bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tonic Seizure as a Different Seizure Type Presented in Autoimmune Epilepsy Caused by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Lv Yudan , Zheng Xiangyu , Zhang Xiao , Zhao Danyang , Cui Li
Published: February 2019

The diagnosis of autoimmune epilepsy is often challenging, and may be misdiagnosed as epileptic disorders or viral encephalitis. Autoimmune epilepsy has a strong association with other autoimmune diseases, especially systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In addition, autoimmune epilepsy was reported to present with complex partial seizure (CPS), simple partial seizure (SPS), and secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizure (sGTCS). In our case, we present a different seizure type of tonic seizure in autoimmune epilepsy caused by SLE, which has not been reported, and it will provide with a new understanding of autoimmune epilepsy. A 17-year-old Chinese girl was diagnosed as having SLE for 1 month but with no epilepsy history. After this admission, she presented with different seizure types. Then EEG, magnetic resonance imaging, and lumbar puncture were performed. We have found generalized tonic seizure and excluded CNS infection and lupus encephalopathy. After antiepileptic therapy, no improvement has been found in seizure control. According to the previous history, clinical manifestation, and relevant examinations, we have made a clinical diagnosis of autoimmune epilepsy (tonic seizure) and SLE has been confirmed again by the immunological test. After the hormonotherapy, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tuberculosis therapy, the tonic seizure decreased significantly, and patient's consciousness improved. Autoimmune epilepsy should call the attentions of the clinicians, especially when the patient presented with SLE. Tonic seizure has not been described in autoimmune epilepsy before, which was different from other seizures reported, such as SPS, CPS, and sGTCS, and may bring a new insight into the autoimmune epilepsy.
Increasing Syphilis Detection Among Patients Assigned Male at Birth Screened at a Boston Community Health Center Specializing in Sexual and Gender Minority Health, 2005–2015
Authors: Hazra Aniruddha , Menza Timothy W. , Levine Kenneth , Grasso Chris , Mayer Kenneth H.
Published: February 2019

Background

United States syphilis rates have increased to levels last seen in the 1990s. We examined syphilis epidemiology of patients attending a Boston community health center specializing in sexual and gender minority health.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients assigned male at birth screened with rapid plasma reagin from 2005 through 2015. We developed an algorithm to identify new infections and used repeat cross-sectional analysis to assess temporal trends in syphilis diagnoses. We also performed longitudinal analysis to calculate syphilis incidence using a Cox proportional hazards model that accounts for multiple infections over time.

Results

Eighteen thousand two hundred eighty-two patients had a total of 57,080 rapid plasma reagins, 1170 (2.0%) tests met criteria for syphilis. Adjusted syphilis diagnoses increased from 1.2% to 1.9%, recurrent syphilis diagnoses increased from 0.04% to 0.3% during the study period. Black and Hispanic/Latinx patients, patients aged 35 to 44 years, gay/bisexual patients, cisgender men, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients and those who became HIV-infected during the study period were more likely to test positive for syphilitic infection in repeat cross-sectional analysis. Among 6199 patients screened more than 1 time over 21,745 person-years, there were 661 new syphilis cases (3.0% annual incidence; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8% to 3.2%). Compared with those aged 14 to 24 years, patients 45 years or older were less likely to experience syphilis. New HIV infection was associated with increased risk of incident syphilis (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.61–5.13). Virally suppressed HIV-infected patients were less likely to experience incident syphilis (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.55–0.87).

Conclusions

The high incidence of syphilis among patients assigned male at birth disproportionately affected young patients, black and Hispanic/Latinx patients, gay/bisexual patients, cisgender men, and those with new or chronic HIV infection. Syphilitic reinfection rates increased over time.
Reduction in Head Computed Tomography Ordering in Pediatric Emergency Patients
Authors: Jolley David Leo , Upham Bryan , Fullerton Lynne , Annett Robert D.
Published: February 2019

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) blunt head trauma guidelines and implementation of urgent neurology follow-up (UNF) appointments on an observed decline in head computed tomography (CT) use for pediatric emergency department (PED) patients presenting with headache, seizure, and trauma.

Methods

Patients ages 0 to 18 years presenting to and discharged from an urban tertiary care PED with chief complaint of trauma, headache, and seizure between 2007 and 2013 were retrospectively included. The total number of head CTs obtained in the trauma, headache, and seizure groups was compared before and after the publication of the PECARN guidelines in 2009 and the implementation of urgent UNF within a week from PED discharge in 2011, respectively.

