bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insula Functional Connectivity in Schizophrenia
Authors: Sheffield Julia M. , Rogers Baxter P. , Blackford Jennifer Urbano , Heckers Stephan , Woodward Neil D.
Published: December 2019

The insula is structurally abnormal in schizophrenia, demonstrating robust reductions in gray matter volume, cortical thickness, and altered gyrification during prodromal, early and chronic stages of the illness. Despite compelling structural alterations, less is known about its functional connectivity, limited by studies considering the insula as a whole or only within the context of resting-state networks. There is evidence, however, from healthy subjects that the insula is comprised of sub-regions with distinct functional profiles, with dorsal anterior insula (dAI) involved in cognitive processing, ventral anterior insula (vAI) involved in affective processing, and posterior insula (PI) involved in somatosensory processing. The current study builds on this prior work and characterizes insula resting-state functional connectivity sub-region profiles in a large cohort of schizophrenia (N=191) and healthy (N=196) participants and hypothesizes specific associations between insula sub-region connectivity abnormalities and clinical characteristics related to their functional profiles. Functional dysconnectivity of the insula in schizophrenia is broadly characterized by reduced connectivity within insula sub-networks and hyper-connectivity with regions not normally connected with that sub-region, reflected in significantly greater similarity of dAI and PI connectivity profiles and significantly lower similarity of dAI and vAI connectivity profiles (p<.05). In schizophrenia, hypo-connectivity of dAI correlates with cognitive function (r=.18, p=.014), whereas hyper-connectivity between vAI and superior temporal sulcus correlates with negative symptoms (r=.27, p<.001). These findings reveal altered insula connectivity in all three sub-regions and converges with recent evidence of reduced differentiation of insula connectivity in schizophrenia, implicating functional dysconnectivity of the insula in cognitive and clinical symptoms.
Quantifying and characterizing hourly human exposure to malaria vectors bites in rural southwest Burkina Faso
Authors: Soma D.D , Zogo B , Taconet P , Somé A , Coulibaly S , Baba-Moussa L , Ouédraogo G.A , Koffi A , Pennetier C , Dabiré K.R , Moiroux N
Published: December 2019

Background

To sustain the efficacy of malaria vector control, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the combination of effective tools. Before designing and implementing additional strategies in any setting, it is critical to monitor or predict when and where transmission occurs. However, to date, very few studies have quantified the behavioural interactions between humans and Anopheles vectors. Here, we characterized residual transmission in a rural area of Burkina Faso where long lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) are widely used.

Methods

We analysed data on both human and malaria vectors behaviours from 27 villages to measure hourly human exposure to vector bites in dry and rainy seasons using mathematical models. We estimated the protective efficacy of LLINs and characterised where (indoors vs. outdoors) and when both LLIN users and non-users were exposed to vector bites.

Results

The percentage of the population who declared sleeping under a LLIN the previous night was very high regardless of the season, with an average LLIN use ranging from 92.43% to 99.89%. The use of LLIN provided > 80% protection against exposure to vector bites. The proportion of exposure for LLIN users was 29-57% after 05:00 and 0.05-12 % before 20:00. More than 80% of exposure occurred indoors for LLIN users and the estimate reached 90% for children under five years old in the dry cold season.

Conclusions

This study supports the current use of LLIN as a primary malaria vector control tool. It also emphasises the need to complement LLIN with indoor-implemented measures such as indoor residual spraying (IRS) and/or house improvement to effectively combat malaria in the rural area of Diébougou. Furthermore, malaria elimination programmes would also require strategies that target outdoor biting vectors to be successful in the area.
Comparative Evaluation of CHROMagar COL-APSE, MicroScan Walkaway, ComASP Colistin, and Colistin MAC Test in Detecting Colistin-resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Sekyere John Osei , Sephofane Arnold Karabo , Mbelle Nontombi
Published: December 2019

Colistin has become a critical antibiotic for fatal Gram-negative infections owing to the proliferation of multidrug-resistant carbapenemase-producing bacteria. Thus, cheaper, faster, efficient and easier-to-use colistin diagnostics are required for clinical surveillance, diagnoses and therapeutics. The sensitivity, specificity, major error (ME), very major error (VME), categorial agreement, essential agreement, turnaround time (TAT), average cost, and required skill for four colistin resistance diagnostics viz., CHROMagar COL-APSE, ComASP Colistin, MicroScan, and Colistin MAC Test (CMT) were evaluated against broth microdilution (BMD) using 84 Gram-negative bacterial isolates. A multiplex PCR (M-PCR) was used to screen all isolates to detect the presence of the mcr-1 to mcr-5 genes. A 15-point grading scale was used to grade the tests under skill, ease, processing time etc. mcr-1 was detected by both M-PCR and CMT in a single E. coli isolate, with other PCR amplicons suggestive of mcr-2, -3 and -4 genes being also observed on the gel. The sensitivity and specificity of CHROMagar COL-APSE, MicroScan, and ComASP Colistin, were 82.05% and 66.67%, 92.31% and 76.92%, and 100% and 88.89% respectively. The MicroScan was the most expensive at a cost (per sampe tested) of R221.6 ($15.0), followed by CHROMagar COL-APSE (R118.3; $8.0), M-PCR (R75.1; $5.1), CMT (R20.1; $1.4) and ComASP Colistin (R2.64; $0.2). CHROMagar was the easiest to perform, followed by ComASP Colistin, M-PCR, MicroScan, CMT and BMD whilst M-PCR and MicroScan required higher skill. The ComASP Colistin was the best performing diagnostic test, with low VME and ME, making it recommendable for routine colistin sensitivity testing in clinical laboratories; particularly, in poorer settings. It is however limited by a TAT of 18-24 hours.

