bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Diagnosis and Monitoring of Vestibular Schwannomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Do Hyun , Lee Seoungmin , Hwang Se Hwan
Published: August 2019

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (T2wi) in terms of detecting vestibular schwannoma compared with gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MRI (GdT1wi).

Data Sources:

Five databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, the Web of Science, and the Cochrane database).

Data Selection:

Two authors independently searched five databases up to January 2019 on diagnosis of vestibular schwannomas via T2wi.

Data Extraction:

In the included studies, tumor diameters reported using T2wi were compared with those revealed by GdT1wi and correlation coefficients were calculated. Data on true-positives, true-negatives, false-positives, and false-negatives were extracted from the relevant articles. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool. Inter-rater agreement among different observers and intra-rater agreement among different measurements made by a single observer was assessed.

Data Synthesis:

Outcomes subjected to analysis included diagnostic accuracy (the diagnostic odds ratio); summary receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve values. The summary intra-class correlation coefficient was used for various random-effects models. The quality of each study was analyzed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool.

Conclusions:

T2wi performed without the use of a contrast agent is a highly accurate diagnostic and monitor tool compared with GdT1wi and also demonstrated high reliability. However, further studies are required to confirm the results of this study.
The Impact of Septoplasty Operation on Odor Threshold Score and Symptom Severity According to the Nasal Septum Deviation Classifications
Authors: Sakalli Cemal , Cayonu Melih , Tuna Evrim Unsal
Published: August 2019

Objective:

The authors aimed to determine the changes in the odor threshold and sinonasal outcome test-22 scores of the patients after septoplasty surgery in terms of nasal septum deviation classifications.

Methods:

Forty-nine patients with nasal septum deviation, aged between 17 and 65, were included in our study. The sinonasal outcome test-22 scores questionnaire and the N-Butanol Threshold test were administered to the patients, 2 days before and 2 months after the septoplasty.

Results:

The authors’ study had 4 major findings: Odor threshold scores improved after septoplasty operation both for the narrower and the wider side of the nasal airway passage. The Vidigal classification for nasal septum deviation was best for predicting the changes for odor threshold scores after septoplasty operation. The nasal septum deviation in which the nasal septum was pushing the inferior turbinate to lateral nasal wall caused the most smell dysfunction according to the Vidigal classification. Unilateral vertical crest affecting the nasal valv area or the posterior part of the septum had the most negative effect on olfactory functions according to the Mladina classification.

Conclusion:

Septoplasty operation leads to improvement in odor threshold scores, and the Vidigal nasal septum deviation classification was best in predicting postoperative odor threshold changes.
Mental Skills in Surgery
Authors: Deshauer Siobhan , McQueen Sydney , Hammond Mobilio Melanie , Mutabdzic Dorotea , Moulton Carol-anne E.
Published: August 2019

Objective:

The present study investigated the role of mental skills in surgery through the unique lens of current surgeons who had previously served as Olympic athletes, elite musicians, or expert military personnel.

Background:

Recent work has demonstrated great potential for mental skills training in surgery. However, as a field, we lag far behind other high-performance domains that explicitly train and practice mental skills to promote optimal performance. Surgery stands to benefit from this work. First, there is a need to identify which mental skills might be most useful in surgery and how they might be best employed.

Methods:

Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 surgeons across the United States and Canada who had previously performed at an elite level in sport, music, or the military.

Results:

Mental skills were used both to optimize performance in the moment and longitudinally. In the moment, skills were used proactively to enter an ideal performance state, and responsively to address unwanted thoughts or emotions to re-enter an acceptable performance zone. Longitudinally, participants used skills to build expertise and maintain wellness.

Conclusions:

Establishing a taxonomy for mental skills in surgery may help in the development of robust mental skills training programs to promote optimal surgeon wellness and performance.
Comparing Nipple-sparing Mastectomy to Secondary Nipple Reconstruction
Authors: Santosa Katherine B. , Qi Ji , Kim Hyungjin M. , Hamill Jennifer B. , Pusic Andrea L. , Chun Yoon Sun , Wilkins Edwin G. , Kozlow Jeffrey H.
Published: August 2019

Objective:

The primary aim of this study was to compare patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of women who underwent immediate implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) after receiving either: (1) nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) or (2) simple mastectomy with subsequent nipple reconstruction (SNR).

Background:

The goal of post-mastectomy breast reconstruction is to restore body image and quality-of-life after mastectomy, but removal of the nipple-areolar complex may have its own negative psychosocial consequences. NSM may have increased in popularity due to its perceived oncologic safety in many women and to reports of superior aesthetic results with this technique. Despite the increased utilization of NSM, few studies have evaluated the impact of NSM on PROs and complications in women undergoing immediate IBBR.

