bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gene expression has distinct associations with brain structure and function in major depressive disorder
Authors: Liu Shu ,   the DIRECT Consortium, Abdellaoui Abdel , Verweij Karin J.H. , van Wingen Guido A. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with structural and functional brain abnormalities. MDD as well as brain anatomy and function are influenced by genetic factors, but the role of gene expression remains unclear. Here we investigated how cortical gene expression contributes to structural and functional brain abnormalities in MDD. We compared the gray matter volume and resting-state functional measures in a Chinese sample of 848 MDD patients and 749 healthy controls, and we then associated these case-control differences with cortical variation of gene expression. While whole gene expression was positively associated with structural abnormalities, it was negatively associated with functional abnormalities. We observed the relationships of expression levels with brain abnormalities for individual genes, and found that transcriptional correlates of brain structure and function showed opposite relations with gene dysregulation in postmortem cortical tissue from MDD patients. We further identified genes that were positively or negatively related to structural abnormalities as well as functional abnormalities. The MDD-related genes were enriched for brain tissue, cortical cells, and biological pathways. These findings suggest that distinct genetic mechanisms underlie structural and functional brain abnormalities in MDD, and highlight the importance of cortical gene expression for the development of cortical abnormalities.
Assessing the Mediterranean diet adherence during pregnancy: practical considerations based on the associations with cardiometabolic risk
Authors: Flor-Alemany Marta , Migueles Jairo H. , Acosta-Manzano Pedro , Marín-Jiménez Nuria , Baena-García Laura , Aparicio Virginia A 
Published: September 2022

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to provide practical considerations for assessing MD adherence during pregnancy based on the association with cardiometabolic risk.Study designLongitudinal studyMain outcome measuresA food frequency questionnaire was fulfilled by 152 pregnant women at the 16th gestational week (g.w.). We calculated the Mediterranean Food Pattern (MFP), the MD Scale (MDScale), the Short MD questionnaire (SMDQ), the MD Score (MedDietScore), and the MD scale for pregnant women (MDS-P). The cardiometabolic risk score consisted of pre-pregnancy body mass index, blood pressure, glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (at 16th and 34th g.w.).ResultsMultiple linear regression models showed that the MFP, the MedDietScore, and the SMDQ were associated with lower cardiometabolic risk at the 16th and 34th g.w. (β’s: - 0.193 to -0.415, all p<0.05); and the MDS-P at the 34th g.w. (β=-0.349, p<0.01). A comparison of these models with the J test showed that the MFP and the MedDietScore outperformed the SMDQ at the 16th g.w. (p’s<0.05); while the MedDietScore outperformed the SMDQ, MFP, and MDS-P (p’s<0.05) at the 34th g.w. Receiver-Operating-Characteristic-derived thresholds for the MFP, MedDietScore and MDS-P indices were 21, 30, and 6 points, respectively, to identify women with high cardiometabolic risk.ConclusionThe MFP and MedDietScore are recommended to assess MD adherence during pregnancy, as these showed the strongest associations with cardiometabolic risk. Our validated thresholds might assist in the detection of poor dietary patterns during pregnancy.
Network feature-based phenotyping of leaf venation robustly reconstructs the latent space
Authors: Iwamasa Kohei , Noshita Koji 
Published: September 2022

