bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASOs are an effective treatment for disease-associated oligodendrocyte signatures in premanifest and symptomatic SCA3 mice
Authors: Schuster Kristen H. , Zalon Annie J. , DiFranco Danielle M. , Putka Alexandra F. , Stec Nicholas R. , Jarrah Sabrina I. , Naeem Arsal , Haque Zaid , Zhang Hanrui , Guan Yuanfang , McLoughlin Hayley S.
Published: July 2022

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is the most common dominantly inherited ataxia. Currently, no preventative or disease-modifying treatments exist for this progressive neurodegenerative disorder, although efforts using gene silencing approaches are under clinical trial investigation. The disease is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the mutant gene,ATXN3, producing an enlarged polyglutamine tract in the mutant protein. Similar to other paradigmatic neurodegenerative diseases, studies evaluating the pathogenic mechanism focus primarily on neuronal implications. Consequently, therapeutic interventions often overlook non-neuronal contributions to disease. Our lab recently reported that oligodendrocytes display some of the earliest and most progressive dysfunction in SCA3 mice. Evidence of disease-associated oligodendrocyte signatures has also been reported in other neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. Here, we assess the effects of anti-ATXN3antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) treatment on oligodendrocyte dysfunction in premanifest and symptomatic SCA3 mice. We report a severe, but modifiable, deficit in oligodendrocyte maturation caused by the toxic gain-of-function of mutant ATXN3 early in SCA3 disease that is transcriptionally, biochemically, and functionally rescued with anti-ATXN3ASO. Our results highlight the promising use of an ASO therapy across neurodegenerative diseases that requires glial targeting in addition to affected neuronal populations.
Complexes of tubulin oligomers and tau form an intervening network cross-bridging microtubules into bundles
Authors: Kohl Phillip , Song Chaeyeon , Fletcher Bretton , Best Rebecca L. , Tchounwou Christine , Arceo Ximena Garcia , Chung Peter J. , Miller Herbert P. , Wilson Leslie , Choi Myung Chul , Li Youli , Feinstein Stuart C. , Safinya Cyrus R.
Published: July 2022

The axon-initial-segment (AIS) of mature neurons contains microtubule (MT) fascicles (linear bundles) that are implicated as retrograde diffusion barriers in the retention of MT-associated protein (MAP) tau inside axons. While the role of tau in MT bundling is poorly understood, tau dysfunction and leakage outside of the axon is associated with neurodegeneration. We report on the structure of steady-state MT bundles in response to varying concentrations of divalent cations (Mg2+or Ca2+) in dissipative reaction mixtures containing αβ-tubulin, full-length tau, and GTP at 37°C. A concentration-time kinetic phase diagram generated by synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) reveals a wide-spacing MT bundle phase (Bws), a transient intermediate MT bundle phase (Bint), and a tubulin ring phase. Remarkably, SAXS analysis combined with TEM of plastic embedded samples provides direct evidence of an intervening network (IN) of complexes of tubulin oligomers and tau (≈5 nm wide filaments), which stabilize MT bundles. In this model, αβ-tubulin oligomers in the IN are crosslinked by tau’s MT binding repeats, which also link αβ-tubulin oligomers to αβ-tubulin within the MT lattice. The finding of a new role for tubulin revises current dogma where cross-bridging of MTs is attributed entirely to interactions between MAPs. The tubulin-tau complexes of the IN should enhance the barrier properties of MT fascicles in preventing tau missorting to the somatodendritic compartment as happens during neurodegeneration. Furthermore, tubulin-tau complexes in the IN or bound to isolated MTs are potential sites for enzymatic modification of tau promoting nucleation and growth of tau fibrils in tauopathies.

Significance Statement

A cell free model of microtubule (MT) bundles of the axon-initial-segment (known as MT fascicles) was studied in physiologically relevant buffer conditions. MT fascicles have a role in retaining neuronal protein tau, a key protein stabilizing MTs, in the axon. X-ray scattering and electron microscopy led to the discovery of complexes of tubulin oligomers and tau as building blocks of an intervening network that cross-bridge MTs into stable bundles with precisely the same linear geometry observedin-vivoin neurons. Significantly, changes to the chemical structure of tau because of abnormal interactions with cellular enzymes, would be predicted to disrupt the intervening tubulin-tau network and the MT-fascicle’s barrier function, promoting leakage of tau to the somatodendritic compartment and neuron degradation.
Genomic mapping of the modifiers of teosinte crossing barrier 1 (Tcb1)
Authors: Maharjan Namrata , Khaipho-Burch Merritt , Awale Prameela , Gyawali Abiskar , Shrestha Vivek , Wu Yajun , Auger Donald L.
Published: July 2022

