bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Contaminants and Environments
Authors: Lippmann Morton , Schlesinger Richard B.
Published: October 2017

This chapter describes the extensive scientific terminology needed to describe the various classes of chemical contaminants as they occur in environmental media (air, water, soil, etc.) and the structural aspects and dynamic mass and energy transfers within and among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. It also introduces: the characteristics of occupational environments; health effects attributable to occupational and environmental exposures; dose response relationships in populations; and how they are affected by anthropogenic (human activity caused) inputs and disruptions.
Sources of Contaminants
Authors: Lippmann Morton , Schlesinger Richard B.
Published: October 2017

This chapter describes the natural sources that produce background levels of chemical contaminants in environmental media and the generally much larger anthropogenic sources in terms of: primary releases; and secondary sources resulting from chemical reactions within environmental media. There are primary sources within residences (personal care products, pesticides, the smoking of cigarettes, and unvented kitchen and bathroom effluents and heaters), in and around communities (furnace, power plant, and motor vehicle effluents), and effluents from industrial and commercial activities. Secondary sources include reactions between primary pollutants and natural and anthropogenic components in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere.
Distributed Cognitive Functions
Authors: Hodges John R.
Published: October 2017

This chapter discusses cognitive functions with a largely distributed neural basis within the framework of contemporary cognitive neuroscience. The following are described: arousal/attention, memory (short-term, or working memory; episodic memory; semantic memory; and implicit memory), and higher-order cognitive function such as planning, problem-solving and set-shifting, motivation, inhibitory control, social cognition, and emotion processing. Each function in placed in the context of its neural basis, with a brief description of the disorders that may affect these cognitive abilities. Methods of assessment at the bedside and by using neuropsychological tasks are also outlined.
Testing Cognitive Function at the Bedside
Authors: Hodges John R.
Published: October 2017

This chapter explores the second component of assessment in patients with suspected cognitive dysfunction: testing cognitive function at the bedside. The first part of the examination should assess distributed cognitive functions, notably orientation and attention, episodic and semantic memory, and frontal executive function (initiation in the form of verbal fluency, abstraction, response inhibition, and set shifting); deficits in these indicate damage to particular brain systems, but not to focal areas of one hemisphere. The second part of the assessment deals with localized functions, divided into those associated with the dominant (i.e. the left side, in right-handers) and non-dominant hemispheres. The former relates largely to tests of spoken language with supplementary tests of reading, writing, calculation, and praxis when applicable. Testing right hemisphere function focuses on neglect (personal and extrapersonal), visuospatial and constructional abilities, and the agnosias including object and face agnosia.
Illustrative Cases
Authors: Hodges John R.
Published: October 2017

This chapter comprises 16 case histories that illustrate methods of assessment described in the rest of this book and the use of the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE)-III. Each case begins with a brief history from the patient and observations by the family followed by findings on cognitive examination focusing on the profile shown on the ACE-III, the results of imaging investigations, and a discussion of the diagnosis and its differential, with a final summary of the principal conclusions, indicating whether the services of a neuropsychologist are required or not. The cases present important common conditions (such as mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease in the mild and moderate stages, behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia, progressive non-fluent aphasia, semantic dementia, corticobasal degeneration, progressive supranuclear palsy, and Huntington’s disease) as well as interesting neuropsychological syndromes (such as prosopagnosia, amnestic stoke, and transient epileptic amnesia).
Other physical health problems in people with schizophrenia
Authors: Castle David J. , Buckley Peter F. , Gaughran Fiona P.
Published: October 2017

While cardiovascular risk remains the most important factor in early death among people with schizophrenia, a host of other physical health maladies are also found in excess in this group of individuals. These include pulmonary problems, poor bone health with associated risk of fractures, sexual health problems, infectious diseases, and poor oral health. Certain cancers are seen in excess in people with schizophrenia, but what is perhaps more of a shameful indictment of our health systems is that if they develop cancer, they are less likely to be effectively treated than people without a mental illness. Intriguingly, there is some evidence of higher pain tolerance among people with schizophrenia, as well as remarkably low rates of degenerative musculoskeletal conditions.
Effects of antipsychotic medications on physical health
Authors: Castle David J. , Buckley Peter F. , Gaughran Fiona P.
Published: October 2017

Antipsychotic medications are a crucial part of the core platform upon which effective treatments for schizophrenia are built. While the marketed agents have established efficacy for reduction in the symptoms of schizophrenia, they all carry some side effects. Such effects differ across medications and between individuals. Prescribers need to be aware of the side effect profile of the medications they use, and ensure patients are also aware, so that a true shared decision-making model can be followed in terms of medication choice. Appreciation of long-term risk is required, with treatment choice in the short term having a view to the long term.
Carotid Endarterectomy for Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis
Authors: Hochman Michael E.
Published: October 2017

