bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic
submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer in very elderly patients age 85
or older
Authors: Watanabe Ko , Hikichi Takuto , Nakamura Jun , Takagi Tadayuki , Suzuki Rei , Sugimoto Mitsuru , Waragai Yuichi , Kikuchi Hitomi , Konno Naoki , Asama Hiroyuki , Takasumi Mika , Obara Katsutoshi , Ohira Hiromasa
Published: January 2017

Background and study aims The safety and efficacy of endoscopic submucosal
dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC) in very elderly patients remains
unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ESD
for EGC in patients age 85 years and older.

Patients and methods Patients who underwent ESD for EGC between September
2003 and April 2015 were divided into 3 groups: the very elderly (≥ 85 years; 43
patients), the elderly (65 – 84 years; 511 patients), and the non-elderly ( ≤ 64
years; 161 patients). Adverse events (AEs) were used as the primary endpoint to
assess the safety of ESD, and the ESD treatment outcomes (i. e., en bloc
resection rate, complete en bloc resection rate, and curative resection
rate) and the overall survival rate after ESD were the secondary endpoints.
These parameters were retrospectively evaluated in the 3 groups.

Results There were no significant differences in AEs (non-elderly,
elderly, and very elderly: 7.3, 9.5, and 12.5 %, respectively, P = 0.491)
or in the en bloc resection and complete en bloc resection rates
among the three groups. However, there was a significant difference in the
curative resection rates (non-elderly, elderly, and very elderly: 91.5, 84.1,
and 77.1 %, respectively, P = 0.014). Regarding overall survival, there
was a significant difference among the three groups (1-, 5-, and 10-year overall
survival rates: non-elderly: 98.6, 90.2, and 74.7 %; elderly: 97.2, 86.2, and
61.9 %; and very elderly: 92.7, 66.8, and 34.4 %, respectively,
P = 0.001). Moreover, the overall survival rate in the very elderly
patients with cardiovascular disease was significantly lower than that in the
very elderly patients without cardiovascular disease (P < 0.001).

Conclusions ESD is an acceptable treatment for EGC in patients 85 years of
age or older in terms of safety. However, the overall survival after ESD in the
very elderly patients with cardiovascular disease was
short.
Nondiffusive thermal transport and prediction of the breakdown of Fourier’s law in nanograting experiments
Authors: Qu Zhengxian , Wang Dadong , Ma Yanbao
Published: January 2017

An appropriate heat conduction model is indispensable for experimental data analysis in nanothermometry in order to extract parameters of interests and to achieve a fundamental understanding of phonon-mediated heat transfer in nanostructures and across interfaces. Recently, nanoscale periodic metallic gratings are used as a group of distributed heaters as well as transducers in nanothermometry. However, in this technique, there are coupled hotspot-size-dependent effective thermal conductivity (ETC) and hotspot-size-dependent thermal interface resistivity, which posts a challenge for experimental data analysis using Fourier’s law that fails to extract both ETC and thermal interface resistivity simultaneously. To overcome this challenge, a novel two-parameter nondiffusive heat conduction (TPHC) model, which has been successfully applied to data analysis in different types of pump-probe experiments, is applied to analyze laser-induced nondiffusive heat transfer in nanoscale metallic grating experiments. Since the hotspot-size-dependent ETC is automatically captured by the TPHC model, the hotspot-size-dependent interface resistivity becomes the only parameter to be determined from experiments through data fitting. Thus, the hotspot-size-dependent thermal interface resistivity can be determined from experiments without the impact from the hotspot-size-dependent ETC. Currently, there is a lack of a criterion to predict when Fourier’s law breaks down in nanoscale heat transfer. To fill this gap, a criterion based the TPHC model is identified to predict the valid range of Fourier’s law, which is validated in both theoretical analyses and nanoscale metallic grating experiments.
Auto-magnetizing liners for magnetized inertial fusion
Authors: Slutz S. A. , Jennings C. A. , Awe T. J. , Shipley G. A. , Hutsel B. T. , Lamppa D. C.
Published: January 2017

The MagLIF (Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion) concept [Slutz et al., Phys. Plasmas 17, 056303 (2010)] has demonstrated fusion-relevant plasma conditions [Gomez et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 155003 (2014)] on the Z accelerator using external field coils to magnetize the fuel before compression. We present a novel concept (AutoMag), which uses a composite liner with helical conduction paths separated by insulating material to provide fuel magnetization from the early part of the drive current, which by design rises slowly enough to avoid electrical breakdown of the insulators. Once the magnetization field is established, the drive current rises more quickly, which causes the insulators to break down allowing the drive current to follow an axial path and implode the liner in the conventional z-pinch manner. There are two important advantages to AutoMag over external field coils for the operation of MagLIF. Low inductance magnetically insulated power feeds can be used to increase the drive current, and AutoMag does not interfere with diagnostic access. Also, AutoMag enables a pathway to energy applications for MagLIF, since expensive field coils will not be damaged each shot. Finally, it should be possible to generate Field Reversed Configurations (FRC) by using both external field coils and AutoMag in opposite polarities. This would provide a means to studying FRC liner implosions on the 100 ns time scale.
Room temperature operation of GaSb-based resonant tunneling diodes by prewell injection
Authors: Pfenning Andreas , Knebl Georg , Hartmann Fabian , Weih Robert , Bader Andreas , Emmerling Monika , Kamp Martin , Höfling Sven , Worschech Lukas
Published: January 2017