Methods:

We performed a secondary analysis of the Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium study, a multicenter, prospective cohort study that recruited patients between February 2012 and July 2015. The primary aim of this study was to compare PROs as measured by BREAST-Q scores between women who underwent IBBR after NSM versus SNR. The secondary aim was to compare complication rates. Mixed-effects regression models controlled for demographic and clinical covariates.

Results:

Of the 600 women in the study, 286 (47.7%) underwent NSM. After controlling for baseline patient characteristics, we found no significant differences in satisfaction with breast, psychosocial well-being, physical well-being or sexual well-being between women undergoing NSM versus SNR. Mastectomy type was not a significant predictor of complications or reconstructive failure.

Conclusions:

Despite reports of superior aesthetics for NSM over simple mastectomy with nipple reconstruction in immediate IBBR, we found no significant differences at 2 years after reconstruction in patient satisfaction, quality-of-life, or complication rates.
Perioperative Probiotics or Synbiotics in Adults Undergoing Elective Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Chowdhury Abeed H. , Adiamah Alfred , Kushairi Anisa , Varadhan Krishna K. , Krznaric Zeljko , Kulkarni Anil D. , Neal Keith R. , Lobo Dileep N.
Published: August 2019

Objective:

To define the impact of perioperative treatment with probiotics or synbiotics on postoperative outcome in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

Background:

Postoperative surgical infection accounts for a third of all cases of sepsis, and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics (preparations that combine probiotics and prebiotics) are nutritional adjuncts that are emerging as novel therapeutic modalities for preventing surgical infections. However, current evidence on their effects is conflicting.

Methods:

A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, and WHO Global Index Medicus electronic databases was performed to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating probiotics or synbiotics in adult patients undergoing elective colorectal, upper gastrointestinal, transplant, or hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery. Bibliographies of studies were also searched. The primary outcome measure was incidence of postoperative infectious complications. Secondary outcomes included incidence of noninfectious complications, mortality, length of hospital stay, and any treatment-related adverse events. Quantitative pooling of the data was undertaken using a random effects model.

Results:

A total of 34 randomized controlled trials reporting on 2723 participants were included. In the intervention arm, 1354 patients received prebiotic or symbiotic preparations, whereas 1369 patients in the control arm received placebo or standard care. Perioperative administration of either probiotics or synbiotics significantly reduced the risk of infectious complications following abdominal surgery [relative risk (RR) 0.56; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46–0.69; P < 0.00001, n = 2723, I
2 = 42%]. Synbiotics showed greater effect on postoperative infections compared with probiotics alone (synbiotics RR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.33–0.66; P < 0.0001, n = 1399, I
2 = 53% probiotics RR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.53–0.80; P < 0.0001, n = 1324, I
2 = 18%). Synbiotics but not probiotics also led to a reduction in total length of stay (synbiotics weighted mean difference: −3.89; 95% CI: −6.60 to −1.18 days; P = 0.005, n = 535, I
2 = 91% probiotics RR: −0.65; 95% CI: −2.03–0.72; P = 0.35, n = 294, I
2 = 65%). There were no significant differences in mortality (RR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.54–1.80; P = 0.96, n = 1729, I
2 = 0%) or noninfectious complications between the intervention and control groups. The preparations were well tolerated with no significant adverse events reported.

Conclusions:

Probiotics and synbiotics are safe and effective nutritional adjuncts in reducing postoperative infective complications in elective abdominal surgery. The treatment effects are greatest with synbiotics.
Cardiac cachexia: the mandate to increase clinician awareness
Authors: Lena Alessia , Ebner Nicole , Coats Andrew J.S. , Anker Markus S.
Published: August 2019

Purpose of review

Heart failure is a frequent problem in an ageing population, associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Today, it is important to not only treat heart failure itself but also the related comorbidities. Among them, cardiac cachexia is one of the major challenges. It is a complex multifactorial disease with a negative impact on quality of life and prognosis. Therefore, prevention, early recognition and treatment of cardiac cachexia is essential.

Recent findings

Cardiac cachexia frequently presents with skeletal as well as heart muscle depletion. Imaging-based diagnostic techniques can help to identify patients with cardiac cachexia and muscle wasting. Several blood biomarkers are available to detect metabolic changes in cardiac cachexia.

Several studies are currently ongoing to better comprehend the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiac cachexia and to find new treatments. It is essential to diagnose it as early as possible to initiate therapy.
Association between RELN polymorphisms and schizophrenia in a Han population from Northeast China
Authors: Bai Wei , Fu Yingli , Yu Xiao , Zhu Bo , Duan Ruixin , Yu Yaqin , Kou Changgui
Published: August 2019

Objective

To explore the association between the RELN gene and schizophrenia in the overall sample and samples stratified by sex in a northeastern Chinese population.