Highlights

The diagnostic efficiencies, cost, required skill and ease-of-use of colistin-resistance diagnostics were evaluated against broth microdilution

The ComASP was most sensitive, less skill-requiring and cheap

The CHROMagar COL-APSE was easiest to perform, albeit expensive and less sensitive

The MicroScan was most expensive, requires advanced skills and was very sensitive, particularly for Enterobacteriaceae without E. cloacae and Salmonella.

The Colistin MAC test is a better PCR alternative for detecting mcr-1 producers in low-resource settings
Ultra-high throughput single-cell RNA sequencing by combinatorial fluidic indexing
Authors: Datlinger Paul , Rendeiro André F , Boenke Thorina , Krausgruber Thomas , Barreca Daniele , Bock Christoph
Published: December 2019

Cell atlas projects and single-cell CRISPR screens hit the limits of current technology, as they require cost-effective profiling for millions of individual cells. To satisfy these enormous throughput requirements, we developed “single-cell combinatorial fluidic indexing” (scifi) and applied it to single-cell RNA sequencing. The resulting scifi-RNA-seq assay combines one-step combinatorial pre-indexing of single-cell transcriptomes with subsequent single-cell RNA-seq using widely available droplet microfluidics. Pre-indexing allows us to load multiple cells per droplet, which increases the throughput of droplet-based single-cell RNA-seq up to 15-fold, and it provides a straightforward way of multiplexing hundreds of samples in a single scifi-RNA-seq experiment. Compared to multi-round combinatorial indexing, scifi-RNA-seq provides an easier, faster, and more efficient workflow, thereby enabling massive-scale scRNA-seq experiments for a broad range of applications ranging from population genomics to drug screens with scRNA-seq readout. We benchmarked scifi-RNA-seq on various human and mouse cell lines, and we demonstrated its feasibility for human primary material by profiling TCR activation in T cells.
Structural brain architectures match intrinsic functional networks and vary across domains: A study from 15000+ individuals
Authors: Luo Na , Sui Jing , Abrol Anees , Turner Jessica A. , Damaraju Eswar , Fu Zening , Fan Lingzhong , Chen Jiayu , Lin Dongdong , Zhuo Chuanjun , Xu Yong , Glahn David C. , Rodrigue Amanda L. , Banich Marie T. , Pearlson Godfrey D. , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: December 2019

Brain structural networks have been shown to consistently organize in functionally meaningful architectures covering the entire brain. However, to what extent brain structural architectures match the intrinsic functional networks in different functional domains remains under explored. In this study, based on independent component analysis, we revealed 45 pairs of structural-functional (S-F) component maps, distributing across 9 functional domains, in both a discovery cohort (n=6005) and a replication cohort (UK Biobank, n=9214), providing a well-match multimodal spatial map template for public use. Further network module analysis suggested that unimodal cortical areas (e.g. somatomotor and visual networks) indicate higher S-F coherence, while heteromodal association cortices, especially the frontoparietal network (FPN), exhibit more S-F divergence. Collectively, these results suggest that the expanding and maturing brain association cortex demonstrates a higher degree of changes compared to unimodal cortex, which may lead to higher inter-individual variability and lower S-F coherence.
Fast and highly efficient affinity enrichment of Azide-A-DSBSO cross-linked peptides
Authors: Matzinger Manuel , Kandioller Wolfgang , Doppler Philipp , Heiss Elke H. , Mechtler Karl
Published: December 2019

Cross-linking mass spectrometry is an increasingly used, powerful technique to study protein-protein interactions or to provide structural information. Due to sub-stochiometric reaction efficiencies, cross-linked peptides are usually low abundant. This results in challenging data evaluation and the need for an effective enrichment.