We present room temperature resonant tunneling of GaSb/AlAsSb double barrier resonant tunneling diodes with pseudomorphically grown prewell emitter structures comprising the ternary compound semiconductors GaInSb and GaAsSb. At room temperature, resonant tunneling is absent for diode structures without prewell emitters. The incorporation of Ga0.84In0.16Sb and GaAs0.05Sb0.95 prewell emitters leads to room temperature resonant tunneling with peak-to-valley current ratios of 1.45 and 1.36, respectively. The room temperature operation is attributed to the enhanced Γ-L-valley energy separation and consequently depopulation of L-valley states in the conduction band of the ternary compound emitter prewell with respect to bulk GaSb.
A study on plasma parameters in Ar/SF6 inductively coupled plasma
Authors: Oh Seung-Ju , Lee Hyo-Chang , Chung Chin-Wook
Published: January 2017

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas or Ar/SF6 mixing gas is widely used in plasma processes. However, there are a little experimental studies with various external parameters such as gas pressure and mixing ratio. In this work, a study of the plasma parameters by changing the gas mixing ratio was done in an Ar/SF6 inductively coupled plasma from the measurement of the electron energy distribution function. At a low gas pressure, as the mixing ratio of SF6 gas increased at a fixed inductively coupled plasma (ICP) power, the electron density decreased and the electron temperature increased, while they were not changed drastically. At a high gas pressure, a remarkable increase in the electron temperature was observed with the decrease in the electron density. These variations are due to the electron loss reactions such as the electron attachment. It was also found that at a fixed ICP power, the negative ion creation with the diluted SF6 gas can change the discharge mode transition from an inductive mode to a capacitive mode at the high gas pressure. The electron attachment reactions remove the low energy electrons and change the mean electron energy towards higher energies with diluting SF6 gas at high pressure. The measured results were compared with the simplified global model, and the global model is in relatively good agreement with the measured plasma parameters except for the result in the case of the large portion of SF6 gas at the high pressure and the capacitive mode, which causes strong negative ion formation by the electron attachment reactions.
Rainich conditions in (2 + 1)-dimensional gravity
Authors: Krongos D. S. , Torre C. G.
Published: January 2017

In (3 + 1) spacetime dimensions, the Rainich conditions are a set of equations expressed solely in terms of the metric tensor which are equivalent to the Einstein-Maxwell equations for non-null electromagnetic fields. Here we provide the analogous conditions for (2 + 1)-dimensional gravity coupled to electromagnetism. Both the non-null and null cases are treated. The construction of these conditions is based upon reducing the problem to that of gravity coupled to a scalar field, which we have treated elsewhere. These conditions can be easily extended to other theories of (2 + 1)-dimensional gravity. For example, we apply the geometrization conditions to topologically massive gravity coupled to the electromagnetic field and obtain a family of plane-fronted wave solutions.
A novel high power X-band ferrite phase shifter
Authors: Deng G. J. , Huang W. H. , Li J. W. , Ba T. , Guo L. T. , Jiang Y.
Published: January 2017

A novel high power X-band ferrite phase shifter (PS) employing the structure of several waveguides connected in parallel is proposed. Each of the waveguides is a phase shift unit utilizing a dual-toroid structure. First, the phase shift unit is designed, manufactured, and tested. The results indicate that the power capacity reaches 115 kW. At this power, the maximum magnetic field strength of ferrite is 7.9 kA/m, beyond which the nonlinear effect of ferrite will occur. On this basis, the PS that consists of four units connected in parallel is designed. According to the threshold of ferrite, the power capacity of the PS can theoretically reach 430 kW. Limited by the maximum output power of the microwave source, the preliminary high-power test results demonstrate that the PS can operate properly at 270 kW. The PS exhibits an insertion loss of 0.82 dB and a maximum differential phase shift of approximately 300° at 9.3 GHz. The return loss of the PS is more than 16 dB from 9.0 to 9.5 GHz.
The hydration structure of carbon monoxide by ab initio methods
Authors: Awoonor-Williams Ernest , Rowley Christopher N.
Published: January 2017

