bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geographic Variation in Receipt of Electroconvulsive Therapy Among US Department of Veterans Affairs Patients
Authors: Teja Nikhil , Gottlieb Daniel , Shiner Brian , Peltzman Talya , Watts Bradley V. 
Published: November 2024

Objective
The aim of the study is to characterize geographic variation in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) receipt across the United States (US) Veterans Administration (VA) healthcare system and explore potential explanatory variables.

Background
ECT is a highly effective and rapidly acting treatment for multiple mental disorders. However, there may be geographic disparities in access to ECT across the US.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study of all VA patients from 2003 to 2019 to describe rates of ECT within previously defined mental health referral regions (MHRRs). We investigated differences between the population that received ECT and other patients with a mental health condition severe enough to warrant inpatient hospitalization. We analyzed crude as well as age, sex, race, and ethnicity-adjusted ECT rates and explored potential explanatory variables. We compared MHRRs in the highest and lowest tertiles of ECT receipt.

Results
The rate of ECT receipt among VA patients was 1.7 individuals per 10,000 (SD = 1.6) annually. Among 115 MHRRs, the rate ranged from a minimum of 0 (effectively no utilization in some areas) to a maximum of 8.9. Regression analysis revealed few significant explanatory variables.

Conclusions
There is significant geographic variation in ECT receipt among VA patients that is not well explained by population characteristics and may be indicative of suboptimal treatment for several mental health conditions.
Fast Photostable Expansion Microscopy Using QDots and Deconvolution
Authors: Gunawardhana Loku , Moree Wilna , Guo Jiaming , Artur Camille , Womack Tasha , Eriksen Jason L. , Mayerich David 
Published: November 2024