Here we describe an improved, easy to implement, one-step method to enrich azide-tagged, acid-cleavable disuccinimidyl bis-sulfoxide (DSBSO) cross-linked peptides using dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) coupled Sepharose® beads. We probed this method using recombinant Cas9 andE. coliribosome. For Cas9, the number of detectable cross-links was increased from ~100 before enrichment to 580 cross-links after enrichment. To mimic a cellular lysate,E. coliribosome was spiked into a tryptic HEK background at a ratio of 1:2 – 1:100. The number of detectable unique cross-links maintained high at ~100. The estimated enrichment efficiency was improved by factor 4 −5 (based on XL numbers) compared to enrichment via biotin and streptavidin. We were still able to detect cross-links from 0.25 μg cross-linkedE. coliribosome in a background of 100 μg tryptic HEK peptides, indicating a high enrichment sensitivity. In contrast to conventional enrichment techniques, like SEC, the time needed for preparation and MS measurement is significantly reduced.

This robust, fast and selective enrichment method for azide-tagged linkers will contribute to map protein-protein interactions, investigate protein architectures in more depth and help to understand complex biological processes.
Breaking a Strong Amide Bond: Structure and Properties of Dimethylformamidase
Authors: Arya Chetan Kumar , Yadav Swati , Fine Jonathan , Casanal Ana , Chopra Gaurav , Ramanathan Gurunath , Vinothkumar Kutti R. , Subramanian Ramaswamy
Published: December 2019

Dimethylformamidase (DMFase) breaks down the human-made synthetic solventN,N-dimethyl formamide(DMF) used extensively in industry(1). DMF is not known to exist in nature and was first synthesized in 1893. In spite of the recent origin of DMF, certain bacterial species such asParacoccus, Pseudomonas, andAlcaligeneshave evolved pathways to breakdown DMF and use them as carbon and nitrogen source for growth(2, 3). The work presented here provides a molecular basis for the ability of DMFase fromParacoccusto function in exacting conditions of high solvent concentrations, temperature and ionic strength to catalyze the hydrolysis of a stable amide bond. The structure reveals a multimeric complex of the α2β2type or (α2β2)2type. One of the three domains of the large subunit and the small subunit are hitherto undescribed folds and as yet of unknown evolutionary origin. The active site is made of a distinctive mononuclear iron that is coordinated by two tyrosine residues and a glutamic acid residue. The hydrolytic cleavage of the amide bond is catalyzed at the Fe3+site with a proximal glutamate probably acting as the base. The change in the quaternary structure is salt dependent with high salt resulting in the larger oligomeric state. Kinetic characterization reveals an enzyme that shows cooperativity between subunits and the structure provides clues on the interconnection between the active sites.

Significance Statement

N,N-dimethyl formamide(DMF) is a commonly used industrial solvent that was first synthesized in 1893. The properties that make DMF a highly desired solvent also makes it a difficult compound to breakdown. Yet, certain bacteria have evolved to survive in environments polluted by DMF and have enzymes that breakdown DMF and use it as their carbon and nitrogen source. The molecular structure of the enzyme that breaks down the stable amide bond in these bacteria, reveals two new protein folds and a unique mononuclear iron active site. The work reported here provides the structural and biochemical framework to query the evolutionary origins of the protein, as well as in engineering this enzyme for use in bioremediation of a human made toxic solvent.
Coral bleaching susceptibility is predictive of subsequent mortality within but not between coral species
Authors: Matsuda Shayle , Huffmyer Ariana , Lenz Elizabeth A. , Davidson Jen , Hancock Joshua , Przybylowski Ariana , Innis Teegan , Gates Ruth D. , Barott Katie L.
Published: December 2019

Marine heat waves instigated by anthropogenic climate change are causing increasingly frequent and severe coral bleaching events that often lead to widespread coral mortality. While community-wide increases in coral mortality following bleaching events have been documented on reefs around the world, the ecological consequences for conspecific individual colonies exhibiting contrasting phenotypes during thermal stress (e.g. bleached vs. not bleached) are not well understood. Here we describe the ecological outcomes of colonies of the two dominant reef-building coral species in Kāne□ohe Bay, Hawai□i,Montipora capitataandPorites compressa, that exhibited either a bleaching susceptible phenotype (bleached) or resistant phenotype (non-bleached) following the second of two consecutive coral bleaching events in Hawai□i in 2015. Conspecific pairs of adjacent bleaching susceptible vs. resistant corals were tagged on patch reefs in two regions of Kāne□ohe Bay with different seawater residence times and terrestrial influence. The ecological consequences (symbiont recovery and mortality) were monitored for two years following the peak of the bleaching event. Bleaching susceptible corals suffered higher partial mortality than bleaching resistant corals of the same species in the first 6 months following thermal stress. Surprisingly,P. compressahad greater resilience following bleaching (faster pigment recovery and lower post-bleaching mortality) thanM. capitata, despite having less resistance to bleaching (higher bleaching prevalence and severity). These differences indicate that bleaching susceptibility of a species is not always a good predictor of mortality following a bleaching event. By tracking the fate of individual colonies of resistant and susceptible phenotypes, contrasting ecological consequences of thermal stress were revealed that were undetectable at the population level. Furthermore, this approach revealed individuals that underwent particularly rapid recovery from mortality, including some colonies over a meter in diameter that recovered all live tissue cover from >60% partial mortality within just one year. These coral pairs continue to be maintained and monitored in the field, serving as a “living library” for future investigations on the ecology and physiology of coral bleaching.
Multiplex PCR for simultaneous genotyping of kdr mutations V410L, V1,016I and F1,534C inAedes aegypti(L.)
Authors: Villanueva-Segura Karina , Ponce-Garcia Gustavo , Lopez-Monroy Beatriz , Mora-Jasso Esteban de J. , Perales Lucia , Gonzalez-Santillan Francisco J. , Ontiveros-Zapata Kevin , Davila-Barboza Jesus A. , Flores Adriana E.
Published: December 2019