The solvation of carbon monoxide (CO) in liquid water is important for understanding its toxicological effects and biochemical roles. In this paper, we use ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) and CCSD(T)-F12 calculations to assess the accuracy of the Straub and Karplus molecular mechanical (MM) model for CO(aq). The CCSD(T)-F12 CO–H2O potential energy surfaces show that the most stable structure corresponds to water donating a hydrogen bond to the C center. The MM-calculated surface incorrectly predicts that the O atom is a stronger hydrogen bond acceptor than the C atom. The AIMD simulations indicate that CO is solvated like a hydrophobic solute, with very limited hydrogen bonding with water. The MM model tends to overestimate the degree of hydrogen bonding and overestimates the atomic radius of the C atom. The calculated Gibbs energy of hydration using the TIP3P water model is in good agreement with the experiment (9.3 kJ mol−1 expt. vs 10.7 kJ mol−1 calc.). The calculated diffusivity of CO (aq) in TIP3P-model water was 5.1×10−5 cm2/s calc., more than double the experimental value of 2.3×10−5 cm2/s. The hydration energy calculated using the TIP4P-FB water model is in poorer agreement with the experiment (ΔG = 6.8 kJ/mol) but the diffusivity is in better agreement (D=2.5±0.1×10−5 cm2/s).
Radiation of charge bunches revolving around a metamaterial sphere
Authors: Torabi Mahmoud , Shokri Babak
Published: January 2017

We investigate the interaction of a relativistic uniformly rotating charge with a metamaterial sphere in the microwave range. The charge revolves around the sphere at the equatorial plane. The root mean square of the radiation field for different types of metamaterial spheres is presented and its dependence on some usual parameters is considered. They demonstrate that the radiation field is concentrated near the surface and shifts towards the centre by increasing charge energy for conventional and double-negative metamaterials. The stopping and deflection forces acting on the charge are also calculated. Finally, we generalize these results to a line charge bunch. This study has potential application in the area of high-power radiation sources and accelerators.
Note: An inexpensive square waveform ion funnel driver
Authors: Hoffman Nathan M. , Opačić Bojana , Reilly Peter T. A.
Published: January 2017

An inexpensive frequency variable square waveform generator (WFG) was developed to use with existing sinusoidal waveform driven ion funnels. The developed WFG was constructed using readily available low voltage DC power supplies and discrete components placed in printed circuit boards. As applied to ion funnels, this WFG represents considerable cost savings over commercially available products without sacrificing performance. Operation of the constructed pulse generator has been demonstrated for a 1 nF ion funnel at an operating frequency of 1 MHz while switching 48 Vp−p.
Stable thermophoretic trapping of generic particles at low pressures
Authors: Fung Frankie , Usatyuk Mykhaylo , DeSalvo B. J. , Chin Cheng
Published: January 2017

We demonstrate levitation and three-dimensionally stable trapping of a wide variety of particles in a vacuum through thermophoretic force in the presence of a strong temperature gradient. Typical sizes of the trapped particles are between 10 μm and 1 mm at a pressure between 1 and 10 Torr. The trapping stability is provided radially by the increasing temperature field and vertically by the transition from the free molecule to hydrodynamic behavior of thermophoresis as the particles ascend. To determine the levitation force and test various theoretical models, we examine the levitation heights of spherical polyethylene spheres under various conditions. A good agreement with two theoretical models is concluded. Our system offers a platform to discover various thermophoretic phenomena and to simulate dynamics of interacting many-body systems in a microgravity environment.
What is the role of health systems in responding to domestic violence? An evidence review
Authors: Spangaro Jo
Published: January 2017

Objective
The aim of the present study was to review and analyse academic literature and program evaluations to identify promising evidence for health system responses to domestic violence in Australia and internationally.

Methods
English-language literature published between January 2005 and March 2016 was retrieved from search results using the terms ‘domestic violence’ or ‘intimate partner violence’ in different combinations with other relevant terms, resulting in 1671 documents, of which 59 were systematic reviews. Electronic databases (Medline (Ovid), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Psycinfo, Social work Abstracts, Informit, Violence and Abuse Abstracts, Family Studies Abstracts, Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews and EMBASE) were searched and narrative analysis undertaken.

Results
This review details the evidence base for the following interventions by health services responding to domestic violence: first-line responses, routine screening, risk assessment and safety planning, counselling with women, mother–child interventions, responses to perpetrators, child protection notifications, training and system-level responses.

Conclusions
There is growing evidence for the effectiveness of health service interventions to reduce the extent of harm caused by domestic violence.

What is known about the topic?
Domestic violence is a significant problem globally with enormous human, social and economic costs. Although women who have experienced abuse make extensive use of healthcare services, health services have lagged behind the policing, criminal justice and other human service domains in responding to domestic violence.

What does this paper add?
The present comprehensive review identifies best-practice health system responses to domestic violence.

