bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing effect of catheter type and position on central line-associated bloodstream infections in the NICU
Authors: Leveillee Ariane , Lapointe Anie , Lachance Christian , Descarries Myriam , Autmizguine Julie , Dubois Josée , Moussa Ahmed
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Central venous catheter usage in NICU remains associated with serious complications such as bloodstream infection. Also, low position (underdiaphragmatic) of umbilical venous catheter (UVC) is tolerated despite not recommended. To our knowledge, no previous study assessed the effect of such a position on central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) rates in the NICU.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objectives of this study were to assess global CLABSI rates for each central catheter subtype and position, and specific rates according to birth weight and gestational age. Dwell time before infection and microorganisms involved were also evaluated.

DESIGN/METHODS

For this retrospective cohort study, all neonates hospitalized in Level 3 NICU, from April 1st 2011 to March 31st 2016, in whom a central line was inserted, were included. Data about catheter insertion, demographic characteristics and bloodstream infections was extracted from local CVC database, local CLABSI database, patient medical record, post catheter insertion X-rays and Canadian Neonatal Network database. Difference in CLABSI rates and type of microorganisms involved were analyzed using Cox regression and Chi2. Difference in dwell time was analyzed using a one-way ANOVA and evolution in time of the proportion of each type of catheter presented as observational data.

RESULTS

A total of 1577 neonates were included and 2440 CVC were studied. Median gestational age (GA) was 30 2/7 [26 6/, 37] weeks and birth weight (BW) was 1310 [680, 2796] g. Of the 2440 neonates, 1308 were boys (53.6%). There was a total of 197 CLABSI. Total number of catheter days over the study period was 23 479 days. CLABSI rate for high UVC was 11.49 per 1000 catheter days compared to 6.92 for PICC line (p < 0.001) and 5.14 for femoral CVC (p = 0.008). CLABSI rate for low UVC was 17.31 per 1000 catheter days (p = 0.002 when compared to high UVC). Median dwell time before infection is 7 days for high UVC, 5 days for low UVC and 11 days for PICC (p < 0.001). Microorganism involved in CLABSI was a majority of Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in 57.1–71.9% without a statistically significant difference between groups (p= 0.33).

CONCLUSION

Evolution of CVC usage over years remained stable. CLABSI rates are significantly higher with all UVC compared with PICC line and femoral CVC, particularly for newborn < 1500g and < 32 weeks of GA. Low UVC are associated to higher CLABSI rates than high UVC. Health professionals should be cautious with indwelling UVC, especially when in low position. They might conisder replacing low lines by a PICC as soon as possible.
ToxA Is Present in the U.S. Bipolaris sorokiniana Population and Is a Significant Virulence Factor on Wheat Harboring Tsn1
Authors: Friesen T. L. , Holmes D. J. , Bowden R. L. , Faris J. D.
Published: May 2018

ToxA, a necrotrophic effector originally identified from the tan spot fungus Pyrenophora tritici-repentis in 1987, was subsequently identified from Parastagonospora nodorum in 2006. More recently, the ToxA gene was identified in the spot blotch fungus Bipolaris sorokiniana in Australia. Here we show that the ToxA gene is also present in the B. sorokiniana population in the winter wheat region of southcentral Texas. Leaves from ‘Duster’ wheat showing strong necrotic lesions were collected in Castroville, TX. Fifteen single-spore isolates were collected from separate lesions, and 13 of them harbored the BsToxA gene and secreted ToxA in culture based on sensitivity of BG261, the differential line containing the dominant ToxA sensitivity gene, Tsn1. Four isolates harboring BsToxA and one deficient in BsToxA were used to infiltrate two wheat lines harboring Tsn1 as well as their corresponding tsn1 mutant lines. Culture filtrates of the isolate lacking BsToxA did not induce necrosis on any of the lines. Culture filtrates of the four BsToxA-containing isolates induced necrosis on the wild type (Tsn1) lines but not on the corresponding tsn1 mutant lines. Sensitivity to these culture filtrates also mapped to the previously identified location for Tsn1 in the winter wheat mapping population Arina × Forno. Inoculation of one of these ToxA-producing isolates on the same population showed that the Tsn1 locus accounted for 24.4% of the disease variation. All 13 isolates harbored the same BsToxA nucleotide sequence, which was identical to one of the two haplotypes previously identified in Australia. Sensitivity to ToxA is prevalent in popular hard winter wheat cultivars in the central and southcentral winter wheat regions of the United States, showing the potential of a selective advantage for B. sorokiniana isolates that harbor the ToxA gene.
Childhood Trauma, DNA Methylation of Stress-Related Genes, and Depression: Findings From Two Monozygotic Twin Studies
Authors: Peng Hao , Zhu Yun , Strachan Eric , Fowler Emily , Bacus Tamara , Roy-Byrne Peter , Goldberg Jack , Vaccarino Viola , Zhao Jinying
Published: May 2018

Objective

DNA methylation has been associated with both early life stress and depression. This study examined the combined association of DNA methylation at multiple CpG probes in five stress-related genes with depressive symptoms and tested whether these genes methylation mediated the association between childhood trauma and depression in two monozygotic (MZ) twin studies.