Pollen cross-contamination has been a major problem for maize breeders. Mechanical methods applied to avoid cross-contamination are largely ineffective and time-consuming. Cross incompatibility barriers are genetic factors involved in maize fertilization that can be used as an effective method to prevent pollen cross-contamination. Teosinte crossing barrier 1 (Tcb1) is a cross-incompatibility system in which silks possessing dominant Tcb1-s reject pollen possessing the recessive allele (tcb1). However, successful fertilization occurs when Tcb1-s pollen falls upon tcb1 silks or under self-fertilization of Tcb1-s pollen on Tcb1-s silks. Previous studies have shown that the efficacy of dominant Tcb1-s was reduced when repeatedly backcrossing with maize inbred lines suggesting the presence of modifiers to Tcb1-s. To find those modifiers, we conducted a QTL mapping experiment using the Intermated B73 x Mo17 (IBM) recombinant inbred lines (RILs) for two consecutive years. Two significant and stable QTL were identified on chromosomes 4L and 5S explained 16% and 17.6% of the total phenotypic variation (R2), and both had negative additive effects. Further investigation of these QTL regions identified twelve candidate genes that could modify Tcb1-s activity. The introgression of the Tcb1-s genetic system, and its appropriate modifying factors, could be a novel and reliable solution for cultivar isolation in maize breeding.
Culturomics of Andropogon gerardii rhizobiome revealed nitrogen transforming capabilities of stress-tolerant Pseudomonas under drought conditions
Authors: Sarkar Soumyadev , Kamke Abigail , Ward Kaitlyn , Hartung Eli , Ran Qinghong , Feehan Brandi , Galliart Matthew , Jumpponen Ari , Johnson Loretta , Lee Sonny T.M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Climate change will result in more frequent droughts that impact soil-inhabiting microbiomes in the agriculturally vital North American perennial grasslands. In this study, we used the combination of culturomics and high-resolution genomic sequencing of microbial consortia isolated from the rhizosphere of a tallgrass prairie foundation grass, Andropogon gerardii. We cultivated the plant host-associated microbes under artificial drought-induced conditions and identified the microbe(s) that might play a significant role in the rhizobiome of Andropogon gerardii under drought conditions.

Results

Phylogenetic analysis of the non-redundant metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) identified the bacterial population of interest – MAG-Pseudomonas. Further metabolic pathway and pangenome analyses detected genes and pathways related to nitrogen transformation and stress responses in MAG-Pseudomonas.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that the metagenome-assembled MAG-Pseudomonas has the functional potential to contribute to the plant host’s growth during stressful conditions. This study provided insights into optimizing plant productivity under drought conditions.
Intrinsic BMP inhibitor Gremlin regulates lung alveolar progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation
Authors: Yanagihara Toyoshi , Zhou Quan , Tsubouchi Kazuya , Revill Spencer , Ayoub Anmar , Chong Sy Giin , Dvorkin-Gheva Anna , Ask Kjetil , Shi Wei , Kolb Martin RJ
Published: July 2022

Type 1 alveolar epithelial cells (AT1s) and type 2 alveolar epithelial cells (AT2s) regulate the structural integrity and function of alveoli. AT1s mediate gas exchange, whereas AT2s serve multiple functions, including surfactant secretion and alveolar repair through proliferation and differentiation into AT1s as progenitors. However, mechanisms regulating AT2 proliferation and differentiation remain unclear. Here we demonstrate that Gremlin, an intrinsic inhibitor of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), induces AT2 proliferation and differentiation. Transient overexpression of Gremlin in rat lungs by adenovirus vector delivery suppressed BMP signaling, induced proliferation of AT2s and the production of Bmp2, which in turn led to the recovery of BMP signaling and induced AT2 differentiation into AT1s. Gremlin was upregulated in a bleomycin-induced lung injury model. TGF-β and IL-1β induced Gremlin expression in fibroblasts. Taken together, our findings implicate that Gremlin expression during lung injury leads to precisely timed inhibition of BMP signaling and activates AT2s, leading to alveolar repair.
The First Geographic Identification by Country of Sustainable Mutations of SARS-COV2 Sequence Samples: Worldwide Natural Selection Trends
Authors: Mahmanzar Mohammadamin , Houseini Seyed Taleb , Rahimian Karim , Namini Arsham Mikaeili , Gholamzad Amir , Tokhanbigli Samaneh , Sisakht Mahsa Mollapour , Farhadi Amin , Kuehu Donna Lee , Deng Youping
Published: July 2022

The high mutation rates of RNA viruses, coupled with short generation times and large population sizes, allow viruses to evolve rapidly and adapt to the host environment. The rapidity of viral mutation also causes problems in developing successful vaccines and antiviral drugs. With the spread of SARS-CoV-2 worldwide, thousands of mutations have been identified, some of which have relatively high incidences, but their potential impacts on virus characteristics remain unknown. The present study analyzed mutation patterns, SARS-CoV-2 AASs retrieved from the GISAID database containing 10,500,000 samples. Python 3.8.0 programming language was utilized to pre-process FASTA data, align to the reference sequence, and analyze the sequences. Upon completion, all mutations discovered were categorized based on geographical regions and dates. The most stable mutations were found in nsp1(8% S135R), nsp12(99.3% P323L), nsp16 (1.2% R216C), envelope (30.6% T9I), spike (97.6% D614G), and Orf8 (3.5% S24L), and were identified in the United States on April 3, 2020, and England, Gibraltar, and, New Zealand, on January 1, 2020, respectively. The study of mutations is the key to improving understanding of the function of the SARS-CoV-2, and recent information on mutations helps provide strategic planning for the prevention and treatment of this disease. Viral mutation studies could improve the development of vaccines, antiviral drugs, and diagnostic assays designed with high accuracy, specifically useful during pandemics. This knowledge helps to be one step ahead of new emergence variants.