This chapter provides a summary of the landmark surgical study known as the ACST trial, which compared surgical versus nonsurgical treatment for asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Is carotid endarterectomy (CEA) beneficial in asymptomatic patients with severe carotid stenosis? Starting with that question, the chapter describes the basics of the study, including funding, year study began, year study was published, study location, who was studied, who was excluded, how many patients, study design, study intervention, follow-up, endpoints, results, and criticism and limitations. The chapter briefly reviews other relevant studies and information, gives a summary and discusses implications, and concludes with a relevant clinical case involving vascular surgery.
Carotid Endarterectomy for Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis
Authors: Amin Hardik A.
Published: October 2017

This chapter provides a summary of the landmark surgical study known as the NASCET trial, which compared surgical versus nonsurgical treatment for patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. The chapter describes the basics of the study, including funding, year study began, year study was published, study location, who was studied, who was excluded, how many patients, study design, study intervention, follow-up, endpoints, results, and criticism and limitations. The chapter briefly reviews other relevant studies and information, gives a summary and discusses implications, and concludes with a relevant clinical case regarding vascular surgery.
A Comparison of Laparoscopically Assisted and Open Colectomy for Colon Cancer
Authors: Dubose Arielle C. , Kuy SreyRam
Published: October 2017

The landmark COST trial compared outcomes between minimally invasive surgery and open surgical resection for patients with colon cancer. The study found that patients with operable right, left, or sigmoid colon cancer, either laparoscopic-assisted or open colectomy may be offered without compromising the risk of tumor recurrence or mortality. Patients who underwent colectomy via a laparoscopic-assisted approach, compared to open, had a shorter length of hospital stay and required parenteral narcotics and oral analgesics for less time, while having equal rates of intraoperative and postoperative complications. This chapter describes the basics of the study, including funding, year study began, year study was published, study location, who was studied, who was excluded, how many patients, study design, study intervention, follow-up, endpoints, results, and criticism and limitations. The chapter briefly reviews other relevant studies and information, gives a summary and discusses implications, and concludes with a relevant clinical case.
Transfusion Ratios in Trauma
Authors: Kwon Rachel J.
Published: October 2017

This chapter provides a summary of a landmark study in trauma surgery. Does transfusion with platelets and plasma in addition to red blood cells in patients requiring massive transfusion decrease hemorrhage-related mortality? Starting with that question, it describes the basics of the study, including funding, year study began, year study was published, study location, who was studied, who was excluded, how many patients, study design, study intervention, follow-up, endpoints, results, and criticism and limitations. The chapter briefly reviews other relevant studies and information, gives a summary and discusses implications, and concludes with a relevant clinical case involving a massive transfusion strategy.
Size as a Predictor of Malignancy of Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma
Authors: Kwon Rachel J.
Published: October 2017

This chapter provides a summary of a landmark study in endocrine surgery. Does size correlate with malignancy in adrenal cortical carcinoma? Starting with that question, it describes the basics of the study, including year study began, year study was published, study location, who was studied, who was excluded, how many patients, study design, study intervention, follow-up, endpoints, results, and criticism and limitations. The chapter briefly reviews other relevant studies and information, gives a summary and discusses implications, and concludes with a relevant clinical case involving postoperative treatment of a patient with adrenocortical carcinoma who has a large adrenal incidentaloma.
Antiparasitic therapy
Authors: Török M. Estée , Cooke Fiona J. , Moran Ed
Published: October 2017

This chapter provides a systematic summary of antiparasitic agents, grouped by class and mechanism of action. Each summary provides information on the mode of action, resistance mechanisms, pharmacology, and clinical use.
The Relationship Between Childhood Adversity and Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Paris Joel
Published: October 2017

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is often associated with adverse events in childhood. However, early adversity does not necessarily lead to BPD, and not all BPD patients have experienced childhood adversity. The key to understanding this relationship is gene-environment interaction. Children who are vulnerable by temperament are more severely affected by adverse events. This “double hit” is a risk for developing a personality disorder. The missing piece in research on adversity and BPD is longitudinal data. This could involve research in community samples, but the frequency of BPD as an outcome is not high enough to make that strategy effective. Instead, a high-risk strategy is called for, in which children identified as suffering from abuse and neglect are followed well into adulthood. These investigations will need to be multivariate and to take temperament into account.
Suicidal and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Andover Margaret S. , Schatten Heather T. , Morris Blair W.
Published: October 2017

Individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) are at an elevated risk for engaging in self-injurious behaviors, including suicide, attempted suicide, and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of research on self-injurious behaviors among individuals with BPD. Definitions and prevalence rates are provided for NSSI, suicide, and attempted suicide. Clinical correlates of and risk factors for the behaviors, as well as associations between specific BPD criteria and self-injurious behaviors, are discussed, and a brief overview of treatments focused on reducing self-injurious behaviors among BPD patients is provided. By understanding risk factors for attempted suicide and NSSI in BPD, we can better identify patients who are at increased risk and focus treatment efforts on addressing modifiable risk factors.
Meeting the Clinical Challenges of Managing Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Brodsky Beth S.
Published: October 2017

Individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) are high utilizers of mental health treatment and comprise a large percentage of both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric populations. Not only do they exhibit extreme interpersonal sensitivity and are quick to feel invalidated, rejected, and abandoned, they also present clinically with very challenging symptoms that have contributed to a stigmatization of the BPD diagnosis and the misconception that BPD is not treatable. Recently developed BPD-specific evidence-based psychotherapies incorporating theoretical and technical modifications to “treatment as usual” contribute to the destigmatization of the BPD diagnosis and to increased effectiveness in clinical management of the disorder. This chapter reviews the conceptualizations and interventions that facilitate the capacity for mental health providers to maintain an empathic therapeutic stance toward and positive engagement with BPD patients in order to keep patients engaged with and making progress toward their goals in treatment.
Borderline Personality Disorder and Advocacy
Authors: Tusiani-Eng Paula , Tusiani Bea
Published: October 2017

Self-advocacy, the belief that individuals with mental illness could act on their own behalf and have agency over their treatment, has become a universally accepted principle. This idea has been supported by new nonprofit organizations, mental health professional associations, and government agencies that support reforms in the treatment of mental illness. Advocacy for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), however, is a relatively new concept in the United States. Efforts to empower and mobilize individuals with BPD are still in their infancy, but trends on social media and by BPD organizations demonstrate hopeful new directions for future growth. By reframing their stigmatized narratives and adopting a more empowering framework, individuals with BPD and their family members will continue to evolve as agents of change, affecting a myriad of initiatives at the individual, organizational, clinical, and policy levels of society.
Stellar feedback strongly alters the amplification and morphology of galactic magnetic fields
Authors: Su Kung-Yi , Hayward Christopher C , Hopkins Philip F , Quataert Eliot , Faucher-Giguère Claude-André , Kereš Dušan
Published: October 2017

Using high-resolution magnetohydrodynamic simulations of idealized, non-cosmological galaxies, we investigate how cooling, star formation and stellar feedback affect galactic magnetic fields. We find that the amplification histories, saturation values and morphologies of the magnetic fields vary considerably depending on the baryonic physics employed, primarily because of differences in the gas density distribution. In particular, adiabatic runs and runs with a subgrid (effective equation of state) stellar feedback model yield lower saturation values and morphologies that exhibit greater large-scale order compared with runs that adopt explicit stellar feedback and runs with cooling and star formation but no feedback. The discrepancies mostly lie in gas denser than the galactic average, which requires cooling and explicit fragmentation to capture. Independent of the baryonic physics included, the magnetic field strength scales with gas density as B ∝ n2/3, suggesting isotropic flux freezing or equipartition between the magnetic and gravitational energies during the field amplification. We conclude that accurate treatments of cooling, star formation and stellar feedback are crucial for obtaining the correct magnetic field strength and morphology in dense gas, which, in turn, is essential for properly modelling other physical processes that depend on the magnetic field, such as cosmic ray feedback.
The effect of photoionizing feedback on star formation in isolated and colliding clouds
Authors: Shima Kazuhiro , Tasker Elizabeth J , Federrath Christoph , Habe Asao
Published: October 2017

We investigate star formation occurring in idealized giant molecular clouds, comparing structures that evolve in isolation versus those undergoing a collision. Two different collision speeds are investigated and the impact of photoionizing radiation from the stars is determined. We find that a colliding system leads to more massive star formation both with and without the addition of feedback, raising overall star formation efficiencies (SFE) by a factor of 10 and steepening the high-mass end of the stellar mass function. This rise in SFE is due to increased turbulent compression during the cloud collision. While feedback can both promote and hinder star formation in an isolated system, it increases the SFE by approximately 1.5 times in the colliding case when the thermal speed of the resulting H ii regions matches the shock propagation speed in the collision.
The Bacteroid Periplasm in Soybean Nodules Is an Interkingdom Symbiotic Space
Authors: Strodtman Kent N. , Stevenson Severin E. , Waters James K. , Mawhinney Thomas P. , Thelen Jay J. , Polacco Joseph C. , Emerich David W.
Published: October 2017