Results

Between 2007 and 2013, 24,434 encounters were identified with 2762 head CTs performed. Analysis demonstrated a decline in pediatric head CTs for trauma (odds ratio [OR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8–2.2) after the publication of the PECARN study on blunt head trauma, for headache (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1–1.8) and seizure (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.4–2.6) with UNF. However, cross comparison (headache and seizure with PECARN and trauma with UNF) also demonstrated similar significant declines.

Conclusions

The decline in head CTs observed at our institution demonstrated a strong linear relationship, yet cannot be solely attributed to the PECARN blunt head trauma study or the implementation of UNF.
Is Asymmetric Dimethylarginine a Useful Biomarker in Children With Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Authors: Yazar Abdullah , Akin Fatih , Sert Ahmet , Türe Esra , Topcu Cemile , Yorulmaz Alaaddin , Ercan Fatih
Published: February 2019

Objective

Carbon monoxide poisoning (COP) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity due to poisoning worldwide. Because children are affected more quick and severely from COP, they may require a longer treatment period, even if carboxyhemoglobin (CO-Hb) and/or lactate levels return to normal. Therefore, a new marker that predicts the duration of treatment and the final outcomes of COP is needed.

Methods

This case control study was conducted on 32 carbon monoxide–poisoned patients younger than 18 years who had been admitted to pediatric emergency department. The control group included age- and sex-matched 30 healthy children. Blood samples were obtained for analysis of arterial blood gases, CO-Hb percent, methemoglobine, lactate, and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA).

Results

Asymmetric dimethylarginine levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in patients with COP on admission and after the treatment when compared with controls (1.36 [0.89–6.94], 1.69 [0.76–7.81], 1.21 [0.73–3.18] nmol/L, respectively). There was no positive correlation between CO-Hb and ADMA levels on admission and at 6 hours (P = 0.903, r = 0.218, P = 0.231, r = 0.022, respectively). Positive correlation was found between lactate and CO-Hb levels on admission (P = 0.018, r = 0.423).

Conclusions

This study showed that ADMA levels were still high after 6 hours of 100% oxygen therapy in children with COP, even CO-Hb and/or lactate levels return to normal range. On the basis of these results, we consider that ADMA may be a useful biomarker in patient with COP.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound to Identify the Source of Dyspnea in a Patient With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Lee Horton J. , Budhathoki Rasmita
Published: February 2019

Point-of-care ultrasound can be used to help identify the source of dyspnea in patients presenting to the emergency department. We present a case of an adolescent girl with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus presenting to the emergency department with chest pain and dyspnea and found to have both pleural and pericardial effusions on point-of-care ultrasound.
Ergonomic Latex Pillows as a Part of a Multimodal Intervention or as an Adjunct to Rehabilitation Programs in Cervical Spondylosis: Are They Useful?
Authors: Fazli Fatemeh , Farahmand Behshid , Azadinia Fatemeh , Amiri Ali
Published: February 2019

Objective

This study evaluated the effectiveness of ergonomic latex pillows in terms of clinical and biomechanical (cervical range of motion) outcome measures in patients with cervical spondylosis.

Design

This parallel-group randomized controlled trial randomly assigned 42 patients with cervical spondylosis to the experimental and control groups. Both groups received 12 sessions of routine physical therapy for 4 wks. While the experimental group received an ergonomic latex pillow, the control group slept on their own usual pillow during the mentioned 4-wk period. Pain intensity, functional disability, medication use, and cervical range of motion were measured before and after 4 wks of intervention.

Results

After 4 wks of intervention, the experimental group showed pain relief, decreased disability, and significantly increased range of motion in all directions. The simultaneous use of an ergonomic latex pillow and physical therapy could more successfully decrease pain intensity compared with routine physical therapy alone. In addition, extension and right lateral flexion variables significantly increased in the experimental group compared with the control group.

Conclusions

The administration of an ergonomic latex pillow can ameliorate treatment outcome in patients with cervical spondylosis.
Identification of Design Criteria to Improve Patient Care in Electronic Health Record Downtime
Authors: Larsen Ethan P. , Haskins Lisle Ali , Law Bethany , Gabbard Joseph L. , Kleiner Brian M. , Ratwani Raj M.
Published: February 2019

Objective

Design criteria specifications (needs, obstacles, and context-of-use considerations) for continuing safe and efficient patient care activities during downtime were identified by using phenomenological analysis.

Methods

Interview transcripts from medical personnel who had experience with downtime incidents were examined using a phenomenological approach. This process allowed for the identification of design criteria for performing downtime patient care activities.