IMPORTANCE

More than two years into the global COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of attention is shifted to the emergence and spread of the SARS-CoV-2 variants that cause the evolutionary trend.

Here, we analyzed and compared about 10.5 million sequences of SARS-CoV-2 to extract the stable mutations, frequencies and the substitute amino acid that changed with the wild-type one in the evolutionary trend.

Also, developing and designing accurate vaccines could prepare long-term immunization against different local variants. In addition, according to the false negative results of the COVID-19 PCR test report in the diagnosis of new strains, investigating local mutation patterns could help to design local primer and vaccine.
Influence of dynamic content on visual attention during video advertisements
Authors: Wooley Brooke , Bellman Steven , Hartnett Nicole , Rask Amy , Varan Duane
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Dynamic advertising, including television and online video ads, demands new theory and tools developed to understand attention to moving stimuli. The purpose of this study is to empirically test the predictions of a new dynamic attention theory, Dynamic Human-Centred Communication Systems Theory, versus the predictions of salience theory.

Design/methodology/approach

An eye-tracking study used a sample of consumers to measure visual attention to potential areas of interest (AOIs) in a random selection of unfamiliar video ads. An eye-tracking software feature called intelligent bounding boxes (IBBs) was used to track attention to moving AOIs. AOIs were coded for the presence of static salience variables (size, brightness, colour and clutter) and dynamic attention theory dimensions (imminence, motivational relevance, task relevance and stability).

Findings

Static salience variables contributed 90% of explained variance in fixation and 57% in fixation duration. However, the data further supported the three-way interaction uniquely predicted by dynamic attention theory: between imminence (central vs peripheral), relevance (motivational or task relevant vs not) and stability (fleeting vs stable). The findings of this study indicate that viewers treat dynamic stimuli like real life, paying less attention to central, relevant and stable AOIs, which are available across time and space in the environment and so do not need to be memorised.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the limitations of small samples of consumers and video ads, the results of this study demonstrate the potential of two relatively recent innovations, which have received limited emphasis in the marketing literature: dynamic attention theory and IBBs.

Practical implications

This study documents what does and does not attract attention to video advertising. What gets attention according to salience theory (e.g. central location) may not always get attention in dynamic advertising because of the effects of relevance and stability. To better understand how to execute video advertising to direct and retain attention to important AOIs, advertisers and advertising researchers are encouraged to use IBBs.

Originality/value

This study makes two original contributions: to marketing theory, by showing how dynamic attention theory can predict attention to video advertising better than salience theory, and to marketing research, showing the utility of tracking visual attention to moving objects in video advertising with IBBs, which appear underutilised in advertising research.
Proceedings of the annual meetings of the association for information science and technology: analysis of two decades of published research
Authors: Islam Md. Anwarul , Agarwal Naresh Kumar
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the research and publication trends in the articles published in the conference proceedings of the Association for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T) since the year 2000.

Design/methodology/approach

We analyzed two decades of ASIS&T proceedings to uncover bibliometric patterns. This study uses two bibliometric procedures applied to the publications in the ASIS&T conference proceedings – a bibliometrics analysis using three data sources (Scopus, ASIS&T proceedings website and Scimago journal ranking) and a scientific mapping analysis using VOSViewer.

Findings

We found 3,129 publications from 2000 to 2020, with more than three-quarters jointly authored. Most authors are from the United States, Canada and China. Social media and information behavior are the top-researched areas. The top-cited journals are the Journal of the Association for Information Science & Technology, Information Processing and Management and Library and Information Science Research.

Research limitations/implications

The study will help information professionals understand patterns in recent research, which should help guide them in their future research directions.

Practical implications

The findings affirm ASIS&T’s move to an international association and point to the growing importance of collaborative work and social media.

Originality/value

ASIS&T has been holding annual meetings since the 1950s. While there have been various bibliometric studies analyzing publication trends in different journals in the field of information science, none of these studies have analyzed the ASIS&T conference proceedings.
Lean implementation: analysis of individual-level factors in a biopharmaceutical organisation
Authors: Duggan Jeff , Cormican Kathryn , McDermott Olivia
Published: July 2022

Purpose

An understanding of the motivation of individual employees to adopt lean practices is fundamental to successful lean implementation. This study aims to investigate the adoption of lean practices and provides an analysis of the individual-level factors necessary for lean implementation. This study presents a method for assessing the impact of individual-level factors in a company deploying lean within a biopharmaceutical manufacturing subsidiary.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study explores the attitudes of individuals within a functionally structured organisation undergoing a lean implementation initiative. A quantitative data collection approach was used to capture data from employees in a medical device manufacturing organisation.

