bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct Lipoprotein Curves in Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obese Children and Adolescents
Authors: Interator Hagar , Lebenthal Yael , Hoshen Moshe , Safra Inbar , Balicer Ran , Leshno Moshe , Shamir Raanan
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

Pediatric lipoprotein curves are based on population-based samples. As obesity, may alter lipoprotein levels, cutoffs not adjusted for body mass index (BMI) are potentially inappropriate. We aimed to develop distinct serum lipid curves based on sex- and BMI-percentiles for children and adolescents.

Methods:

Cross-sectional analysis included all healthy children and adolescents (age range 2–17 years) with available serum lipid concentrations (n = 152,820 of approximately 1.2 million children and adolescents per study year). These children and adolescents were categorized according to sex- and age-stratified BMI-percentiles: 100,375 normal weight (5th–85th percentile), 26,028 overweight (85th–95th percentile) and 26,417 obese (≥95th percentile) individuals. Excluded were individuals with hyperlipidemia, gastrointestinal disease, thyroid disease and lipid-lowering medications. Lambda-Mu-Sigma, smoothed percentile lipid curves were computed.

Results:

Obese children had a lipid profile pattern throughout childhood and adolescence similar to that of normal weight subjects but with a significant upward shift in total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and triglycerides (TGs) and a downward shift in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). Obese boys had 13 mg/dL higher TC levels (P < 0.001), 11 mg/dL higher LDL-C levels, 15 mg/dL higher non-HDL-C levels, and 5 mg/dL lower HDL-C levels (P < 0.001). Obese girls had 6 mg/dL higher TC levels, 7 mg/dL higher LDL-C levels, 11 mg/dl higher non-HDL-C levels, and 6 mg/dL lower HDL-C levels (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Across a large, nationally representative cohort of children and adolescents, lipoprotein levels were found to vary in relation to weight status. On the basis of these findings, it is suggested that when evaluating the lipid profile in the pediatric population, in addition to sex-based curves, clinical decision making may require consideration of BMI-stratified curves.
Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Children With Achalasia
Authors: Miao Shijian , Wu Jie , Lu Junping , Wang Yuhuan , Tang Zifei , Zhou Ying , Huang Zhiheng , Ying Huang , Zhou Pinghong
Published: July 2017

Background:

Achalasia is a disease caused by neuromuscular dysfunction in the esophagogastric junction, with a relatively low incidence among children. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a new endoscopic procedure for the treatment of achalasia; however, it is rarely applied in children.

Objectives:

We aim to study the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of POEM as a treatment for pediatric achalasia.

Methods:

A total of 21 pediatric patients (ages from 11 months to 18 years) diagnosed as having achalasia and treated with POEM from October of 2014 to October of 2016 in our hospital were included in our study. Indices such as clinical manifestations, nutritional status, Eckardt scores, high‐resolution esophageal manometric measurements, gastroduodenoscopic findings, and upper gastroenterographic findings after treatment were respectively compared with those before treatment to analyze the effectiveness and safety of POEM.

Results:

All of the 21 children successfully received POEM. The patients were followed up for duration ranged from 3 to 24 months. Among these children, symptoms such as vomiting and dysphagia were significantly alleviated or resolved. The Eckardt scores had an average drop of 7 points after treatment compared with those before treatment. Postoperative gastroduodenoscopy and upper gastroenterography showed that the opening of the cardiac orifice was significantly enlarged and obstruction at the lower esophagus was significantly relieved.

Conclusions:

POEM is a mini‐invasive technique and a promising new treatment for pediatric patients, making it worthy of further clinical research and application.
Stability of Cortisol and Cortisone in Human Breast Milk During Holder Pasteurization
Authors: van der Voorn Bibian , de Waard Marita , Dijkstra Lisette R. , Heijboer Annemieke C. , Rotteveel Joost , van Goudoever Johannes B. , Finken Martijn J.J.
Published: July 2017

Human donor milk is the feeding of choice for preterm infants, when own mother's milk is not available. Holder pasteurization is necessary to secure the safety of donor milk, although it can affect milk quality by reduction of nutritional and bioactive components. Recently, research has focused on the potential role of breast milk glucocorticoids for infant development. At this moment, it is unknown whether pasteurization affects milk glucocorticoid levels. Therefore, we assessed whether Holder pasteurization, the most frequently used method nowadays, reduces breast milk cortisol and cortisone levels, using breast milk samples from 30 women who delivered at term. We found tight correlations between pre- and postpasteurization levels of cortisol (R2 = 0.99) and cortisone (R2 = 0.98), and good agreement in Passing and Bablok regression analysis. In conclusion, cortisol and cortisone in human term breast milk are not significantly affected by Holder pasteurization.
Primary Intravenous Set Consumption Across 3 Branded Infusion Pumps
Authors: Hedlund Nancy , Sarangpur Shishir , Kayler Shannon , O'Brien Kathy , Beer Idal
Published: July 2017