Methods

A total of 1536 participants from Jilin Province, China, were recruited in this case-control study. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs1062831, rs3808039, rs362746, and rs736707) in the RELN gene were genotyped. Binary logistic regression analysis was applied to detect associations between the genotypes of each single nucleotide polymorphism and schizophrenia. P values of no more than 0.003125 [0.05/(4 SNPs*4 different genetic models)] after Bonferroni correction were considered statistically significant.

Results

All single-nucleotide polymorphisms conformed to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in the control group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that after Bonferroni correction, rs362746 was associated with schizophrenia under the recessive model (P = 0.001) and codominant model (P = 0.003) in the overall group. The association between schizophrenia and RELN single-nucleotide polymorphisms was not found in a sex-specific pattern after Bonferroni correction.

Conclusion

Our study provides and supports the evidence that RELN is a candidate gene for schizophrenia. Replication studies conducted in different populations are required, and the sex-specific association of this gene with schizophrenia warrants further exploration.
Association study of the PDE4D gene and obsessive-compulsive disorder in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Huang Xing , Zhang Jinjuan , Liu Jie , Zhang Xinhua
Published: August 2019

Objective

Multiple evidence suggests an involvement of the PDE4D in mental disorders. Therefore we investigate the association between obsessive-compulsive disorder and a polymorphism of the single nucleotide polymorphisms of PDE4D gene in the Chinese Han population.

Methods

We genotyped and performed a case-control association analysis of the PDE4D polymorphism rs1838733 in 400 obsessive-compulsive disorder patients and 459 healthy control subjects.

Results

The site conformed to Hardy–Weinberg (P > 0.05), three genotypes (AA, AG, GG) of PDE4D gene rs1838733 were detected. We demonstrated three principal results. First, there were no significant differences between the case and health controls in the genotype and allele at rs1838733 (P > 0.05). Second, there were no significant differences in the allele and genotype frequency between different genders obsessive-compulsive disorder (P > 0.05). Third, the genotype of single nucleotide polymorphism rs1838733 was associated with late-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder and female late-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The present study is the first to verify the associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms rs1838733 of the PDE4D gene with obsessive-compulsive disorder in a Chinese Han population. We found the genotype of single nucleotide polymorphism rs1838733 was associated with the occurrence of late-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder and female late-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder. Therefore, PDE4D may play a role in the pathogenesis of obsessive-compulsive disorder and may become a potential target for obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment in future research. Further studies should verify the current findings.
Forest canopy resists plant invasions: a case study ofChromolaena odoratain sub-tropical Sal (Shorea robusta) forests of Nepal
Authors: Sharma LN , Adhikari B , Watson MF , Karna B , Paudel E , Shrestha BB , Rijal DP
Published: August 2019

Invasive Alien Species cause tremendous ecological and economic damage in agriculture, forestry, aquatic ecosystems, and pastoral resources. They are one of the major threats to biodiversity conservation. Understanding the spatial pattern of invasive species and disentangling the biophysical drivers of invasion at forest stand level is essential for managing invasive species in forest ecosystems and the wider landscape. However, forest-level and species-specific information on invasive species abundance and area of extent is largely lacking. In this context, we analysed the cover of one of the world’s worst invasive plant speciesChromolaena odoratain Sal (Shorea robustaGaertn.) forest in central Nepal. Vegetation was sampled in four community-managed forests using 0.01 ha square quadrats, covering forest edge to the interior.Chromolaenacover, floral richness, tree density, forest canopy cover, shrub cover, and tree basal area were measured in each plot. We also estimated the level of disturbance in plots, and calculated distance from the plot to the nearest road. We also explored forest and invasive species management practices in community forests.

Chromolaenacover was found to be negatively correlated with forest canopy cover, distance to the nearest road, angle of slope and shrub cover. Canopy cover had the greatest effect on theChromolaenacover.Chromolaenacover did not show any pattern along native species richness gradients. In conclusion, forest canopy cover is the overriding biotic covariate affectingChromolaenacover in Sal forests. The practical application of our results in managingChromolaenain forest ecosystems is discussed.
Large-scale Genetic Analysis Identifies 66 Novel Loci for Asthma
Authors: Han Yi , Jia Qiong , Jahani Pedram Shafiei , Hurrell Benjamin P. , Pan Calvin , Huang Pin , Gukasyan Janet , Woodward Nicholas C. , Eskin Eleazar , Gilliland Frank , Akbari Omid , Hartiala Jaana A. , Allayee Hooman
Published: August 2019

