bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homeostasis of metabolites in
Escherichia coli
on transition from anaerobic to aerobic conditions and the transient secretion of pyruvate
Authors: Yasid Nur Adeela , Rolfe Matthew D. , Green Jeffrey , Williamson Mike P.
Published: August 2016

We have developed a method for rapid quenching of samples taken from chemostat cultures of
Escherichia coli
that gives reproducible and reliable measurements of extracellular and intracellular metabolites by
1
H NMR and have applied it to study the major central metabolites during the transition from anaerobic to aerobic growth. Almost all metabolites showed a gradual change after perturbation with air, consistent with immediate inhibition of pyruvate formate-lyase, dilution of overflow metabolites and induction of aerobic enzymes. Surprisingly, although pyruvate showed almost no change in intracellular concentration, the extracellular concentration transiently increased. The absence of intracellular accumulation of pyruvate suggested that one or more glycolytic enzymes might relocate to the cell membrane. To test this hypothesis, chromosomal pyruvate kinase (
pykF
) was modified to express either PykF-green fluorescent protein or PykF-FLAG fusion proteins. Measurements showed that PykF-FLAG relocates to the cell membrane within 5 min of aeration and then slowly returns to the cytoplasm, suggesting that on aeration, PykF associates with the membrane to facilitate secretion of pyruvate to maintain constant intracellular levels.
Machine learning as a tool for predicting insincere effort in power grips
Authors: Hahn Peter , Cenik Eren , Prommersberger Karl-Josef , Mühldorfer-Fodor Marion
Published: August 2016

Background

It was not possible to detect the common problem of insincere grip effort in grip strength evaluation until now. The usually used JAMAR dynamometer has low sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing between maximal and submaximal effort. The manugraphy system may give additional information to the dynamometer measurements used to assess grip force, as it also measures the load distribution of the hand while it grips a cylinder. Until now, the data of load distribution evaluation were analyzed by comparing discrete variables (e.g., load values of a defined area). From another point of view, the results of manugraphy measurements form a pattern. Analyzing patterns is a typical domain of machine learning.

Methods

We used data from several studies that assessed load distribution with maximal and submaximal effort. They consisted of 2016 total observations, including 324 patterns of submaximal effort. The rest were from grips with maximal effort. After preparation and feature selection, XGBoost machine learning was used for classification of the patterns.

Findings

After applying machine learning to the given data, we were able to predict submaximal grip effort based on the inherent pattern with a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 100%.

Interpretation

Using techniques from applied predictive modeling, submaximal effort in grip strength testing could be detected with high accuracy through load distribution analysis. Machine learning is a suitable method for recognizing altered grip patterns.
High-resolution DNA accessibility profiles increase the discovery and interpretability of genetic associations
Authors: Madar Aviv , Chang Diana , Gao Feng , Sams Aaron J. , Waldman Yedael Y. , Cunninghame Graham Deborah S. , Vyse Timothy J. , Clark Andrew G. , Keinan Alon
Published: August 2016

Genetic risk for common autoimmune diseases is influenced by hundreds of small effect, mostly non-coding variants, enriched in regulatory regions active in adaptive-immune cell types. DNaseI hypersensitivity sites (DHSs) are a genomic mark for regulatory DNA. Here, we generated a single DHSs annotation from fifteen deeply sequenced DNase-seq experiments in adaptive-immune as well as non-immune cell types. Using this annotation we quantified accessibility across cell types in a matrix format amenable to statistical analysis, deduced the subset of DHSs unique to adaptive-immune cell types, and grouped DHSs by cell-type accessibility profiles. Measuring enrichment with cell-type-specific TF binding sites as well as proximal gene expression and function, we show that accessibility profiles grouped DHSs into coherent regulatory functions. Using the adaptive-immune-specific DHSs as input (0.37% of genome), we associated DHSs to six autoimmune diseases with GWAS data. Associated loci showed higher replication rates when compared to loci identified by GWAS or by considering all DHSs, allowing the additional discovery of 327 loci (FDR<0.005) below typical GWAS significance threshold, 52 of which are novel and replicating discoveries. Finally, we integrated DHS associations from six autoimmune diseases, using a network model (bird’-eye view) and a regulatory Manhattan plot schema (per locus). Taken together, we described and validated a strategy to leverage finely resolved regulatory priors, enhancing the discovery, interpretability, and resolution of genetic associations, and providing actionable insights for follow up work.
ResistoMap — online visualization of human gut microbiota antibiotic resistome
Authors: Yarygin Konstantin , Kovarsky Boris , Bibikova Tatyana , Melnikov Damir , Tyakht Alexander , Alexeev Dmitry
Published: August 2016

We created ResistoMap — a Web-based interactive visualization of the presence of genetic determinants conferring resistance to antibiotics, biocides and heavy metals in human gut microbiota. ResistoMap displays the data about more than 1600 published gut metagenomes of the world populations including both healthy subjects and patients. Multiparameter display filters allow visual assessment of the associations between the meta-data and proportions of resistome. The geographic map navigation layer allows to state hypotheses regarding the global trends of antibiotic resistance and correlate the gut resistome variations with the national clinical guidelines on antibiotics application.