Methods

The current analysis comprised 119 MZ twin pairs (84 male pairs [mean = 55 years] and 35 female pairs [mean = 36 years]). Peripheral blood DNA methylation of five stress-related genes (BDNF, NR3C1, SLC6A4, MAOA, and MAOB) was quantified by bisulfite pyrosequencing or 450K BeadChip. We applied generalized Poisson linear-mixed models to examine the association between each single CpG methylation and depressive symptoms. The joint associations of multiple CpGs in a single gene or all five stress-related genes as a pathway were tested by weighted truncated product method. Mediation analysis was conducted to test the potential mediating effect of stress gene methylation on the relationship between childhood trauma and depressive symptoms.

Results

Multiple CpG probes showed nominal individual associations, but very few survived multiple testing. Gene-based or gene-set approach, however, revealed significant joint associations of DNA methylation in all five stress-related genes with depressive symptoms in both studies. Moreover, two CpG probes in the BDNF and NR3C1 mediated approximately 20% of the association between childhood trauma and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

DNA methylation at multiple CpG sites are jointly associated with depressive symptoms and partly mediates the association between childhood trauma and depression. Our results highlight the importance of testing the combined effects of multiple CpG loci on complex traits and may unravel a molecular mechanism through which adverse early life experiences are biologically embedded.
Anatomical Resections Improve Survival Following Lung Metastasectomy of Colorectal Cancer Harboring KRAS Mutations
Authors: Renaud Stéphane , Seitlinger Joseph , Lawati Yaseen Al , Guerrera Francesco , Falcoz Pierre-Emmanuel , Massard Gilbert , Ferri Lorenzo , Spicer Jonathan
Published: May 2018

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of anatomical resection (AR) in lung metastasectomy (LM) of colorectal cancer (CRC) harboring KRAS mutations

Summary Background Data:

KRAS mutations are related to high aggressiveness in the lung metastasis of CRC. It is unknown whether AR can lead to better outcomes than can non-AR (NAR) in KRAS patients.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the data from 574 consecutive patients who underwent a LM for CRC. We focused on patients exhibiting 1 lung metastasis who underwent an AR (segmentectomy) or an NAR (wedge) and for whom the KRAS mutational status was known. Overall survival (OS) and time to pulmonary recurrence (TTPR) were analyzed.

Results:

We included 168 patients, of whom 95 (56.5%) harbored KRAS mutations. An AR was performed in 74 patients (44%). The type of resection did not impact the median OS in wild-type (WT) patients (P = 0.67) but was significantly better following AR in KRAS patients (101 vs 45 months, P = 0.02) according to the multivariate analysis [hazard ratio (HR): 6.524; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.312–18.405; P < 0.0001). TTPR was not affected by the type of resection in WT patients (P = 0.32) but was significantly better for AR in KRAS patients (50 vs 15 months, P = 0.01) in the multivariate analysis (HR: 5.273; 95% CI, 1.731–16.064; P = 0.003). The resection-margin recurrence rate was significantly higher for NAR in KRAS patients (4.8% vs 54.2%, P = 0.001) but not in WT patients (P = 0.97).

Conclusion:

AR seems to improve both the OS and TTPR in LM of CRC harboring KRAS mutations.
HIV-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 activation through mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling promotes HSV-1 cell-to-cell spread in oral epithelial cells
Authors: Sufiawati Irna , Tugizov Sharof M.
Published: May 2018

We have shown that cell-free HIV-1 and viral proteins tat and gp120 activate mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in tonsil epithelial cells, disrupting their tight and adherens junctions. This causes liberation of the HSV-1 receptor nectin-1 from assembled adherens junctions, leading to promotion of HSV-1 infection and spread. In the present study, we show that HIV-associated activation of MAPK leads to upregulation of transcription factor NF-κB and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). This induces the disruption of tight and adherens junctions, increasing HSV-1 cell-to-cell spread. Inhibition of HIV-associated MAPK activation by U0126 abolishes NF-κB and MMP-9 upregulation and reduces HSV-1 spread. Inactivation of MMP-9 also reduced HIV-promoted HSV-1 spread. These results indicate that HIV-1-activated MAPK/NF-κB and MMP-9 play a critical role in the disruption of oral epithelial junctions and HSV-1 cell-to-cell spread. Inhibition of MMP-9 expression in the oral epithelium of HIV-infected individuals may prevent the development of diseases caused by HSV-1, such as ulcers, necrotic lesions and gingivostomatitis.
Projecting the end of the Zika virus epidemic in Latin America: a modelling analysis
Authors: O’Reilly Kathleen M , Lowe Rachel , Edmunds W John , Mayaud Philippe , Kucharski Adam , Eggo Rosalind M , Funk Sebastian , Bhatia Deepit , Khan Kamran , Kraemar Moritz U , Wilder-Smith Annelies , Rodrigues Laura C , Brasil Patricia , Massad Eduardo , Jaenisch Thomas , Cauchemez Simon , Brady Oliver J , Yakob Laith
Published: May 2018

Background Zika virus (ZIKV) emerged in Latin America & the Caribbean (LAC) region in 2013, and has had serious implications for population health in the region. In 2016, the World Health Organization declared the ZIKV outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern following a cluster of associated neurological disorders and neonatal malformations. In 2017, Zika cases declined, but future incidence in LAC remains uncertain due to gaps in our understanding, considerable variation in surveillance and a lack of a comprehensive collation of data from affected countries.