Results

A substantial variation in criteria was found from participants in different roles. The differences suggest opportunities to address downtime that may require attention to individual roles.

Conclusions

Workload distribution and communication are significant issues in patient care during downtime. There may not be an equal work distribution, leading to an increased workload for some personnel during downtime. Phenomenological analysis was completed after participants were interviewed, indicating it is a viable post hoc approach. Some downtime criteria were identified as potential guidelines for the development of better downtime contingency plans.
Effect of Electronic Cigarettes on the Inner Mucosa of the Craniofacial Region
Authors: Kar Murat , Emre Ismet Emrah , Bayar Muluk Nuray , Cingi Cemal
Published: February 2019

Objectives:

The aim of this paper is to investigate electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) from the otorhinolaryngologic point of view.

Methods:

The authors searched Central Database of Kirikkale University Library, Google, PubMed, and Proquest and Google Scholar.

Results:

An electronic cigarette or e-cigarette is a battery-powered device that vaporizes a liquid, generally including nicotine. Nowadays, e-cigarettes are used for smoking cessation or to reduce the consumption of conventional tobacco cigarettes. First generation e-cigarette devices were similar to conventional tobacco cigarettes in terms of shape and size and expressed as “cigalikes.” Differently from traditional cigarettes in which tobacco is burned to generate smoke, electronic cigarettes contain a tank filled with liquid. It was found that e-cigarette liquids contained different types of chemical compounds which were either previously known carcinogens or probably prove to be carcinogenic to humans in the near future. It seems that the use of electronic cigarette does not harm the oral cells. However, the use of e-cigarette for 4 weeks led to metaplasia and hyperplasia of the laryngeal mucosa in rats. Furthermore, e-ciagarettes produce some adverse effects on the nasal mucosa, supressing the immune system.

Conclusion:

It should not be considered that e-cigarettes are safer unless their effects on the mucosa of the ear, nose, and throat are more precisely clarified.
Allergic Epidural Effusion Following Polyetheretherketone Cranioplasty
Authors: Qiu Shenzhong , You Wendong , Wang Hao , Zhou Xi , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: February 2019

Cranioplasty is a common procedure in neurosurgical practice. However, some complications may occur after the operation. We here presented a case of bilateral skull defect and underwent cranioplasty with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) prosthesis. The patient developed epidural effusion on both sides 7 days after surgery. The effusion was light yellow and transparent, and laboratory examinations revealed normal glucose level, negative bacteriological results, and increased IgG protein concentration. The effusion disappeared after treatment with dexamethasone and drainage. We speculated that the epidural effusion was because of delayed type allergic reactions after PEEK cranioplasty. However, further studies are needed to investigate its related mechanisms.
Donor Plasma Mitochondrial DNA Is Correlated with Posttransplant Renal Allograft Function
Authors: Han Fei , Wan Shaogui , Sun Qipeng , Chen Nan , Li Heng , Zheng Lingling , Zhang Nana , Huang Zhengyu , Hong Liangqing , Sun Qiquan
Published: February 2019

Background.

The lack of accurate biomarkers makes it difficult to determine whether organs are suitable for transplantation. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) correlates with tissue damage and kidney disease, making it a potential biomarker in organ evaluation.

Methods.

Donors who had experienced cardiac death and successfully donated their kidneys between January 2015 and May 2017 were included this study. We detected the level of mtDNA in the plasma of the donor using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and then statistically analyzed the relationship between the level of mtDNA and the delayed graft function (DGF) of the recipient.

Results.

The incidence of DGF or slowed graft function (SGF) increased by 4 times (68% versus 16%, P < 0.001) when the donor mtDNA (dmtDNA) level was >0.114. When dmtDNA levels were >0.243, DGF and primary nonfunction were approximately 100% and 44%, respectively. Moreover, dmtDNA was an independent risk factor for slowed graft function and DGF. A prediction model for DGF based on dmtDNA achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for a prediction score as high as 0.930 (95% confidence interval 0.856-1.000), and the validation cohort results showed that the sensitivity and specificity of the model were 100% and 78%, respectively. dmtDNA levels were correlated with 6-month allograft function (R
2=0.332, P < 0.001) and 1-year graft survival (79% versus 99%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions.