This retrospective study of 6426 hip replacement, coronary artery bypass graft, and colectomy surgeries across 23 US hospitals found that intravenous (IV) set designs that can be interchanged for use both in gravity-fed and automated pump delivery systems are replaced less frequently than IV sets designed for use primarily by one delivery method. Semistructured interviews with nurses highlighted the impact of set design on nursing workflow when moving between gravity-fed and pump-based administration. Use of interchangeable, single-design IV sets across gravity and automated infusions minimizes disruptions to closed systems, may reduce nurses being distracted from patients' clinical needs when replacing sets, and may yield supply cost savings.
Evaluation of Compatibility of a Gum Mastic Liquid Adhesive and Liquid Adhesive Remover With an Alcoholic Chlorhexidine Gluconate Skin Preparation
Authors: Ryder Marcia , Duley Collette
Published: July 2017

The compatibility of a 2% chlorhexidine gluconate/70% isopropyl alcohol (CHG/IPA) skin preparation with a gum mastic liquid adhesive (GMLA) and liquid adhesive remover (LAR) was assessed in healthy volunteers. Twenty subjects completed test material combination with microbial sampling at 3- and 7-day time points. Mean log10 reductions from baseline for normal flora were assessed. There was no significant difference in reduction of normal flora on skin prepped with CHG/IPA versus skin prepped with CHG/IPA followed by GMLA or LAR. The conclusion of the study was that the use of GMLA or LAR with CHG/IPA does not affect the antiseptic effectiveness of CHG/IPA.
Nursing Empowerment, Workplace Environment, and Job Satisfaction in Nurses Employed in an Academic Health Science Center
Authors: Kretzschmer Shari , Walker Mandi , Myers John , Vogt Krista , Massouda Jessica , Gottbrath Deidra , Pritchett Melissa , Stikes Reetta , Logsdon M. Cynthia
Published: July 2017

Objective: The aim of this study was to test predictors of nursing empowerment and job satisfaction in nurses. Background: Nursing professional development leaders and Magnet® coordinators need foundational data on which to build interventions that will support and empower nurses on the journey toward American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet® designation. Method: Secondary data analysis methods were used. Results: Overall, nurses perceived that they had moderate empowerment and were satisfied with their jobs. Conclusions: Study results support predicted relationships and can be used to guide interventions for, and development of, nurses.
National Variation in the Use of Tracheostomy in Patients With Congenital Heart Disease*
Authors: Johnson Joyce T. , Marino Bradley S. , Klugman Darren , Shamszad Pirouz
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

The postsurgical care of children with congenital heart disease may be complicated by the need for cardiorespiratory support, including tracheostomy. The variation of the use of tracheostomy across multiple pediatric cardiac surgical centers has not been defined. We describe multicenter variation in the use of tracheostomy in children undergoing congenital heart surgery.

Design:

We retrospectively analyzed a multicenter cohort.

Setting:

Pediatric Health Information Systems database retrospective cohort.

Patients:

Children less than 18 years who underwent both tracheostomy and cardiac surgery (1/04–6/14).

Interventions:

Univariate and multivariate statistics were performed, stratifying by high (≥ 75th percentile) and low (≤ 25th percentile) tracheostomy volume and adjusting for patient characteristics in multivariate models.

Measurements and Main Results:

Out of 123,510 hospitalizations involving cardiac surgery, 1,292 tracheostomies (1.2%) were performed (46 hospitals). The rate of tracheostomy placement ranged from 0.3% to 2.5% with no difference in the rate of tracheostomy placement between high and low tracheostomy use centers (p = 0.8). The median time to tracheostomy was 63 days (interquartile range, 36–100), and there was no difference between high- and low-tracheostomy centers. High-tracheostomy centers had $420,000 lower hospital charges than low-volume centers (p = 0.03). Tracheostomy day greater than the median (63 d), Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery-1 score 6, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were significantly associated with adjusted increased odds of mortality. Later hospital day of tracheostomy was associated with a $13,000/d increase in total hospital charges (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Variation in the usage of tracheostomy in infants and children undergoing congenital heart surgery exists across the country. High-tracheostomy centers had lower hospital charges. Late tracheostomy placement, higher congenital heart disease surgical risk, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use are independent predictors of in-hospital mortality in this population.
Elevated Preoperative Serum Bilirubin Improves Reperfusion Injury and Survival Postliver Transplantation
Authors: Spetzler Vinzent , Goldaracena Nicolas , Kaths Johann Moritz , Marquez Max , Selzner Markus , Selzner Nazia
Published: July 2017

Background

The cytoprotective effects of hemeoxygenase-1 and its product biliverdin/bilirubin are widely acknowledged in experimental transplant medicine. However, its potentially beneficial effect during organ reperfusion is not established.

Methods

In a matched study, we compared markers of reperfusion injury (alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase) and transplantation outcome (complication rates, liver function, and survival) between recipient groups with “normal” versus “increased” preoperative bilirubin values. Groups were matched for donor and recipient age, liver disease, year of transplantation, and recipient’s preoperative condition (modified model for end-stage liver disease score excluding bilirubin).

