bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Connectomic features underlying diverse synaptic connection strengths and subcellular computation
Authors: Liu Tony X. , Davoudian Pasha A. , Lizbinski Kristyn M. , Jeanne James M. 
Published: August 2021

SUMMARYConnectomes generated from electron microscopy images of neural tissue unveil the complex morphology of every neuron and the locations of every synapse interconnecting them. These wiring diagrams may also enable inference of synaptic and neuronal biophysics, such as the functional weights of synaptic connections, but this requires integration with physiological data to properly parameterize. Working with a stereotyped olfactory network in theDrosophilabrain, we make direct comparisons of the anatomy and physiology of diverse neurons and synapses with subcellular and subthreshold resolution. We find that synapse density and location jointly predict the amplitude of the somatic postsynaptic potential evoked by a single presynaptic spike. Biophysical models fit to data predict that electrical compartmentalization allows axon and dendrite arbors to balance independent and interacting computations. These findings begin to fill the gap between connectivity maps and activity maps, which should enable new hypotheses about how network structure constrains network function.
Effects of Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin on iPSC-derived Cardiomyocytes: Considerations for the Treatment of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Li Wener , Luo Xiaojing , Poetsch Mareike S. , Oertel Reinhard , Nichani Kapil , Schneider Martin , Strano Anna , Hasse Marcel , Steiner Robert-Patrick , Cyganek Lukas , Hettwer Karina , Uhlig Steffen , Simon Kirsten , Guan Kaomei , Schubert Mario 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDespite known adverse effects of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and azithromycin (AZM) on cardiac function, HCQ and AZM have been used as combination therapy in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Recent clinical data indicate higher complication rates with HCQ/AZM combination treatment in comparison to monotherapy. Here, we used human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) to systematically investigate the effects of HCQ and AZM individually and in combination. The clinically observed QT prolongation caused by treatment with HCQ could be recapitulated in iPSC-CMs based on prolonged field potential duration (FPDc). Interestingly, HCQ-induced FPDc prolongation was strongly enhanced by combined treatment with AZM, although AZM alone slightly shortened FPDc in iPSC-CMs. Furthermore, combined treatment with AZM and HCQ leads to higher cardiotoxicity, more severe structural disarrangement, and more pronounced contractile and electrophysiological dysfunctions, compared to respective mono-treatments. First mechanistic insights underlying the synergistic effects of AZM and HCQ on iPSC-CM functionality are provided based on increased Cx43- and Nav1.5-protein levels. Taken together, our results highlight that combined treatment with HCQ and AZM strongly enhances the adverse effects on cardiomyocytes, providing mechanistic evidence for the high mortality in patients receiving HCQ/AZM combination treatment.
Pandemic, epidemic, endemic: B cell repertoire analysis reveals unique anti-viral responses to SARS-CoV-2, Ebola and Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Authors: Stewart Alexander , Sinclair Emma , Ng Joseph , O’Hare Joselli Silvia , Page Audrey , Serangeli Ilaria , Margreitter Christian , Kasar Nora , Longman Katherine , Frampas Cecile , Costa Catia , Lewis Holly , Wu Bryan , Kipling David , Openshaw Peter , Chu Christopher , Baillie J Kenneth , Scott Janet T , Semple Malcolm G , Bailey Melanie , Fraternali Franca , Dunn-Walters Deborah 
Published: August 2021

AbstractImmunoglobulin gene heterogeneity reflects the diversity and focus of the humoral immune response towards different infections, enabling inference of B cell development processes. Detailed compositional and lineage analysis of long read IGH repertoire sequencing, combining examples of pandemic, epidemic and endemic viral infections with control and vaccination samples, demonstrates general responses including increased use of IGHV4-39 in both EBOV and COVID-19 infection cohorts. We also show unique characteristics absent in RSV infection or yellow fever vaccine samples: EBOV survivors show unprecedented high levels of class switching events while COVID-19 repertoires from acute disease appear underdeveloped. Despite the high levels of clonal expansion in COVID-19 IgG1 repertoires there is a striking lack of evidence of germinal centre mutation and selection. Given the differences in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality with age, it is also pertinent that we find significant differences in repertoire characteristics between young and old patients. Our data supports the hypothesis that a primary viral challenge can result in a strong but immature humoral response where failures in selection of the repertoire risks off-target effects.
Template design based on molecular and crystal structure similarity to regulate conformational polymorphism nucleation: the case of α,ω-alkanedicarboxylic acids
Authors: Lin Jiawei , Shi Peng , Wang Ying , Wang Lingyu , Ma Yiming , Liu Fei , Wu Songgu , Gong Junbo 
Published: August 2021