AbstractExpansion microscopy (ExM) enables sub-diffraction imaging by physically expanding labeled tissue samples. This increases the tissue volume relative to the instrument point spread function (PSF), thereby improving the effective resolution by reported factors of 4 - 20X [1, 2]. However, this volume increase dilutes the fluorescence signal, reducing both signal-to noise ratio (SNR) and acquisition speed. This paper proposes and validates a method for mitigating these challenges. We overcame the limitations of ExM by developing a fast photo-stable protocol to enable scalable widefield three-dimensional imaging with ExM. We combined widefield imaging with quantum dots (QDots). Widefield imaging provides a significantly faster acquisition of a single field-of-view (FOV). However, the uncontrolled incoherent illumination induces photobleaching. We mitigated this challenge using QDots, which exhibit a long fluorescence lifetime and improved photostability. First, we developed a protocol for QDot labeling. Next, we utilized widefield imaging to obtain 3D image stacks and applied deconvolution, which is feasible due to reduced scattering in ExM samples. We show that tissue clearing, which is a side-effect of ExM, enables widefield deconvolution, dramatically reducing the acquisition time for three-dimensional images compared to laser scanning microscopy. The proposed QDot labeling protocol is compatible with ExM and provides enhanced photostability compared to traditional fluorescent dyes. Widefield imaging significantly improves SNR and acquisition speed compared to conventional confocal microscopy. Combining widefield imaging with QDot labeling and deconvolution has the potential to be applied to ExM for faster imaging of large three-dimensional samples with improved SNR.
Distinct decision processes for 3D and motion stimuli in both humans and monkeys revealed by computational modelling
Authors: Rangotis Revan , Nowakowska Sabina , Dayan Peter , Parker Andrew J. , Kakaei Ehsan , Akande Abibat , Krug Kristine 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDecision-making models distil principles of information processing that underlie a range of cognitive functions. For the cases of motion detection in random-dot kinematograms and decisions about the rotation of 3D structure-from-motion cylinders, contributing neural processes have been localized to specific circuits in extrastriate area V5/MT on the basis of both causal and correlative evidence, suggesting a common decision path. Here, we arranged for humans and rhesus monkeys to make perceptual choices about these two stimulus types, indicating their decision with either hand or eye movements. In both species, the parameter distributions of a hierarchical Drift Diffusion Model (DDM) revealed systematic differences for stimulus type but not the different modes of response. States in a hidden Markov model also indicated distinct decision strategies, again for the two stimulus types but not for response mode. Although physiological evidence points to area V5/MT as a vehicle for relevant perceptual signals for both stimulus types, computational modelling of the present results reveal distinct decision processes, therefore predicting that different neural processes underlie judgements about motion and 3D-depth, consistently for humans and monkeys.
Embryonically generated interneurons (EGINs) exhibit a distinctive developmental program and lamination in the olfactory bulb
Authors: Spence Natalie , Martin-Lopez Eduardo , Han Kimberly , Lefèvre Marion , Lange Nathaniel W. , Brennan Bowen , Greer Charles A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractInterneurons (INs) in the mouse olfactory bulb (OB) develop during an extensive period of time that begins in the embryo and continues throughout the lifetime of an individual. The connectivity and location of these neurons is profoundly affected by the time of generation, making these developmental windows critical to understand the circuitry of the OB. Here, we focus on the OB embryonic generated interneurons (or EGINs), which have generally received less attention than those generated in the adult. Birthdates of EGINs were differentiated by embryonic injections of thymidine analogs and their final destinations and phenotypes analyzed by immunohistochemistry. We found that EGINs were retained in the adult and were distributed across all layers of the OB. However, a lateral-to-medial neurogenic gradient is seen only in the earliest generated EGINs. Within the granule cell layer (GCL), EGINs predominantly accumulated in the superficial region at almost all ages and remained there during adulthood. Immunostaining for calbindin, parvalbumin, tyrosine hydroxylase, and calretinin were largely negative suggesting that EGINs may represent subpopulations of OB INs that are not yet fully characterized. Using in utero electroporation to label EGIN progenitors, we demonstrated that they reach the primordial OB as early as E13 and begin to differentiate apical dendrites by E15. At E16, EGIN progenitors clustered into a chain of migrating neuroblasts denoting the embryonic rostral migratory stream (RMS). Collectively, our data highlight the importance of studying OB INs in isolated time windows to better understand the formation of circuits that define the olfactory responses.
Folate prevents the autism-related phenotype caused by developmental pyrethroid exposure in prairie voles
Authors: Saferin Nilanjana , Haseeb Ibrahim , Taha Adam M. , Beecroft Sarah E. , Pillai Sangeetha , Neifer Asha E. , Lakkuru Rudhasri , Kistler Brian P. , Nawor Charlotte N. , Malik Isa , Hasan Dena , Carlson Jonathan A. , Zade Kareem K. , Dressel Sydnee P. , Carney Eileen M. , Shah Radha , Gautam Shudhant , Vergis John , Neifer Kari L. , Johnson Zachary V. , Gustison Morgan L. , Hall F. Scott , Burkett James P. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractNeurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) have dramatically increased in prevalence to an alarming one in six children, and yet both causes and preventions remain elusive. Recent human epidemiology and animal studies have implicated developmental exposure to pyrethroid pesticides, one of the most common classes of pesticides in the US, as an environmental risk factor for autism and neurodevelopmental disorders. Our previous research has shown that low-dose chronic developmental pyrethroid exposure (DPE) changes folate metabolites in the adult mouse brain. We hypothesize that DPE acts directly on molecular targets in the folate metabolism pathway, and that high-dose maternal folate supplementation can prevent or reduce the biobehavioral effects of DPE. We exposed pregnant prairie vole dams chronically to vehicle or low-dose deltamethrin (3 mg/kg/3 days) with or without high-dose folate supplementation (methylfolate, 5 mg/kg/3 days). The resulting DPE offspring showed broad deficits in five behavioral domains relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders (including the social domain); increased plasma folate concentrations; and increased neural expression of SHMT1, a folate cycle enzyme. Maternal folate supplementation prevented most of the behavioral phenotypes (except for repetitive behaviors) and caused potentially compensatory changes in neural expression of FOLR1 and MTHFR, two folate-related proteins. We conclude that DPE causes neurodevelopmental disorder-relevant behavioral deficits; DPE directly alters aspects of folate metabolism; and preventative interventions targeting folate metabolism are effective in reducing, but not eliminating, the behavioral effects of DPE.