We carried out a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for asthma in UK Biobank, followed by a meta-analysis with results from the Trans-National Asthma Genetic Consortium (TAGC). 66 novel genomic regions were identified, bringing the number of known asthma susceptibility loci to 211. Significant gene-sex interactions were also observed where susceptibility alleles, either individually or as a function of polygenic risk scores, increased asthma risk to a greater extent in men than women. Bioinformatics analyses demonstrated that asthma-associated variants were enriched for colocalizing to regions of open chromatic in immune cells and identified candidate causal genes at 52 of the novel loci, including CD52. An anti-CD52 (α-CD52) antibody mimicked the immune cell-depleting effects of an FDA-approved human α-CD52 antibody and reduced allergen-induced airway hyperreactivity in mice. These results further elucidate the genetic architecture of asthma, provide evidence that the immune system plays a prominent role in its pathogenesis, and suggest that CD52 represents a potentially novel therapeutic target for treating asthma.
Eukaryotic plankton community stability across reef environments in Bocas del Toro Archipelago (Panamá)
Authors: Rodas Andrea M. , Buie Logan K. , Aichelman Hannah E. , Castillo Karl D. , Wright Rachel M. , Davies Sarah W.
Published: August 2019

Variation in light and temperature can influence the genetic diversity and structure of marine plankton communities. While open ocean plankton communities receive much scientific attention, little is known about how environmental variation affects tropical coral reef plankton communities. Here, we characterize eukaryotic plankton communities on coral reefs across the Bocas del Toro Archipelago in Panamá. Temperature loggers were deployed for one year and mid-day light levels were measured to quantify environmental differences across reef zones at four inner and four outer reef sites: Inner: Punta Donato, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) Point, Cristobal, Punta Laurel and Outer: Drago Mar, Bastimentos North, Bastimentos South, and Popa Island. Triplicate vertical plankton tows were collected mid-day and high-throughput 18S ribosomal DNA metabarcoding was leveraged to investigate the relationship between eukaryotic plankton community structure and reef zones. Plankton communities from STRI Point were additionally characterized in the morning (∼08:00), mid-day (∼12:00), and evening (∼16:00) to quantify diel variation within a single site. We found that inshore reefs experienced higher average seawater temperatures, while offshore sites offered higher light levels, presumably associated with reduced water turbidity on reefs further from shore. However, these significant reef zone-specific environmental differences did not correlate with overall plankton community differences or changes in plankton genetic diversity. Instead, we found that time of day within a site and diel vertical migration played structuring roles within these plankton communities, and therefore conclude that the time of community sampling is an important consideration for future studies. Overall, plankton communities in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago appear relatively well mixed across space; however, follow-up studies focusing on more intensive sampling efforts across space and time coupled with techniques that can detect more subtle genetic differences between and within communities will more fully capture plankton dynamics in this region.
Assessing the potential of plains zebra to maintain African horse sickness in the Western Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Porphyre Thibaud , Grewar John D.
Published: August 2019

African horse sickness (AHS) is a disease of equids that results in a non-tariff barrier to the trade of live equids from affected countries. AHS is endemic in South Africa except for a controlled area in the Western Cape Province (WCP) where sporadic outbreaks have occurred in the past 2 decades. There is potential that the presence of zebra populations, thought to be the natural reservoir hosts for AHS, in the WCP could maintain AHS virus circulation in the area and act as a year-round source of infection for horses. However, it remains unclear whether the epidemiology or the ecological conditions present in the WCP would enable persistent circulation of AHS in the local zebra populations.

Here we developed a hybrid deterministic-stochastic vector-host compartmental model of AHS transmission in plains zebra (Equus quagga), where host populations are age- and sex-structured and for which population and AHS transmission dynamics are modulated by rainfall and temperature conditions. Using this model, we showed that populations of plains zebra present in the WCP are not sufficiently large for AHS introduction events to become endemic and that coastal populations of zebra need to be >2500 individuals for AHS to persist >2 years, even if zebras are infectious for more than 50 days. AHS cannot become endemic in the coastal population of the WCP unless the zebra population involves at least 50,000 individuals. Finally, inland populations of plains zebra in the WCP may represent a risk for AHS to persist but would require populations of at least 500 zebras or show unrealistic duration of infectiousness for AHS introduction events to become endemic.

Our results provide evidence that the risk of AHS persistence from a single introduction event in a given plains zebra population in the WCP is extremely low and it is unlikely to represent a long-term source of infection for local horses.
Experimental and modeling study of the formation of cell aggregates with differential substrate adhesion
Authors: Adenis Léo , Gontran Emilie , Deroulers Christophe , Grammaticos Basile , Juchaux Marjorie , Seksek Olivier , Badoual Mathilde
Published: August 2019

The study of cell aggregation in vitro has a tremendous importance these days. In cancer biology, aggregates and spheroids serve as model systems and are considered as pseudo-tumors that are more realistic than 2D cell cultures. Recently, in the context of brain tumors (gliomas), we developed a new PEG-based hydrogel, with adhesive properties that can be controlled by the addition of poly(L-lysine) (PLL), and a stiffness close to the brain’s. This substrate allows the motion of individual cells and the formation of cell aggregates, and we showed that on a non-adhesive substrate (PEG without PLL is inert for cells), the aggregates are bigger and less numerous than on an adhesive substrate (with PLL).