Template design on polymorph control, especially conformational polymorphs, is still in its infancy and the result of polymorph control is often accidental. A method of regulating the crystallization of conformational polymorphs based on the crystal structure similarity of templates and the target crystal form has been developed. Crystal structure similarity was considered to be able to introduce lattice matching (geometric term) with chemical interactions to regulate conformational polymorph nucleation. The method was successfully applied to induce the crystallization of DA7-II [HOOC–(CH2)n−2–COOH (diacids), named DAn, wheren= 7, 9, 15, 17 and II represents the metastable polymorph] on the surface of DA15-II. An analogous two-dimensional plane – the (002) face of both DA15-II and DA7-II – was firstly predicted as the epitaxially attached face with similar lattice parameters and the strongest adsorption energy. The powder DA15-II template with the preferred orientation face in (002) presented much stronger inducing DA7-II ability than the template with other preferred orientation faces. The epitaxial growth of DA7-II on DA15-II through an identical (002) face was clearly observed and verified by the single-crystal inducing experiments. The molecular dynamics simulation results demonstrated that the strong interactions occurred between DA7 molecules and the (002) face of DA15-II. This method has been verified and further applied to the crystallization of DA7-II on the surface of DA17-II and DA9-II on the surface of DA15-II. This study developed a strategy based on structure similarity to regulate the conformational polymorph and verified the significant role of lattice matching and chemical effects on the design and preparation of templates.
The influence of online and offline brand trust on consumer buying intention
Authors: Nosi Costanza , Pucci Tommaso , Melanthiou Yioula , Zanni Lorenzo 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThe study tests a model that considers online brand trust in different nonbrand-owned touchpoints as a multifactorial construct constituted by: social network influencers, bloggers, online retail platforms and brand-related user generated content. Furthermore, it examines the influences that offline and online brand trust exert on consumer buying intention.Design/methodology/approachA convenience sample of 3,335 total individuals participated in the survey. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses.FindingsOnline brand trust is significantly influenced by trust in all investigated nonbrand-owned touchpoints. Both offline and online brand trust positively influence buying intention.Research limitations/implicationsWhereas brand trust is considered a multidimensional construct that includes both cognitive and affective aspects, in addition to individuals' personality traits, the present study only investigated the rational dimension of the brand trust paradigm. Moreover, this study examined the influence of brand trust on consumers' buying intention and not overt behavior. In addition, even though the extant literature suggests that the relation between trust and behavioral outcomes may vary across cultures, no test of the possible influences that culture exerted on brand trust and BInt was run. Finally, given the convenience sampling method used in this research, statistically significant surveys would provide a more solid basis for the investigated phenomenon, and they would enable an appropriate generalization of the findings.Practical implicationsTo build brand trust and favour buying intention, marketers should monitor and influence the online touchpoints that are partially under or totally out of their control, and reconceive and manage physical stores.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the stream of literature on online brand trust by proving that it is a multifactorial construct resulting from trust in different non-proprietary online entities and pointing out the prevalent role that physical stores play in shaping consumer buying intention. It also indicates that a trust transfer effect takes place between different online information sources and offline outlets.
Female entrepreneurship in emerging markets: challenges of running a business in turbulent contexts and times
Authors: Kogut Clarice Secches , Mejri Kais 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThe present study seeks to investigate female entrepreneurship in turbulent times (COVID-19) and contexts (emerging markets).Design/methodology/approachAn in-depth, multiple-firm (five SMEs), cross-country (2 countries – Brazil and Tunisia), cross-region (Latin America and the MENA region) case study based on a mixed embeddedness perspective.FindingsThe study highlights how challenges and uncertainties are managed, what inspires female entrepreneurs and what frightens them. We capture these entrepreneurs' insecurities, self-doubts and creative survival strategies. Our findings reinforce the need for self-efficacy and resilience, as well as the importance of a support network and the ability to “reboot” whenever needed. Despite persistent patriarchal norms and cultures, the women surveyed did not see themselves as female entrepreneurs but as successful entrepreneurs, akin to their male counterparts.Research limitations/implicationsAcademically, the study contributes to the fields of entrepreneurship, female entrepreneurship and crisis management with empirical evidence in new contexts (LATAM and MENA regions) and times (collected during a crisis). The results also contribute in a practical way to female entrepreneurs, policy makers and global agencies.Originality/valueThe study's originality arises from a qualitative cross-country comparison of findings from internationally minded companies from under-researched developing countries and regions at an especially interesting and turbulent time: the pandemic of 2020.
Coping with the crisis: the effects of psychological capital and coping behaviors on perceived stress
Authors: Maykrantz Sherry A. , Nobiling Brandye D. , Oxarart Richard A. , Langlinais Luke A. , Houghton Jeffery D. 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered the daily lives of millions of people around the world, substantially increasing anxiety and stress levels for many. Psychological capital (PsyCap), a multidimensional construct that includes hope, optimism, resilience and self-efficacy, may serve as a resource for helping people more effectively cope with uncertainty resulting in lower levels of perceived stress. The authors hypothesize a negative relationship between PsyCap and perceived stress that is partially and differentially mediated by adaptive and maladaptive coping styles. The authors further hypothesize that work context (home vs workplace) will moderate the relationships between coping styles and perceived stress.Design/methodology/approachAfter receiving Institutional Review Board approval, data were collected during the first week of May 2020 using an online survey. The hypothesized model was tested using structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques, specifically Mplus 8. The authors validated their initial findings using PROCESS Model 14 with 5,000 boot-strapped samples and a 95% confidence interval.FindingsThe authors’ results show that adaptive and maladaptive coping styles differentially mediate the effects of PsyCap on perceived stress with the indirect effects of PsyCap on perceived stress through maladaptive coping being stronger than the indirect effects through adaptive coping. The authors found support for the relationships in our hypothesized model.Practical implicationsThe authors’ findings suggest that health interventions aimed at increasing PsyCap may be an effective means of reducing maladaptive coping and perceived stress. Future research should continue to explore PsyCap as a potential means of shaping positive health behaviors.Originality/valueThis study makes a unique contribution to the literature by explaining how PsyCap operates through coping to affect perceptions of stress in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fraudulent financial reporting: an application of fraud diamond to Toshiba’s accounting scandal
Authors: Demetriades Polydoros , Owusu-Agyei Samuel 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine Toshiba’s fraudulent financial reporting in relation to the fraud diamond (pressure, opportunity, rationalisation and capability).

Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative empirical research, analysing secondary data from Toshiba’s published annual reports before restatement, from 2008–2014 has been used. A simultaneous equations approach was used to test the hypothesis. Excel software was used to analyse secondary data and to carry out correlation analysis and descriptive statistics analysis.

Findings
This study uncovers evidence that pressure proxied by return on assets (ROA), the opportunity proxied by ineffective monitoring (BDOUT), rationalisation proxied by audit opinion (AO) and capability proxied by board member changes (BCHANGE) had moderate to strong relationship to financial statement fraud (FSF) (proxied by Beneish M-score model). However, ROA has a negative and significant effect on Toshiba’s FSF. BDOUT, AO and BCHANGE have positive and significant effect on Toshiba’s FSF. Furthermore, there is no multicollinearity problem within the four variables. Overall, this study has statistically proven that all dimensions of fraud diamond are required for the explanation of Toshiba’s accounting scandal.

Originality/value
Although a few studies discuss the four dimensions (fraud diamond), none, to our surprise, exists which explain the circumstances led Toshiba’s high-level executives to commit fraud. This study is the first thorough investigation of Toshiba’s accounting scandal that uses all four dimensions to explain Toshiba’s FSF.
Assessing organizational culture in public mental healthcare service organizations
Authors: Prodromou Maria , Papageorgiou George 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate aspects of organizational culture among the nursing staff of public mental health services organizations in Cyprus. Specifically, highlights are provided of possible differences on the attitudes of nurses regarding actual and desired aspects of organizational culture with respect to demographic characteristics such as gender, years of service and experience.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive explanatory type survey study was conducted in all public mental health services organizations of Cyprus. Specifically, a questionnaire was given to a representative sample of the nursing population, and data were collected and analyzed. The survey questionnaire was based on the organizational culture profile (OCP) methodology. Statistical analysis was carried out using correlational analysis, t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA).FindingsResults showed that there are significant discrepancies between the actual organizational culture and what is desired by staff members of public mental health services organizations in Cyprus. Further, significant differences are identified between actual and desired organizational culture moderated by the type of work, which is determined by the workplace.Originality/valueEven though, organizational culture is a major research topic little has been done in the context of public mental healthcare organizations. Further, for the case of Cyprus, it is the first time that such a study is carried out. The results presented in this paper may provide the foundation for measures to be taken for improving the existing operation of public mental healthcare organizations.
Facilitation activities for change response: a qualitative study on infection prevention and control professionals during a pandemic in Brazil
Authors: Irgang Luís , Holmén Magnus , Gama Fábio , Svedberg Petra 
Published: August 2021