What are the implications for practitioners?
Health systems can play a key role in identifying and responding to domestic violence for women who often do not access other services. There is growing evidence for the effectiveness of health service interventions to reduce the extent of harm caused by domestic violence, in particular for specialist counselling, structured risk assessment and safety planning, training for first-line responses and interventions for mothers and children affected by domestic violence.
N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Catalysed Mukaiyama–Michael Reaction and Mukaiyama Aldol/Mukaiyama–Michael Three-Component Coupling Reaction
Authors: Nguyen Kim , Lupton David W.
Published: January 2017

An N-heterocyclic carbene-catalysed Mukaiyama–Michael addition between several trimethylsilyl (TMS) enol ethers and chalcone derivatives has been discovered. In addition, a related reaction cascade involving dehydrative Mukaiyama aldol followed by a Mukaiyama–Michael addition process has been developed. The later reaction can also be achieved as a three-component coupling reaction. The enantioselective variant of these reactions has been examined with homochiral catalysts. Though these catalysts were active, they fail to achieve enantioinduction.
LINC complexes promote homologous recombination in part through inhibition of nonhomologous end joining
Authors: Lawrence Katherine S. , Tapley Erin C. , Cruz Victor E. , Li Qianyan , Aung Kayla , Hart Kevin C. , Schwartz Thomas U. , Starr Daniel A. , Engebrecht JoAnne
Published: January 2017

The Caenorhabditis elegans SUN domain protein, UNC-84, functions in nuclear migration and anchorage in the soma. We discovered a novel role for UNC-84 in DNA damage repair and meiotic recombination. Loss of UNC-84 leads to defects in the loading and disassembly of the recombinase RAD-51. Similar to mutations in Fanconi anemia (FA) genes, unc-84 mutants and human cells depleted of Sun-1 are sensitive to DNA cross-linking agents, and sensitivity is rescued by the inactivation of nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). UNC-84 also recruits FA nuclease FAN-1 to the nucleoplasm, suggesting that UNC-84 both alters the extent of repair by NHEJ and promotes the processing of cross-links by FAN-1. UNC-84 interacts with the KASH protein ZYG-12 for DNA damage repair. Furthermore, the microtubule network and interaction with the nucleoskeleton are important for repair, suggesting that a functional linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex is required. We propose that LINC complexes serve a conserved role in DNA repair through both the inhibition of NHEJ and the promotion of homologous recombination at sites of chromosomal breaks.
Trypanosome outer kinetochore proteins suggest conservation of chromosome segregation machinery across eukaryotes
Authors: D’Archivio Simon , Wickstead Bill
Published: January 2017

Kinetochores are multiprotein complexes that couple eukaryotic chromosomes to the mitotic spindle to ensure proper segregation. The model for kinetochore assembly is conserved between humans and yeast, and homologues of several components are widely distributed in eukaryotes, but key components are absent in some lineages. The recent discovery in a lineage of protozoa called kinetoplastids of unconventional kinetochores with no apparent homology to model organisms suggests that more than one system for eukaryotic chromosome segregation may exist. In this study, we report a new family of proteins distantly related to outer kinetochore proteins Ndc80 and Nuf2. The family member in kinetoplastids, KKT-interacting protein 1 (KKIP1), associates with the kinetochore, and its depletion causes severe defects in karyokinesis, loss of individual chromosomes, and gross defects in spindle assembly or stability. Immunopurification of KKIP1 from stabilized kinetochores identifies six further components, which form part of a trypanosome outer kinetochore complex. These findings suggest that kinetochores in organisms such as kinetoplastids are built from a divergent, but not ancestrally distinct, set of components and that Ndc80/Nuf2-like proteins are universal in eukaryotic division.
The palmitoyltransferase Approximated promotes growth via the Hippo pathway by palmitoylation of Fat
Authors: Matakatsu Hitoshi , Blair Seth S. , Fehon Richard G.
Published: January 2017

The large protocadherin Fat functions to promote Hippo pathway activity in restricting tissue growth. Loss of Fat leads to accumulation of the atypical myosin Dachs at the apical junctional region, which in turn promotes growth by inhibiting Warts. We previously identified Approximated (App), a DHHC domain palmitoyltransferase, as a negative regulator of Fat signaling in growth control. We show here that App promotes growth by palmitoylating the intracellular domain of Fat, and that palmitoylation negatively regulates Fat function. Independently, App also recruits Dachs to the apical junctional region through protein–protein association, thereby stimulating Dachs’s activity in promoting growth. Further, we show that palmitoylation by App functions antagonistically to phosphorylation by Discs-overgrown, which activates Fat. Together, these findings suggest a model in which App promotes Dachs activity by simultaneously repressing Fat via posttranslational modification and recruiting Dachs to the apical junctional region, thereby promoting tissue growth.
Mechanosensing by the nucleus: From pathways to scaling relationships
Authors: Cho Sangkyun , Irianto Jerome , Discher Dennis E.
Published: January 2017

