohorts through the end of 2012.

Results

In a total study follow‐up of 64,916 person‐years, 396 (3.6%) patients developed impotence. The IRs of ED for the treated and untreated cohorts, respectively, were 55.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 55.6–55.9) and 76.1 (95% CI, 76.0–76.3) per 1000 person‐years. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that surgical treatments for OSA patients were associated with a lower risk for ED (adjusted HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.64–0.98). Multivariate stratified analysis further verified that significant risk reduction of ED was present in OSA patients without hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, obesity, chronic kidney disease, and chronic liver disease.

Conclusions

We found that OSA patients who received surgical treatments were associated with a lower risk for developing ED by 21%.
Effect of UNOS policy change and exception status request on outcomes in patients bridged to heart transplant with an intra‐aortic balloon pump
Authors: Wolfson Aaron M. , DePasquale Eugene C. , Starnes Vaughn A. , Cunningham Mark , Baker Craig , Lee Raymond , Bowdish Michael , Fong Michael W. , Rahman Joseph , Pandya Kruti , Lewinger Juan Pablo , Kawaguchi Eric S. , Vaidya Ajay S.
Published: November 2021

Background

Intra‐aortic balloon pumps (IABP) are used to bridge select end‐stage heart disease patients to heart transplant (HT). IABP use and exception requests both increased dramatically after the UNOS policy change (PC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of PC and exception status requests on waitlist and post‐transplant outcomes in patients bridged to HT with IABP support.

Methods

We analyzed adult, first‐time, single‐organ HT recipients from the UNOS Registry either on IABP at the time of registration for HT or at the time of HT. We compared waitlist and post‐HT outcomes between patients from the PRE (October 18, 2016 to May 30, 2018) and POST (October 18, 2018 to May 30, 2020) eras using Kaplan‐Meier curves and time‐to‐event analyses.

Results

A total of 1267 patients underwent HT from IABP (261 pre‐policy/1006 post‐policy). On multivariate analysis, PC was associated with an increase in HT (sub‐distribution hazard ratio (sdHR): 2.15,p < .001) and decrease in death/deterioration (sdHR: 0.55,p = .011) on the waitlist with no effect on 1‐year post‐HT survival (p = .8). The exception status of patients undergoing HT was predominantly seen in the POST era (29%, 293/1006); only four patients in the PRE era. Exception requests in the POST era did not alter patient outcomes.

Conclusions

In patients bridged to heart transplant with an IABP, policy change is associated with decreased rates of death/deterioration and increased rates of heart transplantation on the waitlist without affecting 1‐year post‐transplant survival. While exception status use has markedly increased post‐PC, it is not associated with patient outcomes.
B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: recent discoveries in molecular pathology, their prognostic significance, and a review of the current classification
Authors: Yeung David T. O. , Osborn Michael P. , White Deborah L.
Published: November 2021

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) remains a leading cause of non‐traumatic death in children, and the majority of adults diagnosed will succumb to the disease. Recent advances in molecular biology and bioinformatics have enabled more detailed genomic analysis and a better understanding of the molecular biology of ALL. A number of recurrent genomic drivers have recently been described, which not only aid in diagnosis and prognostication, but also may offer opportunities for specific therapeutic targeting. The present review summarises B‐ALL genomic pathology at diagnosis, including lesions detectable using traditional cytogenetic methods as well as those detected only through advanced molecular techniques.
Measuring online health‐seeking behaviour: Construction and initial validation of a new scale
Authors: Popovac Maša , Roomaney Rizwana
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Online health‐seeking behaviour (OHSB) such as information‐ and support‐seeking encompasses a range of motivations and outcomes, but few studies consider the nuances of OHSB. The current study aimed to (1) develop and provide an initial validation of an OHSB measure, and (2) explore the role of demographic variables in OHSB among adult Internet users.

Design

The study was a quantitative, cross‐sectional online survey.

Methods

The study consistent of two data collection waves, including 451 general Internet users (aged 18–73) and 204 online health groups users (aged 19–78) who completed online questionnaires.

Result

Exploratory Factor Analysis and Item Analysis in the two samples resulted in a final 37‐item measure. The scale comprises three distinct factors: Support seeking (α = .97); information seeking (α = .89); and the Internet as a supplement or alternative to offline medical care (α = .88). Multiple regression analyses indicated that younger age, a higher number of people living in the household, and presence of a chronic condition significantly predicted all three aspects of OHSB. Poorer perceived health also predicted support‐seeking online, while being male, employed and a general Internet user (vs. online health group member) also predicted using the Internet as a supplement or alternative to offline medical care.

Conclusion

The study presents a useful scale for future research to explore more complex psychosocial, contextual and health‐related variables as potential contributors to health‐seeking in the online domain.
Canadian government policy innovation labs: An experimental turn in policy work?
Authors: Evans Bryan , Cheng Siu Mee
Published: November 2021

Governments across the globe are searching for new methods to apply to policy work. New Public Governance (NPG) suggests the state's policy process has become more accessible to a broader range of policy actors including non‐state ones. Policy innovation labs speak to this turn to broadening inputs and to methodological experimentation. The focus of this article is to provide an overview of Canadian government policy innovation labs (GPILs) operating in this relatively new space. Despite the ascent of GPILs, they remain, especially in the Canadian context, much understudied. Exploring a select number of Canadian government policy labs operating at the federal, provincial and municipal levels, we provide some insights into their work.