Background

Knock down resistance (kdr) is the main mechanism that confers resistance to pyrethroids and DDT. This is a product of nonsynonymous mutations in the he voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene, these mutations produce a change of a single amino acid which reduces the affinity of the target site for the insecticide molecule. In Mexico, V410L, V1,016I and F1,534C mutations are common in pyrethroid-resistantAedes aegypti(L.) populations.

Methods

A multiplex PCR was developed to detect the V410L, V1,016I and F1,534C mutations inAe. aegypti. The validation of the technique was carried out using wild populations previously characterized for the three mutations through allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) and with different levels of genotypic frequencies.

Results

The standardized protocol for multiplex endpoint PCR was highly effective in detecting 12 genotypes in five wildAe. aegyptipopulations from Mexico. A complete concordance with AS-PCR was found for the simultaneous detection of the three kdr mutations.

Conclusions

Our diagnostic method is highly effective for the simultaneous detection of V410L, V1,016I and F1,534C, when they co-occur. This technique represents a viable alternative to complement and strengthen current monitoring and resistance management strategies againstAe. aegypti.
Abundances of transcripts, proteins, and metabolites in the cell cycle of budding yeast reveals coordinate control of lipid metabolism
Authors: Blank Heidi M. , Papoulas Ophelia , Maitra Nairita , Garge Riddhiman , Kennedy Brian K. , Schilling Birgit , Marcotte Edward M. , Polymenis Michael
Published: December 2019

Establishing the pattern of abundance of molecules of interest during cell division has been a long-standing goal of cell cycle studies. In several systems, including the budding yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae, cell cycle-dependent changes in the transcriptome are well studied. In contrast, few studies queried the proteome during cell division, and they are often plagued by low agreement with each other and with previous transcriptomic datasets. There is also little information about dynamic changes in the levels of metabolites and lipids in the cell cycle. Here, for the first time in any system, we present experiment-matched datasets of the levels of RNAs, proteins, metabolites, and lipids from un-arrested, growing, and synchronously dividing yeast cells. Overall, transcript and protein levels were correlated, but specific processes that appeared to change at the RNA level (e.g., ribosome biogenesis), did not do so at the protein level, and vice versa. We also found no significant changes in codon usage or the ribosome content during the cell cycle. We describe an unexpected mitotic peak in the abundance of ergosterol and thiamine biosynthesis enzymes. Although the levels of several metabolites changed in the cell cycle, by far the most significant changes were in the lipid repertoire, with phospholipids and triglycerides peaking strongly late in the cell cycle. Our findings provide an integrated view of the abundance of biomolecules in the eukaryotic cell cycle and point to a coordinate mitotic control of lipid metabolism.
Community Perception and Attitude towards people with schizophrenia among residents of Arba Minch Zuria District, Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance System sites (AM-HDSS), Ethiopia. Cross-section study
Authors: Boti Negussie , Hussen Sultan , Ayele Gistane , Marsha Abera , Gebeyehu Selamawit , Kassa Mekidm , Feleke Tesfaye , Temesgen Gebremaryam
Published: December 2019

Background

Mental disorders are one of the public health issues throughout the worldwide. Among people with mental disorders, more than 21 million people have schizophrenia. However, there is scarcity of information about perception and attitude of the community toward people with schizophrenia in Ethiopia including the study area.

Objective

To assess the community perception and attitude towards people with schizophrenia among residents of Arba Minch Zuria District, Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance System sites (AM-HDSS), Southern Ethiopia

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 617 randomly selected residents of Arba Minch Zuria District, AM-HDSS Site. The data was collected using structured, pre-tested and interviewer-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics including frequencies, means, and median were performed. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors affecting community attitude.

Results

The finding of this study showed that, among study participants 469(76%) have a good perception towards people with schizophrenia and 390(63.2%) of respondents have positive attitudes towards people living with schizophrenia. Talkativeness and self-neglect behaviors were the most commonly mentioned manifestation of schizophrenia. Substance misuse and head injury were the most perceived cause of schizophrenia. Spiritual/traditional methods were preferred place for the treatment of schizophrenia. Age of respondents, sex of respondent; educational status and perception toward people with schizophrenia were significantly associated with positive attitude towards people with schizophrenia.