Availability and implementation

ResistoMap is publicly available athttp://resistomap.datalaboratory.ru
What the Success of Brain Imaging Implies about the Neural Code
Authors: Guest Olivia , Love Bradley C.
Published: August 2016

The success of fMRI places constraints on the nature of the neural code. The fact that researchers can infer similarities between neural representations, despite limitations in what fMRI measures, implies that certain neural coding schemes are more likely than others. For fMRI to be successful given its low temporal and spatial resolution, the neural code must be smooth at the sub-voxel and functional level such that similar stimuli engender similar internal representations. Through proof and simulation, we evaluate a number of reasonable coding schemes and demonstrate that only a subset are plausible given both fMRI’s successes and its limitations in measuring neural activity. Deep neural network approaches, which have been forwarded as computational accounts of the ventral stream, are consistent with the success of fMRI, though functional smoothness breaks down in the later network layers. These results have implications for the nature of neural code and ventral stream, as well as what can be successfully investigated with fMRI.
PAPCcouples the Segmentation Clock to somite morphogenesis by regulating N-cadherin dependent adhesion
Authors: Chal Jérome , Guillot Charlène , Pourquié Olivier
Published: August 2016

Vertebrate segmentation is characterized by the periodic formation of epithelial somites from the mesenchymal presomitic mesoderm (PSM). How the rhythmic signaling pulse delivered by the Segmentation Clock is translated into the periodic morphogenesis of somites remains poorly understood. Here, we focused on the role ofParaxial protocadherin(PAPC/Pcdh8) in this process. We show that in chicken and mouse embryos, PAPC expression is tightly regulated by the Clock and Wavefront system in the posterior PSM. We observed that PAPC exhibits a striking complementary pattern to N-Cadherin (CDH2), marking the interface of the future somite boundary in the anterior PSM. Gain and loss of function ofPAPCin chicken embryos disrupt somite segmentation by altering the CDH2-dependent epithelialization of PSM cells. Our data suggest that clathrin-mediated endocytosis is increased in PAPC expressing cells, subsequently affecting CDH2 internalization in the anterior compartment of the future somite. This in turn generates a differential adhesion interface, allowing formation of the acellular fissure that defines the somite boundary. Thus periodic expression of PAPC downstream of the Segmentation Clock triggers rhythmic endocytosis of CDH2, allowing for segmental de-adhesion and individualization of somites.
Molecular signatures associated with ZIKV exposure in human cortical neural progenitors
Authors: Zhang Feiran , Hammack Christy , Ogden Sarah C. , Cheng Yichen , Lee Emily M. , Wen Zhexing , Qian Xuyu , Nguyen Ha Nam , Li Yujing , Yao Bing , Xu Miao , Xu Tianlei , Chen Li , Wang Zhiqin , Feng Hao , Huang Wei-Kai , Yoon Ki-jun , Shan Chao , Huang Luoxiu , Qin Zhaohui , Christian Kimberly M. , Shi Pei-Yong , Xu Mingjiang , Xia Menghang , Zheng Wei , Wu Hao , Song Hongjun , Tang Hengli , Ming Guo-Li , Jin Peng
Published: August 2016

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection causes microcephaly and has been linked to other brain abnormalities. How ZIKV impairs brain development and function is unclear. Here we systematically profiled transcriptomes of human neural progenitor cells exposed to Asian ZIKVC, African ZIKVM, and dengue virus (DENV). In contrast to the robust global transcriptome changes induced by DENV, ZIKV has a more selective and larger impact on expression of genes involved in DNA replication and repair. While overall expression profiles are similar, ZIKVC, but not ZIKVM, induces upregulation of viral response genes and TP53. P53 inhibitors can block the apoptosis induced by both ZIKVCand ZIKVMin hNPCs, with higher potency against ZIKVC-induced apoptosis. Our analyses reveal virus- and strain-specific molecular signatures associated with ZIKV infection. These datasets will help to investigate ZIKV-host interactions and identify neurovirulence determinants of ZIKV.
Network Identification Methods
Authors: Chang Young Hwan , Clair Tomlin J. ,   ICBP Member
Published: August 2016

Recently, network inference algorithms have grown tremendously in the field of systems biology because network identification is essential for understanding relationships between regulation mechanisms for genes, elucidating functional mechanisms underlying cellular processes, as well as identifying molecular targets for discoveries in medicines. This article provides a brief overview of different approaches used to identify biological networks and reviews recent advances in network identification.
The evolution of business ethics research in the realm of tourism and hospitality
Authors: Köseoglu Mehmet Ali , Sehitoglu Yasin , Ross Gary , Parnell John A.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate how business ethics research is progressing in the tourism and hospitality (T/H) industries and suggest a research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies bibliometric analysis to articles related to business ethics topics in the T/H fields published between 1995 and 2014 in six, nine and five leading hospitality-, tourism- and business ethics-oriented journals, respectively.