The nucleus is linked mechanically to the extracellular matrix via multiple polymers that transmit forces to the nuclear envelope and into the nuclear interior. Here, we review some of the emerging mechanisms of nuclear mechanosensing, which range from changes in protein conformation and transcription factor localization to chromosome reorganization and membrane dilation up to rupture. Nuclear mechanosensing encompasses biophysically complex pathways that often converge on the main structural proteins of the nucleus, the lamins. We also perform meta-analyses of public transcriptomics and proteomics data, which indicate that some of the mechanosensing pathways relaying signals from the collagen matrix to the nucleus apply to a broad range of species, tissues, and diseases.
Mammalian synthetic biology for studying the cell
Authors: Mathur Melina , Xiang Joy S. , Smolke Christina D.
Published: January 2017

Synthetic biology is advancing the design of genetic devices that enable the study of cellular and molecular biology in mammalian cells. These genetic devices use diverse regulatory mechanisms to both examine cellular processes and achieve precise and dynamic control of cellular phenotype. Synthetic biology tools provide novel functionality to complement the examination of natural cell systems, including engineered molecules with specific activities and model systems that mimic complex regulatory processes. Continued development of quantitative standards and computational tools will expand capacities to probe cellular mechanisms with genetic devices to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the cell. In this study, we review synthetic biology tools that are being applied to effectively investigate diverse cellular processes, regulatory networks, and multicellular interactions. We also discuss current challenges and future developments in the field that may transform the types of investigation possible in cell biology.
From static to animated: Measuring mechanical forces in tissues
Authors: Nelson Celeste M.
Published: January 2017

Cells are physical objects that exert mechanical forces on their surroundings as they migrate and take their places within tissues. New techniques are now poised to enable the measurement of cell-generated mechanical forces in intact tissues in vivo, which will illuminate the secret dynamic lives of cells and change our current perception of cell biology.
Susan Lindquist: Visionary scientist and peerless mentor
Authors: Bevis Brooke J.
Published: January 2017

The science universe is dimmer after one of our brightest stars, Susan Lee Lindquist, was taken by cancer on October 27, 2016. Sue was an innovative, creative, out-of-the-box scientific thinker. She had unique biological intuition—an instinct for both the way things worked and the right questions to ask to uncover new research insights. Her wide-ranging career began with the study of protein folding and molecular chaperones, and she went on to show that protein folding can have profound and unexpected biological effects on such diverse processes as cancer, evolution, and neurodegenerative disease. As Sue's laboratory manager, I would like to offer a ground-floor perspective on what made her an exceptional scientist, mentor, and leader. She created a harmonious, collegial environment where collaborative synergy fueled meaningful progress that will impact science for decades to come.
CNS-targeted autoimmunity leads to increased influenza mortality in mice
Authors: Glenn Justin D. , Smith Matthew D. , Xue Pei , Chan-Li Yee , Collins Samuel , Calabresi Peter A. , Horton Maureen R. , Whartenby Katharine A.
Published: January 2017

The discovery that central nervous system (CNS)–targeted autoreactive T cells required a process of licensing in the lung revealed an unexpected relationship between these organs. The clinical and immunological significance of this finding is bidirectional in that it showed not only a mechanism by which T cells become pathogenic before entering the CNS, but also the potential for this process to influence lung immunity as well. Epidemiological studies have shown that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) suffer from increased morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases, independent of immunosuppressive therapies. Respiratory infections account for a large percentage of deaths of people with MS. In this study, to investigate the mechanisms responsible for this enhanced susceptibility, we established a comorbid model system in which mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) were administered a sublethal dose of influenza. Whereas mice with either EAE alone or influenza alone survived, 70% of comorbid mice died as a result of uncontrolled viral replication. Immunological analyses revealed that the induction of EAE led to a surprising alteration of the lung milieu, converting an effective stimulatory influenza-reactive environment into a suppressive one. These results provide mechanistic information that may help to explain the unexpected immunological interactions.
It’s not funny: How changes in If limit maximum heart rate with aging
Authors: Robertson Gail A.
Published: January 2017

Robertson highlights recent work showing how aging limits pacemaking by the funny current, If, in the sinoatrial node.
Evaluation of a Predictive Staging Model for HIV-Associated Kaposi Sarcoma in Uganda
Authors: Okuku Fred , Krantz Elizabeth M. , Kafeero James , Kamya Moses R. , Orem Jackson , Casper Corey , Phipps Warren
Published: January 2017

Background:

HIV-associated Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is commonly staged using the AIDS Clinical Trials Group criteria, which classify 3 variables— tumor extent (T), immune status (I), and systemic symptoms (S)—into good risk (0) and poor risk (1). Although validated in the United States and Europe, these criteria have not been systematically evaluated in sub-Saharan Africa, where the burden of KS is greatest.

Methods:

We reviewed medical charts of adult patients with HIV-associated KS seen at the Uganda Cancer Institute from 1992 to 2007. Vital status at 2 years after KS diagnosis was determined from the medical chart, or by contacting the patient or next of kin. Survival estimates used Kaplan–Meier methods. Predictors were evaluated for 2 periods: 0–4 months and 4–24 months after diagnosis.