The functional role of the periplasm of nitrogen-fixing bacteroids has not been determined. Proteins were isolated from the periplasm and cytoplasm of Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens bacteroids and were analyzed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry proteomics. Identification of bacteroid periplasmic proteins was aided by periplasm prediction programs. Approximately 40% of all the proteins identified as periplasmic in the B. diazoefficiens genome were found expressed in the bacteroid form of the bacteria, indicating the periplasm is a metabolically active symbiotic space. The bacteroid periplasm possesses many fatty acid metabolic enzymes, which was in contrast to the bacteroid cytoplasm. Amino acid analysis of the periplasm revealed an abundance of phosphoserine, phosphoethanolamine, and glycine, which are metabolites of phospholipid metabolism. These results suggest the periplasm is a unique space and not a continuum with the peribacteroid space. A number of plant proteins were found in the periplasm fraction, which suggested contamination. However, antibodies to two of the identified plant proteins, histone H2A and lipoxygenase, yielded immunogold labeling that demonstrated the plant proteins were specifically targeted to the bacteroids. This suggests that the periplasm is an interkingdom symbiotic space containing proteins from both the bacteroid and the plant.
Biphasic effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on anxiety: rapid reversal of escitalopram’s anxiogenic effects in the novelty-induced hypophagia test in mice?
Authors: Koek Wouter , Mitchell Nathan C. , Daws Lynette C.
Published: October 2017

In humans, chronic treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) decreases anxiety, unlike acute treatment, which can increase anxiety. Although this biphasic pattern is observed clinically, preclinical demonstrations are rare. In an animal model of antidepressant-induced anxiolytic effects, the novelty-induced hypophagia (NIH) test, a single administration of the SSRI citalopram reportedly elicited anxiogenic-like effects, whereas three administrations over 24 h were sufficient to produce anxiolytic-like effects. Extending these findings, the present study examined the effects of acute and repeated escitalopram in a similar NIH test in a commonly used mouse strain (i.e. C57BL/6J), analyzing results with a method (i.e. survival analysis) that can model the skewed distribution of latencies to consume food and that can deal with censored data (i.e. when consumption does not occur during the test). Saline-treated mice showed robust NIH. Acute escitalopram enhanced NIH, but did so only at a dose (i.e. 32 mg/kg) that similarly enhanced hypophagia in a familiar environment. The effects of escitalopram on NIH did not significantly change after repeated (three times) administration over 24 h. Additional studies are necessary to delineate the conditions under which rapid reversal of SSRI-induced anxiety can be modeled in animals using the NIH test.
Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound for Early-Stage Lumbar Spondylolysis in Young Athletes
Authors: Tsukada Masahiro , Takiuchi Toshiro , Watanabe Kota
Published: October 2017

Objective:

To examine the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on early-stage spondylolysis in young athletes.

Design:

Case–control study.

Setting:

A single outpatient orthopedic and sports clinic.

Patients:

A total of 82 young athletes (80 boys and 2 girls; mean age, 14.8 years; range, 10-18 years) with early-stage lumbar spondylolysis were enrolled in this study. All patients were examined by plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Interventions:

Patients received either standard conservative treatment combined with LIPUS (n = 35) or without LIPUS (n = 47), according to the sequence of admission. The standard conservative treatment included thoracolumbosacral brace, sports modification, and therapeutic exercise.

Main Outcome Measures:

The time required to return to previous sports activities was analyzed by using Kaplan–Meier methods with the log-rank test.

Results:

The baseline parameters of both groups were not significantly different. The median time to return to previous sports activities was 61 days [95% confidence interval (CI): 58-69 days] in the group treated with LIPUS, which was significantly shorter than that of the group treated without LIPUS (167 days, 95% CI: 135-263 days; P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

These results suggest that LIPUS combined with conservative treatment for early-stage lumbar spondylolysis in young athletes could be a useful therapy for quick return to playing sports.
A Fresh Perspective on a Familiar Problem
Authors: Karmarkar Taruja D. , Maurer Anne , Parks Michael L. , Mason Thomas , Bejinez-Eastman Ana , Harrington Melvyn , Morgan Randall , O’Connor Mary I. , Wood James E. , Gaskin Darrell J.
Published: October 2017

Background:

Disparities in the presentation of knee osteoarthritis (OA) and in the utilization of treatment across sex, racial, and ethnic groups in the United States are well documented.

Objectives:

We used a Markov model to calculate lifetime costs of knee OA treatment. We then used the model results to compute costs of disparities in treatment by race, ethnicity, sex, and socioeconomic status.

Research Design:

We used the literature to construct a Markov Model of knee OA and publicly available data to create the model parameters and patient populations of interest. An expert panel of physicians, who treated a large number of patients with knee OA, constructed treatment pathways. Direct costs were based on the literature and indirect costs were derived from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey.