Findings

The study found that personality and affective organisational commitment positively affects an individual’s intention to adopt lean practices. Employees with greater levels of affective commitment are more likely to partake in lean-related practices. Individuals in functions that directly support the production process, as opposed to those in functions that indirectly support production, are more likely to participate in lean practices. Finally, individuals in supervisory roles are more likely to adopt lean practices than those in non-supervisory roles, and management should involve top performers in lean.

Originality/value

There is a paucity of case study research in the area of individual-level factors for lean practice adoption. The findings of this study offer practical guidance on individual-level factors for lean practice adoption and illuminate new avenues for future research. This analysis also makes a practical contribution to the literature. From a managerial perspective, understanding why certain employees are more willing to adopt lean practices contributes to an overall lean organisational readiness and implementation framework. This insight enables the development of carefully tailored communication and training programs for managing employee motivation for and receptivity to lean.
School-to-work transition, early career outcomes and income dynamics across cohorts in Italy: does education pay?
Authors: Raitano Michele , Subioli Francesca
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The work compares across cohorts and different levels of education the early-stage evolution of several labour market outcomes, with the aim of studying whether and to what extent education matters for the level, growth and stability of earnings.

Design/methodology/approach

By using a rich longitudinal dataset developed from merging survey and administrative data, this article describes the evolution of the early career – five years following the education completion – in Italy comparing differently educated workers born between 1970 and 1984.

Findings

The authors find evidence of an "education premium” during the first five years after education completion in terms of faster school-to-work transition, higher employability and higher earnings; moreover, education is associated with positive, faster and more volatile earnings growth, while for those experiencing a downward trend education does not appear to play any role. However, no clear-cut changes across cohorts in the association between the various outcomes and the level of education emerge, thus signalling that no continuous rise of skill premia in the first phase of the working career across cohorts characterises the Italian economy.

Originality/value

The main originality consists in investigating the early career stage by cohort and by the level of education with a focus on many multi-year individual outcomes. Besides investigating the evolution of aggregate outcomes for differently educated individuals born in different cohorts, the authors also focus on individual earnings dynamics along the five years after the education completion.
Supply chain innovation announcements and shareholder value under industries 4.0 and 5.0: evidence from China
Authors: Yuan Chaolun , Liu Weihua , Zhou Gang , Shi Xiaoran , Long Shangsong , Chen Zhixuan , Yan Xiaoyu
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to empirically examine the effect of supply chain innovation (SCI) announcements on shareholder value within the context of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an event study method to examine the effect of SCI announcements on shareholder value of the 156 listed companies in China.

Findings

First, SCI announcements have a positive effect on shareholder value. Second, SCI with an integrated form more positively affects shareholder value than SCI with an independent form. SCI at the strategy level more positively affects shareholder value than SCI at the operation level. Technology-type SCI more positively affects shareholder value than process-type SCI. Third, this study finds that investors pay more attention to the SCI of companies in the service industry than that of in the manufacturing industry. Finally, the post-hoc analysis finds that digital SCI more positively affects shareholder value than intelligent SCI.

Originality/value

First, most scholars use questionnaire data rather than second-hand data to conduct empirical research to explore the impact of SCI on performance. Second, although scholars focus on performance comprehensively, including operational, financial, relational and environmental performance, no scholars use an event study to explore the impact of SCI on the stock market. Third, no scholars have explored the differential impact of SCI in different industries. Forth, few scholars have classified SCI according to the characteristics to explore the differential impact of SCI. Finally, the differences between SCI of Industry 4.0 and SCI of Industry 5.0 have been described, but no scholars have used empirical research to explore the differences.
Symmetry, inclusion and workplace conflicts: conflict management effects of two leadership strategies on employee advocacy and departure
Authors: Lee Hyelim , Zhang Xiaochen Angela , Sung Yoon Hi , Lee Sihyeok , Kim Jeong-Nam
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This research aims to examine how two management strategies (symmetrical communication and inclusive management) work in handling workplace conflicts (interpersonal/organizational levels), especially with regard to employee advocacy and job turnover intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of three employee survey datasets were used to test hypotheses and research questions. Two secondary datasets were obtained in South Korea (N = 600 and N = 285), and one dataset was collected in the USA (N = 381). A series of hierarchical multiple regressions were performed for each dataset.

Findings

All three studies showed that interpersonal workplace conflict increased not only job turnover but also advocacy. In addition, in South Korean employees, both symmetrical communication and inclusive management increased employee advocacy and decreased job turnover intentions. However, in the US data, only symmetrical communication had such effects, enhancing employee advocacy and lowering job turnover intentions.