Results

The postoperative transaminase peak was significantly higher when comparing the “normal” to the “increased” bilirubin group (maximum aspartate aminotransferase “normal” 2013 [325-13 210] U/L vs “increased” 1360 [221-15 460] U/L, P = 0.006; maximum alanine aminotransferase “normal” 1151 [82-6595] U/L vs “increased” 820 [66-5382] U/L, P = 0.01). Grafts in the “increased” bilirubin group had faster recovery of graft function with faster decrease in international normalized ratio at days 3 and 7 posttransplantation in the “increased” vs “normal” bilirubin group. Although long-term functional parameters (international normalized ratio and bilirubin posttransplantation) as well as surgical and biliary complication rates were similar in both groups, 1-year survival rates were significantly higher in the group with increased preoperative bilirubin (graft survival, “normal” 86% vs “increased” 97%; P = 0.006).

Conclusions

Increased bilirubin levels of liver graft recipients before transplantation are associated with reduced reperfusion injury and improved survival after transplantation.
Resting and Exercise Energy Metabolism After Liver Transplantation for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Singhvi Ajay , Sadowsky H. Steven , Cohen Ayelet , Demzik Alysen , VanWagner Lisa , Rinella Mary , Levitsky Josh
Published: July 2017

Background

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a leading indication for liver transplantation (LT). We hypothesized that weight gain after LT may be exacerbated by reduced metabolic rates due to the LT procedure, particularly during exercise. We aimed to compare resting and exercise energy expenditure between patients transplanted for NASH and nontransplant nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) subjects.

Methods

NASH LT recipients (>1-year post, n = 14) and NAFLD controls (n = 13) underwent analysis of body composition, resting energy expenditure (REE), and exercise energy expenditure (VO2max), the latter using a ramped-Bruce protocol assessed by expired gas analysis and peak heart rate.

Results

Participants were mean 61.5 ± 7.9 years, 48.1% men, and 66.7% white. Baseline comorbidities were similar between groups. Among men, mean REE adjusted for total (17.7 vs 18.8, P = 0.87) and lean body mass (23.5 vs 26.9, P = 0.26), as well as VO2 (20.1 vs 23.9, P = 0.29), was lower in NASH LT recipients compared with NAFLD controls, respectively, although not statistically significant. However, female NASH LT recipients had significantly lower mean REE than NAFLD controls when adjusted for total (14.2 vs 18.9, P = 0.01) and lean body mass (19.3 vs 26.5, P = 0.002), as well as significantly lower VO2max (14.4 vs 20.6, P = 0.017).

Conclusions

NASH LT recipients, particularly women, have lower REE and exercise energy expenditure compared with nontransplant NAFLD patients. More aggressive diet and exercise programs for post-LT NASH recipients to account for reduced resting and exercise metabolic rates may attenuate weight gain in this vulnerable population.
Paraneoplastic neuropathies
Authors: Antoine Jean-Christophe , Camdessanché Jean-Philippe
Published: July 2017

Purpose of review

To review recent advances in paraneoplastic neuropathies with emphasis on their definition, different forms and therapeutic development.

Recent findings

A strict definition of definite paraneoplastic neuropathies is necessary to avoid confusion. With carcinoma, seronegative sensory neuronopathies and neuronopathies and anti-Hu and anti-CV2/Contactin Response Mediator Protein 5 antibodies are the most frequent. With lymphomas, most neuropathies occur with monoclonal gammopathy including AL amyloidosis, Polyneuropathy-Organomegaly-Endocrinopathy-M component-Skin changes (POEMS) syndrome, type I cryoglobulinemia and antimyelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) neuropathies and Waldenström's disease. Neuropathies improving with tumor treatment are occasional, occur with a variety of cancer and include motor neuron disease, chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy and nerve vasculitis. If antibodies toward intracellular antigens are well characterized, it is not the case for antibodies toward cell membrane proteins. Contactin-associated protein-2 antibodies occur with neuromyotonia and thymoma with the Morvan's syndrome in addition to Netrin 1 receptor antibodies but may not be responsible for peripheral nerve hyperexcitability. The treatment of AL amyloidosis, POEMS syndrome, anti-MAG neuropathy and cryoglobulinemia is now relatively well established. It is not the case with onconeural antibodies for which the rarity of the disorders and a short therapeutic window are limiting factors for the development of clinical trials.

A strict definition of paraneoplastic neuropathies helps their identification and is necessary to allow an early diagnosis of the underlying tumor.
Electrical Stimulations of the Human Insula: Their Contribution to the Ictal Semiology of Insular Seizures
Authors: Mazzola Laure , Mauguière François , Isnard Jean
Published: July 2017

Introduction:

Stereotactic stimulations of the insular cortex through intracranial electrodes aim at characterizing the semiology of insular seizures. These stimulations, carried out in the context of Stereo-Electro-Encephalography (SEEG) during presurgical monitoring of epilepsy, reproduce the ictal symptoms observed during the development of insular seizures.