In this article, we present new experimental results on the follow-up of the formation of aggregates on our hydrogels, from the early stages (individual cells) to the late stages (aggregate compaction), in order to compare or two cell lines (F98 and U87) the aggregation process on the adhesive and non-adhesive substrates.

We first show that a spaceless model of perikinetic aggregation can reproduce the experimental evolution of the number of aggregates, but not of the mean area of the aggregates. We thus develop a minimal off-lattice agent-based model, with a few simple rules reproducing the main processes that are at stack during aggregation. Our spatial model can reproduce very well the experimental temporal evolution of both the number of aggregates and their mean area, on adhesive and non-adhesive soft gels and for the two different cell lines. From the fit of the experimental data, we were able to infer the quantitative values of the speed of motion of each cell line, its rate of proliferation in aggregates and its ability to organize in 3D. We also found qualitative differences between the two cell lines regarding the ability of aggregates to compact. These parameters could be inferred for any cell line, and correlated with clinical properties such as aggressiveness and invasiveness.
DNA-validated parthenogenesis: first case in a captive female Cuban boa (Chilabothrus angulifer)
Authors: Seixas Fernanda , Morinha Francisco , Luis Claudia , Alvura Nuno , Pires Maria dos Anjos
Published: August 2019

Parthenogenesis is a biological process of asexual reproduction. Recent studies have highlighted the significance of this fascinating phenomenon in the vertebrate evolution. Although parthenogenetic reproduction appears to be widespread among reptiles, a restricted number of cases were reported in captivity and wild. Here, we studied and reported an intriguing case of a 20-year old captive female Cuban boa (Chilabothrus angulifer), from the Zoo da Maia (Maia, Portugal) collection, isolated from conspecifics males, that gave birth twice in 4 years. The neonates from both deliveries, one fresh and the other fixed in formalin, were submitted to histopathological and molecular genetic analysis. Both neonates were homozygous for the loci analyzed, carrying only mother alleles. Furthermore, morphological abnormalities (anophthalmia) were observed in the second neonate. Our data support a pattern of parthenogenetic reproduction. This is the first documented case of facultative parthenogenesis in a Cuban boa, which can be of great interest for further research on ecology, evolution, captive breeding and conservation of the species.
Trehalose 6-phosphate Controls Seed Filling by Inducing Auxin Biosynthesis
Authors: Meitzel Tobias , Radchuk Ruslana , McAdam Erin L. , Thormählen Ina , Feil Regina , Munz Eberhard , Hilo Alexander , Geigenberger Peter , Ross John J. , Lunn John E. , Borisjuk Ljudmilla
Published: August 2019

Plants undergo several developmental transitions during their life cycle. One of these, the differentiation of the young embryo from a meristem-like structure into a highly-specialized storage organ, is vital to the formation of a viable seed. For crops in which the seed itself is the end product, effective accumulation of storage compounds is of economic relevance, defining the quantity and nutritive value of the harvest yield. However, the regulatory networks underpinning the phase transition into seed filling are poorly understood. Here we show that trehalose 6-phosphate (T6P), which functions as a signal for sucrose availability in plants, mediates seed filling processes in seeds of the garden pea (Pisum sativum), a key grain legume. Seeds deficient in T6P are compromised in size and starch production, resembling the wrinkled seeds studied by Gregor Mendel. We show also that T6P exerts these effects by stimulating the biosynthesis of the pivotal plant hormone, auxin. We found that T6P promotes the expression of the auxin biosynthesis geneTRYPTOPHAN AMINOTRANSFERASE RELATED2 (TAR2), and the resulting effect on auxin levels is required to mediate the T6P-induced activation of storage processes. Our results suggest that auxin acts downstream of T6P to facilitate seed filling, thereby providing a salient example of how a metabolic signal governs the hormonal control of an integral phase transition in a crop plant.
Kainate-type of glutamate receptors regulate wiring of intrinsic glutamatergic connectivity in the amygdala
Authors: Ryazantseva Maria , Englund Jonas , Shintyapina Alexandra , Huupponen Johanna , Pitkänen Asla , Partanen Juha M. , Lauri Sari E.
Published: August 2019