Conclusions

Among our rural adults nearly half of the study participants have a negative attitude towards people with schizophrenia. Therefore, giving special attention to females, youths, uneducated and individuals who have poor perception toward people living with schizophrenia is crucial. Also, future mental health promotion activities should focus on cause and common manifestation of schizophrenia to improve the community attitude toward people with schizophrenia
A Model for Navigation in Unknown Environments Based on a Reservoir of Hippocampal Sequences
Authors: Leibold Christian
Published: December 2019

Hippocampal place cell populations are activated in sequences on multiple time scales during active behavior, resting and sleep states, suggesting that these sequences are the genuine dynamical motifs of the hippocampal circuit. Recently, prewired hippocampal place cell sequences have even been reported to correlate to future behaviors, but so far there is no explanation of what could be the computational benefits of such a mapping between intrinsic dynamical structure and external sensory inputs. Here, I propose a computational model in which a set of predefined internal sequences is used as a dynamical reservoir to construct a spatial map of a large unknown maze based on only a small number of salient landmarks. The model is based on a new variant of temporal difference learning and implements a simultaneous localization and mapping algorithm. As a result sequences during intermittent replay periods can be decoded as spatial trajectories and improve navigation performance, which supports the functional interpretation of replay to consolidate memories of motor actions.
Offline tDCS modulates prefrontal-cortical-subcortical-cerebellar fear pathways in delayed fear extinction
Authors: Ganho-Ávila Ana , Guiomar Raquel , Valério Daniela , Gonçalves Óscar F. , Almeida Jorge
Published: December 2019

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been studied to enhance extinction-based treatments for anxiety disorders. However, the field shows conflicting results about the anxiolytic effect of tDCS and only a few studies have previously observed the extinction of consolidated memories.

Off-line tDCS modulates subsequent fear response (fear recall and fear extinction) neural activity and connectivity, throughout changes in the fear pathway that is critically involved in the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders.

Thirty-four women participated in a two-day fear conditioning procedure. On day 1, women were randomly assigned to the control group (n=18) or the tDCS group (n=16) and went through a fear acquisition procedure. On day 2, the tDCS group received 20min tDCS at 1mA [cathode – F4; anode – contralateral deltoid] immediately before extinction and while inside the MRI scanner. The control group completed the extinction procedure only.

fMRI whole brain contrast analysis showed stimulation dependent activity patterns with the tDCS group showing decreased neural activity during the processing of the CS+ and increased activity during the processing of the CS, in prefrontal, postcentral and paracentral regions, during late extinction. PPI analysis showed tDCS impact on the connectivity between the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and three clusters along the cortical–amygdalo–hippocampal– cerebellar pathway, during the processing of the CS+ in late extinction (TFCE corrected at p <.05).

The increased neuronal activity during the processing of safety cues and the stronger coupling during the processing of threat cues might well be the mechanisms by which tDCS contributes to stimuli discrimination.

Highlights

The anxiolytic effect of cathodal tDCS is controversial.

We show cathodal tDCS modulatory effect on delayed extinction of the fear response.

Cathodal tDCS modulates the processing of safe and threatening cues.

Cathodal tDCS modulates the activity and connectivity of the fear network.
Hand Grip Strength, Cognitive Function and the Role of Cognitive Reserve: Results from a Sample of Community Dwelling Elderly in China
Authors: Wei Rong , Liu Kai-yong , Tao Fang-biao , Xu Pei-ru , Cheng Bei-jing , Sun Liang , Wang Qu-nan , Feng Qiang-wei , Li Xiu-de , Yang Lin-sheng
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To examine the association between hand grip strength (HGS) and cognitive function, and the potentially moderating effects of cognitive reserve on this relationship using a sample of community dwelling elderly in China.

Methods

The subjects included 1291 community-dwelling elderly aged 60 or over and without dementia who participated in the baseline survey of an elderly cohort in Anhui province, China. Cognitive function was assessed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and HGS was measured using an electronic grip strength dynamometer. The education (EDU) in early life, cognitive level of the job (CLJ) in middle age, cognitive leisure activities (CLA) in late life, and other covariates were collected through a face-to-face interview and physical examination.

Results

The differences in MMSE scores across tertiles of HGS were significant (MMSE scores across tertiles of HGS: 20.26±7.02 vs 22.83±5.99 vs 24.76±6.36,F=62.05,P<0.001). After adjustment for covariates, the lower tertiles of HGS was related to lower MMSE scores when compared to the upper tertiles of HGS (β=β[95%CI]: −2.02[−2.87~−1.17],P<0.001). However, no significant association existed between the intermediate tertiles of HGS and lower MMSE scores (β=β[95%CI]: −0.28[−1.05~0.50],P=0.483). Moderation analyses revealed that the correlation between the lower tertiles of HGS and decreased MMSE scores was less pronounced in middle EDU (β=β[95%CI]: −1.62[−3.22~−0.02],P=0.047), and in middle CLJ (β=β[95%CI]: −2.17[−3.31~−1.24],P<0.0001) than in low EDU (β=β[95%CI]: −2.46[−3.80~−1.12],P<0.0001), and in low CLJ (β=β[95%CI]: −3.72[−6.92~−0.53],P=0.023). Furthermore, this relationship was not significant among the elderly with high EDU or the high CLJ.