Results:

At 2 years after diagnosis, 167 (41%) patients were alive, 156 (39%) had died, and 81 (20%) were lost to follow-up. The Kaplan–Meier estimate of 2-year survival was 57%. S1 was associated with death in months 0–4 [hazard ratio: 6.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.9–21.1], whereas T1 was associated with death in months 4–24 [hazard ratio: 4.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.4 to 11.5]. Immune status was not associated with survival.

Conclusions:

Systemic symptoms were strongly associated with death in the early period after KS diagnosis, whereas tumor status was most predictive of death in the 4- to 24-month period. These findings suggest that different processes may influence outcomes in early and late periods following KS diagnosis. Further studies are needed to confirm these observations and to identify better predictors of KS survival in sub-Saharan Africa.
Spike-based phylogenetically defined clades within theAlphacoronavirus 1species
Authors: Whittaker Gary R. , André Nicole M. , Millet Jean Kaoru
Published: January 2017

Taxonomic classification for theCoronaviridaecan be challenging, due to the wide host tropism and highly variable genome of the viruses in this Family. Within theAlphacoronavirusgenus, there is a single speciesAlphacoronavirus 1that encompasses several biologically distinct viruses of distinct animal species. Here, we carried out phylogenetic analysis of members of theAlphacoronavirusgenus, focusing on the viral spike gene, which is a primary driver of viral tropism and pathogenesis. We identify two distinct clades (A and B) within theAlphacoronavirus 1species.Alphacoronavirus 1clade A encompasses serotype I FCoV and CCoV, andAlphacoronavirus 1clade B, encompasses serotype II FCoV and CCoV and TGEV-like viruses. We propose this clade designation, along with the newly proposedAlphacoronavirus 2species, as an improved way to classify the diverseAlphacoronavirusgenus.
Cognitive task information is transferred between brain regions via resting-state network topology
Authors: Ito Takuya , Kulkarni Kaustubh R. , Schultz Douglas H. , Mill Ravi D. , Chen Richard H. , Solomyak Levi I. , Cole Michael W.
Published: January 2017

Resting-state network connectivity has been associated with a variety of cognitive abilities, yet it remains unclear how these connectivity properties might contribute to the neurocognitive computations underlying these abilities. We developed a new approach – information transfer mapping – to test the hypothesis that resting-state functional network topology describes the computational mappings between brain regions that carry cognitive task information. Here we report that the transfer of diverse, task-rule information in distributed brain regions can be predicted based on estimated activity flow through resting-state network connections. Further, we find that these task-rule information transfers are coordinated by global hub regions within cognitive control networks. Activity flow over resting-state connections thus provides a large-scale network mechanism for cognitive task information transfer and global information coordination in the human brain, demonstrating the cognitive relevance of resting-state network topology.
Never walk alone: achieving work performance through networking ability and autonomy
Authors: Nesheim Torstein , Olsen Karen Modesta , Sandvik Alexander Madsen
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between networking ability, autonomy and work performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The data, collected from a sample of 510 employees in a professional service firm, were analysed using regression analysis.

Findings

First, networking ability and autonomy are positively associated with in-role and extra-role performance. Second, the greater the job autonomy, the stronger the effect of networking ability on in-role performance.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the growing body of literature on demand for social and interpersonal skills in organisations. The authors combine the literature on work design with the literature on networking ability and complexity in employment relations. The authors’ findings show the importance of networking ability and autonomy for work performance, as well as pointing to factors such as age and work experience.
The role of extraversion and agreeableness traits on Gen Y’s attitudes and willingness to pay for green hotels
Authors: Tang Candy Mei Fung , Lam Desmond
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of extraversion and agreeableness personality traits on Generation Y (Gen Y) consumers’ attitudes toward and willingness to pay for green hotels. Gen Y is a large and influential generational group, with a significant interest in green issues. There has been a lack of research on the consumer decision-making process toward green hotels. Specifically, the impact of personality on green attitudes and behavioral intentions is rarely investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

A major survey consisting of 406 final respondents was conducted. The 29-item survey questionnaire comprises items for extraversion, agreeableness, attitudes toward green hotels and behavioral intention toward green hotels. Numerous statistical techniques, including structural equation modeling, were used to evaluate the data collected.

Findings

The results show that extraversion and agreeableness personality traits are positively associated with respondents’ attitudes toward green hotels. Stronger and more positive attitudes toward green hotels lead to greater willingness to pay for green hotels. Moreover, attitudes toward green hotels mediate the relationship between the two personality traits and willingness to pay. These findings of Gen Y subsegments can be useful to hotel managers in identifying who are more likely to stay in and pay for environmentally friendly hotels.