Results:

We found that failing to obtain effective treatment increased costs and limited benefits for all groups. Delaying treatment imposed a greater cost across all groups and decreased benefits. Lost income because of lower labor market productivity comprised a substantial proportion of the lifetime costs of knee OA. Population simulations demonstrated that as the diversity of the US population increases, the societal costs of racial and ethnic disparities in treatment utilization for knee OA will increase.

Conclusions:

Our results show that disparities in treatment of knee OA are costly. All stakeholders involved in treatment decisions for knee OA patients should consider costs associated with delaying and forgoing treatment, especially for disadvantaged populations. Such decisions may lead to higher costs and worse health outcomes.
A taxogenomics approach uncovers a new genus in the phylum Placozoa
Authors: Eitel Michael , Francis Warren R. , Osigus Hans-Jürgen , Krebs Stefan , Vargas Sergio , Blum Helmut , Williams Gray A. , Schierwater Bernd , Wörheide Gert
Published: October 2017

The Placozoa [1] is a monotypic phylum of non-bilaterian marine animals. Its only species,Trichoplax adhaerens, was described in 1883 [2], Despite the worldwide distribution of placozoans [3–6], morphological differences are lacking among isolates from different geographic areas and, consequently, no other species in this phylum has been described and accepted for more than 130 years. However, recent single-gene studies on the genetic diversity of this “species” have revealed deeply divergent lineages of, as yet, undefined taxonomic ranks [3,5,6], Since single genes are not considered sufficient to define species [7], a whole nuclear genome comparison appears the most appropriate approach to determine relationships between placozoan lineages. Such a “taxogenomics” approach can help discover and diagnose potential additional species and, therefore, develop a much-needed, more robust, taxonomic framework for this phylum. To achieve this we sequenced the genome of a placozoan lineage isolated from Hong Kong (lineage H13), which is distantly related toT. adhaerens[6]. The 87 megabase genome assembly contains 12,010 genes. Comparison to theT. adhaerensgenome [8] identified an average protein distance of 24.4% in more than 2,700 screened one-to-one orthologs, similar to levels observed between the chordate classes mammals and birds. Genome rearrangements are commonplace and >25% of genes are not collinear (i.e. they are not in the same order in the two genomes). Finally, a multi-gene distance comparison with other non-bilaterian phyla indicate genus level differences toT. adhaerens. These data highlight the large genomic diversity within the Placozoa and justifies the designation of lineage HI3 as a new species,Xxxxxxxxx yyyyyyyyyyyyy1gen. et spaec. nov., now the second described placozoan species and the first in a new genus. Phylogenomic analyses furthermore supports a robust placement of the Placozoa as sister to a cnidarian-bilaterian clade.
ATP-induced asymmetric pre-protein folding: a driver of protein translocation?
Authors: Corey Robin A. , Allen William J. , Collinson Ian
Published: October 2017

The transport of proteins across membranes is a fundamental and essential process, achieved in every cell by the ‘Sec’ translocon. In prokaryotes, SecYEG associates with the motor protein SecA to carry out ATP-driven pre-protein secretion – a vital step in the biogenesis of most periplasmic, outer membrane and secreted proteins. Structural data of the SecA-SecYEG complex has provided considerable insight into underlying mechanism of this process. Previously, we have proposed a Brownian ratchet model for protein translocation, whereby the free energy of ATP binding and hydrolysis favours the progression of pre-protein across the membrane from the cytosol toward the outside [Allen, Corey et al. eLife 2016]. Here, we use atomistic molecular dynamics simulation of a SecA-SecYEG complex engaged with preprotein to further address the mechanism underlying this process. The data describe pre-protein secondary structure formation within the channel, which exhibits a nucleotide-dependent asymmetry between the cytoplasmic and exterior cavities. The results suggest ATP-dependent pre-protein transport is partly driven by pre-protein secondary structure formation. The model previously described, and refined here, could easily be adapted for the transport of proteins across various other membranes, such as the endoplasmic reticular and mitochondrial inner membranes.
The optimization of mRNA expression level by its intrinsic properties—insights from codon usage pattern and structural stability of mRNA
Authors: Victor Manish P , Acharya Debarun , Begum Tina , Ghosh Tapash C
Published: October 2017