Conclusions

The lower HGS is associated with poor cognitive function in older age, and cognitive reserve may attenuate or eliminate the relationship of lower HGS with cognitive function.
Peripheral tolerance to insulin is encoded by mimicry in the microbiome
Authors: García Arcadio Rubio , Paterou Athina , Lee Mercede , Sławiński Hubert , Wicker Linda S. , Todd John A. , Pękalski Marcin Ł.
Published: December 2019

How organisms achieve sustained peripheral tolerance throughout their lifetime, a correct immune discrimination between self and non-self, remains poorly understood. Host-microbiome interactions carry fundamental information that facilitates this process. We hypothesize that commensal microbes are under evolutionary pressure to develop epitopes that, when presented along with other antigens from their own bacterial community, lead to an overall tolerogenic self classification by the host immune system. Hosts, which have co-evolved with commensals, may rely on mimotopes, bacterial epitopes that are indistinguishable from key self epitopes, as a homeostatic feedback mechanism to establish and maintain tolerance. Using a probabilistic sequence model of peptide mimicry, we show that the gut microbiome contains a set of genes that are likely to trigger identical immune responses to insulin B 9–25, a widely distributed self epitope across tissues and the primary autoantigen in type 1 diabetes. Similarities in the antigen receptor sequences determined from CD4 T cells reacting to insulin epitopes and mimotopes provide experimental evidence for mimicry. All predicted high posterior probability mimotopes belong to the transketolase superfamily, an enzyme that allows efficient harvest of commensal-derived sugar polymers and dietary fibre, an advantage during host colonisation. Microbial transketolase upregulation during infant weaning coincides in time with the peak in autoantibody development against insulin. Abundance changes in bacterial genera that carry these mimotopes have also been observed to precede disease diagnosis. Our findings suggest gut dysbiosis followed by immune response to insulin mimotopes as a primary cause of type 1 diabetes, and may contribute towards unraveling similar causal patterns in a wide variety of disorders.
A study of event quality, destination image, perceived value, tourist satisfaction, and destination loyalty among sport tourists
Authors: Jeong Yunduk , Kim Sukkyu
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore structural relationships between quality, destination image, perceived value, tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty with emphasis on the mediating effect of tourist satisfaction on relations between destination image and destination loyalty, and between perceived value and destination loyalty in the context of small-scale sporting events.

Design/methodology/approach

Construct validity of the measurement scale was verified by confirmatory factor analysis, factor loadings, average variance extracted, construct reliability and correlation analysis. Reliability of the measurement scale was verified by Cronbach’sαanalysis. A structural equation modeling test with maximum likelihood estimation was used to test structural relationships between variables in the proposed model using the responses of 311 participants.

Findings

Results showed significant and powerful impacts of: event quality, destination image and perceived value on tourist satisfaction; destination image, perceived value, and tourist satisfaction on destination loyalty and demonstrated; and tourist satisfaction fully mediates relationships between destination image and destination loyalty, and between perceived value and destination loyalty.

Originality/value

The study shows: it is meaningful to include quality and value in tourism destination image-satisfaction-loyalty models; provides empirical evidence that tourist satisfaction fully mediates the relation between perceived value and destination loyalty; and confirms small-scale as well as large-scale sporting events should be viewed as important aspects of marketing strategies aimed at improving quality, image, value, satisfaction and loyalty.
Internationalization of SMEs and market orientation
Authors: Billore Soniya , Billore Gautam
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to study the context of market orientation and the contribution of customer knowledge, networking and cultural knowledge to market orientation particularly to the internationalization of firms in developing economies.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple case approach is adopted with four Swedish firms internationalizing to the Indian market. The data was obtained through personal interviews and typically lasted an hour. Follow-up questions were obtained by personal meetings or on Skype. Data was collected over a period of seven months during 2016-2017.

Findings

This study highlights the importance of customer knowledge, networking and cultural knowledge for foreign small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the initial stages of internationalization. It proposes that a holistic market sensing of the target market can be achieved as the three constructs contribute to the market orientation of the firms and help in devising relevant strategic fit with the market.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size is small due to a limited number of Swedish SMEs who have the experience of operating in the Indian market. Future studies may include the Nordic region, and a quantitative approach for testing market orientation frameworks can be adopted.