Originality/value

The study provides insights for practitioners into how to handle workplace conflicts from the perspective of communication (symmetrical communication) and/or behavioral strategies (inclusive management). Also, as an index to examine the effectiveness of management strategies, this study suggests advocacy behavior of employees given its effect of “rallying the troops.”
Exploring the transition from informal to formal jobs and its consequent impacts on the livelihood of migrant youths in Lagos metropolis
Authors: Adeosun Oluyemi T. , Owolabi Kayode E. , Eshiet Idongesit C. , Owolabi Temitope J.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The upsurge in global youth migration remains a major concern for policymakers, politicians and academia at large. Given the emerging interests in youth migration and informal jobs in cities around the world, this study aims to establish the barriers limiting the transition of migrant youths, in informal settings, into formal jobs and the consequent impact on their livelihood.

Design/methodology/approach

Leveraging the push-pull approach of the functionalist migration school, this study uses a primary research design. A structured questionnaire was administered among 150 migrant youths who were selected across informal settings in Lagos, using a convenient sampling technique. Then, a structured face-to-face interview was later conducted among 40 selected migrant youths.

Findings

There is a skill mismatch between the competence of the youths and the requirements of firms in the formal sector, and the migrant youths are largely disenfranchised from opportunities that flow within certain networks. Another critical constraint includes language barrier, ethnicity and religious biases by certain employers. Most migrant youths are economically better off compared to where they came from, even though they are yet to exit the poverty trap.

Originality/value

This study critically examined the challenges faced by the migrant youth population in Lagos, Nigeria, in their bid to transition from informal employment to formal employment.
The effect of the strength of auditing and reporting standards on infrastructure quality in Africa: do ethical behaviour of firms and judicial independence matter?
Authors: Khelil Imen , Guidara Achraf , Khlif Hichem
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of the strength of auditing and reporting standards (SARS, hereafter) on the quality of infrastructure in African countries and tests whether the ethical behaviour of firms and judicial independence affect this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of 108 country-year observations spanning from of 2014–2017. Data concerning the main variables in this study (the quality of infrastructure, SARS, ethical behaviour of firms and judicial independence) are gathered from the Global Competitiveness Reports for 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Findings

The findings of this study suggest that the SARS is positively related to the quality of infrastructure. Similarly, the ethical behaviour of firms has a positive and significant effect on the same variable. When testing for the moderating effects of ethical behaviour of firms and judicial independence, the association between SARS and the quality of infrastructure remains positive and significant for high ethical behaviour and high judicial independence sub-samples, while it is insignificant for settings characterised by low ethical behaviour of firms or low judicial independence.

Originality/value

The results of this study highlight the importance of the SARS in combination with business ethics and judicial independence in improving the quality of infrastructure in African countries. These results may have policy implications for African governments aiming to improve the quality of their infrastructures by strengthening auditing and reporting standards, enforcing laws obliging firms to act ethically and giving importance to the role played by judicial independence in imposing strict sanctions on all violations that can affect the quality of infrastructure in one country.
The relative merit of two segmentation approaches: executives views and a cost-benefit analysis
Authors: Ibrahim Ali , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn , Knox Kathy , Almestarihi Ra’d
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to capture the views of executives about the merit of using the two segmentation approaches (quantitative vs qualitative). Furthermore, this study aimed to examine costs and benefits for two different segmentation approaches, using a minimax simple cost-benefit analysis (CBA) matrix.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 16 semistructured interviews were conducted with executives within the University of Sharjah (UoS). Furthermore, a minimax approach was applied to the CBA study.

Findings

Evidence in this study found that the financial cost of quantitative segmentation approaches was higher than qualitative approaches. However, the decision-makers trusted the quantitative approach more regardless of the incurred costs. The study also found that there was a limited knowledge about social marketing and segmentation among executives.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of this study relate to the methodology applied, the sample selected and the lead research. Another factor is selection bias, which limited this study to one organization’s executives. It is conceivable that middle-level management would have had the desire to participate because they make the recommendations to top management in decision-making. The researcher did not collect precise data on time taken to design, implement and analyses the two segmentation studies, which qualified the precision of the CBA. Also, the fact that the sample includes participants from a relatively narrow range of disciplines should be noted as a limitation of the study.

Practical implications

The current study provides a case study demonstrating how CBA provides a dollar amount estimate permitting alternate segmentation approaches to be compared and contrasted, assisting in the value estimation of any social marketing project.

Social implications

The paper draws upon two streams of the literature: social marketing and CBA. The paper focused on the understanding of the literature, CBA offers a technique applicable to demonstrating cost savings that can be derived from choosing one method over another. Moreover, CBA assists in understanding the benefits or potential opportunity cost both financially and nonfinancially.