We conclusively demonstrated that plasma dmtDNA was an independent risk factor for DGF, which is valuable in organ evaluation. dmtDNA is a possible first predictive marker for primary nonfunction and worth further evaluation.
Do Most Patients With a Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Have Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension?
Authors: Bidot Samuel , Levy Joshua M. , Saindane Amit M. , Oyesiku Nelson M. , Newman Nancy J. , Biousse Valérie
Published: February 2019

Background:

The association between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks at the skull base and raised intracranial pressure (ICP) has been reported since the 1960s. It has been suggested that spontaneous CSF leaks might represent a variant of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). We review the evidence regarding the association between spontaneous CSF leaks and IIH, and the role of ICP in the pathophysiology of nontraumatic skull base defects. We also discuss the management of ICP in the setting of CSF leaks and IIH.

Evidence Acquisition:

References were identified by searches of PubMed from 1955 to September 2018 with the terms “idiopathic intracranial hypertension” and “cerebrospinal fluid leak.” Additional references were identified using the terms “pseudotumor cerebri,” “intracranial hypertension,” “benign intracranial hypertension,” and by hand search of relevant articles.

Results:

A CSF leak entails the egress of CSF from the subarachnoid spaces of the skull base into the surrounding cavitary structures. Striking overlaps exist regarding demographic, clinical, and radiological characteristics between IIH patients and those with spontaneous CSF leaks, suggesting that some (if not most) of these patients have IIH. However, determining whether a patient with spontaneous CSF leak may have IIH may be difficult, as signs and symptoms of raised ICP may be obviated by the leak. The pathophysiology is unknown but might stem from progressive erosion of the thin bone of the skull base by persistent pulsatile high CSF pressure. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the management of ICP after spontaneous CSF leak repair when IIH is suspected.

Conclusions:

IIH is becoming more widely recognized as a cause of spontaneous CSF leaks, but the causal relationship remains poorly characterized. Systematic evaluation and follow-up of patients with spontaneous CSF leaks by neuro-ophthalmologists will help clarify the relation between IIH and spontaneous CSF leaks.
Salinibacterium hongtaonis sp. nov., isolated from faeces of Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Li Junqin , Lu Shan , Jin Dong , Yang Jing , Lai Xin-He , Zhang Gui , Tian Zhi , Zhu Wentao , Pu Ji , Wu Xiaomin , Huang Ying , Wang Suping , Xu Jianguo
Published: February 2019

Two novel aerobic, Gram-staining-positive and non-spore-forming bacterial strains, 194T and S1194, were isolated from faeces of Tibetan antelopes sampled at the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau of China. The strains were able to grow in medium up to 10 % NaCl, similar to the NaCl-resistant property of the genus

Salinibacterium

members. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the strains showed the highest similarity to Salinibacterium xinjiangense(98.1–98.2 %), and phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strains 194T and S1194 represent a new lineage. The DNA G+C contents of strain 194T and S1194 are 64.1 and 64.2 mol%. Their genomes exhibit less than 96 % average nucleotide identity and 70 % DNA–DNA relatedness to known species of

Salinibacterium

. Strains 194T and S1194 are unable to utilize d-mannose or produce naphthol-AS-BI-phosphohydrolase. The two strains had anteiso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0 as major fatty acids, and their cell walls contained lysine, alanine, glycine and glutamic acid. The predominant menaquinones identified were MK-11 and MK-10, with diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol as major polar lipids. Overall, the major cellular content profiles of 194T agreed with those of Salinibacterium xinjiangense and Salinibacterium amurskyense, though the proportions were distinct. Based on genotypic, phenotypic and biochemical analyses, the novel species Salinibacterium hongtaonis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 194T (=CGMCC 1.16371T=DSM 106171T).
Future state prediction errors guide active avoidance behavior by adult zebrafish
Authors: Torigoe Makio , Islam Tanvir , Kakinuma Hisaya , Fung Chi Chung Alan , Isomura Takuya , Shimazaki Hideaki , Aoki Tazu , Fukai Tomoki , Okamoto Hitoshi
Published: February 2019

Human predicts future. To ask if fish also has this capacity, we established the virtual reality training system with live imaging of the telencephalic neurons of adult zebrafish in the active avoidance and found that, at the onset of the trial, learned fish conceives two future conditions as the favorable status on its way to the safe goal, i.e. one with the backwardly moving landscape and the other with the color of the safe goal. And the two different neural ensembles monitor the discrepancy between these predictions and the perceived real external status. Once fish reaches the goal, another ensemble is set to work to monitor whether fish keeps staying in the safe goal. The manipulation to artificially enhance these prediction errors elevated the activities of these ensembles and induced fish to behave to correct errors, revealing that fish sets behavioral strategy to actively realize these predictions.
Predictive neural processing in adult zebrafish depends on shank3b
Authors: Huang Kuo‐Hua , Rupprecht Peter , Schebesta Michael , Serluca Fabrizio , Kitamura Kyohei , Bouwmeester Tewis , Friedrich Rainer W.
Published: February 2019