PurposeFacilitation activities support implementation of evidence-based interventions within healthcare organizations. Few studies have attempted to understand how facilitation activities are performed to promote the uptake of evidence-based interventions in hospitals from resource-poor countries during crises such as pandemics. This paper aims to explore facilitation activities by infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals in 16 hospitals from 9 states in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachPrimary and secondary data were collected between March and December 2020. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 IPC professionals in Brazilian hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public and internal documents were used for data triangulation. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis technique.FindingsBuilding on the change response theory, this study explores the facilitation activities from the cognitive, behavioral and affective aspects. The facilitation activities are grouped in three overarching dimensions: (1) creating and sustaining legitimacy to continuous and rapid changes, (2) fostering capabilities for continuous changes and (3) accelerating individual commitment.Practical implicationsDuring crises such as pandemics, facilitation activities by IPC professionals need to embrace all the cognitive, behavioral and affective aspects to stimulate positive attitudes of frontline workers toward continuous and urgent changes.Originality/valueThis study provides unique and timely empirical evidence on the facilitation activities that support the implementation of evidence-based interventions by IPC professionals during crises in hospitals in a resource-poor country.
What drives organisational performance: strategic thinking, technological change, strategic risks? A modified total interpretive structural modelling approach and MICMAC analysis
Authors: Shaik Aqueeb Sohail , Dhir Sanjay 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explain the interrelationships between the elements of strategic thinking, technological change and strategic risks. The main objective of this research is to identify the hierarchy for the elements of thinking, technological change and strategic risk and also to identify the driving powers of these elements.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology used in this study is modified total interpretive structural modelling and MICMAC analysis which gives the interrelationships and also the driving powers of the elements by analysing the relationships between the elements from the existing literature. This method helps us in answering/understanding the “what”, “how” and “why” of the research. Modified total Interpretive structural modeling is considered in this study, which helps in doing both the paired comparisons and transitivity checks simultaneously. A digraph is constructed at the end of the analysis, which shows the links between the elements, and a driver dependence matrix is constructed, which shows the driving powers.FindingsThis study gives an understanding of the role of the elements, the relationships between them and the hierarchy of addressing these elements, and also the driving and dependence power. Findings of this research give us an understanding of how strategic thinking/technological change/strategic drives the performance of the firm.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is conducted with the help of existing literature; this can be further extended by considering the expert opinion.Practical implicationsThe model explains the direct and transitive links of the elements and the strength of the relation between them, which helps the researchers and the practitioners to understand the driving power and importance of these constructs. It also helps us to understand the role of these elements and, if implemented in an organisation, which elements need to be prioritised for enhancing the performance of the firm.Originality/valueResearch done in the past has individually analysed the elements effecting strategic thinking; this study identifies the relationships between the elements of all three constructs and helps in understanding the levels of hierarchy.
Carrier‐mediated serotonin efflux induced by pharmacological anoxia in the rat heart in vivo
Authors: Sonobe Takashi , Akiyama Tsuyoshi , Pearson James T. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSerotonin (5‐HT) accumulates in the heart during myocardial ischaemia and induces deleterious effects on the cardiomyocytes. We aimed to investigate whether carrier‐mediated 5‐HT efflux contributed to the increase in interstitial 5‐HT level during ischaemia. Using microdialysis technique applied to the heart of anaesthetised Wistar rats, myocardial interstitial concentration of 5‐HT was measured by electro‐chemical detection coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC‐ECD) while simultaneously various pharmacological agents, which create a similar condition to ischaemia, were locally administered by reverse‐microdialysis. Sodium cyanide‐induced chemical anoxia increased dialysate 5‐HT concentration. A similar increase in dialysate 5‐HT concentration was induced by ouabain, an inhibitor of sodium‐potassium ATPase and reserpine, an inhibitor of vesicular monoamine transporter. Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor raised the baseline level of 5‐HT, and neither sodium cyanide nor the combination of ouabain and reserpine induced further increase in 5‐HT in the presence of fluoxetine. The results indicate that reverse transport of 5‐HT via SERT, which is caused by an impaired ion gradient, contributes to the rise in interstitial level of 5‐HT during ischaemia suggesting carrier‐mediated 5‐HT efflux occurs in the heart in vivo.
Not so “smart”? An Australian experiment in smart specialisation
Authors: Weller Sally , Rainnie Alistair 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis article explores the utility of applying the European policy of smart specialisation to tackle spatial divergence in the Australian context. Using a geographical political economy approach and considering a growing literature on innovation in peripheral places, the work explores how smart specialisation is applied in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley, a coal‐dependent non‐metropolitan industrial enclave in the Gippsland region. Analysis of the case suggests that market‐based growth processes envisaged by the architects of innovation‐based regional policies such as smart specialisation have been unable to spur development in Australia’s disadvantaged non‐metropolitan regions. On the contrary, without more careful appreciation of local contexts, such policies will lead to further spatial divergence and exacerbate divisions between urban and regional communities.