Methods Our analysis combines information on confirmed and suspected Zika cases across LAC countries and a spatio-temporal dynamic transmission model for ZIKV infection to determine key transmission parameters and projected incidence in 91 major cities within 35 countries. Seasonality was determined by spatio-temporal estimates of Aedes aegypti vector capacity. We used country and state-level data from 2015 to mid-2017 to infer key model parameters, country-specific disease reporting rates, and the 2018 projected incidence. A 10-fold cross-validation approach was used to validate parameter estimates to out-of-sample epidemic trajectories.

Results There was limited transmission in 2015, but in 2016 and 2017 there was sufficient opportunity for wide-spread ZIKV transmission in most cities, resulting in the depletion of susceptible individuals. We predict that the highest number of cases in 2018 within some Brazilian States (Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro), Colombia and French Guiana, but the estimated number of cases were no more than a few hundred. Model estimates of the timing of the peak in incidence were correlated (p<0.05) with the reported peak in incidence. The reporting rate varied across countries, with lower reporting rates for those with only confirmed cases compared to those who reported both confirmed and suspected cases.

Conclusions The findings suggest that the ZIKV epidemic is by and large over, with incidence projected to be low in most cities in LAC in 2018. Local low levels of transmission are probable but the estimated rate of infection suggests that most cities have a population with high levels of herd immunity.
Identification of cereulide producingBacillus cereusby MALDI-TOF MS
Authors: Ulrich Sebastian , Gottschalk Christoph , Dietrich Richard , Märtlbauer Erwin , Gareis Manfred
Published: May 2018

TheBacillus(B.)cereusgroup is genetically highly homogenous and consists of nine recognized species which are present worldwide.B. cereussensu stricto play an important role in food-borne diseases by producing different toxins. Yet, only a small percentage ofB. cereusstrains are able to produce the heat stable depsipeptide cereulide, the causative agent of emetic food poisonings. To minimize the entry of emeticB. cereusinto the food chain, food business operators are dependent on efficient and reliable methods enabling the differentiation between emetic and non-emetic strains. Currently, only time-consuming cell bioassays, molecular methods and tandem mass spectrometry are available for this purpose. Thus, the aim of the present study was to establish a fast and reliable method for the differentiation between emetic and non-emetic strains by MALDI-TOF MS. Selected isolates/strains of theB. cereusgroup (total n=110, i.e. emetic n=45, non-emetic n=65) were cultured on sheep blood agar for 48h.

Subsequently, the cultures were directly analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS without prior extraction steps (direct smear method). The samples were measured in linear positive ionization mode in the mass range ofm/z800 - 1,800 Da. Using ClinProTools 3.0 statistical software and flex analyst, a differentiation between emetic and non-emetic isolates was possible with a rate of correct identification of 99.1 % by means of the evaluation of two specific biomarkers (m/z1171 and 1187 Da).

Importance

Bacillus(B.)cereusplays an important role in food-borne diseases due to the production of different toxins, e.g. the heat stable depsipeptide cereulide. Only a small number ofB. cereusstrains are able to produce this toxin, the causative agent of emetic food poisonings. To minimize the entry of emeticB. cereusinto the food chain, food business operators require efficient and reliable methods enabling the differentiation between emetic and non-emetic strains. The aim of the present study was to develop a fast and reliable method for the differentiation between emetic and non-emetic strains by MALDI-TOF MS. A differentiation between emetic and non-emetic isolates was possible with a rate of correct identification of 99.1 % by means of the evaluation of two specific biomarkers (m/z1171 and 1187 Da).
Pristionchusnematodes occur frequently in diverse rotting vegetal substrates and are not exclusively necromenic, whilePanagrellus redivivoidesis found specifically in rotting fruits
Authors: Félix Marie-Anne , Ailion Michael , Hsu Jung-Chen , Richaud Aurélien , Wang John
Published: May 2018