Regionally specific picture naming benefits of focal tDCS are dependent on baseline performance in older adults
Authors: Yucel A. , Meinzer M. , Martin A. K. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWord-finding difficulty is a common challenge in older age and is linked to various neuropathological conditions associated with ageing. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown promise as a cognitive enhancement tool for both healthy aging and age- related cognitive disorders. However, its effectiveness in enhancing word-finding ability remains inconsistent, especially among healthy adults. This variability is likely due to factors such as task selection, stimulation parameters, and small sample sizes. Additionally, many studies have overlooked the role of baseline performance in evaluating tDCS efficacy. In this preregistered study, we examined 72 older and 72 younger adults using a double-blind, sham-controlled design, delivering anodal focal tDCS to either the left inferior frontal gyrus or the left temporoparietal junction. Baseline naming performance and fluid intelligence were measured before stimulation. Anodal stimulation of the left inferior frontal gyrus significantly increased response speed for object and action naming in older adults, but crucially only in older adults who performed poorly during the baseline naming session. Findings demonstrate regionally specific effects of focal tDCS in healthy older individuals in greater need for naming facilitation. Notably, performance on a broad measure of fluid intelligence was unrelated to stimulation response, suggesting task specificity of this effect.
Achieving inclusive urbanization through county-led industrial specialization: from the perspective of rural labor supply
Authors: Hu Chaoran , Zhou Yi , Chen Maolong 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThe role of intermediate urban centers (IUCs) (like towns/small cities/rural counties) between large cities and villages in leading urbanization has been increasingly highlighted. This article conceptually and empirically examines what types of industrial agglomeration (specialized or diversified agglomeration) of rural county in China would provide a more inclusive and efficient local labor market for rural workers to be inclusively urbanized.Design/methodology/approachWe employ a three-stage labor supply model to theoretically generalize the decisions of rural workers to migrate to large city, to undertake nonfarm jobs in rural counties and the length of nonfarm jobs. Then, combining three national-level datasets of China (National Economic Census (NEC), China Household Income Project (CHIP) and the China county statistical yearbook), we explore how the type of industrial agglomeration in a rural county affects the labor supply decision of rural workers.FindingsWe show that rural workers in rural counties with higher level of industrial specialization are more likely to: (1) work locally than migrating to large cities; (2) find nonfarm jobs by themselves instead of relying on social networks (3) find a more stable and formal nonfarm job. These effects are significant when rural counties specialize in industries that they have local comparative advantages compared to large cities. This work provides insights into achieving inclusive urbanization by developing industry specialization in rural counties in China, which may also be useful for other developing countries.Originality/valueFirst, the conceptual framework of this paper extends the basic model of rural-urban migration longstanding in the literature, to a multi-choice and three-stage labor supply model. Second, we empirically quantify the industrial structure of rural counties using unique dataset, which has been emphasized in the development economics literature but neglected due to data limitations. Third, this paper expands our understanding of the role of rural counties in inclusive urbanization and contributes to the future development of the county-led urbanization policies.
Blockchain-driven digital transformation in the housing industry
Authors: Saari Anniina , Junnila Seppo , Vimpari Jussi 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThe real estate industry is often highlighted as a significant beneficiary of blockchain-driven digital transformation (DT). This paper unravels blockchain’s role in driving rapid DT in the Finnish housing sector and its removal after market entry.Design/methodology/approachThis four-year longitudinal study used 35 semi-structured interviews.FindingsBlockchain was crucial in the early industry-wide DT, fostering innovation through shared value creation, delivery and capture while supporting collaboration and enhancing processes. The findings largely support blockchain’s theoretical benefits in reducing intermediaries, automating processes, minimizing errors, enhancing transparency and addressing data silos in real estate transactions. However, limitations – like the need for specialised expertise, scalability issues and centralisation tendencies emerged – ultimately outweighed the benefits, leading to blockchain abandonment. Regulatory commitment, contrary to expectations about regulatory barriers, regulatory commitment substantially boosted industry activities. While blockchain can spark transformation, maintaining momentum amid evolving market and regulatory developments may require more than blockchain alone can offer.Practical implicationsBlockchain can drive early-stage DT even in traditional industries like real estate, addressing issues like intermediary reliance, manual processes, inefficiencies and errors. However, it does not guarantee long-term decentralisation as initially promised and depends on off-chain governance.Originality/valueThis is the first empirical study on blockchain in real estate examining the drivers of a full-scale DT. It is also amongst the first to explore blockchain’s evolving role in successful industry-wide transformation based on a rare four-year study, extending insights into blockchain’s initial impact and subsequent limitations beyond the firm level.
Proactive decision-making: does it matter for academic motivation and future career calling?
Authors: Frolova Yuliya , Mahmood Monowar 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
This study explores the role of proactive decision-making in enhancing academic motivation and career calling among university students in Central Asia. It aims to investigate how proactive traits and cognitive skills influence career calling and academic persistence while examining the moderating effects of demographic factors.