The deviation from the uniform usage of synonymous codons is termed codon usage bias. A lot has been explained from the translational viewpoint for the observed phenomenon. To understand codon usage bias from the transcriptional perspective, we present here a holistic picture of this phenomenon inSaccharomyces cerevisiae, using both wild type and computationally mutated mRNAs. Although in wild type, both codon usage bias and mRNA stability positively regulate the gene (mRNA) expression level and are positively correlated with each other, any deviation from natural situation breaks such equilibrium. Computational examination of mRNA sequences with different sets of synonymous codon composition reveals that in mutated condition, the mRNA expression becomes reduced. Furthermore, constraining codon usage pattern to wild type and carrying out randomization of codons resulted in less stable mRNA. Further, we realized a Boolean Expression explaining the gene expression under various conditions of bias and mRNA stability. These studies suggest that selection of codons is favored for regulation of gene expression through potential formation of messenger RNA structures which contribute to folding stability. The naturally occurring codon composition is responsible for optimization of gene expression, and under such composition, the mRNA structure having highest stability is selected by nature.
Phase-tuned neuronal firing encodes human contextual representations for navigational goals
Authors: Watrous Andrew J , Miller Jonathan , Qasim Salman E , Fried Itzhak , Jacobs Joshua
Published: October 2017

We previously demonstrated that the phase of oscillations modulates neural activity representing categorical information using human intracranial recordings and high-frequency activity from local field potentials (Watrous et al., 2015b). We extend these findings here using human single-neuron recordings during a navigation task. We identify neurons in the medial temporal lobe with firing-rate modulations for specific navigational goals, as well as for navigational planning and goal arrival. Going beyond this work, using a novel oscillation detection algorithm, we identify phase-locked neural firing that encodes information about a person’s prospective navigational goal in the absence of firing rate changes. These results provide evidence for navigational planning and contextual accounts of human MTL function at the single-neuron level. More generally, our findings identify phase-coded neuronal firing as a component of the human neural code.
Low-dimensional and monotonic preparatory activity in mouse anterior lateral motor cortex
Authors: Inagaki Hidehiko K. , Inagaki Miho , Romani Sandro , Svoboda Karel
Published: October 2017

Neurons in multiple brain regions fire trains of action potentials anticipating specific movements, but this ‘preparatory activity’ has rarely been compared across behavioral tasks in the same brain region. We compared preparatory activity in auditory and tactile delayed-response tasks, with directional licking as the output. The anterior lateral motor cortex (ALM) is necessary for motor planning in both tasks. Multiple features of ALM preparatory activity during the delay epoch were similar across tasks. First, majority of neurons showed direction-selective activity and spatially intermingled neurons were selective for either movement direction. Second, many cells showed mixed coding of sensory stimulus and licking direction, with a bias toward licking direction. Third, delay activity was largely monotonic and low-dimensional. Fourth, pairs of neurons with similar direction selectivity showed high spike-count correlations. Our study forms the foundation to analyze the neural circuits underlying preparatory activity in a genetically tractable model organism.
In vivo brain activity imaging of interactively locomoting mice
Authors: Inagaki Shigenori , Agetsuma Masakazu , Ohara Shinya , Iijima Toshio , Wazawa Tetsuichi , Arai Yoshiyuki , Nagai Takeharu
Published: October 2017

Electrophysiological field potential dynamics have been widely used to investigate brain functions and related psychiatric disorders. Conversely, however, various technical limitations of conventional recording methods have limited its applicability to freely moving subjects, especially when they are in a group and socially interacting with each other. Here, we propose a new method to overcome these technical limitations by introducing a bioluminescent voltage indicator called LOTUS-V. Using our simple and fiber-free recording method, named “SNIPA,” we succeeded in capturing brain activity in freely-locomotive mice, without the need for complicated instruments. This novel method further allowed us to simultaneously record from multiple independently-locomotive animals that were interacting with one another. Further, we successfully demonstrated that the primary visual cortex was activated during the interaction. This methodology will further facilitate a wide range of studies in neurobiology and psychiatry.
microRNA-triggered transposon small RNAs mediate genome dosage response
Authors: Borges Filipe , Parent Jean-Sébastien , van Ex Frédéric , Wolff Philip , Martínez German , Köhler Claudia , Martienssen Robert A.
Published: October 2017

Chromosome dosage plays a significant role in reproductive isolation and speciation in both plants and animals, but underlying mechanisms are largely obscure1. Transposable elements can promote hybridity through maternal small RNA2, and have been postulated to regulate dosage response via neighboring imprinted genes3,4. Here, we show that a highly conserved microRNA in plants, miR845, targets the tRNAMetprimer-binding site (PBS) of LTR-retrotransposons inArabidopsispollen, and triggers the accumulation of 21 to 22-nucleotide small RNA in a dose dependent fashion via RNA polymerase IV. We show that these epigenetically activated small-interfering RNAs (easiRNAs) mediate hybridization barriers between diploid seed parents and tetraploid pollen parents (“the triploid block”), and that natural variation for miR845 may account for “endosperm balance” allowing formation of triploid seeds. Targeting the PBS with small RNA is a common mechanism for transposon control in mammals and plants, and provides a uniquely sensitive means to monitor chromosome dosage and imprinting in the developing seed.
Reproductive mode, stem cells and regeneration in a freshwater cnidarian with post-reproductive senescence
Authors: Sebestyén Flóra , Barta Zoltán , Tökölyi Jácint
Published: October 2017