Findings

This study provides a broad view on business ethics research in the T/H fields based on leading authors, institutions, themes and methods used over the past two decades.

Research limitations/implications

This study assesses the progress of business ethics research in the hospitality and tourism fields. Only articles published in select, prominent Social Sciences Citation Index journals were analyzed.

Practical implications

This analysis focuses on published articles related to business ethics in the T/H fields. As such, it facilitates researchers, academic scholars and professionals in contributing to the field more effectively and advancing scientific progress in the literature. It aids practitioners by evaluating the extent to which scholars have investigated key issues in the field.

Originality/value

This study is the first to utilize bibliometric analysis to assess business ethics research focusing on T/H activities published in leading tourism, hospitality and business ethics journals.
Environmental management strategy and organizational citizenship behaviors in the hotel industry
Authors: Yoon Donghwan , Jang Jichul , Lee JungHoon (Jay)
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Recently, the hotel industry has increased its adoption of environmental management practices. Because the research on hotel environmental management often overlooks organizational factors, this study aims to investigate the effects of an environmental management strategy (EMS) on organizational citizenship behavior and tested the mediating roles of organizational trust and commitment in explaining those effects.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey of US hotel employees yielded 373 complete responses. Data were analyzed with structural equation modeling.

Findings

EMS positively affected organizational trust and commitment, which ultimately influenced organizational citizenship behavior. Furthermore, organizational trust and commitment fully mediated the relationship between EMS and organizational citizenship behavior.

Practical implications

The results establish the foundation for applying EMS in organizational operations. The findings can benefit managers, as they show how hotel firms’ prosocial practices can enhance employees’ positive behaviors.

Originality/value

Despite the importance of employee attitudes and behaviors, little is known about the mechanism by which employees perceive the influence of an EMS on organizational citizenship behaviors. Therefore, the study examined organizational trust and commitment as mediators of the relationship between EMS and organizational citizenship behavior.
Factors affecting memorability of service failures: a longitudinal analysis
Authors: Kim Jong-Hyeong , Jang SooCheong (Shawn)
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This study aims to identify the influences that lead to better memorability of a service by focusing on type of service failure, recovery condition and frequency of occurring.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quasi-experimental design in which customers answered questions about a restaurant they had recently patronized and then evaluated experimentally generated failure and recovery scenarios. Two follow-up contacts were made (by phone and e-mail) to assess their memory of the imagined service failures stimulated by the scenarios. Participants were asked how clearly and vividly they could recollect the service failure and to indicate their behavioral intentions at the time of recall.

Findings

The type of service failure and the subsequent recovery efforts significantly affect whether negative service experiences are memorable. Specifically, individuals showed a higher likelihood of vividly recalling a core service failure than an interactional one. Moreover, service recoveries were found to be helpful in decreasing the memorability of service failures, and that they were effective in decreasing the resulting negative customer behavioral intentions (i.e. switching behaviors and negative word-of-mouth). However, frequently occurred service failures did not significantly influence the memorability of the failures.

Practical implications

The current study suggested what characteristics of service failures and situations lead to strong memorability and significantly affect future behavior. Thus, the findings provide important implications for avoiding and handling the failures that trigger strong memorability.

Originality/value

Previous researchers have emphasized on the importance and urgency of preventing critical service failures. However, it is still unclear what type of service failures and/or factors are critical ones. The current study expands the knowledge by incorporating service failures with memory and investigates the characteristics of memorable service failures, which are likely to be remembered more vividly.
Antecedents and outcomes of marketing innovation
Authors: Nieves Julia , Diaz-Meneses Gonzalo
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of knowledge resources on marketing innovation and the way learning capability mediates this relationship. In addition, it evaluates the effect of marketing innovation on the financial performance of hotel firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from a survey conducted in companies that operate hotel establishments are analyzed using structural equation modelling (SEM). The SEM technique makes it possible to evaluate the multiple and intersected relationships existing among the variables under study.

Findings

Collective knowledge has a direct influence on marketing innovation and an indirect effect through the learning capability, but the influence of the knowledge held by individuals on marketing innovation is exercised through the learning capability. In turn, both the learning capability and marketing innovation favor the financial performance of hotel firms.