Design/methodology/approach
A convenience sample of 380 undergraduate business students from Kazakhstan was surveyed using validated scales for proactive decision-making, career calling and academic motivation. Data analysis involved correlation, regression and mediation tests using SPSS to evaluate relationships between variables and test the mediating role of career calling in the proactive decision-making-academic motivation link.

Findings
Proactive decision-making was found to significantly enhance career calling and academic motivation, with career calling partially mediating the relationship between proactive decision-making and intrinsic/extrinsic motivation. In addition, demographic variables, such as gender and GPA, moderated the effects of proactive decision-making on academic motivation.

Originality/value
This research contributes to the understanding of proactive decision-making in the educational context, particularly within international business education, by highlighting its role in shaping career aspirations and academic engagement. It provides new insights into the interplay between personality, decision-making and academic motivation in a Central Asian setting.
Teacher–Child Interaction Training—Group Coaching (TCIT-GC): removing barriers to advancing classroom behavioral health
Authors: Shinn Marta M. , Timmer Susan G. , Torres Elsa L. , Weir Amy E. 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThe Teacher–Child Interaction Training program (TCIT) is an evidence-based intervention that coaches effective strategies for managing disruptive classroom behavior (Garbacz et al., 2014). However, its widespread implementation is limited due to its costly and time-consuming model of delivery. This pilot study investigated whether the Teacher–Child Interaction Training- Group Coaching (TCIT-GC), a briefer, cost-effective adaptation of TCIT, would be effective in improving classroom climate, student behavior and professional quality of life among educators.Design/methodology/approachTCIT-GC is a remote, manualized, 8-week adaptation of TCIT. Participants included 41 educators representing both public and private K-12 schools from 11 public school districts. TCIT-GC comprised eight synchronous group sessions via Zoom, four Didactic sessions and four Consultation/Coaching sessions for trainer feedback, paired with asynchronous skill practice. This contrasted with the fully synchronous, one-on-one, in vivo coaching format of traditional TCIT. Participants practiced applying skills with students between Zoom sessions and documented the effectiveness of their acquired skills across various measures.FindingsResults of pre- and post-training comparisons showed significant improvements in reported classroom functioning, positive student behaviors, perceived effectiveness of TCIT-GC skills and significant reductions in problematic student behaviors and discipline use. Findings showed significant improvement in compassion satisfaction. No significant changes in levels of other ProQOL scales were observed.Originality/valueDisruptive student behavior takes a toll on the educational experience of misbehaving students, their classmates and educators. Results of this pilot study supported TCIT-GC as a feasible and promising behavioral health model that warrants further study.
The impact of neoliberalist government reform and regulatory oversight on private training providers in the UK technical education sector
Authors: Smith Nick , Rowe Lisa 
Published: November 2024

PurposeAdopting the lens of ambidexterity, this paper examines decision-making within private technical education providers as they attempt to meet workforce and UK government training demands against a backdrop of unprecedented pace of global change in technology.Design/methodology/approachQualitative data, drawn from semi-structured interviews of participants within a private training provider, was analysed thematically to investigate common patterns, clarify understanding and identify development areas to inform government bodies and private provider apprenticeship delivery practices.FindingsThe findings reveal the extent to which neoliberalism is potentially undermining technical education reform and increasing regulation whilst decreasing trust and reducing authentic partnerships between key stakeholders, together negatively impacting ambidextrous decision-making.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited by the use of a monolingual, monocultural sample; therefore, a broader cross-section of respondents from a wider range, size and geographical location of training providers may result in a deeper understanding of the varying tensions and challenges associated with technical education reform.Practical implicationsThis work seeks to inform policymakers of the wider consequences of neoliberalism and provide recommendations for government bodies and technical training providers to work collaboratively in seeking solutions to the barriers in delivering vocational training fit for a future-proof workforce.Originality/valueThis paper builds on a limited body of research examining the dual impact of once in a lifetime technological challenges and the consequence of neoliberalism upon ambidextrous decision-making within private providers of post-16 technical education.
CONVENIENCE STORES AS CARE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR OLDER ADULTS: The Crisis of Care in Tokyo, Japan
Authors: Ujikawa Tomohiro 
Published: November 2024

AbstractConvenience stores are essential facilities for older people living in cities, but there is a lack of discussion about the relation thereof to care for older people. An emerging phenomenon in Japan, one of the countries with the most rapidly aging population, is that convenience stores are also becoming a form of care infrastructure. In this article, I focus on this phenomenon in a time of care crisis by examining convenience stores in Tokyo, Japan, through the framework of care infrastructure. I combine descriptive statistics, government and corporate reports with interviews with 15 older adults in Tokyo to assess the potential and challenges of convenience stores as entities that contribute to their care. The findings of my study indicate that convenience stores may contribute to the care of older people because of their proximity, multifunctionality, sociality and sheltering nature, while challenges relate to affordability, equity and fairness. In the conclusion, I offer some suggestions regarding opportunities for and challenges to expanding care in aging cities by rethinking the potential of convenience stores as social and physical infrastructure.
Polarization in police union politics
Authors: Gaudette Jennifer 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAlthough most local elections are officially nonpartisan, a debate exists regarding how much ideology matters in local politics. I test the effects of national polarization toward policing at the local level using a conjoint survey experiment and novel observational data. I find that police union endorsements send clear ideological signals about mayoral candidates to voters and voters respond accordingly: liberal (conservative) respondents are significantly less (more) likely to vote for police union‐endorsed candidates. I create a new dataset of police union endorsements in every mayoral election in American cities with populations above 180,000 between 2011 and 2022. I find police union endorsements have significant negative effects on incumbent vote share in liberal cities at the same time as polarization occurs nationally. This evidence suggests that when national politics polarize on a local issue, ideology becomes an important component in local politics and that police union endorsements now inform about local candidate ideology.