Methods:

The authors reviewed the results of insular stimulations performed in 222 patients admitted between 1997 and 2015 for presurgical SEEG exploration of atypical temporal or perisylvian epilepsy. Stimulations (50 Hz, trains of 5 seconds, pulses of 0.5 ms, intensity 0.2–3.5 mA) were carried out using transopercular electrodes implanted orthogonal to midsagittal plane.

Results:

Out of a total of 669 stimulations, 550 were clinically eloquent in the absence of any postdischarge (237 and 313, respectively, in the right and left insulae). Somatosensory responses (61% of evoked sensations) including pain and visceral sensations (14.9%) were the most frequent, followed by auditory sensations (8%), vestibular illusions (7.5%), speech impairment (5%), gustatory, (2.7%), and olfactory (1%) sensations. Although these responses showed some functional segregation (in particular a privileged pain representation in the postero-superior quadrant), there was a clear spatial overlap between representations of the different modalities.

Conclusions:

Symptoms evoked by insular stimulations are multiple. None of them can be considered as absolutely specific to the insular cortex, but the occurrence in given seizure of a somatosensory symptom such as pain or of a laryngeal spasm associated with vestibular, auditory, aphasic, or olfacto-gustatory symptoms points to a discharge development in the insular cortex, which is the only cortical region where stimulations demonstrate such a multimodal representation.
Plant phenology supports the multi-emergence hypothesis for Ebola spillover events
Authors: Wollenberg Valero Katharina C. , Isokpehi Raphael D. , Douglas Noah E. , Sivasundaram Seenith , Johnson Brianna , Wootson Kiara , McGill Ayana
Published: July 2017

Ebola virus disease outbreaks in animals (including humans and great apes) start with sporadic host switches from unknown reservoir species. The factors leading to such spillover events are little explored. Filoviridae viruses have a wide range of natural hosts and are unstable once outside hosts. Spillover events, which involve the physical transfer of viral particles across species, could therefore be directly promoted by conditions of host ecology and environment. In this report we outline a proof of concept that temporal fluctuations of a set of ecological and environmental variables describing the dynamics of the host ecosystem are able to predict such events of Ebola virus spillover to humans and animals. We compiled a dataset of climate and plant phenology variables and Ebola virus disease spillovers in humans and animals. We identified critical biotic and abiotic conditions for spillovers via multiple regression and neural networks based time series regression. Phenology variables proved to be overall better predictors than climate variables. African phenology variables are not yet available as a comprehensive online resource. Given the likely importance of phenology for forecasting the likelihood of future Ebola spillover events, our results highlight the need for cost-effective transect surveys to supply phenology data for predictive modelling efforts.
Network simulations of interneuron circuits in the honeybee primary auditory center
Authors: Kumaraswamy Ajayrama , Maksutov Aynur , Kai Kazuki , Ai Hiroyuki , Ikeno Hidetoshi , Wachtler Thomas
Published: July 2017

Processing of airborne vibration signals in the auditory system is essential for honeybee communication through the waggle dance language. Properties of neurons in the honeybee primary auditory center suggest a circuitry of excitatory and inhibitory neurons encoding these communication signals. To test this assumption, we simulated this network and analyzed the predicted responses for different types of inputs. In particular, we investigated the effect of specific inhibitory connections in the network. The results indicate that the experimentally observed responses of certain interneuron types are compatible with an inhibitory network of vibration processing in the primary auditory center of the honeybee.
In vivoImaging β-cell Function Reveals Two Waves of β-cell Maturation
Authors: Zhao Jia , Zong Weijian , Wu Yi , Shen Jiayu , Gou Dongzhou , Zhao Yiwen , Wu Runlong , Niu Fuzeng , Wang Xu , Zheng Xuan , Wang Aimin , Zhang Yunfeng , Xiong Jing-Wei , Chen Liangyi , Liu Yanmei
Published: July 2017

The insulin-secreting cells generated from stem cellsin vitroare less glucose responsive than primary β-cells. To search for the missing ingredients that are needed for β-cell maturation, we have longitudinally monitored function of every β-cell in Tg (ins:Rcamp1.07) zebrafish embryos with a newly-invented two-photon light-sheet microscope. We have shown that β-cell maturation begins from the islet mantle and propagates to the islet core during the hatching period, coordinated by the islet vascularization. Lower concentration of glucose is optimal to initiate β-cell maturation, while increased glucose delivery to every cell through microcirculation is required for functional boosting of the β-cells. Both the initiation and the boosting of β-cell maturation demands activation of calcineurin/NFAT by glucose. Calcineurin activator combined with glucose promotes mouse neonatal β-cells culturedin vitroto mature to a functional state similar to adult β-cells, suggesting a new strategy for improving stem cell-derived β-like cell functionin vitro.
Single-cell absolute contact probability detection reveals that chromosomes are organized by multiple, low-frequency yet specific interactions
Authors: Cattoni Diego I. , Cardozo Gizzi Andrés M. , Georgieva Mariya , Di Stefano Marco , Valeri Alessandro , Chamousset Delphine , Houbron Christophe , Déjardin Stephanie , Fiche Jean-Bernard , González Inma , Chang Jia-Ming , Sexton Thomas , Marti-Renom Marc A. , Bantignies Frédéric , Cavalli Giacomo , Nollmann Marcelo
Published: July 2017