Intelligent behavior requires a comparison between the predicted and the actual consequences of behavioral actions. According to the theory of predictive processing, this comparison relies on a neuronal error signal that reflects the mismatch between an internal prediction and sensory input. Inappropriate error signals may generate pathological experiences in neuropsychiatric conditions. To examine the processing of sensorimotor prediction errors across different telencephalic brain areas we optically measured neuronal activity in head-fixed, adult zebrafish in a virtual reality. Brief perturbations of visuomotor feedback triggered distinct changes in swimming behavior and different neuronal responses. Neuronal activity reflecting sensorimotor mismatch, rather than sensory input or motor output alone, was prominent throughout multiple forebrain areas. This activity preceded and predicted the transition in motor behavior. Error signals were altered in specific forebrain regions by a mutation in the autism-related gene shank3b. Predictive processing is therefore a widespread phenomenon that may contribute to disease phenotypes.
GPCRs show widespread differential mRNA expression and frequent mutation and copy number variation in solid tumors
Authors: Sriram Krishna , Moyung Kevin , Corriden Ross , Carter Hannah , Insel Paul A.
Published: February 2019

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the most widely targeted gene family for FDA-approved drugs. To assess possible roles for GPCRs in cancer, we analyzed Cancer Genome Atlas data for mRNA expression, mutations, and copy number variation (CNV) in 20 categories/45 sub-types of solid tumors and quantified differential expression of GPCRs by comparing tumors against normal tissue from the GTEx database. GPCRs are over-represented among coding genes with elevated expression in solid tumors; most tumor types differentially express >50 GPCRs, including many targets for approved drugs, hitherto largely unrecognized as targets of interest in cancer. GPCR mRNA signatures characterize specific tumor types, indicate survival and correlate with expression of cancer-related pathways. Tumor GPCR mRNA signatures have prognostic relevance for survival and correlate with expression of numerous cancer-related genes and pathways. GPCR expression in tumors is largely independent of staging/grading/metastasis/driver mutations and GPCRs expressed in cancer cell lines parallels that measured in tumors. Certain GPCRs are frequently mutated and appear to be hotspots, serving as bellwethers of accumulated genomic damage. CNV of GPCRs while common, does not generally correlate with mRNA expression. We suggest a previously under-appreciated role for GPCRs in cancer, perhaps as functional oncogenes, biomarkers, surface antigens and pharmacological targets.
LAB–QA2GO: A free, easy-to-use toolbox for the quality assessment of magnetic resonance imaging data
Authors: Vogelbacher Christoph , Bopp Miriam H. A. , Schuster Verena , Herholz Peer , Jansen Andreas , Sommer Jens
Published: February 2019

Image characteristics of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data (e.g. signal-to-noise ratio, SNR) may change over the course of a study. To monitor these changes a quality assurance (QA) protocol is necessary. QA can be realized both by performing regular phantom measurements and by controlling the human MRI datasets (e.g. noise detection in structural or movement parameters in functional datasets). Several QA tools for the assessment of MRI data quality have been developed. Many of them are freely available. This allows in principle the flexible set-up of a QA protocol specifically adapted to the aims of one’s own study.

However, setup and maintenance of these tools bind time, in particular since the installation and operation often require a fair amount of technical knowledge. In this article we present a light-weighted virtual machine, named LAB-QA2GO, which provides scripts for fully automated QA analyses of phantom and human datasets. This virtual machine is ready for analysis by starting it the first time. With minimal configuration in the guided web-interface the first analysis can start within 10 minutes, while adapting to local phantoms and needs is easily possible. The usability and scope of LAB–QA2GO is illustrated using a data set from the QA protocol of our lab. With LAB–QA2GO we hope to provide an easy-to-use toolbox that is able to calculate QA statistics without high effort.
Quantifying the impact of genetically regulated expression on complex traits and diseases
Authors: Cai Mingxuan , Chen Lin , Liu Jin , Yang Can
Published: February 2019