Research limitations/implications

The study shows that intangible resources play an important role in achieving marketing innovation and financial performance. Because the hospitality industry is composed of firms with different characteristics, it would be relevant to confirm the model in other hospitality businesses. Future studies could analyze possible links between marketing innovation and other types of performance.

Practical implications

Hotel firms can reach higher performance levels if they invest in developing the employees’ knowledge and, fundamentally, in fomenting a higher level of collective knowledge related to the business environment in general. Likewise, the learning capability plays a relevant role in achieving performance in hotels firms.

Originality/value

To date, studies on innovation in the field of hospitality have mainly focused on developing new services, while other types of innovation, such as marketing innovation, have taken a backseat. Likewise, the hospitality literature has paid little attention to knowledge assets. This study deals with both topics, analyzing knowledge resources and the learning capability as possible antecedents of marketing innovation activities. Furthermore, the effect of marketing innovation on the firm’s performance is evaluated.
Workload, generic and work–family specific social supports and job stress
Authors: Mansour Sari , Tremblay Diane-Gabrielle
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The present study aims to investigate the mediating role of work–family conflict (WFC) and family–work conflict (FWC) on the effects of workload and the generic and specific work–family social support in job stress.

Design/methodology/approach

Using AMOS 20 through bootstrap analysis for indirect effect, the study assessed the abovementioned relationships based on data collected from 258 respondents in the hospitality industry in Quebec.

Findings

The findings indicate that workload increases job stress via WFC and FWC. Both generic and specific work–family social support decrease job stress through WFC and FWC. Organizational support for reconciling work and family life is more significant than generic supervisor support. Family support reduces job stress via WFC but not via FWC.

Research limitations/implications

In future studies, it would be interesting to explore the effects of variables such as gender, marital status, hotel category and the job category, as well as cultural origin.

Practical implications

The results of this research should alert employers in the hospitality industry to engage in family-friendly policies that include not only practices such as working time arrangements, family leave and onsite child care services, but also to be committed to create a family-friendly culture and to adopt the best forms of supportive policies at work.

Originality/value

By emphasizing cross-domain effects, the present research contributes to the existing knowledge by testing the mediating role of WFC and FWC in the effects of workload and various resources of social support on job stress.
Making the business process outsourcing decision: why distance matters
Authors: Gerbl Martina , McIvor Ronan , Humphreys Paul
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework that incorporates both firm- and process-level factors for understanding location distance choice in the business process outsourcing (BPO) decision.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved undertaking in-depth case study analysis of a number of BPO decisions in six German companies, and employing transaction cost economics (TCE) and the resource-based view (RBV) as a theoretical basis.

Findings

The findings have shown that existing literature in the operations management (OM) literature does not provide a complete understanding of the complexities of location distance choice in the BPO decision. This decision requires an understanding of a range of factors at both the firm- and process-level. The findings here enhance the understanding of how these factors interact to influence the potential distance options.

Practical implications

The findings have shown how organisations can influence the factors that affect the location distance choice including modularising business processes, developing outsourcing capabilities, and supplementing internal skills in areas such as cultural management and performance monitoring.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies in the OM field to analyse how organisations make the decision in relation to local, nearshore, and offshore location distance options. The paper has highlighted the importance of OM concepts such as performance management and continuous improvement to this phenomenon, and the paper has offered a number of important areas for further research.
Service employees’ fit, work-family conflict, and work engagement
Authors: Karatepe Osman M. , Karadas Georgiana
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Using person–job fit, congruence and conservation of resources theories as the theoretical underpinnings, the purpose of this study is to propose and test a research model that investigates work-family conflict and family–work conflict as mediators of the impact of person–job fit on work engagement. The model also examines the mediating role of work engagement in the relationship between conflicts in the work–family interface and life satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Data gathered from frontline hotel employees two weeks apart in three waves in Romania were utilized to assess the abovementioned relationships via structural equation modeling.

Findings

Two directions of conflict act as partial mediators between person–job fit and work engagement. Work engagement fully mediates the relationship between work–family conflict and life satisfaction, while it functions as a partial mediator of the effect of family–work conflict on life satisfaction.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to current knowledge by investigating the interrelationships of person–job fit, two directions of conflict, work engagement and life satisfaction.
The evolution of brand personality: an application of online travel agencies
Authors: Ha Hong-Youl
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This study aims to assess how continuous outcomes of brand personality vary as a function of time and other predictors. Specifically, the author investigates the roles of brand trust on the direct influence of brand personality, resulting in brand loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a longitudinal study of online travel consumers, the author demonstrates that the process of brand evolution is related to the investigation of both temporal and carryover effects.