At the kilo- to mega-base pair scales, eukaryotic genomes are partitioned into self-interacting modules or topologically associated domains (TADs) that associate to form nuclear compartments. Here, we combined high-content super-resolution microscopies with state-of-the-art DNA labeling methods to reveal the variability in the multiscale organization of theDrosophilagenome. We found that association frequencies within TADs and between TAD borders are below ~10%, independently of TAD size, epigenetic state, or cell type. Critically, despite this large heterogeneity, we were able to visualize nanometer-sized epigenetic domains at the single-cell level. In addition, absolute contact frequencies within and between TADs were to a large extent defined by genomic distance, higher-order chromosome architecture, and epigenetic identity. We propose that TADs and compartments are organized by multiple, small frequency, yet specific interactions that are regulated by epigenetics and transcriptional state.
Abelson tyrosine-protein kinase 2 Regulates Myoblast Proliferation and Controls Muscle Fiber Length
Authors: Lee Jennifer Kim , Burden Steven J.
Published: July 2017

Muscle fiber length is nearly uniform within a muscle but widely different among muscles. Here, we show that Abelson tyrosine-protein kinase 2 (Abl2) has a key role in regulating myofiber length, as a loss of Abl2 leads to excessively long myofibers in the diaphragm and other muscles. Increased myofiber length is caused by enhanced myoblast proliferation, expanding the pool of available myoblasts and leading to increased myoblast fusion. Abl2 acts in myoblasts, but expansion of the diaphragm muscle causes a reduction in size of the diaphragm central tendon. Replacement of tendon for muscle is likely responsible for the reduced stamina ofabl2mutant mice. Further, ectopic muscle islands, each composed of myofibers of uniform length and orientation, form within the central tendon inabl2+/-mice. Induction ofscleraxisin tendon cells at the ends of these muscle islands suggests that myofibers stimulate tendon differentiation, which in turn regulates myofiber length.
Invasion and migration of spatially self-limiting gene drives: a comparative analysis
Authors: Dhole Sumit , Vella Michael R. , Loyd Alun L. , Gould Fred
Published: July 2017

Recent advances in research on gene drives have produced genetic constructs that could theoretically spread a desired gene (payload) into all populations of a species, with a single release in one place. This attribute has advantages, but also comes with risks and ethical concerns. There has been a call for research on gene drive systems that are spatially and/or temporally self-limiting. Here we use a population genetics model to compare the expected characteristics of three spatially self-limiting gene drive systems: one-locus underdominance, two-locus underdominance, and daisy-chain drives. We find large differences between these gene drives in the minimum release size required for successfully driving a payload into a population. The daisy-chain system is the most efficient, requiring the smallest release, followed by the two-locus underdominance system, and then the one-locus underdominance system. However, when the target population exchanges migrants with a non-target population, the gene drives requiring smaller releases suffer from higher risks of unintended spread. For payloads that incur relatively low fitness costs (up to 30%), a simple daisy-chain drive is practically incapable of remaining localized, even with migration rates as low as 0.5% per generation. The two-locus underdominance system can achieve localized spread under a broader range of migration rates and of payload fitness costs, while the one-locus underdominance system largely remains localized. We also find differences in the extent of population alteration and in the permanence of the alteration achieved by the three gene drives. The two-locus underdominance system does not always spread the payload to fixation, even after successful drive, while the daisy-chain system can, for a small set of parameter values, achieve a temporally-limited spread of the payload. These differences could affect the suitability of each gene drive for specific applications.Note:This manuscript has been accepted for publication in the journal Evolutionary Applications and is pending publication. We suggest that any reference to or quotation of this article should be made with this recognition.
CRF1receptor-dependent increases in irritability-like behavior during abstinence from chronic intermittent ethanol vapor exposure
Authors: Kimbrough Adam , de Guglielmo Giordano , Kononoff Jenni , Kallupi Marsida , Zorrilla Eric P. , George Olivier
Published: July 2017

Background

In humans, emotional and physical signs of withdrawal from ethanol are commonly seen. Many of these symptoms, including anxiety-like and depression-like behavior, have been characterized in animal models of ethanol dependence. One issue with several current behavioral tests measuring withdrawal in animal models is they are often not repeatable within subjects over time. Additionally, irritability, one of the most common symptoms of ethanol withdrawal in humans, has not been well characterized in animal models. The corticotropinreleasing factor (CRF)-CRF1receptor system has been suggested to be critical for the emergence of anxiety-like behavior in ethanol dependence, but the role of this system in irritability-like behavior has not been characterized.