Originality/value

This study lifts the concept of market sensing as customer knowledge, networking and cultural knowledge strengthen the market orientation of the firm. It addresses the research gap about limited research in developing market contexts for SME internationalization and specifically on Swedish SMEs in the Indian market.
Comparison of study motivation and job expectations of Russian full-time and part-time university students
Authors: Sikyr Martin , Basmanova Nina Ivanovna , Abrashkin Mikhail
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of the authors’ questionnaire survey focused on the comparison of study motivation and job expectations of full-time and part-time students of Russian universities and identify main problems of higher education and graduate employment and suggest their possible solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ questionnaire survey was conducted from March to October 2018. The respondents were full-time and part-time bachelor’s and master’s students from 30 regions across Russia. The relevant data were obtained from 1,051 students. The data analysis was based on the calculation of relative frequencies (as a share from the total number of respondents) and the evaluation of the dependence of responses on the form of study (full-time students and part-time students) using contingency tables and χ2 tests of independence.

Findings

The results of the authors’ questionnaire survey support the assumption that the current generation of full-time and part-time students of Russian universities studies to succeed in the future. Surveyed university students certainly have a high motivation to study, but at the same time, they seem to have too high expectations about their future work and career, which can negatively affect their future success in their jobs if they do not have appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities.

Originality/value

The results of the authors’ questionnaire survey show some unique tendencies in the Russian university students’ attitudes to study, work and career that are worth attention both from the point of view of universities and from the point of view of employers and their current approaches to the education and the employment of the current generation of young people. The results open up new possibilities for further research focused on the higher education and the employability of the new generation of work force.
Behavioural propensities and financial risk tolerance: the moderating effect of ethnicity
Authors: Rahman Mahfuzur , Albaity Mohamed , Isa Che Ruhana
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of several core behavioural propensities on financial risk tolerance (FRT). Additionally, this paper examines the moderating effect of ethnicity on the relationship between behavioural propensities and FRT.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 1,204 completed and usable questionnaires were collected from undergraduate students majoring in business, economics and finance and analysed them using SmartPLS 2.0 software.

Findings

The findings reveal that propensity for trust has the highest impact on FRT followed by propensity for regret and happiness in life, while propensity for social interaction is not significantly associated with FRT. Ethnicity significantly moderates the relationship between three behavioural propensities (propensity for regret, propensity for trust and happiness in life) and FRT.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the assessment of individuals’ FRT incorporating behavioural propensities, which in turn contributes to the field of behavioural finance.
“Don’t look down on us!”
Authors: Miles Glenn Michael , Blase Olivia , Clark Katie , Ding Rachel J. , Geyer Theresa
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Although some research has been done with entertainment workers in KTV bars, little has been done to gain a qualitative understanding of the vulnerabilities of masseuse women. This is due to a prevalent focus on girls under 18 years, thereby excluding most masseuses. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 98 female participants completed an interview answering both open and closed questions concerning relationships, stigma and discrimination and personal sexual abuse among other topics.

Findings

This study finds that many women working in the massage parlor industry are vulnerable to various threats, including sexual exploitation and abuse. Dependency structures within the massage parlor as well as with their families seem to play a key role in the life situations that can be positive as well as negative, and in some cases both.

Social implications

The findings provide a baseline evaluation of the vulnerable conditions of the massage industry for women in Cambodia. Specifically, that stigma, discrimination, physical and sexual abuse, as well as a lack of access to education are all vulnerabilities not commonly covered, especially with adult women working in the entertainment industry. This research has been adapted from the original transcript “Strive, No Matter What” (Miles et al., 2014).

Originality/value

The paper seeks to understand the reality of life and vulnerabilities as perceived by Phnom Penh’s female masseuses in the lower-priced massage parlors which is largely unknown.
Effect of vibration on power loss of angular contact ball bearings
Authors: Zheng De-Xing , Chen W.F. , Xiao Guanyun , Zheng Dateng
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to devote to the experimental analysis and modeling on the heat generation of angular contact ball bearings under vibration.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiments about vibration effect on bearing temperature are implemented. To explore the causes of bearing temperature rise, the shaft-bearing system is first simplified to a forced vibration model to analyze the bearing loads in vibration. Next, the vibratory-induced additional load is proposed and the spin power loss of balls is re-derived under vibration. The vibration-induced heat is integrated into a novel forecasting model of bearing power loss. For validation, the muti-node model for angular contact ball bearings is referred to create the thermal network of spindle front bearing, and then the contrast and discussion is done.

Findings

The simulation and test results both indicate that more energy is expended and more heat is generated with vibration. And the further quantitative comparisons between simulation results and experimental values of bearing temperature demonstrate the rationality and availability of constructed model on bearing heat generation.

Originality/value

The vibration-induced additional load is proposed and modeled, and the novel forecasting model for heat generation for high-speed angular contact ball bearings with vibration is constructed and validated.
Is guanxi important in a buyer-supplier relationship? Case of Chinese logistics industry
Authors: Butt Atif Saleem , Shah Syed Hamad Hassan , Sheikh Abdullah Zafar
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to unveil negative outcomes associated with an absence of guanxi in a buyer–supplier relationship in Chinese logistics industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a case study methodology using 16 semi-structured interviews with managers engaged in the process of buying and selling logistics services in China.