In many basal metazoans both somatic and reproductive functions are performed by cellular derivatives of a single multipotent stem cell population. Reproduction can drain these stem cell pools, imposing a physiological cost with subsequent negative effects on somatic maintenance functions. In the freshwater cnidarianHydra oligactisboth asexual (budding) and sexual reproductive modes (production of resting eggs) are present, and both of these are dependent on a common pool of interstitial stem cells. Resting eggs tolerate abiotic conditions which neither the parental animals, nor asexual offspring can survive (e.g. freezing). Therefore, when facing unfavorable conditions and increased mortality risk, hydra polyps are expected to show higher differentiation of interstitial stem cells into germ cells (i.e. sexual reproduction), compared to other cell types needed for selfmaintenance or asexual reproduction. Here, by comparing sexually and asexually reproducing individuals to non-reproductives, we studied the physiological costs of reproduction (size of interstitial stem cell pools, their somatic derivatives and regeneration rate, which is dependent on these cell types) inH. oligactispolyps from a free-living Hungarian population prior to the onset of winter. Sexual individuals (but not asexuals) were characterized by significantly smaller interstitial stem cell pools, fewer somatic derivatives (nematoblasts involved in food capture) and lower regeneration ability compared to non-reproductives. We also found a negative correlation between germ cell counts and stem cell numbers in males (but not in females). These results show that the physiological costs of reproduction are higher for sexual individuals. They also suggest that increased differentiation of stem cells into gametes might limit investment into somatic functions in hydra polyps. Exhaustion of cellular resources (stem cells) could be a major mechanism behind the extreme post-reproductive senescence observed in this species.
The emerging role of 4D synchrotron X-ray micro-tomography for climate and fossil energy studies: five experiments showing the present capabilities at beamline 8.3.2 at the Advanced Light Source
Authors: Voltolini Marco , Haboub Abdelmoula , Dou Shan , Kwon Tae-Hyuk , MacDowell Alastair A. , Parkinson Dilworth Y. , Ajo-Franklin Jonathan
Published: October 2017

Continuous improvements at X-ray imaging beamlines at synchrotron light sources have made dynamic synchrotron X-ray micro-computed tomography (SXR-µCT) experiments more routinely available to users, with a rapid increase in demand given its tremendous potential in very diverse areas. In this work a survey of five different four-dimensional SXR-µCT experiments is presented, examining five different parameters linked to the evolution of the investigated system, and tackling problems in different areas in earth sciences. SXR-µCT is used to monitor the microstructural evolution of the investigated sample with the following variables: (i) high temperature, observingin situoil shale pyrolysis; (ii) low temperature, replicating the generation of permafrost; (iii) high pressure, to study the invasion of supercritical CO2in deep aquifers; (iv) uniaxial stress, to monitor the closure of a fracture filled with proppant, in shale; (v) reactive flow, to observe the evolution of the hydraulic properties in a porous rock subject to dissolution. For each of these examples, it is shown how dynamic SXR-µCT was able to provide new answers to questions related to climate and energy studies, highlighting the significant opportunities opened recently by the technique.
Agent-based simulation in management and organizational studies: a survey
Authors: Gómez-Cruz Nelson Alfonso , Loaiza Saa Isabella , Ortega Hurtado Francisco Fernando
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive survey of the literature about the use of agent-based simulation (ABS) in the study of organizational behavior, decision making, and problem-solving. It aims at contributing to the consolidation of ABS as a field of applied research in management and organizational studies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors carried out a non-systematic search in literature published between 2000 and 2016, by using the keyword “agent-based” to search through Scopus’ business, management and accounting database. Additional search criteria were devised using the papers’ keywords and the categories defined by the divisions and interest groups of the Academy of Management. The authors found 181 articles for this survey.

Findings

The survey shows that ABS provides a robust and rigorous framework to elaborate descriptions, explanations, predictions and theories about organizations and their processes as well as develop tools that support strategic and operational decision making and problem-solving. The authors show that the areas that report the highest number of applications are operations and logistics (37 percent), marketing (17 percent) and organizational behavior (14 percent).

Originality/value

The paper illustrates the increasingly prominent role of ABS in fields such as organizational behavior, strategy, human resources, marketing and logistics. To-date, this is the most complete survey about ABS in all management areas.
Assessment of airport performance using the grey theory method
Authors: Eshtaiwi Mohamed Ibrahim , Badi Ibrahim A. , Abdulshahed Ali M. , Erkan Turan Erman
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Performance evaluation of airports or any other organisation is paramount for improving performance. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and compare the performance of the three international airports in Libya (MJI, MRA, and LAQ airports) by considering five aspects of performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The considered aspects are airport service quality, airport operations, airport economy, safety and security, and environmental. The paper uses the grey system theory to assess these airports by summarizing the opinions of experts.