Originality/value

Gen Ys are an influential consumer age group in the service industry, and their general attitudes toward “green” products are important to modern hoteliers. However, few researchers have examined Gen Ys’ attitudes and behavioral intentions toward green issues. No research has examined the role of personality traits on consumers’ perceptions of green hotels. The present study found that the extraversion and agreeableness traits of Gen Y individuals are linked to their attitudes toward and willingness to pay for green hotels.
Motivators and inhibitors in booking a hotel via smartphones
Authors: Park Sangwon , Huang Yiqun
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to identify motivators (i.e. self-efficacy, perceived behavioural control and perceived benefits) and inhibitors (i.e. perceived cost and anxiety) that affect behavioural intentions to book hotel rooms using smartphones.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilising survey data collected from online consumers who have booked hotels in London, two stages of structural equation modelling were applied to estimate the proposed model.

Findings

The results of this research indicate that perceived behavioural control appears to be the core motivator for the use of smartphones to book a hotel with perceived benefits, whereas anxiety plays a negative role in leading to mobile booking behaviours. It is also identified that self-efficacy indirectly influences intentions to reserve hotel accommodation.

Practical implications

This study suggests that hospitality marketers should simplify the mobile purchasing process to enhance self-confidence in controlling the system during transactions, educate current and potential online consumers to become aware of the competitive benefits of using smartphones and create alliances with credit card companies to relieve anxiety when users are asked to provide personal or banking information.

Originality/value

In light of the substantial literature regarding the adoption of technology in terms of user experience (i.e. TAM), this study integrates two theoretical foundations of understanding consumer behaviours (i.e. a concept of consumer values and theory of planned behaviour) to assess motivators and inhibitors in behaviours related to booking hotel accommodation via smartphones.
The two market leaders in ocean cruising and corporate sustainability
Authors: Jones Peter , Hillier David , Comfort Daphne
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on the sustainability reports published by the two market leaders in ocean cruising industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with short reviews of the growing interest in the commitment to corporate sustainability and of the growth and market structure of the ocean cruising industry by way of setting the context for the commentary. This commentary is based on a review of the most recent sustainability reports published by the two leading ocean cruising companies which account for almost 75 per cent of total industry revenues.

Findings

The findings of the paper reveal that the two major ocean cruising companies, namely, Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Cruises, published extensive sustainability reports covering a wide range of environmental, social, economic and governance issues. The other leading ocean cruising companies posted limited information on their approach to sustainability on their corporate websites and some posted no information on sustainability. However, the authors suggest that given that the two major cruising companies account for 70 per cent of ocean cruising passengers, the industry compares favourably in its sustainability reporting with other players in the hospitality industry and the service sector. That said, the authors also suggest that approaches to sustainability within the cruising industry, which are based on continuing growth, present testing management challenges for the leading cruising companies.

Originality/value

The paper provides an accessible commentary on current approaches to sustainability in the ocean cruising industry, and as such, it will interest professionals working in the cruise industry and more generally in the hospitality industry as well as academics and students interested in hospitality management and sustainability.
New developments in tourism and hotel demand modeling and forecasting
Authors: Wu Doris Chenguang , Song Haiyan , Shen Shujie
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review recent studies published from 2007 to 2015 on tourism and hotel demand modeling and forecasting with a view to identifying the emerging topics and methods studied and to pointing future research directions in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

Articles on tourism and hotel demand modeling and forecasting published mostly in both science citation index and social sciences citation index journals were identified and analyzed.

Findings

This review finds that the studies focused on hotel demand are relatively less than those on tourism demand. It is also observed that more and more studies have moved away from the aggregate tourism demand analysis, whereas disaggregate markets and niche products have attracted increasing attention. Some studies have gone beyond neoclassical economic theory to seek additional explanations of the dynamics of tourism and hotel demand, such as environmental factors, tourist online behavior and consumer confidence indicators, among others. More sophisticated techniques such as nonlinear smooth transition regression, mixed-frequency modeling technique and nonparametric singular spectrum analysis have also been introduced to this research area.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this review is that the articles included in this study only cover the English literature. Future review of this kind should also include articles published in other languages. The review provides a useful guide for researchers who are interested in future research on tourism and hotel demand modeling and forecasting.

Practical implications

This review provides important suggestions and recommendations for improving the efficiency of tourism and hospitality management practices.

Originality/value

The value of this review is that it identifies the current trends in tourism and hotel demand modeling and forecasting research and points out future research directions.
Building brand relationship quality among hotel loyalty program members
Authors: Lo Ada S. , Im Holly Hyunjung , Chen Yong , Qu Hailin
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of the loyalty program members’ satisfaction toward the hotel loyalty program benefits and the customer management relationship initiatives of individual hotels on the brand relationship quality (BRQ), i.e. their relationship quality with the hotel brand, and its outcomes. The moderating impact of membership level on the hypothesized relationships was also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

A usable sample of 920 active members of a hotel loyalty program was obtained. Structural equation modeling with partial least squares method was used to estimate the structural relationships and to investigate the moderating effect of membership level.