AbstractDespite substantial variation in leaf vein architectures among angiosperms, a typical hierarchical network pattern is shared within clades. Functional demands constrain the network structure of leaf venation, generating a biased distribution in the morphospace. Although network structures and their diversity are crucial for understanding angiosperm venation, previous studies have relied on simple morphological measurements (e.g., length, diameter, branching angles, and areole area) and their derived statistics to quantify phenotypes. In this study, we developed a simple, high-throughput phenotyping workflow for the quantification of vein networks and identified leaf venation-specific morphospace patterns. The proposed method involves four processes: leaf image acquisition using a feasible system, leaf vein segmentation based on a deep neural network model, network extraction as an undirected graph, and network feature calculation. To demonstrate the proposed method, we applied it to images of non-chemically treated leaves of five species for classification based on network features alone, with an accuracy of 90.6%. By dimensionality reduction, a one-dimensional morphospace, along which venation shows variation in loopiness, was identified for both untreated and cleared leaf images, suggesting that patterns of venation are determined by a functional trade-off. The proposed network feature-based method is a useful morphological descriptor, providing a quantitative representation of the topological aspects of venation and enabling inverse mapping to leaf vein structures. Accordingly, our approach is promising for analyses of the functional and structural properties of veins.Author SummaryLeaf venation exhibits diverse network structures among taxa and conservation within taxa, reflecting complex evolutionary processes involving functional, developmental, and structural constraints. We used network features to characterize hierarchical and complex venation patterns. We analyzed 479 non-chemically treated leaves of five species and demonstrated that network features contain sufficient information for species classification. Furthermore, we identified biased distribution patterns in the leaf venation morphospace by characterizing leaf samples from both untreated and cleared leaf images. These results improve our understanding of morphological constraints and functional trade-offs shaping divergence in leaf venation. Our approach provides a basis for similar analyses in various fields targeting reticulate networks, which are ubiquitous in nature, including biomimetics, generative design, and microfluidics.
Barcode-free prediction of cell lineages from scRNA-seq datasets
Authors: Eisele A.S. , Tarbier M. , Dormann A.A. , Pelechano V. , Suter D.M. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe integration of lineage tracing with scRNA-seq has transformed our understanding of gene expression heritability during development, regeneration, and disease. However, lineage tracing is technically demanding and most existing scRNA-seq datasets are devoid of lineage information. Here we introduce Gene Expression Memory-based Lineage Inference (GEMLI), a computational pipeline allowing to predict cell lineages over several cell divisions solely from scRNA-seq datasets. GEMLI leverages genes displaying conserved expression levels over cell divisions, and allows i.a. identifying cell lineages in a broad range of cultured cell types, in intestinal organoids, and in crypts from adult mice. GEMLI recovers GO-terms enriched for heritable gene expression, allows to discriminate symmetric and asymmetric cell fate decisions and to reconstruct individual cellular structures from pooled scRNA-seq datasets. GEMLI considerably extends the pool of datasets from which lineage information can be obtained, thereby facilitating the study of gene expression heritability in a broad range of contexts. GEMLI is available at (https://github.com/UPSUTER/GEMLI).
mRNA-based generation of marmoset PGCLCs capable of differentiation into gonocyte-like cells
Authors: Kubiura-Ichimaru Musashi , Penfold Christopher , Kojima Kazuaki , Dollet Constance , Yabukami Haruka , Semi Katsunori , Takashima Yasuhiro , Boroviak Thorsten , Kawaji Hideya , Woltjen Knut , Minoda Aki , Sasaki Erika , Watanabe Toshiaki 
Published: September 2022

SummaryPrimate germ cell development remains largely unexplored due to limitations in sample collection and the long duration of development. In mice, primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) derived from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can develop into functional gametes by in vitro culture or in vivo transplantation. Such PGCLC-mediated induction of mature gametes in primates is highly useful for understanding human germ cell development. Since marmosets generate functional sperm earlier than other species, recapitulating the whole male germ cell development process is technically more feasible. Here, we induced the differentiation of iPSCs into gonocyte-like cells via PGCLCs in marmosets. First, we developed an mRNA transfection-based method to efficiently generate PGCLC. Subsequently, to promote PGCLC differentiation, xenoreconstituted testes (xrtestes) were generated in the mouse kidney capsule. PGCLCs show progressive DNA demethylation and stepwise expression of developmental marker genes. This study provides an efficient platform for the study of marmoset germ cell development.HighlightsAn mRNA transfection-based PGCLC induction method is developedMarmoset PGCLCs are efficiently induced from iPSCsMarmoset PGCLCs differentiate into gonocyte-like cells in mouse kidneysDevelopmentally regulated expression and demethylation are recapitulatedeTOC blurbWatanabe et al. efficiently induced marmoset primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) using an mRNA transfection-based approach. PGCLCs further develop into gonocyte-like cells in the xenoreconstituted testes constructed under mouse kidney capsules. This system faithfully reproduced in vivo developmental processes (e.g., stage-specific expression of developmentally regulated genes and DNA demethylation).
The impact of COVID-19 on prior and current learning
Authors: Rudin Joel , D'Intino Robert , Fleming Robert , Nicholson Jennifer , Jovanovski Straso 
Published: September 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to measure the effects of COVID-19 on student learning. Using boundary theory and border theory, the authors hypothesize that learning will be highest in 2019, the year before the pandemic, and lowest in 2020, the year that the pandemic began.Design/methodology/approachParticipants were business students at an American university. The authors administered the same 88-question multiple-choice exam in a capstone course in May 2019, May 2020, and May 2021. Ten questions measured learning in the capstone course (current learning), and the remaining questions assessed learning from prerequisite courses (prior learning). Any year-to-year differences in test scores may be attributed to the effects of COVID-19.FindingsCurrent learning was exactly as hypothesized. It was highest in 2019 and lowest in 2020. Prior learning appeared to be completely unaffected by the pandemic. It increased slightly but insignificantly throughout the three years. The authors conclude that home–school boundary and border problems caused by the pandemic inhibited the ability of students to remember what they had recently learned but did not prevent them from demonstrating knowledge of information that they had acquired in pervious semesters.Originality/valueThe authors add value to the body of knowledge about the effects of COVID-19 on student learning because (1) our dependent variable is cognitive. Most other studies have modeled attitudinal dependent variables such as satisfaction; and (2) this sample is located within the United States. Most other research has utilized participants in other countries and their results may not generalize to the American context.
Patterns of international marketing strategy
Authors: Solberg Carl Arthur , Durrieu François 
Published: September 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to explore different strategic avenues in international markets. In particular, the authors investigate the role of four marketing tactics – marketing network, domestic network, standardization/adaptation and positioning. The authors aim at identifying optimal use of these strategic vehicles to achieve firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors construct a database of 132 Norwegian exporters and identify, through cluster analysis, three different categories of firms. They use multi-group analysis to explore strategy–performance pattern in each group.