The lifestyle and feeding habits of nematodes are highly diverse. Several species ofPristionchus(Nematoda: Diplogastridae), includingPristionchus pacificus, have been reported to be necromenic, i.e. to associate with beetles in their dauer diapause stage and wait until the death of their host to resume development and feed on microbes in the decomposing beetle corpse. We review the literature and suggest that the association ofPristionchusto beetles may be phoretic and not necessarily necromenic. The view thatPristionchusnematodes have a necromenic lifestyle is based on studies that have soughtPristionchusonly by sampling live beetles. By surveying for nematode genera in different types of rotting vegetal matter, we foundPristionchusspp. at a similar high frequency asCaenorhabditis, often in large numbers and in feeding stages. Thus, thesePristionchusspecies may feed in decomposing vegetal matter. In addition, we report that one species ofPanagrellus(Nematoda: Panagrolaimidae),Panagrellus redivivoides, is found in rotting fruits but not in rotting stems, with a likely association withDrosophilafruitflies. Based on our sampling and the observed distribution of feeding and dauer stages, we propose a life cycle forPristionchusnematodes andPanagrellus redivivoidesthat is similar to that ofC. elegans, whereby they feed on the microbial blooms on decomposing vegetal matter and are transported between food patches by coleopterans forPristionchusspp., fruitflies forPanagrellus redivivoidesand isopods and terrestrial molluscs forC. elegans.
Expression of WIPI2B counteracts age-related decline in autophagosome biogenesis in neurons
Authors: Stavoe Andrea KH , Holzbaur Erika LF
Published: May 2018

Autophagy defects have been implicated in multiple late-onset neurodegenerative diseases. Since aging is the most common risk factor in neurodegeneration, we asked how autophagy is modulated in aging neurons. We compared the dynamics of autophagosome biogenesis in neurons from young adult and aged mice, identifying a significant decrease in biogenesis during aging. Autophagosome assembly kinetics are disrupted, with frequent production of stalled isolation membranes in neurons from aged mice; these precursors failed to resolve into LC3-positive autophagosomes. We did not detect alterations in the initial induction/nucleation steps of autophagosome formation. However, we found that the transmembrane protein Atg9 remained aberrantly associated with stalled isolation membranes, suggesting a specific disruption in the WIPI-dependent retrieval of Atg9. Depletion of WIPI2 from young neurons was sufficient to induce a similar deficit. Further, exogenous expression of WIPI2 in neurons from aged mice was sufficient to restore autophagosome biogenesis to the rates seen in neurons from young adult mice, suggesting a novel therapeutic target for age-associated neurodegeneration.
The glutathione cycle shapes synaptic glutamate activity
Authors: Sedlak Thomas W. , Paul Bindu D. , Parker Greg M. , Hester Lynda D. , Taniguchi Yu , Kamiya Atsushi , Snyder Solomon H. , Sawa Akira
Published: May 2018

Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter, present at the bulk of cortical synapses, and participating in many physiologic and pathologic processes ranging from learning and memory to stroke. The tripeptide, glutathione, is one third glutamate and present at up to low millimolar intracellular concentrations in brain, mediating antioxidant defenses and drug detoxification. Because of the substantial amounts of brain glutathione and its rapid turnover under homeostatic control, we hypothesized that glutathione is a relevant reservoir of glutamate, and could influence synaptic excitability. We find that drugs which inhibit generation of glutamate by the glutathione cycle elicit decreases in cytosolic glutamate and decreased miniature excitatory post synaptic potential (mEPSC) frequency. In contrast, pharmacologically decreasing the biosynthesis of glutathione leads to increases in cytosolic glutamate and enhanced mEPSC frequency. The glutathione cycle can compensate for decreased excitatory neurotransmission when the glutamate-glutamine shuttle is inhibited. Glutathione may be a physiologic reservoir of glutamate neurotransmitter.

Significance

Glutathione is the principal antioxidant and redox regulator in cells. In addition to its essential roles in redox homeostasis it functions as cofactors for a multitude of enzymes. We show here that glutathione is a reservoir for synaptic glutamate, the excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Deficits in glutathione have been linked to multiple neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Accordingly, agents that restore glutathione-glutamate homeostasis may afford therapeutic benefit.
A model of the entrance pupil of the human eye
Authors: Aguirre Geoffrey K
Published: May 2018

The aperture stop of the iris is subject to refraction by the cornea, and thus an outside observer sees a virtual image: the “entrance pupil” of the eye. When viewed off-axis, the entrance pupil has an elliptical form. The precise appearance of the entrance pupil is a consequence of the anatomical and optical properties of the eye, and the relative positions of the eye and the observer. This paper presents a ray-traced model eye that provides the parameters of the entrance pupil ellipse for an observer at an arbitrary location. The model is able to reproduce empirical measurements of the shape of the entrance pupil with good accuracy. I demonstrate that accurate specification of the entrance pupil of a stationary eye requires modeling of corneal refraction, the misalignment of the visual and optical axes, and the non-circularity of the aperture stop. The model, including a three-dimensional ray-tracing function through quadric surfaces, is implemented in open-source MATLAB code.
Molecular Detection of H.pylori Antibiotic-Resistant Genes and Bioinformatics Predictive Analysis
Authors: Wang Dan , Guo Qianqian , Lv Zhi , Yuan Yuan , Gong Yuehua
Published: May 2018