Originality/value

This paper presents one of the first studies conducting a CBA to compare and contrast two segmentation approaches in social marketing. The study provides interesting insights into the perceptions of management executives over alternative research methods, although the results are limited to a case study.
Does racial discrimination matter: explaining perceived police bias across four racial/ethnic groups
Authors: Yuan Yue , Wu Yuning , Melde Chris
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study uses a diverse sample of residents living in Northern California to study factors that are associated with public perceptions of police bias. The authors also investigate whether perceptions of racial discrimination mediate the relationships between race/ethnicity and perceptions of police bias.

Design/methodology/approach

The sampling frame of the study was constructed through two stages. First, the frame included 212 census tracts in the study setting that comprise the study population. The authors stratified the census tracts by using demographic information from the most recent American Community Survey. The authors also used a multi-mode address-based design in which a household adult was invited through mail to participate in a web-based survey.

Findings

The authors found that racial/ethnic minorities (i.e. Latino, African American and Asian respondents) were more likely to experience racism and report police as biased than White residents. Racial and ethnic disparities in assessments of police bias, however, disappeared when controlling for direct and indirect experiences of racism, suggesting that experiences with racism are key factors explaining variations in perception of police bias across racial/ethnic groups.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of the findings is unclear. Future research should focus on multiple cities to advance the understanding of perceptions of police bias. Second, the measures of direct and indirect experiences with racism do not identify the source of the problematic encounters, and thus the authors are unaware of the experiences respondents had with police officers.

Practical implications

This paper includes the implications for the perceptions of police bias and how to improve police-citizen interactions.

Social implications

This paper will facilitate ongoing debate on police-citizens interactions. Specifically, how experiences of racism can improve the understanding of bias toward the police.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an research need to study perceptions of police bias among diverse immigrant populations.
Explanatory power of earnings for returns: nonstationarity, disaggregation and timeliness
Authors: Wild John J. , Wild Jonathan M.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine several hypotheses, in conjunction with fundamental accounting concepts, to explain variations in the explanatory power of earnings for returns.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors explore three factors for their impact on the explanatory power of earnings. First, the accounting period preceding the earnings report is characterized by distinct intratemporal subperiod behavior. Recognizing this intratemporal nonstationarity is hypothesized to increase the explanatory power of earnings. Second, disaggregation of earnings into operating components is hypothesized to increase the explanatory power of earnings. Moreover, joint consideration of these first two factors is investigated. Third, the authors hypothesize that recognizing fundamental accounting concepts such as timeliness, predictive value, objectivity and verifiability offer key insights into the explanatory power of earnings.

Findings

The authors explore a sample of firms with management forecasts, which yields natural intratemporal subperiods – preforecast, forecast and realization periods – to generate hypotheses rooted in fundamental accounting concepts. The empirical evidence shows that recognition of nonstationary intratemporal behavior and earnings disaggregation yields a significant increase in the explanatory power of earning for returns. These findings are linked to fundamental concepts of accounting information.

Originality/value

This study is unique as it examines the joint role of nonstationarity and disaggregation in assessing the information conveyed in earnings. Importantly, results on these factors are linked to fundamental accounting concepts of timeliness, predictive value, objectivity and verifiability, along with their inherent trade-offs.
Damping properties of Sn58Bi and Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu solders with different thicknesses and preparation directions
Authors: Li Wangyun , Liu Linqiang , Li Xingmin
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to experimentally assess the effect of thickness and preparation direction on the damping properties of Sn58Bi and Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu solders.

Design/methodology/approach

Sn58Bi and Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu solder strips with different thicknesses were prepared from the bulk in longitudinal and horizontal directions, and the ratio of loss modulus and storage modulus of the samples was measured by the dynamic mechanical analysis method as the index of damping properties.

Findings

Sn58Bi and Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu solders exhibited viscoelastic relaxation, and their damping properties decreased with decreasing thickness. The damping properties of both solders had no obvious difference in longitudinal and horizontal directions. Sn58Bi has a more obvious high-temperature damping background than Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu solder. In addition, compared with Sn58Bi solder, Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu solder had an obvious internal friction peak, which moved toward high temperature with increasing frequency. The activation energies of Sn58Bi solder with a thickness of 0.5 mm at the longitudinal and horizontal directions were 0.84 and 0.67 eV, respectively, which were 0.39 and 0.53 eV, respectively, for the Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu solder.

Originality/value

The damping properties of Sn58Bi and Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu solder decreased with decreasing thickness, while their damping properties changed insignificantly when they were prepared from different directions. The internal friction peak of Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu solder moved to higher temperatures with increasing frequency.
From performance curves to performance surfaces: Interactive effects of temperature and oxygen availability on aerobic and anaerobic performance in the common wall lizard
Authors: Telemeco Rory S. , Gangloff Eric J. , Cordero G. Antonio , Rodgers Essie M. , Aubret Fabien
Published: July 2022

Accurately predicting the responses of organisms to novel or changing environments requires the development of ecologically‐appropriate experimental methodology and process‐based models.