Findings

Employee’s customer orientation, membership communication and hotel stay-related benefits are determinants of the loyalty program members’ BRQ. BRQ is also confirmed as a higher-order construct of three latent variables which include trust, satisfaction and commitment. Moderating effects of the membership were partially supported in this study. The strongest effect of BRQ is on members’ word of mouth followed by shares of purchase. BRQ is found to have negative relationship with members’ willingness to serve as marketing resource, but the impact was small.

Research limitations/implications

This is a cross-sectional study with a population of active loyalty program members of only one luxury hotel group. The sample size of the top-tier members is also smaller in comparison to the other two groups.

Practical implications

This study contributes to the understanding of the antecedents and consequences of BRQ and the body of knowledge about loyalty program for hotel industry.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies investigating the effectiveness of hotel loyalty programs from the active members’ perspective and the moderating effect of membership level on the relationships among BRQ, its antecedents and its outcomes.
Hotel guests’ social media acceptance in luxury hotels
Authors: tom Dieck M. Claudia , Jung Timothy Hyungsoo , Kim Woo Gon , Moon Yunji
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to propose and test a modified technology acceptance model for the social media networks (SMNs) in the luxury hotel context, integrating satisfaction and continued usage intention, using a mixed-method approach. SMNs have revolutionized the way people communicate, search for information and share experiences. The technology acceptance model is the predominant theory for researching technology acceptance; however, there is a gap in identifying and testing context-specific constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a mixed-method approach. The researchers conducted 16 interviews and 258 questionnaires with luxury hotel guests. Following the collection of data, interviews and questionnaires were analyzed using thematic and partial least square analysis.

Findings

Findings show that accessibility, trust, social influence and perceived benefits influence perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, which affect attitude and satisfaction and ultimately continued usage intentions. Findings also reveal that enjoyment, although qualitatively proposed, does not influence luxury hotel guests’ SMNs continued usage intention.

Practical implications

This study suggests that hotel managers have to concentrate their marketing efforts in enhancing SMN’s interaction and increasing the number of positive reviews to retain current customers and acquire new ones. Hotels should also develop effective mobile strategies by adopting mobile social network webs and applications, as accessibility becomes more important in today’s marketplace.

Originality/value

Former scholars adopted the approach of proposing external dimensions based on previous research and, thus, did not integrate up-to-date and context-specific variables. Therefore, the present paper uses a new approach by exploring SMN-specific dimensions and testing them in the luxury hotel context.
The determinants of hotel room rates: an analysis of the hotel industry in Warsaw, Poland
Authors: Pawlicz Adam , Napierala Tomasz
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This study aims to measure the effect on prices through the differing characteristics and attributes of hotels.

Design/methodology/approach

A hedonic price model (HPM) was adopted to estimate the impact of various site and situational factors on hotel prices in Warsaw, Poland. To better understand room rates not explained by HPM, spatial analysis of residuals was used. Datasets regarding prices from three different online travel agents (OTAs) and star ratings, either official or provided by OTAs, were investigated.

Findings

A significant impact on hotel prices by star rating has been confirmed. Every additional star allows the hotel to set approximately 25 to 36 per cent higher prices, which is in line with previous studies. Moreover, two factors indicated a high but still underestimated theoretical hotel prices: location within the city centre and proximity to the international airport.

Practical implications

The results of this study suggest that hoteliers should use a spatial analysis of room rates offered by the competing enterprises. Moreover, managers are expected to verify their price tactics and policies according to the geographical determinants of hotel prices investigated.

Originality/value

The uniqueness of the study is highlighted by comparison of HPMs based on data from different OTAs, analysing differences in HPMs based on star ratings provided by OTAs and official systems and spatial analysis of residuals of estimated HPMs. Moreover, this study is among the first to examine the usage of HPM in the hospitality industry in East-Central Europe.
Framework for establishing records control in hospitals as an ISO 9001 requirement
Authors: Al-Qatawneh Lina
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the process followed to control records in a Jordanian private community hospital as an ISO 9001:2008 standard requirement.

Design/methodology/approach

Under the hospital quality council’s supervision, the quality management and development office staff were responsible for designing, planning and implementing the quality management system (QMS) using the ISO 9001:2008 standard. A policy for records control was established. An action plan for establishing the records control was developed and implemented. On completion, a coding system for records was specified to be used by hospital staff. Finally, an internal audit was performed to verify conformity to the ISO 9001:2008 standard requirements.

Findings

Successful certification by a neutral body ascertained that the hospital’s QMS conformed to the ISO 9001:2008 requirements. A framework was developed that describes the records controlling process, which can be used by staff in any healthcare organization wanting to achieve ISO 9001:2008 accreditation.

Originality/value

Given the increased interest among healthcare organizations to achieve the ISO 9001 certification, the proposed framework for establishing records control is developed and is expected to be a valuable management tool to improve and sustain healthcare quality.