To explore the mutation characteristics of H.pylori resistance-related genes to antibiotics of clarithromycin, levofloxacin and metronidazole. 23S rRNA, gyrA, gyrB, rdxA and frxA genes were amplified and sequenced, respectively. Their structural alteration after mutation was predicted using bioinformatics software. In the clarithromycin-resistant strains, the mutation rate in site A2143G was 74.2% (n=23). The mutations in sites C1883T, C2131T and T2179G might cause structural alteration. In the levofloxacin-resistant strains, the mutation rates in 87 (N to K/I) and 91 (D to N/Y/G) of gyrA were 28.6% (n=16) and 12.5% (n =7), respectively. Meanwhile, one of the mutation strains in site 91 was accompanied by D99N variation. Additionally, a D143E mutation was found in one drug-resistant strain. Some changes of tertiary structure occurred after these mutations. The mutation types of RdxA protein consisted of protein truncation caused by premature stop codons (n=26, 33.3%), frameshift mutations (n=8, 10.3%), FMN-binding sites (n=16, 20.5%) and the others (n=11, 14.1%). Predictive analysis showed that mutations in the first three groups and the A118S of the last group could lead to structural alteration. Our study suggested the clarithromycin-resistant sites of H.pylori were mainly located in A2143G of 23S rRNA. C1883T, C2131T and T2179G might also be related to resistance. Levofloxacin resistance was mainly based on the amino acid changes in 87 and 91 sites of gyrA. The new sites D99N and D143E might also be associated with resistance. Metronidazole resistance was related to RdxA protein truncation, frameshift, and FMN binding. The new site A118S might also be linked to drug resistance.
New mitochondrial primers for metabarcoding of insects, designed and evaluated using in silico methods
Authors: Marquina Daniel , Andersson Anders F. , Ronquist Fredrik
Published: May 2018

Insect metabarcoding has been mainly based on PCR amplification of short fragments within the ‘barcoding region’ of the gene COI. However, because of the variability of this gene, it has been difficult to design good universal PCR primers. Most primers used today are associated with gaps in the taxonomic coverage or amplification biases that make the results less reliable and impede the detection of species that are present in the sample. We identify new primers for insect metabarcoding using computational approaches (ECOPRIMERS and DEGEPRIME) applied to the most comprehensive reference databases of mitochondrial genomes of Hexapoda assembled to date. New primers are evaluated in silico against previously published primers in terms of taxonomic coverage and resolution of the corresponding amplicons. For the latter criterion, we propose a new index, exclusive taxonomic resolution, which is a more biologically meaningful measure than the standard index used today. Our results show that the best markers are found in the ribosomal RNA genes (12S and 16S); they resolve about 90% of the genetically distinct species in the reference database. Some markers in protein-coding genes provide similar performance but only at much higher levels of primer degeneracy. Combining two of the best individual markers improves the effective taxonomic resolution with up to 10%. The resolution is strongly dependent on insect taxon: COI primers detect 40% of Hymenoptera, while 12S primers detect 12% of Collembola. Our results indicate that amplicon-based metabarcoding of insect samples can be improved by choosing other primers than those commonly used today.
Genetic analysis of Sephardic ancestry in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Álvarez-Álvarez Miguel Martín , Risch Neil , Gignoux Christopher R. , Huntsman Scott , Ziv Elad , Fejerman Laura , Esteban Maria Esther , Gayà-Vidal Magdalena , Sobrino Beatriz , Brisighelli Francesca , Harich Nourdin , Cruciani Fulvio , Chaabani Hassen , Carracedo Ángel , Moral Pedro , Burchard Esteban González , Via Marc , Athanasiadis Georgios
Published: May 2018

The Sephardim are a major Jewish ethnic division whose origins can be traced back to the Iberian Peninsula. We used genome-wide SNP data to investigate the degree of Sephardic admixture in seven populations from the Iberian Peninsula and surrounding regions in the aftermath of their religious persecution starting in the late 14th century. To this end, we used Eastern Mediterranean (from South Italy, Greece and Israel) and North African (Tunisian and Moroccan) populations as proxies for the major ancestral components found in the target populations and carried out unlinked- and linked-marker analyses on the available genetic data. We report evidence of Sephardic ancestry in some of our Iberian samples, as well as in North Italy and Tunisia. We find the Sephardic admixture to be more recent relative to the Berber admixture following an out-of-Iberia geographic dispersal, suggesting Sephardic gene flow from Spain outwards. We also report some of the challenges in assigning Sephardic ancestry to potentially admixed individuals due to the lack of a clear genetic signature.
Money or smiles: Independent ERP effects of associated monetary reward and happy faces
Authors: Hammerschmidt Wiebke , Kulke Louisa , BrÖring Christina , Schacht Annekathrin
Published: May 2018

In comparison to neutral faces, facial expressions of emotion are known to gain attentional prioritization, mainly demonstrated by means of event-related potentials (ERPs). Recent evidence indicated that such a preferential processing can also be elicited by neutral faces when associated with increased motivational salience via reward. It remains, however, an open question whether impacts of inherent emotional salience and associated motivational salience might be integrated. To this aim, expressions and outcomes were orthogonally combined. Participants (N=42) learned to explicitly categorize happy and neutral faces as either reward- or zero-outcome-related via an associative learning paradigm. ERP components (P1, N170, EPN, and LPC) were measured throughout the experiment, and separately analyzed before (learning phase) and after (consolidation phase) reaching a pre-defined learning criterion. Happy facial expressions boosted early processing stages, as reflected in enhanced amplitudes of the N170 and EPN, both during learning and consolidation. In contrast, effects of monetary reward became evident only after successful learning and in form of enlarged amplitudes of the LPC, a component linked to higher-order evaluations. Interactions between expressions and associated outcome were absent in all ERP components of interest. The present study provides novel evidence that acquired salience impacts stimulus processing but independent of the effects driven by happy facial expressions.
Extract of Nicotiana tabacum as a potential control agent of Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Sarker Souvic , Lim Un Taek
Published: May 2018

Oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is an important pest of stone and pome fruits. Growers usually depend on chemical insecticides to control this pest, but demand for more environmentally-friendly means of controlling pests is increasing. At least 77 plant extracts have been reported to be effective against other lepidopterans, but their acute toxicity against G. molesta has rarely been studied. Among these 77 materials, we assessed the residual toxicity of 32 extracts against first instar larvae (
Candidatus Ornithobacterium hominis sp. nov.: insights gained from draft genomes obtained from nasopharyngeal swabs
Authors: Salter Susannah J , Scott Paul , Page Andrew J , Tracey Alan , de Goffau Marcus C , Ochoa-Montaño Bernardo , Ling Clare L , Tangmanakit Jiraporn , Turner Paul , Parkhill Julian
Published: May 2018

Candidatus Ornithobacterium hominis sp. nov. represents a new member of the Flavobacteriaceae detected in 16S rRNA gene surveys from Southeast Asia, Africa and Australia. It frequently colonises the infant nasopharynx at high proportional abundance, and we demonstrate its presence in 42% of nasopharyngeal swabs from 12 month old children in the Maela refugee camp in Thailand. The species, a Gram negative bacillus, has not yet been cultured but the cells can be identified in mixed samples by fluorescent hybridisation. Here we report seven genomes assembled from metagenomic data, two to improved draft standard. The genomes are approximately 1.9Mb, sharing 62% average amino acid identity with the only other member of the genus, the bird pathogen Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale. The draft genomes encode multiple antibiotic resistance genes, competition factors, Flavobacterium johnsoniae-like gliding motility genes and a homolog of the Pasteurella multocida mitogenic toxin. Intra- and inter-host genome comparison suggests that colonisation with this bacterium is both persistent and strain exclusive.
Perfect merohedral twinning combined with noncrystallographic symmetry potentially causes the failure of molecular replacement with low-homology search models for the flavin-dependent halogenase HalX from Xanthomonas campestris
Authors: Buss Maren , Geerds Christina , Patschkowski Thomas , Niehaus Karsten , Niemann Hartmut H.
Published: May 2018

Flavin-dependent halogenases can be used as biocatalysts because they regioselectively halogenate their substrates under mild reaction conditions. New halogenases with novel substrate specificities will add to the toolbox of enzymes available to organic chemists. HalX, the product of the xcc-b100_4193 gene, is a putative flavin-dependent halogenase from Xanthomonas campestris. The enzyme was recombinantly expressed and crystallized in order to aid in identifying its hitherto unknown substrate. Native data collected to a resolution of 2.5 Å showed indications of merohedral twinning in a hexagonal lattice. Attempts to solve the phase problem by molecular replacement failed. Here, a detailed analysis of the suspected twinning is presented. It is most likely that the crystals are trigonal (point group 3) and exhibit perfect hemihedral twinning so that they appear to be hexagonal (point group 6). As there are several molecules in the asymmetric unit, noncrystallographic symmetry may complicate twinning analysis and structure determination.
A rare positively charged nicotinic acid disulfide: 2,2′-dithiodinicotinic acid hydrochloride monohydrate
Authors: Chemey Alexander T. , McGuire Chad M. , Albrecht-Schmitt Thomas E.
Published: May 2018

The title compound {systematic name: 3-carboxy-2-[2-(3-carboxypyridin-2-yl)disulfan-1-yl)]pyridin-1-ium chloride monohydrate}, C12H9N2O4S2
+·Cl−·H2O, crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1. A pair of 2-mercaptonicotinic acid moieties is connected by a 2,2′-disulfide bond with a dihedral angle of 78.79 (3)°. One of the N atom is protonated, as are both carboxylate groups, resulting in an overall +1 charge on the dimer. The structure comprises a zigzagging layer of the dimerized dithiodinicotinic acid rings, with charge-balancing chloride ions and water molecules between the layers. Hydrogen bonding between the chloride and water sites with the dimer appears to hold the structure together. Nearest neighbor nicotinic acid rings are offset when viewed down the a axis, suggesting no added stability from ring stacking. The asymmetric unit corresponds to the empirical formula of the compound, and it packs with two formula units per unit cell.
Synthesis and crystal structure of methyl 3-(3-hydroxy-3-phenylprop-2-enoyl)benzoate
Authors: Zharinova Irina S. , Bilyalova Alfiya A. , Bezzubov Stanislav I.
Published: May 2018