Perturbed information processing in the amygdala has been implicated in developmentally originating neuropsychiatric disorders. However, little is known on the mechanisms that guide formation and refinement of intrinsic connections between amygdaloid nuclei. We demonstrate that the glutamatergic connection from basolateral to central amygdala (BLA-CeA) develops rapidly during the first ten postnatal days, before external inputs underlying amygdala dependent behaviors emerge. During this restricted period of synaptic development, kainate-type of ionotropic glutamate receptors (KARs) are highly expressed in the BLA and tonically activated to regulate glutamate release via a G-protein dependent mechanism. Genetic manipulation of this endogenous KAR activity locally in the newborn LA perturbed development of glutamatergic input to CeA, identifying KARs as a physiological mechanism regulating wiring of the intrinsic glutamatergic circuitry in the amygdala.
The synthesis and crystal structure of bis[3,3-diethyl-1-(phenylimino-κN)thiourea-κS]silver hexafluoridophosphate
Authors: Groner Vincent M. , Larson Garrett E. , Kan Yuwei , Roll Mark F. , Moberly James G. , Waynant Kristopher V.
Published: August 2019

The structure of the title complex, [Ag(C11H15N3S)2]PF6, has monoclinic (P21/c) symmetry, and the silver atom has a distorted square-planar geometry. The coordination complex crystallized from mixing silver hexafluoridophosphate with a concentrated tetrahydrofuran solution of N,N-diethylphenylazothioformamide [ATF; systematic name: 3,3-diethyl-1-(phenylimino)thiourea] under ambient conditions. The resultant coordination complex exhibits a 2:1 ligand-to-metal ratio, with the silver(I) atom having a fourfold AgN2S2 coordination sphere, with a single PF6 counter-ion. In the crystal, however, one sulfur atom from an ATF ligand of a neighboring complex coordinates to the silver atom, with a bond distance of 2.9884 (14) Å. This creates a polymeric zigzag chain propagating along the c-axis direction. The chains are linked by C—H...F hydrogen bonds, forming slabs parallel to the ac plane.
Numerical investigations of unsteady passing wake effects on turbine blade tip aerothermal performance with different tip clearances
Authors: Zhang Bo , Qiang Xiaoqing , Lu Shaopeng , Teng Jinfang
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to numerically investigate the effect of guide vane unsteady passing wake on the rotor blade tip aerothermal performance with different tip clearances.

Design/methodology/approach

The geometry and flow conditions of the first stage of GE-E3 high-pressure turbine have been used to obtain the blade tip three-dimensional heat transfer characteristics. The first stage of GE-E3 high-pressure turbine has 46 guide vanes and 76 rotor blades, and the ratio of the vane to the blade is simplified to 38:76 to compromise the computational resources and accuracy. Namely, each computational domain comprises of one guide vane passage and two rotor blade passages. The investigations are conducted at three different tip gaps of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 per cent of the average blade span.

Findings

The results show that the overall discrepancy of the heat transfer coefficient between steady results and unsteady time-averaged results is quite small, but the dramatic growth of the instantaneous heat transfer coefficient along the pressure side is in excess of 20 per cent. The change of the aerothermal performance is mainly driven by turbulence-level fluctuations of the unsteady flow field within gap regions. In addition, the gap size expansion has a marginal impact on the variation ratio of tip unsteady aerothermal performances, even though it has a huge influence on the leakage flow state within the tip region.

Originality/value

This paper emphasizes the change ratio of unsteady instantaneous heat transfer characteristics and detailed the mechanism of blade tip unsteady heat transfer coefficient fluctuations, which provide some guidance for the future blade tip design and optimization.
ICTs in hotel management: a research review
Authors: Gonzalez Reyes , Gasco Jose , Llopis Juan
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Hotels are dependent on information and communication technologies (ICTs) for both their internal management and their relationships with customers and the other stakeholders. Therefore, research on ICTs in the hotel sector has kept growing lately. The purpose of this paper is to offer a review of the literature dedicated to ICTs in hotel management by analyzing papers published in seven prestigious journals in the field of Hospitality Management.

Design/methodology/approach

The 147 papers analyzed – published over a 27-year period – have been studied according to a variety of criteria such as their research methods, perspective, statistics used, topics covered, technologies and authors and countries.

Findings

The conclusions suggest a promising future regarding both ICT applications for hotel management and research in this area.

Research limitations/implications

Concerning limitations, the most important one stems from the selection of works subject to examination because our analysis dealt with papers published in only seven journals, other publication sources have not been considered. Nevertheless, the present paper can prove useful both for researchers and hotel managers because new trends are emerging in both contexts with regard to technologies themselves as well as to some of their uses.

Originality/value

One of the most important contributions made with this work is the preparation of a list with the topics covered by the papers under examination. Moreover, no studies have to date specifically tried to identify the technologies used in hotel management by means of a literature review.
Restaurant firms’ IPO motivations and post-IPO performances
Authors: Mun Sung Gyun , Jang SooCheong (Shawn)
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims to identify why restaurant firms go public (IPO) despite high financing costs and which factors make firms stay public for the long term after an IPO. Also, this study aimed to link and compare restaurant firms’ pre- and post-IPO accounting information and how IPO proceeds were used.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used random-effects regression analysis with a number of dependent variables for a sample of 1,347 unbalanced panel data. In addition, logistic regression analyses were used to identify why restaurant firms were delisted within short periods after going public.