Findings

The findings show that the effect of the brand personality–brand trust linkage decreases over time and leads to the re-evaluation of three dimensions of brand personality when changes in consumers’ perceptions are involved in brand evaluations. Another interesting finding is that the carryover effects of these three dimensions of brand personality are much stronger and stable than the effects of brand personality and brand loyalty. Furthermore, this research uncovers the important boundary conditions for the effects of brand trust on the brand personality–brand loyalty linkage.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the growing literature on tourism management by examining both temporal and carryover effects and using the longitudinal approach. Thus, our study extends prior findings by examining the dynamics of brand personality as determinants of brand loyalty as they develop over time.
Retrospective: tracking the impact of communications effectiveness on client satisfaction, trust and loyalty in professional services
Authors: Patterson Paul
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the motivation for the 1999 paper “The impact of communication effectiveness and service quality on relationship commitment in consumer, professional services”. In doing so, it is argued that today, the importance and relevance of effective interpersonal communications to managing client relationship have never been greater. Further, this paper updates developments in this area, and importantly, offers directions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reflects on the motivation and rationale of the original paper and brings to bear relevant developments in the services marketing literature in the past 15-20 years.

Findings

As the professional services sector continues to grow in all economies, the credence properties and asymmetrical nature of information flow between provider and client means that the pivotal role of effective interpersonal communications in developing and nurturing client relations continues to grow in importance. Subsequent research has examined communications style; the impact of communications in a business-to-business professional services context and linked it to client psychological comfort, co-production and value co-creation, client engagement, client experience management and empowerment.

Practical implications

For professional service practitioners, the findings serve as a reminder that clients, especially first-time clients, have difficulty in evaluating the outcome quality and value-for-fee paid even after purchase and consumption of the service. Hence, it serves as a reminder that interpersonal communication has a pivotal role to play in influencing client perceptions of both outcome (“what” was produced) and process quality (“how” it was produced), that is their total experience.

Originality/value

The original paper was cited numerous times and generated broader thinking on the role of effective interpersonal communications in a number of areas of services marketing.
Editorial: the importance of the snappy title
Authors: Russell-Bennett Rebekah , Baron Steve
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the role that journal article titles play in engaging the reader.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper build on previous commentaries to provide evidence for the role of the title.

Findings

A snappy title acts as a device to capture attention and generate interest in an article. This is the first step to engaging the reader with the article content.

Originality/value

This editorial focuses attention on a crucial aspect of an individual’s publication strategy which can easily be overlooked or simply not given sufficient consideration.
The message and the messenger
Authors: Kellner Ashlea , Townsend Keith , Wilkinson Adrian , Greenfield David , Lawrence Sandra
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop understanding of the “HRM process” as defined by Bowen and Ostroff (2004). The authors clarify the construct of “HRM philosophy” and suggest it is communicated to employees through “HRM messages”. Interrelationships between these concepts and other elements of the HRM-performance relationship are explored. The study identifies commonalities in the HRM philosophy and messages underscoring high-performing HRM systems, and highlights the function of a “messenger” in delivering messages to staff.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study of eight Australian hospitals with top performing HRM systems. Combines primary interview data with independent healthcare accreditor reports.

Findings

All cases share an HRM philosophy of achieving high-performance outcomes through the HRM system and employees are provided with messages about continuous improvement, best practice and innovation. The philosophy was instilled primarily by executive-level managers, whereby distinctiveness, consensus and consistency of communications were important characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by: omission of low or average performers; a single industry and country design; and exclusion of employee perspectives.

Practical implications

The findings reinforce the importance of identifying the HRM philosophy and its key communicators within the organisation, and ensuring it is aligned with strategy, climate and the HRM system, particularly during periods of organisational change.

Originality/value

The authors expand Bowen and Ostroff’s seminal work and develop the concepts of HRM philosophy and messages, offering the model to clarify key relationships. The findings underscore problems associated with a best practice approach that disregards HRM process elements essential for optimising performance.
Organizational virtuousness and spontaneity: a social identity view
Authors: Tsachouridi Irene , Nikandrou Irene
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the direct and indirect effect of perceived organizational virtuousness (POV) on organizational spontaneity. The assumed indirect effect is investigated through the social identity perspective. As such, organizational identification, pride and respect are examined as mediators of the POV-spontaneity relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypotheses the authors conducted two studies. First, the authors conducted an experimental study with 136 participants in which the authors investigated the role of organizational identification as mediator of the examined relationship. Second, the authors conducted a field study in which 572 employees working in various organizations participated. In this study, pride and respect were incorporated as first-step mediators explaining serially (indirectly) the relationship between the independent and the dependent variable through organizational identification.