Findings
All four strategic levers impact positively on the performance, but only two of them (marketing networks and positioning) with major impact. Standardization and domestic networks play a minor role. Based on these strategic levers, the authors identify three strategic groups (opportunists, networks seekers and global marketers) with different optimal export strategy patterns. The authors argue that these groups represent firms in different stages, epitomizing a learning process in three stages.

Research limitations/implications
A broader perspective of strategy variables should be included to get a more complete picture of the “optimal” model for different groups of exporters. Other marketing mix factors and the firm’s stance toward governance in international markets (operation modes) should therefore be included in the repertoire of strategy drivers determining group membership and to analyse their pattern.

Practical implications
Opportunists are advised to focus on positioning through domestic network relations; network seekers should concentrate on building marketing networks. Global marketers may carry out standardization strategies – preferably in collaboration with their marketing partners in export markets. For the two other groups, there is no evidence that speak in favour of such approach, nor for its counterpart, adaptation. For export promotion agencies, the authors suggest enhanced support to establish network partners.

Originality/value
The authors introduce strategic levers not yet explored in the export literature. Furthermore, they use a contingency causal approach to explain differences in strategy development (in international markets) and the link with performance.
A comparative study on determinants of housing mortgage prepayment of individual borrowers
Authors: Lee Sang Won , Ryu Su Bok , Kim Tae Young , Jeon Jin Q. 
Published: September 2022

This paper examines how the macroeconomic environment affects the determinants of prepayment of mortgage loans from October 2004 to February 2020. For more accurate analysis, the authors define the timing of prepayment not only before the loan maturity but also at the time when 50% or more of the loan principal is repaid. The results show that, during the global financial crisis as well as the recent period of low interest rates, macroeconomic variables such as interest rate spreads and housing prices have a different effect compared to the normal situation. Also, significant explanatory variables, such as debt to income (DTI) ratio, loan amount ratio and poor credit score, have different effects depending on the macroenvironment. On the other hand, in all periods, the possibility of prepayment increases as comprehensive loan to value (CLTV) increases, and the younger the age, the shorter the loan maturity. The results suggest that, in the case of ultralong (40 years) mortgage loans recently introduced to support young people purchasing houses, the prepayment risk can be, at least partially, migrated by offsetting the increase in prepayment by young people and the decrease in prepayment due to long loan maturity. In addition, this study confirms that the accelerated time failure model compared to the logit model and COX proportional risk model has the potential to be more appropriate as a prepayment model for individual borrower analysis in terms of the explanatory power.
How strong is your social capital? Interactions in a non-transparent entrepreneurial ecosystem
Authors: Oladele Seun , Laosebikan Johnson , Oladele Femi , Adigun Oluwatimileyin , Ogunlusi Christopher 
Published: September 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the strength and value-relevance of social capital in an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) provides a new perspective to explaining the configurations and interactions that shape entrepreneurial outcomes in regions. Research on the nature of interactions in EEs is still an ongoing debate. The authors draw from “organisational fields” studies to critically examine the interactions among actors in a non-transparent EE using the case of the Lagos region.

Design/methodology/approach
The methodology is based on a qualitative study of 40 semi-structured interviews with various ecosystem actors in the Lagos region, including financiers, government officials, universities, founders and venture capitalists. Additionally, data from the semi-structured interviews were triangulated with data obtained from a two-day focus group discussion Summit where Lagos’ EE issues were raised. This study analysed both data using thematic analysis.

Findings
This study suggests that in a non-transparent EE, four types of interactions are apparent: collaborative, stratified, clustered and unleveraged. Authors argue that in a non-transparent EE, there are blockages and distortions in the flow of resources to entrepreneurs and a higher proportion of entrepreneurs are unable to plug into the ecosystem to extract value for their businesses without a strong social capital.