Findings

Based on the qualitative interviews, managers experience lack of trust, lack of communication flow and reduced business volume when guanxi is absent in a buyer–supplier relationship in the Chinese logistics industry.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some limitations. First, the results of this study are not generalizable to a broader population. Second, this study explores behavioral patterns with respect to Chinese business culture only.

Practical implications

Firms can use the findings from this study to understand the consequence they can face when guanxi is absent in a buyer–supplier relationship.

Originality/value

This study attempts to offer a balanced perspective on the role of guanxi in a buyer–supplier relationship, particularly in the Chinese logistics industry, by considering how an absence of guanxi generates negative outcomes for firms.
Proactive or responsive market orientation for stronger service innovation capability: the moderating roles of contractual and relational governance
Authors: Wang Yonggui , Liu Fei
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Based on the business-to-business context in the service industry, this study aims to address two balancing problems that a supplier firm may face in an integrated framework: the trade-off between the two-dimensional market orientations (MO) (i.e. proactive and responsive MO) and the trade-off between two categories of governance mechanisms (i.e. contractual governance [CG] and relational governance [RG]). In doing so, the contingent effects of the governance mechanisms on the relationships between two-dimensional MO and service innovation capability (SIC) are empirically examined and tested.

Design/methodology/approach

A dyadic questionnaire survey of 168 services outsourcing firms’ project managers and strategy managers was used to collect data, which was then used to test the hypotheses by conducting hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

It was observed that CG weakens the positive relationship between proactive MO (PMO) and SIC, while the positive impact of responsive MO (RMO) on SIC is strengthened. By contrast, RG plays an inverted U-shaped moderating role in the positive relationship between PMO and SIC. Nevertheless, the hypothesis that RG has an inverted U-shaped moderating effect on the effectiveness of RMO is not supported.

Originality/value

Drawing on transaction cost economics and relational exchange theory, this study contributes to the existing literature on MO by revealing how CG and RG differentially shape the value of PMO and RMO.
Sharing information through book reviews in blogs
Authors: Savolainen Reijo
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to research on information sharing by drawing on the reader-response theory developed by Louise Rosenblatt. To this end, information sharing is approached by examining how bloggers communicate their reading experiences of fiction and non-fiction books.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual framework is based on the differentiation between efferent and aesthetic reading stances specified by Rosenblatt. The efferent stance directs attention to what is to be extracted from reading for instrumental purposes such as task performance. The aesthetic stance focuses on what is being lived through during the reading event. Rosenblatt’s framework was elaborated by specifying eight categories of efferent reading and six categories of aesthetic reading. The ways in which bloggers communicate their responses to such readings were examined by scrutinising a sample of 300 posts from two book blogs.

Findings

The bloggers mainly articulated responses to efferent reading by sharing information about the content of the reviewed books, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. Responses to aesthetic reading were mainly articulated by describing how the bloggers experienced the narrative, what kind immersive experiences they had and what kind of emotions were felt during the reading process.

Research limitations/implications

As the study is explorative in nature and focusses on a sample of blog posts, the findings cannot be generalised to depict how people share their responses to efferent and aesthetic reading in social media forums.

Originality/value

The paper pioneers by examining the potential of Rosenblatt’s theory in the study of sharing information about reading experiences in book blogs. The findings demonstrate that the categories of efferent and aesthetic reading can be elaborated further for the needs of information behaviour research.
Documentation in a community informatics project
Authors: Frings-Hessami Viviane , Sarker Anindita , Oliver Gillian , Anwar Misita
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the creation and sharing of information by Bangladeshi women participants in a community informatics project and to assess to what extent the information provided to them meets their short and longer-term needs.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on data collected during a workshop with village women in Dhaka and focus group discussions in rural Bangladesh in March and April 2019. The information continuum model is used as a framework to analyse the data.

Findings

The study shows that the women document their learning and share it with their families and communities and that they are very conscious of the importance of keeping analogue back-ups of the information provided to them in digital format. They use notebooks to write down information that they find useful and they copy information provided to them on brown paper sheets hung in the village community houses.

Practical implications

This paper raises questions about how information is communicated to village women, organised and integrated in a community informatics project, and more generally about the suitability and sustainability of providing information in digital formats in a developing country.

Originality/value

The paper shows how village women participants in a community informatics project in Bangladesh took the initiative to create and preserve the information that was useful to them in analogue formats to remedy the limitations of the digital formats and to keep the information accessible in the longer term.
Tourism management in the era of smart mobility: a perspective article
Authors: Tung Vincent Wing Sun , Cheong Timothy Mou Fei , To Stephen James
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the past and future perspectives of smart mobility in the context of destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of previous work on smart mobility is provided.

Findings

The development of smart mobility will bring unprecedented changes to tourism management, particularly in the areas of tourist travel patterns and decision-making.

Originality/value

It is relevant and timely to discuss the link between smart mobility and tourism management given the profound changes that they will bring to smart destinations.