Findings

The findings of the experimental study indicate that organizational identification mediates the positive relationship between POV and organizational spontaneity. The results of the field study indicate that pride and respect serially mediate the examined relationship through organizational identification.

Practical implications

The study accumulates further evidence that treating employees with care and respect can bring benefits to organizations. Perceiving organizational virtuousness makes employees identify with their organization and view organizational successes as their own. Thus, they become more willing to benefit the organization.

Originality/value

This study is unique to the literature by being the first to examine the relationship between POV and organizational spontaneity through social identity processes.
Dense water plumes modulate richness and productivity of deep sea microbes
Authors: Luna Gian Marco , Chiggiato Jacopo , Quero Grazia Marina , Schroeder Katrin , Bongiorni Lucia , Kalenitchenko Dimitri , Galand Pierre E.
Published: August 2016

Growing evidence indicates that dense water formation and flow over the continental shelf is a globally relevant oceanographic process, potentially affecting microbial assemblages down to the deep ocean. However, the extent and consequences of this influence have yet to be investigated. Here it is shown that dense water propagation to the deep ocean increases the abundance of prokaryotic plankton, and stimulates carbon production and organic matter degradation rates. Dense waters spilling off the shelf modifies community composition of deep sea microbial assemblages, leading to the increased relevance of taxa likely originating from the sea surface and the seafloor. This phenomenon can be explained by a combination of factors that interplay during the dense waters propagation, such as the transport of surface microbes to the ocean floor (delivering in our site 0.1 megatons of C), the stimulation of microbial metabolism due to increased ventilation and nutrients availability, the sediment re‐suspension, and the mixing with ambient waters along the path. Thus, these results highlight a hitherto unidentified role for dense currents flowing over continental shelves in influencing deep sea microbes. In light of climate projections, this process will affect significantly the microbial functioning and biogeochemical cycling of large sectors of the ocean interior.
Composition and emission dynamics of migratory locust volatiles in response to changes in developmental stages and population density
Authors: Wei Jianing , Shao Wenbo , Wang Xianhui , Ge Jin , Chen Xiangyong , Yu Dan , Kang Le
Published: August 2016

Chemical communication plays an important role in density‐dependent phase change in locusts. However, the volatile components and emission patterns of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, are largely unknown. In this study, we identified the chemical compositions and emission dynamics of locust volatiles from the body and feces and associated them with developmental stages, sexes and phase changes. The migratory locust shares a number of volatile components with the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria), but the emission dynamics of the two locust species are significantly different. The body odors of the gregarious nymphs in the migratory locust consisted of phenylacetonitrile (PAN), benzaldehyde, guaiacol, phenol, aliphatic acids and 2,3‐butanediol, and PAN was the dominant volatile. Volatiles from the fecal pellets of the nymphs primarily consist of guaiacol and phenol. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed significant differences in the volatile profiles between gregarious and solitary locusts. PAN and 4‐vinylanisole concentrations were significantly higher in gregarious individuals than in solitary locusts. Gregarious mature males released significantly higher amounts of PAN and 4‐vinylanisole during adulthood than mature females and immature adults of both sexes. Furthermore, PAN and 4‐vinylanisole were completely lost in gregarious nymphs during the solitarization process, but were obtained by solitary nymphs during gregarization. The amounts of benzaldehyde, guaiacol and phenol only unidirectionally decreased from solitary to crowded treatment. Aliphatic aldehydes (C7 to C10), which were previously reported as locust volatiles, are now identified as environmental contaminants. Therefore, our results illustrate the precise odor profiles of migratory locusts during developmental stages, sexes and phase change. However, the function and role of PAN and other aromatic compounds during phase transition need further investigation.
Comparative study of strategies for preventing post‐ERCP pancreatitis after early precut sphincterotomy for biliary access
Authors: Ang Tiing Leong , Kwek Andrew Boon Eu , Song Mingjun , Li James Weiquan , Thurairajah Prem Harichander
Published: August 2016

Objective

Needle knife precut sphincterotomy (PS) during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been associated with a high risk of post‐ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). This study aimed to examine the effect of no prophylaxis, somatostatin, rectal diclofenac and pancreatic duct (PD) stenting in reducing rates of PEP in patients who underwent early PS.

Methods

This was a retrospective comparative study and the study period was from January 2006 to December 2015. A standardized approach to early PS was used: (i) inadvertent guidewire cannulation of the PD > thrice; (ii) impacted bile duct stone; (iii) inability to achieve deep cannulation within 10 min. PEP prophylactic measures included: (i) none when there was minimal papilla trauma; (ii) somatostatin infusion; (iii) rectal diclofenac; (iv) PD stent. The difference in rates of PEP between the different strategies was analysed.