Methods

The present study compared the effects of chronic intermittent ethanol vapor exposure (CIE)-induced ethanol dependence on irritabilitylike behavior in rats using the bottle-brush test during acute withdrawal and protracted abstinence. Rats were trained to self-administer ethanol in operant chambers and then either left in a nondependent state or made dependent via CIE. Naive, nondependent, and dependent rats were tested for irritability-like behavior in the bottle-brush test 8 h and 2 weeks into abstinence from ethanol. A separate cohort of dependent rats was used to examine the effect of the specific CRF1receptor antagonist R121919 on irritability-like behavior.

Results

Dependent rats exhibited escalated ethanol intake compared with their own pre-CIE baseline and nondependent rats. At both time-points of abstinence, ethanol-dependent rats exhibited increased aggressive-like responses compared with naive and nondependent rats. R121919 blocked the increased irritability-like behavior in dependent rats.

Conclusions

The effect of R121919 to block increased irritability-like behavior suggests that CRF plays an important role in this behavior, similar to other negative emotional withdrawal symptoms. Quantifying and understanding the molecular basis of irritability-like behavior may yield new insights into withdrawal from ethanol and other drugs of abuse.
Gated Coupling of Dopamine and Neuropeptide Signaling Underlies Perceptual Processing of Appetitive Odors inDrosophila
Authors: Pu Yuhan , Masserant Palombo Melissa Megan , Zhang Yiwen , Shen Ping
Published: July 2017

How olfactory stimuli are perceived as meaningful cues for specific appetitive drives remains poorly understood. Here we show that despite their enormous diversity,Drosophilalarvae can discriminatively respond to food-related odor stimuli based on both qualitative and quantitative properties. Perceptual processing of food scents takes place in a neural circuit comprising four dopamine (DA) neurons and a neuropeptide F (NPF) neuron per brain hemisphere. Furthermore, these DA neurons integrate and compress inputs from second-order olfactory neurons into one-dimensional DA signals, while the downstream NPF neuron assigns appetitive significance to limited DA outputs via a D1-type DA receptor (DoplR1)-mediated gating mechanism. Finally, Dop1R, along with a Gβ13F/Irk2-mediated inhibitory and a Gαs-mediated excitatory pathway, underlie a binary precision tuning apparatus that restricts the excitatory response of NPF neurons to DA inputs that fall within an optimum range. Our findings provide fresh molecular and cellular insights into cognitive processing of olfactory cues.
Integrated single-cell genetic and transcriptional analysis suggests novel drivers of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Wang Lili , Fan Jean , Francis Joshua M. , Georghiou George , Hergert Sarah , Li Shuqiang , Gambe Rutendo , Zhou Chensheng W. , Yang Chunxiao , Xiao Sheng , Cin Paola Dal , Bowden Michaela , Kotliar Dylan , Shukla Sachet A. , Brown Jennifer R. , Neuberg Donna , Alessi Dario R. , Zhang Cheng-Zhong , Kharchenko Peter V. , Livak Kenneth J. , Wu Catherine J.
Published: July 2017

Intra-tumoral genetic heterogeneity has been characterized across cancers by genome sequencing of bulk tumors, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In order to more accurately identify subclones, define phylogenetic relationships, and probe genotype–phenotype relationships, we developed methods for targeted mutation detection in DNA and RNA isolated from thousands of single cells from five CLL samples. By clearly resolving phylogenic relationships, we uncovered mutated LCP1 and WNK1 as novel CLL drivers, supported by functional evidence demonstrating their impact on CLL pathways. Integrative analysis of somatic mutations with transcriptional states prompts the idea that convergent evolution generates phenotypically similar cells in distinct genetic branches, thus creating a cohesive expression profile in each CLL sample despite the presence of genetic heterogeneity. Our study highlights the potential for single-cell RNA-based targeted analysis to sensitively determine transcriptional and mutational profiles of individual cancer cells, leading to increased understanding of driving events in malignancy.
Candidates’ attractiveness in selection decisions: a laboratory experiment
Authors: Cristofaro Matteo
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Recruiters in today’s organizations, through social networks, have the opportunity to see a candidate’s overall figure, and from this, they gain a first impression of their personalities which in turn affects their decisions. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the biasing role of candidates’ attractiveness – in facial and bodily terms – on perceived main personality features (i.e. core evaluations (CEs)) in selection decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental study involving professional recruiters (n=150) was conducted. Participants were asked to rate bodily attractiveness (using the objectification construct), CEs, facial attractiveness and hiring scores of six candidates for an administrative position; then, a moderated mediation model was tested.

Findings

This study suggests that recruiters’ perception of candidates’ CEs mediates the relationship between objectification (i.e. body attractiveness) and the assigned hiring score, while facial attractiveness amplifies or reduces the effect of objectification on CEs.