Findings

The finding of this study provides directions of the evaluated airports to take the correct actions to improve overall performance.

Originality/value

No literature has been found till date is to evaluate and compare the performance of the international airports in Libya.
Research on factors influencing consumers’ loyalty towards geographical indication products based on grey incidence analysis
Authors: Zhan Huibin , Liu Sifeng , Yu Jielong
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Loyalty of customers is an essential factor influencing the development of geographical indication products industry. The purpose of this paper is to construct a model to detect factors influencing customers’ loyalty on geographical indication products. With analysing four teas, i.e., Lu’an Gua Pian, Huoshan Huangya, Huangshan tribute chrysanthemum and Yuexi Cuilan, this paper measures the factors strengthening consumers’ loyalty and examines how much impact these factors have.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is characterised as an exploratory research using the grey incidence analysis model and data are obtained by questionnaire survey.

Findings

In general, result of the analysis indicates that customer’s attitude towards its producing areas, perceived quality and cognition of the protection of geographical indications are the important factors that influence their loyalty towards geographical indication products. Detailed rank of their power that goes from highest to lowest is: customer’s attitude towards its producing areas, perceived quality and cognition of the protection of geographical indications. It also shows that the method of grey incidence analysis is adaptable to evaluate factors affecting consumers’ loyalty, which can make the result more persuasive and objective.

Originality/value

The authors construct a model from three aspects: customer’s attitude towards the producing areas of geographical indication products, the perceived quality and cognition of the protection of geographical indications. On the basis of this model, the authors analyse the factors which influence customer’s loyalty with grey incidence analysis.
Integer-valued GARCH processes for Apple technology analysis
Authors: Kim Jong-Min , Jun Sunghae
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The keywords from patent documents contain a lot of information of technology. If we analyze the time series of keywords, we will be able to understand even more about technological evolution. The previous researches of time series processes in patent analysis were based on time series regression or the Box-Jenkins methodology. The methods dealt with continuous time series data. But the keyword time series data in patent analysis are not continuous, they are frequency integer values. So we need a new methodology for integer-valued time series model. The purpose of this paper is to propose modeling of integer-valued time series for patent analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

For modeling frequency data of keywords, the authors used integer-valued generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity model with Poisson and negative binomial distributions. Using the proposed models, the authors forecast the future trends of target keywords of Apple in order to know the future technology of Apple.

Findings

The authors carry out a case study to illustrate how the methodology can be applied to real problem. In this paper, the authors collect the patent documents issued by Apple, and analyze them to find the technological trend of Apple company. From the results of Apple case study, the authors can find which technological keywords are more important or critical in the entire structure of Apple’s technologies.

Practical implications

This paper contributes to the research and development planning for producing new products. The authors can develop and launch the innovative products to improve the technological competition of a company through complete understanding of the technological keyword trends.

Originality/value

The retrieved patent documents from the patent databases are not suitable for statistical analysis. So, the authors have to transform the documents into structured data suitable for statistics. In general, the structured data are a matrix consisting of patent (row) and keyword (column), and its element is an occurred frequency of a keyword in each patent. The data type is not continuous but discrete. However, in most researches, they were analyzed by statistical methods for continuous data. In this paper, the authors build a statistical model based on discrete data.
E-commerce logistics in supply chain management
Authors: Yu Ying , Wang Xin , Zhong Ray Y. , Huang G.Q.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the state-of-the-art E-commerce logistics in supply chain management by investigating worldwide implementations and corresponding models together with supporting techniques via furniture industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Typical E-commerce logistics companies from North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific are comprehensively investigated so as to get the lessons and insights from these practices.

Findings

Future technologies like Internet of Things, Big Data Analytics, and Cloud Computing would be possibly adopted to enhance the E-commerce logistics in terms of system level, operational level, and decision-making level that may be real time and intelligent in the next decade.

Research limitations/implications

This paper takes the furniture industry for example to illustrate the E-commerce logistics and supply chain management (LSCM). Other industries like electronic appliance industry are not considered.

Practical implications

Opportunities and future perspectives are summarized from practical implementations so that interested parties like E-commerce and logistics companies are able to get some guidance when they are contemplating the business.

Social implications

E-commerce is booming with the development of new business models and will be continuously boosted in the near future. With large number of enterprises carrying out E-commerce, logistics has been largely influenced.

Originality/value

Insights and lessons from this paper are significant for academia and practitioners for considering E-commerce LSCM.