The title compound, C17H14O4, was synthesized under mild conditions and characterized by various analytical techniques. Combined NMR and X-ray diffraction data show that the substance exists exclusively in the enol tautomeric form. An intramolecular ...O=C—C=C—OH... hydrogen bond is present in the molecular structure. The analysis of the difference density map disclosed two adjacent positions of a disordered hydrogen atom taking part in this hydrogen bond, indicating the presence of two enol tautomers in the crystal. The enol molecules are assembled through numerous C—H...π and π–π as well as weak C(aryl)—H...O interactions, thus forming a dense crystal packing. The obtained substance was also studied by UV–Vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry.
Linking personality traits and individuals’ knowledge management behavior
Authors: Esmaeelinezhad Osveh , Afrazeh Abbas
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Inspired by the theory of planned behavior, the purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the big five personality (BFP) traits (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) on four aspects of individuals’ knowledge management (KM) behaviors: knowledge acquisition, knowledge storage, knowledge sharing, and knowledge application.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey-based approach was used to collect data from 221 employees from five knowledge-intensive firms.

Findings

The partial least square analyses confirmed a positive effect of two personality traits, openness and conscientiousness, on knowledge acquisition as well as knowledge application behavior. In addition, the positive effects of extraversion and conscientiousness traits on knowledge storage behavior were confirmed. The findings also revealed that agreeableness and openness traits positively relate to knowledge sharing behavior. Finally, neuroticism had a negative effect on knowledge acquisition and application behavior.

Practical implications

This study suggests that organizations need to incorporate employees’ personality into the design and implementation of their KM systems. The findings provide managers with insight into the course of personnel selection and retention to facilitate KM behaviors in organizations.

Originality/value

Little is known about the relationship between the BFP traits and four aspects of KM behaviors at the individual level. The present study has contributed to the existing body of literature through clarifying how personality traits relate to four dimensions of individuals’ KM behaviors.
The impact of employment on perceived recovery from opiate dependence
Authors: Lowe Elizabeth , Akhtar Shabana , Emmerson Oliver , Parkman Thomas , Day Edward
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Less than 15 per cent of people starting opiate substitution treatment (OST) in England are employed, but few gain employment during treatment. Increasingly punitive approaches have been tried to encourage individuals with substance dependence into employment in the hope of facilitating recovery. It is not clear which factors are associated with the successful maintenance of employment whilst receiving OST, and whether this group can be said to be “in recovery”. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study of the OST population in one English region was conducted between January and April 2017. Measures of physical health, employment patterns, drug use, mental health, recovery capital, and dependence severity were administered to 55 employed and 55 unemployed clients.

Findings

Those in employment had higher levels of “recovery capital”, better physical and mental health, fewer drug problems, and less severe dependence, despite reporting heroin use at a similar level. Three variables were significantly associated with employment: longest period of employment (OR=1.01, p=0.003); number of chronic medical conditions (OR=0.44, p=0.011); and number of days of psychological problems in the last month (OR=0.95, p=0.031).

Practical implications

These results suggest that abstinence may not be required in order to maintain stable employment when OST is in place. Different treatment strategies are required for clients receiving OST already in employment compared with those who are unemployed.

Originality/value

This is the first UK study to the author’s knowledge to focus on people receiving OST who are also in employment.
Our students are watching: navigating heightened polarization during class discussion
Authors: Laughter Judson , Huddleston Alexis , Shipman Molly , Victory Hannah
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide teachers with research and methodological findings for planning, facilitating and assessing classroom discussions around difficult, political issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper focuses on navigating political polarization in classroom discussions. The research supported three teaching interns in developing classroom cultures where such discussions could and did happen.

Findings

Findings include the importance of having difficult discussions, the methods for doing so successfully and the introduction of a new activity, Daily Independent Listening.

Originality/value

In a climate of heightened partisanship, this research and these teaching examples provide models for all teachers engaging in such important work.
Do empowerment, job interdependence and organization support drive work outcome in the Indian insurance sector?
Authors: Sahu Sangeeta
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors which influence positive and antagonistic job behavior of employees and their effects on work outcome. Such factors are regulated by the job design and policies of an organization. This is part of the findings.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper surveys a sample of 635 middle and lower level executives working in insurance organizations. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the nomological network.

Findings

Results reveal significant roles of empowerment and job interdependence in explaining positive job behavior and its influence on work outcome. In addition, limited role of organization support on employee job behavior was observed.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited by its cross-sectional design and self- reported data. Issues of common method bias have been addressed. The outcome of this quantitative research provides input for job design focused on increasing work outcome.

Originality/value

This study highlights that empowerment at work brings about positive work behavior that significantly enhances employee commitment to customer service. Further, organization support at work does not explain employee behavior influencing work outcome; whereas, most past studies show significant role of support factors. Antagonistic behavior does not necessarily make an individual decide to leave the organization, indicating that such behaviors can be controlled by managing the contextual factors. The findings offer insights to motivation and behavior-related theories and suggest a shift in HR practices by predicting employee behavior.
Retail service excellence: antecedents and consequences
Authors: Padma Panchapakesan , Wagenseil Urs
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model of antecedents and consequences of service excellence (SE) in the retail industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an extensive literature review, this paper has come up with the definition of potential antecedents and their consequences for SE in the retail service.