Originality/value

The value added of this contribution lies in studying the biasing mechanism of candidates’ overall attractiveness (facial and bodily) and its effects on the perceived core personality features.
Shall we chat? A statistical case study of chat reference utilization
Authors: Luo Jiebei
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the performance of a chat reference service implemented at an academic library in a private liberal arts college by gauging its impact on other forms of reference service in terms of usage volume, with a focus on research-related face-to-face reference questions.

Design/methodology/approach

Two statistical methods are used, namely, the difference-in-differences method and a simple moving average time series analysis, to analyze both the short-term and long-term impact brought by chat reference.

Findings

This study finds that the usage volume of the traditional face-to-face reference is significantly affected by chat reference in its first service year. The long-term analysis suggests that chat reference volume displays a significant declining trend (−2.06 per cent academic month) since its implementation. Yet, its usage volume relative to other reference services remains stable over time.

Originality/value

The findings in this case study will be of value to libraries with similar scale and institutional features that are also interested in assessing their chat reference service. In addition, this paper is the first to apply the difference-in-differences approach in the field of library science, and the two statistical methods adopted in this case study can be readily adapted and applied to other similar volume-based library assessment projects.
Misuse of information and privacy issues: understanding the drivers for perceptions of unfairness
Authors: Nguyen Bang , Simkin Lyndon
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study what happens when firms misuse customers’ information and perceptions of unfairness arise because of privacy concerns. It explores a unifying theoretical framework of perceptions of unfairness, explained by the advantaged–disadvantaged (AD) continuum. It integrates the push, pull and mooring (PPM) model of migration for understanding the drivers of unfairness.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is conceptual and develops a theoretical model based on extant research.

Findings

Using the PPM model, the paper explores the effects of information-based marketing tactics on the AD framework in the form of two types of customers. Findings from the review suggest that three variables have a leading direct effect on the AD customers. Traditionally, the fairness literature focuses on price, but findings show that service and communication variables impact customers’ unfairness perceptions. This paper examines the importance of these variables, in the context of an AD framework, to help explain unfairness and consider the implications.

Originality/value

To explain information misuse and unfairness perceptions, the paper develops a unifying theoretical framework of perceptions of unfairness, explained by linking the PPM model of migration with the AD continuum.
Prospects and constraints of the University of Cape Coast satellite libraries
Authors: Filson Christopher Kwame , Edumadze Gladys Ewurama
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to find out the prospects and the factors which militate against the smooth operations of the University of Cape Coast satellite libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

A well-structured questionnaire was used to solicit data from all the staff of the 31 satellite libraries on the Campus of the University of Cape Coast. To ensure reliable findings, the survey approach was used. The first part of the questionnaire looked at the status of staff of the satellite libraries. The second part dealt with the information resources of the libraries, services provided by the libraries and staff developmental issues, while the last part solicited information on the challenges of these libraries. The quantitative data obtained mainly from the questionnaire were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

Findings

Some of the major findings are as follows: staff of the satellite libraries have the opportunity to upgrade themselves academically; the Main Library organised a series of in-service training for the staff of the satellite libraries; majority of the staff of the satellite libraries were non-professional and inadequate; and the majority of the satellite libraries were ill equipped, lack of simple working materials like accession registers and stamps, and lack of recognition of library staff by administrators, lecturers and students.

Research limitations/implications

The major components of a library are the building, staff and information resources; however, the study was limited to the staff and information resources, but excludes the building in which the libraries were housed.

Practical implications

Functional satellite libraries are required to support the activities of the main libraries.

Social implications

Satellite libraries are to support the main library to achieve its vision and mission; hence, their ineffectiveness affects the parent institution.

Originality/value

Satellite libraries support the main libraries in accomplishing their vision and mission, but it can be noted that much has been written on the main libraries, and is it high time the state, management and challenges of satellite libraries were exposed.
Total energy balance in a natural convection flow
Authors: Barrios-Piña Hector , Viazzo Stéphane , Rey Claude
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show a thermodynamic analysis to determine the contribution of each term of the total energy balance.

Design/methodology/approach

The thermodynamic analysis comprises a number of numerical simulations where some terms, typically ignored by the commonly used approximations, are removed from the total energy equation to quantify the effects in the flow and heat transfer fields. The case study is the differentially heated square cavity flow, in which the effects of work done by the pressure forces contribute significantly to the energy balance. Because local magnitudes are computed here for discussion, the dimensional form of the governing equations is preferred and a numerical model without any restrictive approximation about the role of the pressure is used.

Findings

The results show that the work of gravity forces term is in perfect balance with the work of pressure forces term, and thus, ignoring the contribution of one of them yields an incorrect solution. In addition, it is shown that the assumption of zero divergence of the Boussinesq approximation can be erroneous, even for a natural convection flow case where the temperature difference is very small.

Research limitations/implications

As the flow and heat transfer governing equations are complex, simplifying assumptions are generally used; that is, the Boussinesq and low Mach number approximations. These assumptions are systematically adopted without any validation process and without considering that they modify the physical meaning of one or more of the thermodynamic quantities, particularly the pressure. This fact results in inconsistencies of the different forms of energy.