Results

During the study period, PS was performed in 191 ERCP patients (mean age 66 years; 56.5% males). The ERCP success rate after PS was 93.2% (178/191). Overall the PEP rate was 3.1% (6/191) and the severity in all cases was mild. PEP occurred in 6.1% of patients with PD cannulation but not in those without (P = 0.016). PEP rates were 1.8%, 7.3%, 1.8% and 0% in control, somatostatin, diclofenac and PD stenting groups, respectively (P = 0.209).

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in PEP rates after early PS whether or not prophylactic measures were adopted if there was minimal papilla trauma. A trend towards lower PEP rates was observed in patients who had either rectal diclofenac or PD stenting, compared to somatostatin.
Patient‐controlled bolus femoral nerve block after knee arthroplasty: quadriceps recovery, analgesia, local anesthetic consumption
Authors: Sakai N. , Nakatsuka M. , Tomita T.
Published: August 2016

Background

Continuous femoral nerve block (cFNB) induces quadriceps muscle weakness, but patient‐controlled femoral nerve block (PCFNB) can provide analgesia with lower consumption of local anesthetics compared to cFNB. We hypothesized that cFNB followed by PCFNB leads to accelerated recovery of quadriceps weakness after total knee arthroplasty compared to cFNB alone. Secondary outcomes were local anesthetic consumption, pain, and mobilization.

Methods

Fifty‐six subjects received post‐operative cFNB for 24 h and then randomized to receive either cFNB (basal infusion of 6 ml/h using a dummy bolus button; n = 27) or PCFNB (bolus infusion of 3 ml with a lockout time of 30 min and no basal infusion; n = 29) using 0.08% levobupivacaine for the subsequent 24 h in a double‐blind manner (registration: UMIN000010105). Quadriceps strength was assessed using a hand‐held dynamometer. The percentage change from baseline was compared between groups.

Results

Quadriceps strength at 48 h was 47.3 ± 18.3% in the cFNB group and 49.7 ± 15.7% in the PCFNB group (95% confidence interval −7.0–11.9%, P = 0.61). Local anesthetic consumption during the post‐operative period was significantly lower in the PCFNB group compared to the cFNB group (102 ± 10.8 ml vs.146 ± 4.6 ml; P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in any of the other outcomes, including pain scores at rest and during knee rehabilitation.

Conclusion

Continuous femoral nerve block followed by PCFNB does not improve quadriceps strength recovery time compared to cFNB alone after total knee arthroplasty, but similar analgesic effects were demonstrated with reduced levobupivacaine consumption.
Counter‐perfume: using pheromones to prevent female remating
Authors: Malouines Clara
Published: August 2016

Strong selection to secure paternity in polyandrous species leads to the evolution of numerous chemicals in the male's seminal content. These include antiaphrodisiac pheromones, which are transmitted from the male to the female during mating to render her unattractive to subsequent males. An increasing number of species have been shown to use these chemicals. Herein, I examine the taxonomic distribution of species using antiaphrodisiac pheromones, the selection pressures driving their evolution in both males and females, and the ecological interactions in which these pheromones are involved. The literature review shows a highly skewed distribution of antiaphrodisiac use; all species currently known to use them are insects with the exception of the garter snakes Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis and T. radix. Nonetheless, many taxa have not yet been tested for the presence of antiaphrodisiacs, in groups both closely and distantly related to species known to express them. Within the Insecta, there have been multiple cases of convergent evolution of antiaphrodisiac pheromones using different chemical compounds and methods of transmission. Antiaphrodisiacs usually benefit males, but their effect on females is variable as they can either prevent them from mating multiple times or help them reduce male harassment when they are unreceptive. Some indirect costs of antiaphrodisiacs also impact both males and females, but more research is needed to determine how general this pattern is. Additional research is also important to understand how antiaphrodisiacs interact with the reproductive biology and sexual communication in different species.
Children and young people's views on access to a web‐based application to support personal management of long‐term conditions: a qualitative study
Authors: Huby K. , Swallow V. , Smith T. , Carolan I.
Published: August 2016

Background

An exploration of children and young people's views on a proposed web‐based application to support personal management of chronic kidney disease at home is important for developing resources that meet their needs and preferences.

Methods

As part of a wider study to develop and evaluate a web‐based information and support application for parents managing their child's chronic kidney disease, qualitative interviews were conducted with 26 children and young people aged 5–17 years. Interviews explored their views on content of a proposed child and young person‐appropriate application to support personal management of their condition. Data were analysed by using framework technique and self‐efficacy theory.

Results

One overarching theme of Access and three subthemes (information, accessibility and normalization) were identified. Information needed to be clear and accurate, age appropriate and secure. Access to Wi‐Fi was essential to utilize information and retain contact with peers. For some, it was important to feel ‘normal’ and so they would choose not to access any care information when outside of the hospital as this reduced their ability to feel normal.