Practical implications
The authors argue that entrepreneurs require deliberate effort to improve structural and relational social capital to plug into their ecosystem to extract value for their businesses.

Originality/value
The focus on interaction in a non-transparent EE is a novel approach to studying interactions within EEs. In addition, the study is an early attempt to explore entrepreneurial interactions within the Lagos region.
A pathway to virtual team performance in the New Normal paradigm
Authors: Mahtta Mahek , Pillai Rajasshrie , Gunasekaran Angappa , Sivathanu Brijesh , Kaushik Neeraj 
Published: September 2022

PurposeIn the postpandemic era, organizations have planned a combination of on-site and virtual work to portray the “New Normal”. The authors aim to analyze the effect of virtual team (VT)-building strategies on virtual team performance and HR performance in the “New Normal” context. This study aims to explore the drivers and barriers to VT performance and its contribution to HR performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized the grounded theory approach. Semistructured interviews with 114 VT leaders of national and multinational companies in India were conducted and NVivo 8.0 software was used to analyze data.FindingsVT-building strategies contribute to VT collaboration and subsequently to VT performance. It was found that VT-building strategies catalyze VT collaboration which is impacted by the drivers and barriers of VTs, affecting VT performance and HR performance.Practical implicationsThe primary contribution of this work is the development of a framework that delivers important insights to VT leaders, talent managers, HR professionals and academicians.Originality/valueThis study uniquely examines the VT-building strategies and VT performance through the “New Normal” paradigm lens. This study proposes a conceptual model for VT performance and HR performance. It also provides the team-building strategies, drivers and barriers for VT performance. This work offers the roadmap to achieve VT performance and HR performance. This research also contributes to the human resource management literature by discussing the VT performance and HR performance in the “New Normal” paradigm. It provides insights to VT leaders, talent managers, HR professionals and academicians.
A qualitative evaluation of staff experience in the delivery of a co-produced consultation service for personality disorder
Authors: Smith Holly , Finamore Chloe , Blazdell Julia , Dale Oliver 
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Consultation services are recommended to support mental health staff working with service users diagnosable with personality disorder. However, there is scarce literature examining the impact of delivering and receiving consultation services. This study aims to investigate the impact of a pilot co-produced consultation service aiding clinical teams in the engagement of service users diagnosable with personality disorder.

Design/methodology/approach
This is a qualitative evaluation using a focus group and five semi-structured interviews to explore the experience of delivering and receiving the consultation service. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Clinical and demographic characteristics were obtained on service users referred.

Findings
The consultation staff focus group produced two overarching themes: “Disrupting the system” and “Mirroring the service and the service users consulted”. The staff consultee semi-structured interviews produced two overarching themes: “Experience of working with personality disorder” and “Experience of the consultation service”. Staff described working with personality disorder as challenging. The consultation process was experienced as a helpful and reassuring space to gain a new perspective on the work. However, the service was felt to be limited; in that, it lacked follow-on treatment.

Originality/value
This study adds to the body of literature on consultation for service users diagnosable with personality disorder and demonstrates its function in service provision. It sheds light on staff experience of delivering and receiving a consultation service, including the use of a co-production model.
The differences between students’ fixed and growth mindsets: a case of study tour between Hong Kong and Canada
Authors: Sum Carmen , Lau Yui-yip , Chan Ivy 
Published: September 2022

PurposeThe paper aims to address the gap in the literature related to students’ mindsets and learning activities through investigation of the differences in students’ expectations of, feelings towards, and perceptions of an overseas study tour based on their mindset. The study provides an in-depth analysis of students with different mindsets and proposes the use of overseas tours and intercultural learning to foster students’ growth mindset.Design/methodology/approachAn overseas study tour hosted by a self-financing tertiary institution in Hong Kong was selected for investigation. 13 sub-degree students participated in the study tour during the summer term in 2018. Two types of primary data – quantitative (i.e., a questionnaire survey) and qualitative (i.e., in-depth interviews) – of fixed mindset and growth mindset students were collected for analysis.FindingsThe findings indicate differences in students’ expectations of, feelings towards, and perceptions of an overseas study tour depending on whether they demonstrate a fixed or growth mindset. The growth mindset students had more and higher expectations of the study tour, all of which were related to personal growth and development. The fixed mindset students did not have as much of a desire for personal development and their expectations were easily met. Both growth and fixed mindset students had positive feelings and perceptions of the tour.Originality/valueResearch on the application value of overseas study tours in helping students from self-financing tertiary institutions develop a growth mindset is scarce, and thus warrants further investigation.