Originality/value

This is the first time that the terms of the total energy balance are quantified in such a way, in a differentially heated square cavity flow, which is a case study addressed by several authors.
Assessing the value dimensions of social enterprise networks
Authors: Granados Maria Luisa , Rivera Ana Magdalena
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Despite the importance gained by social enterprises (SEs) and the increased number of social enterprise networks (SENs) in the UK, there is a paucity of research into the role of these networks in enhancing the sector and creating value. The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical evidence assessing this value.

Design/methodology/approach

The assessment and insights were derived through a concurrent mixed method data collection strategy with 241 responses from members of SEs in the UK.

Findings

In terms of frequency, the use of SENs is still sporadic, denoting an immature stage of network lifecycle development. Moreover, it was identified that usage was affected primarily by the perceived usefulness of the information available. The ultimate value created was primarily of an informative nature rather than knowledge exchange.

Practical implications

A framework is developed describing the structure, content and interaction dimensions of value of SENs. The understanding of this value offers opportunities to shape government interventions and current practices of SENs in assisting SEs and providing an active, knowledge sharing community.

Originality/value

By exploring the value perceived by social entrepreneurs of being part of an SEN, the paper considered an under-researched area of SE literature that can maximised the impact of the sector.
Role of school leadership and climate in student achievement
Authors: Alhosani Abdulraheem Ali , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Al Nahyan Moza Tahnoon
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model on students’ academic achievement that is well grounded in the academic research in the domain. The paper aims to weave together the divergent research findings into a comprehensive model for use by all the stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a literature review-based paper wherein research papers on the factors that influence the academic achievement of the students were studied. The empirical evidence from literature that fits the context of this study was analyzed and used to propose a workable model.

Findings

A framework to understand the role of factors affecting students’ academic achievement was proposed. It was found that school leadership and climate together affect the academic achievement of the students, but mediated by the involvement of the parents of the students.

Research limitations/implications

As this paper is a literature review, a framework on the determinants of academic achievements of the students has been proposed but yet to be tested empirically.

Practical implications

The schools leadership and the policy-makers can effectively leverage the findings of the study to enhance the academic achievement of students in a school context.

Originality/value

There are few research-based studies on the determinants of the academic achievement of students. This paper has identified key variables which play a significant role in helping enhance academic achievement of the students.
Achieving metacognition through cognitive strategy instruction
Authors: Apaydin Marina , Hossary Mohamad
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present hands-on techniques that could help achieve higher forms of cognitive work of Bloom’s learning taxonomy and progress toward self-actualization, the top of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. These results can be achieved by the combination of Apaydin’s 3A approach and integrative learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The results of the exploratory study of student self-inquiry are analyzed using content analysis method.

Findings

The results indicate that students who underwent through metacognitive instruction exhibit higher cognitive skills than the control group. These skills were manifested in more detailed and extensive responses, more long-term orientation, and higher thrive toward self-development. The study also identified significant gender differences.

Research limitations/implications

Only two raters reviewed the categories. Increasing the number of raters would potentially increase the reliability and validity of this study. The data were collected in one university in one country. Similar studies conducted in different settings could produce different results. Since the control group was self-selected, it might lead to a performance bias in this group.

Practical implications

This research has practical implications for improving self-awareness and metacognition of the students. The addition of an unexpected self-applied perspective and application of Problem Solving Algorithm (PSA) to themselves enables the students to see the value of otherwise abstract concepts presented in the textbooks and forgotten immediately after the semester is over.

Social implications

The students can be socially more prepared to become self-aware professionals and thus improve their career options.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in the educational research which investigates the impact of implementation of metacognitive instructional techniques on student self-awareness and performance, which has immediate practical implication for student learning and success.
Teacher’s turnover intentions
Authors: Imran Rabia , Allil Kamaal , Mahmoud Ali Bassam
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the path of motivation leading to organizational commitment resulting in reduced turnover intentions (TIs). It examine the relationship between dimensions of motivation (amotivation, introjected regulations (IRs) and intrinsic motivation (IM)) with dimensions of commitment (affective, normative and continuance). Furthermore, it test the effect of these three dimensions of commitment on TIs.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 467 teachers working in public schools in Dhofar Governate in Sultanate of Oman was selected for the study. A path analysis was conducted to test the hypothesized model.

Findings

The analysis unveils that teacher’s TIs can be reduced with a right mix of motivation and commitment. Furthermore, amotivation is only linked to affective commitment and this linkage is positive; IRs positively affect continuance and normative commitment (NC); and IM positively affects affective commitment and NC. Moreover, a significant negative effect of affective, normative and continuance commitment is found on TIs.

Originality/value

This research sheds light on how motivation can indirectly affect TI through commitment. This study is of immense importance as it focuses on the education sector in Oman especially in Dhofar Governate.