Conclusion

Developing a web‐based application that meets children and young peoples' information and support needs will maximize its utility and enhance the effectiveness of home‐based clinical caregiving, therefore contributing to improved outcomes for patients.
Investigating offering of vegetables by caregivers of preschool age children
Authors: Holley C. E , Farrow C. , Haycraft E.
Published: August 2016

Background

Research into the methods which caregivers use to encourage children to eat vegetables is limited, with minimal evidence about what the barriers are to offering these foods. Vegetable consumption in children is typically low, and so gaining information on these factors is vital in order to develop further caregiver‐centred interventions to increase children's vegetable consumption. This study aimed to investigate the methods caregivers use to offer vegetables to preschool aged children, as well as the factors which influence whether and how caregivers present vegetables to their children.

Method

Seventeen caregivers with a preschool aged child participated in focus groups to assess these questions.

Results

Thematic analysis indicated that caregivers use a range of methods to offer their children vegetables, with these methods falling into three broad categories: behavioural/active methods, passive methods and food manipulations. Influences on caregiver offering which emerged from the focus groups formed four categories: information, cost, parent factors and child factors.

Conclusions

Together with large‐scale quantitative data, this information can be used to shape future interventions aiming to increase children's vegetable intake as well as to tailor advice given to caregivers striving to achieve a healthful diet for their children.
Optimal eigenvectors of spectral datasets: sequential selection from one set vs a collection from two sets
Authors: Amiri Morteza Maali , Amirshahi Seyed Hossein
Published: August 2016

In this paper, the influence of spectral datasets and the method of selection of the corresponding feature vectors on the compression and reconstruction of data is scrutinised. To fulfil this aim, two different sets of reflectance data with the least spectral similarity are selected from different sets of spectral databases and the most optimal eigenvectors are chosen using different strategies. Six and 12 arrangements of eigenvectors obtained from different individual or combined databases are then used for the compression of reflectance spectra of learning sets, as well as those that have not been used in extraction of eigenvectors. The validity of the desired reduced subspaces is assessed by computing the spectral errors between the actual and the reconstructed spectra of samples of learning sets. Moreover, the efficiencies of designed compressed subspaces are evaluated through the numbers of out‐of‐range reconstructed spectra, as well as the spectral and colorimetric deviations between the actual and compressed‐reconstructed reflectance spectra of samples of datasets that were not employed in learning sequence. The results show that in the restricted subspaces, i.e. six‐dimensional subspace, the most effective results are achieved when the reduced subspace is created from a collection of two separate sets of eigenvectors of two different datasets with the maximum degree of dissimilarity, and the reduced spaces that have been made from six eigenvectors of individual datasets lead to higher errors.
In‐situ transformation of iron‐bearing minerals in marshland‐derived paddy subsoil
Authors: Vogelsang V. , Fiedler S. , Jahn R. , Kaiser K.
Published: August 2016

Transformations of Fe‐bearing minerals under alternating redox conditions are not fully understood. In‐situ approaches under field conditions have rarely been used. We exposed mesh bags containing ferrihydrite, goethite or nontronite to changing redox conditions in subsoil that had been under paddy management for 100, 700 and 2000 years. After 12 months, the minerals were retrieved and analysed for organic carbon and by X‐ray diffraction; in addition, nontronite was analysed for cation exchange capacity and by Mössbauer spectroscopy at 278 and 4.2 K. Field exposure of the test minerals was complemented by measurements of soil redox potential and analyses of soil water. Minerals accumulated little organic carbon because of high pH and salinity. Goethite samples showed no changes in X‐ray diffraction patterns; therefore, they did not undergo detectable transformation, despite redox potentials frequently around −200 mV. Ferrihydrite transformed into more crystalline oxides, such as lepidocrocite, goethite and haematite. The extent of transformation, presumably by Fe2+‐catalysed recrystallization, increased with the time the soil had been under paddy management. Nontronite samples showed striking changes in surface colour, but no changes in X‐ray diffraction patterns or in cation exchange capacity. However, Mössbauer spectroscopy gave clear indications of irreversible changes within the nontronite crystal structure. Such changes have so far been observed only with chemical reduction, but it seems that they can occur under natural conditions. The results show that the overall redox status of a soil (i.e. the number of redox cycles it has undergone before) governs the extent and direction of mineral transformations during following redox cycles.

Highlights

How do ferrihydrite, goethite and nontronite transform under strongly alternating redox conditions?

In‐situ exposure of minerals in soil under paddy management for 100, 700 and 2000 years.

Fe2+‐catalysed ferrihydrite transformation; irreversible changes in nontronite crystal structure.

The number of redox cycles a soil undergoes, governs mineral transformations in later redox cycles.