For ectotherms, thermal performance curves (TPCs) have provided a useful framework to describe how organismal performance is dependent on temperature. However, this approach often lacks a mechanistic underpinning, which limits our ability to use TPCs predictively. Furthermore, thermal dependence varies across traits, and performance is also limited by additional abiotic factors, such as oxygen availability.

We test a central prediction of our recent Hierarchical Mechanisms of Thermal Limitation (HMTL) Hypothesis which proposes that natural hypoxia exposure will reduce maximal performance and cause the TPC for whole‐organism performance to become more symmetrical.

We quantified TPCs for two traits often used as fitness proxies, sprint speed and aerobic scope, in lizards under conditions of normoxia and high‐elevation hypoxia.

In line with the predictions of HMTL, anaerobically fuelled sprint speed was unaffected by acute hypoxia while the TPC for aerobic scope became shorter and more symmetrical. This change in TPC shape resulted from both the maximum aerobic scope and the optimal temperature for aerobic scope being reduced in hypoxia as predicted.

Following these results, we present a mathematical framework, which we call Temperature–Oxygen Performance Surfaces, to quantify the interactive effects of temperature and oxygen on whole‐organism performance in line with the HMTL hypothesis. This framework is transferrable across traits and levels of organization to allow predictions for how ectotherms will respond to novel combinations of temperature and other abiotic factors, providing a useful tool in a time of rapidly changing environmental conditions.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Evaluating Stroke Code Activation Pathway in Emergency Departments study
Authors: Ebker‐White Anja , Dinh Michael , Paver Ian , Bein Kendall , Tastula Kylie , Gattellari Melina , Worthington John
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of Code Stroke activations in an ED and determine predictors of a final diagnosis of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) diagnosis.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of Code Stroke activations through an ED over 2 years at a quaternary stroke referral centre. Stroke Registry data was used to identify cases with clinical information abstracted from electronic medical records. The primary outcome was a final diagnosis of acute stroke or TIA and the secondary outcome was access to reperfusion therapies (thrombolysis and or endovascular clot retrieval).

Results

The study analysed data from 1354 Code Stroke patients in ED. Of all Code Strokes, 51% had a stroke or TIA diagnosis on discharge. Patient characteristics independently associated with increased risk of stroke were increasing age, pre‐arrival notification by ambulance, elevated BP or presence of weakness or speech impairment as the initial presenting symptoms. Dizziness/vertigo/vestibular neuritis were the most common alternative diagnoses. One hundred and thirty‐five patients (10%) underwent reperfusion therapy. Pre‐arrival notification by ambulance was associated with higher proportion of eventual stroke/TIA diagnosis (68%vs46%,P < 0.001) and significantly lower door to CT and door to needle times for patients undergoing thrombolysis.

Conclusions

In a cohort of patients requiring Code Stroke activation in an ED, increased age, systolic blood pressure and weakness and speech impairment increased the risk of stroke. Prehospital notification was associated with lower door to needle times for patients undergoing thrombolysis.
Effects of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination on safety and disease exacerbation in patients with Behçet syndrome in a monocentric cohort
Authors: Apaydin Hakan , Erden Abdulsamet , Güven Serdar Can , Armağan Berkan , Konak Hatice Ecem , Polat Bünyamin , Afşin Yağnur , Kaygisiz Merve , Omma Ahmet , Kucuksahin Orhan
Published: July 2022

Aim

Vaccination represents a cornerstone in mastering the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. There is a paucity of data regarding the safety of COVID‐19 vaccines in patients with rheumatic diseases such as Behçet syndrome (BS). The present study aimed to investigate the side‐effects and post‐vaccine disease exacerbation rates of COVID‐19 vaccines in a BS cohort.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 450 BS patients followed in our clinic who met the criteria of the International Study Group. COVID‐19 vaccination status, type of vaccine received (Pfizer‐BioNTech vs CoronaVac), post‐vaccine side‐effects and exacerbations were evaluated by interviewing patients over the phone or face to face. Behçet's Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF) scores were calculated for BS symptoms before and after vaccination.

Results

In all, 287 patients received at least one dose of the COVID‐19 vaccine. Of the total number of COVID‐19 vaccines (n = 639), 379 (59%) were Pfizer‐BioNTech vaccines and 257 (41%) were CoronaVac vaccines. The number of side‐effects after first, second, third and fourth vaccine doses were 151 (52.6%), 135 (49.4%), 29 (42.6%), and 3 (30%), respectively. BS exacerbation after first, second, third, and fourth vaccine doses were 151 (52.6%), 135 (49.4%), 16 (23.5%), and 3 (30%), respectively. Injection site pain/swelling was the most common side‐effect at all vaccine doses followed by fatigue and arthralgia.