Findings

First, rebalancing financial structures was the most important reason for IPOs, whereas financing future growth was only a minor motivation. Second, post-IPO performance significantly differed between restaurant firms based on their pre-IPO financial conditions, as well as how they used IPO proceeds. Third, restaurant firms with low profitability, inefficient non-operating expenses and difficulties in generating revenue increased their financial burdens, which ultimately caused restaurant firms to be delisted within a short period after an IPO. Furthermore, the reasons for merging included cash shortages, large short-term liabilities and increased major operating expenses, together with increases in capital expenditures.

Originality/value

This study is unique, in that it explains the relationships between motivations for going public and post-IPO performances by directly linking the usages of IPO proceeds with firms’ operational performances. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the effects of IPOs on restaurant firms’ operational, non-operational, investment and financial activities on firms’ performances.
The Chinese approach to arbitration judicial review
Authors: Chen Meng
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the reforming Chinese arbitration judicial review process and supplement the corresponding suggestions and analyze the practical trends of Chinese arbitration.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents considerable evidence that includes the latest empirical data and iconic cases to demonstrate the Chinese judicial system’s acts of internationalizing Chinese arbitration. This paper then elaborates the Chinese Supreme People’s Court (hereinafter SPC) recent reforms of the mechanisms of arbitration judicial review.

Findings

The SPC’s efforts to coordinate Chinese arbitration practice with international standards are effective and fruitful. However, even after recent reforms, there are still inherent deficiencies and important omissions that hinder the efficiency of Chinese arbitration.

Originality/value

The major contributions of this paper are providing latest empirical data to evaluate effectiveness of current Chinese arbitration judicial review and analyzing latest SPC’s legal interpretations.
Equity in education: the Israeli case
Authors: Dadon-Golan Zehorit , BenDavid-Hadar Iris , Klein Joseph
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it examines the extent of equity in the academic achievement distribution by analyzing Israeli students’ high school matriculation scores, controlling for background characteristics (e.g. parental education) and for previous achievement. Second, it analyzes the trends in equity during the examined period from 2001 to 2011.

Design/methodology/approach

Nationwide extensive data sets, at the student level, of 11 cohorts are analyzed using logistic regression models.

Findings

Major findings reveal that the odds ratios (ORs) are in favor of students from families with a high level of parental education (an increment of one year of parental education increases the odds of student’s success by 3 percent). In addition, the ORs are less favorable for Arab students (30 percent lower). Furthermore, a high previous achievement level increases the odds of success (an increment of 1 percent in achievement increases the odds by 6 percent). In addition, the extent of inequity remains stable throughout the examined period.

Originality/value

Israel serves as an interesting case study, as its student achievement distribution in international examinations is characterized by the highest gap compared with other OECD countries, although its policy aspires to achieve equity. This puzzle, is the motivation for this study. Moreover, insights from this research might assist policy makers to promote equitable education.
The social process of Big Data and predictive analytics use for logistics and supply chain management
Authors: Sodero Annibal , Jin Yao Henry , Barratt Mark
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the social process of Big Data and predictive analytics (BDPA) use for logistics and supply chain management (LSCM), focusing on interactions among technology, human behavior and organizational context that occur at the technology’s post-adoption phases in retail supply chain (RSC) organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors follow a grounded theory approach for theory building based on interviews with senior managers of 15 organizations positioned across multiple echelons in the RSC.

Findings

Findings reveal how user involvement shapes BDPA to fit organizational structures and how changes made to the technology retroactively affect its design and institutional properties. Findings also reveal previously unreported aspects of BDPA use for LSCM. These include the presence of temporal and spatial discontinuities in the technology use across RSC organizations.

Practical implications

This study unveils that it is impossible to design a BDPA technology ready for immediate use. The emergent process framework shows that institutional and social factors require BDPA use specific to the organization, as the technology comes to reflect the properties of the organization and the wider social environment for which its designers originally intended. BDPA is, thus, not easily transferrable among collaborating RSC organizations and requires managerial attention to the institutional context within which its usage takes place.

Originality/value

The literature describes why organizations will use BDPA but fails to provide adequate insight into how BDPA use occurs. The authors address the “how” and bring a social perspective into a technology-centric area.
Justice-involved women’s preferences for an internet-based Sexual Health Empowerment curriculum
Authors: Pickett Michelle L. , Wickliffe Joi , Emerson Amanda , Smith Sharla , Ramaswamy Megha
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into justice-involved women’s preferences for an internet-based Sexual Health Empowerment (SHE) curriculum.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed data from four focus groups conducted with 52 women in a minimum-security county jail in a Midwestern US city.