Findings

While the seven factors, service leadership, service culture, quality management and business excellence, service innovation, customer engagement, service brand image and service encounters have been proposed as antecedents of SE in retail service, employee loyalty, employee pride, customer delight, customer commitment and brand love, have been identified as consequences.

Research limitations/implications

A major limitation of the study is that the developed model is not empirically validated.

Practical implications

The current research asserts that leadership in service firms has to build a professional service culture system in order to achieve business/competition advantages of SE.

Social implications

This paper has emphasised that businesses cannot only act with the perspective of gaining short-term profit on every customer transaction. Customers have to be valued and firms have to focus on building long-term relationships with their customers.

Originality/value

This study has extended the research on SE by developing a new model with possible antecedents and outcomes in the retail context.
Perceptions toward academic library app implementation
Authors: Al-Daihani Sultan Muhaya , Almutairi Mai R. , Alonaizi Reem , Mubarak Samarkand
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions of Kuwait University students majoring in the social sciences, faculty members and academic librarians toward mobile library applications (apps), which are not currently available. These technologies are highly desirable for students, but many libraries struggle to properly implement them.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative survey questionnaires were distributed to 400 undergraduate students, of which 184 valid and completed questionnaires were collected. In addition, three focus groups were conducted with social sciences graduate students, academics and librarians to further explore attitudes and perspectives toward library apps.

Findings

A majority of respondents (62 per cent) visited the academic library less than five times per month or never, but a smaller majority (57 per cent) also preferred to use a combination of computers and mobile devices to access library information. The most desirable student uses for library apps involved access to basic information or services such as library hours, book renewal or catalog searches. Most potential barriers to student use of library apps received low scores; only slow internet speed was considered a significant problem. Focus group discussions clarified that major concerns regarding the implementation of library apps included the potential cost, knowledge, training and administrator support for these efforts.

Originality/value

This study highlights the unique interest in, and barriers to, library app implementation at Kuwait University, while providing an informative structure for similar studies and considerations elsewhere.
Corruption, political discretion and entrepreneurship
Authors: Jiménez Alfredo , Alon Ilan
Published: May 2018

Purpose

While common sense suggests that corruption will likely have a negative impact on the economy as it raises the cost of doing business, research on the topic showed inconsistent results (positive, negative and neutral). This paper aims to verify whether corruption has a “grease” or “sand” effect on the wheels of entrepreneurial rates and under which conditions corruption will have stronger or weaker effects.

Design/methodology/approach

Using institutional theory as the basis for the hypotheses, generalized least squares estimation is conducted to empirically examine the role of corruption and political discretion in entrepreneurship in a sample of 93 countries.

Findings

Countries with higher levels of corruption are associated with lower levels of firm creation. However, this negative effect of corruption is weaker when there are higher levels of political discretion.

Originality/value

This is the first evaluation of the moderating effect of political discretion on the negative impact of corruption on entrepreneurship.
Managing records and archives in a Hong Kong school: a case study
Authors: Cheng Eric C.K.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This study aims to explore the principles and practices for managing records with the lens of functional analysis and knowledge management by using a case study that focuses on the experience of implementing records management at a public high school in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

A single case study is chosen as the research method for this paper. A series of qualitative interviews and documentary analysis were used to collect and triangulate the qualitative data.

Findings

The results show that the case school adopted a hybrid top-down and bottom-up approach to record management, facilitate decision-making and manage knowledge. The school adopted the taxonomy provided by the quality assurance framework as the functional classification in a digital archive in the records management system.

Practical implications

This study provides a set of taxonomy and a hybrid top-down and bottom-up approach to schools for ensuring that accurate information of all school activities is kept and can facilitate an effective and evidence-based, decision-making process.

Social implications

Identifying taxonomy and management practices for effective documentation in public schools can support planning, assist with organising the continuity of improvement plans and increase reporting and accountability to society.

Originality/value

This study offers a taxonomy and management approach to the literature of records management and the practices for promoting and improving records management in school.
Children’s game-day experiences and effects of community groups
Authors: Reifurth Katherine Rose Nakamoto , Bernthal Matthew J. , Heere Bob
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Sport management research that examines children as a distinct group of sport consumers is sparse, and therefore the authors know relatively little about how and why children become fans of sport teams. The purpose of this paper is to explore the game-day experiences of children in order to better understand how these experiences allow children to socialize into the team community and become fans of the team.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine this through exploratory observational analysis and 26 semi-structured interviews with children at professional sporting events.

Findings

Among the results, it was found that children primarily focus on exploring ways to build membership in the fan community as opposed to initially building connections to the team itself. In addition, those children that watched the games with their peers demonstrated greater in-game emotional responses than those children that viewed the game with family.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides support for the importance of community membership in the initial stages of sport team fandom as well as the varying effects of different groups within fan communities on child fans. However, further research is needed to increase the generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

It is recommended that sport teams increasingly target groups that will bring children to games with their peers in order to enhance their game experience and increase their socialization into fandom.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first in sport management to directly look to better understand children and the ways in which they become fans of sports teams.