Conclusion

COVID‐19 vaccines are well tolerated in patients with BS, and more side‐effects develop after mRNA vaccines. Regardless of the vaccine type, exacerbations after the COVID‐19 vaccine are common, predominantly mucocutaneous and articular involvement, and exacerbations in the form of other organ involvement are rare.
Melanin protects Cryptococcus neoformans from spaceflight effects
Authors: Cordero Radames J. B. , Dragotakes Quigly , Friello Phyllis J. , Casadevall Arturo
Published: July 2022

As human activity in space continues to increase, understanding how biological assets respond to spaceflight conditions is becoming more important. Spaceflight conditions include exposure to ionizing radiation, microgravity, spacecraft vibrations and hypervelocity; all of which can affect the viability of biological organisms. Previous studies have shown that melanin‐producing fungi are capable of surviving the vacuum of space and Mars‐simulated conditions in Low Earth Orbit. This survival has been associated in part with the protective effects of melanin, but a comparison of fungal viability in the presence or absence of melanin following spaceflight has never been tested. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of melanin by comparing the viability of melanized and non‐melanized clones of Cryptococcus neoformans yeasts following a roundtrip to the International Space Station. Yeast colonies were placed inside two MixStix silicone tubes; one stayed on Earth and the other was transported inside for 29 days before returning to Earth. Post‐flight analysis based on colony‐forming unit numbers shows that melanized yeast viability was 50% higher than non‐melanized yeasts, while no difference was observed between the Earth‐bound control samples. The results suggest that fungal melanin could increase the lifespan of biological assets in space.
Characterization of BbKlf1 as a novel transcription factor vital for asexual and infection cycles of Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Mohamed Rehab Abdelmonem , Guo Chong‐Tao , Xu Si‐Yuan , Ying Sheng‐Hua , Feng Ming‐Guang
Published: July 2022

The large family of C2H2‐type zinc finger transcription factors (TFs) comprise the Kruppel‐like factors (KLFs) that evolved relatively late in eukaryotes but remain unexplored in filamentous fungi. Here, we report that an orthologue (BbKlf1) of yeast Klf1 mediating cell wall integrity (CWI) is a wide‐spectrum TF evidently localized in nucleus and cytoplasm in Beauveria bassiana. BbKlf1 features conserved domains and multiple DNA‐binding motifs predicted to bind multiple promoter DNA fragments of target genes across asexual developmental and stress‐responsive pathways. Despite limited impact on normal colony growth, deletion of Bbklf1 resulted in impaired CWI and hypersensitivity to Congo red‐induced cell wall stress. Also, the deletion mutant was severely compromised in tolerance to oxidative and osmotic stresses, hyphal septation and differentiation, conidiation capacity (reduced by 95%), conidial quality (viability and hydrocarbon epitope pattern) and virulence. Importantly, these phenotypes correlated well with sharply repressed or nearly abolished expressions of those genes required for or involved in chitin biosynthesis, antioxidant activity, cell division and differentiation, aerial conidiation and conidial maturation. These findings indicate an essentiality of BbKlf1 for the asexual and insect‐pathogenic lifecycles of B. bassiana and a novel scenario much beyond the yeast orthologue‐mediated CWI, suggesting important roles of its orthologues in filamentous fungi.
Alterations in white matter microstructure in alcohol and alcohol‐polydrug dependence: Associations with lifetime alcohol and nicotine exposure
Authors: Agunbiade Kofoworola , Fonville Leon , McGonigle John , Elliott Rebecca , Ersche Karen D. , Flechais Remy , Orban Csaba , Murphy Anna , Smith Dana G. , Suckling John , Taylor Eleanor M. , Deakin Bill , Robbins Trevor W. , Nutt David J. , Lingford‐Hughes Anne R. , Paterson Louise M. ,   ICCAM Consortium
Published: July 2022

Evidence suggests that alcohol dependence (AD) is associated with microstructural deficits in white matter, but the relationship with lifetime alcohol exposure and the impact of polydrug dependence is not well understood. Using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, we examined white matter microstructure in relation to alcohol and polydrug dependence using data from the Imperial College Cambridge Manchester (ICCAM) platform study. Tract‐based spatial statistics were used to examine fractional anisotropy (FA) in a cohort of abstinent AD participants, most of whom had a lifetime history of dependence to nicotine. A further subgroup also had a lifetime history of dependence to cocaine and/or opiates. Individuals with AD had lower FA throughout the corpus callosum, and negative associations with alcohol and nicotine exposure were found. A group‐by‐age interaction effect was found showing greater reductions with age in the alcohol‐dependent group within corpus callosum, overlapping with the group difference. We found no evidence of recovery with abstinence. A comparison of alcohol‐only‐ and alcohol‐polydrug‐dependent groups found no differences in FA. Overall, our findings show that AD is associated with lower FA and suggest that these alterations are primarily driven by lifetime alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking, showing no relationship with exposure to other substances such as cocaine, opiates or cannabis. Reductions in FA across the adult lifespan are more pronounced in AD and offer further support for the notion of accelerated ageing in relation to alcohol dependence. These findings highlight there may be lasting structural differences in white matter in alcohol dependence, despite continued abstinence.