Findings

Women reported daily access to the internet while in the community and use of the internet for searching about health concerns. Four themes emerged in the discussion about preferences for an internet-based SHE curriculum, that it cover healthy sexual expression, how to access resources, video as an educational modality and a non-judgmental approach.

Practical implications

Justice-involved women are potentially reachable through internet-based health education. Their preferences for content and modality can be used to inform internet-based sexual health programming designed specifically for this population. Using this modality could offer easily disseminated, low-cost and consistent messaging about sexual health for a vulnerable group of women.

Originality/value

Though internet-based health education programming has been widely utilized in the general population, less attention has been paid to if and how these programs could be utilized with a vulnerable group of women who move between the justice system and communities. This exploratory study begins to fill that gap.
Improving students’ learning with a mobile augmented reality approach – the EduPARK game
Authors: Pombo Lúcia , Marques Margarida Morais
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a survey study that analyzes mobile learning through students’ opinion regarding the use of mobile devices for learning, including their advantages and difficulties, as well as the educational value of a specific mobile learning strategy, reified in the EduPARK game, after an experience of exploring it in formal and non-formal educational contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper comprises a survey study where mobile learning is analyzed through the eyes of 244 students attending the second or third cycles of basic education. The acknowledged advantages and difficulties of the use of mobile devices for learning, as well as the educational value and usability of a specific mobile learning strategy, using the EduPARK app and game, were analyzed.

Findings

Results revealed that most students owned a mobile device and were able to use them to learn. They had a positive perspective regarding mobile learning and valued the advantages of being easy to find up-to-date information, motivating for learning and easy to carry along. Difficulties are related to the use of mobile devices, such as requiring an internet connection, its slowness and prohibition of mobile devices in schools. The EduPARK game achieved an average educational value scale of 83.8 and an average system usability scale of 80.2, indicating its high educational value and usability for students.

Originality/value

This paper presents empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of the integration of mobile game-based augmented reality approaches in basic education to promote students’ learning. It also includes an example of excellent cross-subjects educational materials comprising a very useful tool for teachers and students to explore scientific knowledge by accessing appealing information on biological and historical references of a local urban park.
Chinese investments abroad: examining the spillover effects in Eastern and Central Europe
Authors: Ramasamy Bala , Yeung Matthew
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Chinese investments abroad are being scrutinized more stringently because host governments fear that Chinese companies would steal domestically grown technology and know-how or be duped into a debt trap. The purpose of this paper is to provide a narrative of Chinese investments in a region that is neither developed nor underdeveloped – Central and Eastern Europe. The authors aim to provide an alternative view of Chinese investments abroad.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors base their narrative on face-to-face semi-structured interviews with eight Chinese firms that carried out mergers and acquisition activities in the region.

Findings

The respondents claim that they saved companies and jobs in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. Access to the China market and elsewhere has increased as a result of these investments. Transfer of technology has gone both ways depending on which partner had superior technology.

Research limitations/implications

It is important that Chinese investors emphasize the positive spillover effects from their investments, such as jobs saved, potential technology transfer and increased exports, when applying for FDI approval from host governments. Host governments, on the other hand, should evaluate each Chinese investment on its individual merits.

Originality/value

There is little that has been researched on the contributions of FDI from developing countries to host economies. This paper is an early attempt in this direction.
Citizenship behavior and misbehavior among superintendents
Authors: Shapira-Lishchinsky Orly , Levy-Gazenfrantz Tania
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore an integrative model which includes specific intentions that may explain the contradictory citizenship behaviors and misbehaviors among superintendents in Israel.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 518 superintendents from seven Israeli Ministry of Education district offices were randomly selected. Based on sequence theory, the study examined motivational perceptions of authentic leadership, psychological empowerment and collective efficacy, and their relationships toward intentions to engage in organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and organizational misbehavior (OMB) which may lead to OCB and OMB. The research combined self-reports and computer records. The model was analyzed using Mplus statistical packages.

Findings

The authors found that intentions to be late positively predicted lateness, while intentions to leave predicted OMB. In addition, the study indicates several mediating relationships. For example, intentions to engage in OCB-organization and OCB-individual fully mediated the relationship between “self-determination” of psychological empowerment and OCB. In addition, intention to leave mediated the relationship between authentic leadership and lateness.

Originality/value

Across nationalities, superintendents greatly impact the educational processes in their districts. Their high status in the educational system makes them role models. Therefore, it is important to investigate their behaviors and motivations. The findings may contribute toward developing an integrative approach that can predict the superintendents’ behaviors by suggesting specific intentions that can explain corresponding behaviors. This model may also help in developing educational policies for reducing the superintendents’ OMB and increasing their OCB.