About 90% of risk variants identified from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are located in non-coding regions, highlighting the regulatory role of genetic variants. We propose a unified statistical framework, IGREX, for quantifying the impact of genetically regulated expression (GREX). This is achieved by estimating proportion of phenotypic variations that can be explained by the GREX component. IGREX only requires summary-level GWAS data and a gene expression reference panel as input. In real data analysis, using 48 tissues from the GTEx project as the reference panel, we applied IGREX to a wide spectrum of phenotypes in GWAS, and observed a significant proportion of phenotypic variations could be attributed to the GREX component. In particular, the results given by IGREX revealed tissue-across and tissue-specific patterns of the GREX effects. We also observed strong association between GREX effect and immune-related proteins, further supporting the relevance between GREX and the immune processes.
Disentangling semantic and response learning effects in color-word contingency learning
Authors: Geukes Sebastian , Vorberg Dirk , Zwitserlood Pienie
Published: February 2019

It is easier to indicate the ink color of a color-neutral noun when it is presented in the color in which it had been shown frequently before, relative to print colors in which it had been shown less often. This phenomenon is known as color-word-contingency learning. It remains unclear whether participants actually learn semantic (word-color) associations or/and response (word-button) associations. We here present a novel variant of the paradigm that can disentangle semantic and response learning, because word-color and word-button associations are manipulated independently. In four experiments, each involving four daily sessions, novel words (pseudowords such as enas, fatu or imot) were probabilistically associated either with a particular color, a particular response-button position, or with both. Neutral trials were also included, and participants’ awareness of the contingencies was manipulated. The data showed no impact of explicit contingency awareness, but clear evidence both for response learning and for semantic learning, with effects emerging swiftly. Deeper processing of color information, with color words presented in black instead of color patches to indicate response-button positions, resulted in stronger effects, both for semantic and response learning. Our data add a crucial piece of evidence lacking so far in color-word contingency learning studies: Semantic learning effectively takes place even when associations are learned in an incidental way.
Reclamation is not the primary determinant of soil recovery from oil and gas development in Wyoming sagebrush systems
Authors: Rottler Caitlin M. , Burke Ingrid C. , Lauenroth William K.
Published: February 2019

Dryland soils store approximately 10-15% of the world’s soil organic matter (SOM) to 1 m. Threats to carbon stocks in global dryland soils include cultivation, overgrazing, urbanization, and energy development. To limit loss of carbon from these soils, it is important to understand, first, how disturbances affect SOM and second, how SOM recovers after disturbance. In this study, we address current gaps in our understanding of the effects of oil and gas development and reclamation on SOM in the sagebrush steppe of Wyoming, a cold temperate shrub-dominated dryland. Most studies have found that soil disturbance, including from the respreading of topsoil during wellpad reclamation, is damaging to SOM stores; however, research on ~80 year old unreclaimed oil and gas wellpads found no difference in SOM between wellpads and undisturbed sites. Using a chronosequence approach and paired study design, we evaluated the effects of reclamation on SOM by comparing undisturbed sites to wellpads where reclamation activities either had or had not occurred. Our results suggest that the most important factor in recovery of SOM after disturbance in this area was not the presence or absence of reclamation, but time since wellpad abandonment and spatial heterogeneity of plants. Further study on the effectiveness of different reclamation techniques is warranted if the goal of reclamation is to aid SOM recovery and prevent further C loss from these systems.
Combinatorial chromatin dynamics foster accurate cardiopharyngeal fate choices
Authors: Racioppi Claudia , Wiechecki Keira A , Christiaen Lionel
Published: February 2019

In embryos, lineage-specific profiles of chromatin accessibility control gene expression by modulating transcription, and thus impact multipotent progenitor states and subsequent fate choices. Subsets of cardiac and pharyngeal/head muscles share a common origin in the cardiopharyngeal mesoderm, but the chromatin landscapes that govern multipotent progenitors’ competence and early fate choices remain largely elusive. Here, we leveraged the simplicity of the chordate modelCionato profile chromatin accessibility through stereotyped transitions from naiveMesp+ mesoderm to distinct fate-restricted heart and pharyngeal muscle precursors. An FGF-Foxf pathway acts in multipotent progenitors to establish cardiopharyngeal-specific patterns of accessibility, which govern later heart vs. pharyngeal muscle-specific expression profiles, demonstrating extensive spatiotemporal decoupling between early cardiopharyngeal enhancer accessibility and late cell-type-specific activity. Combinations ofcis-regulatory elements with distinct chromatin accessibility profiles are required to activate ofEbfandTbx1/10, two key determinants of cardiopharyngeal fate choices. We propose that this higher order combinatorial logic increases the repertoire of regulatory inputs that control gene expression, through either accessibility and/or activity, thus fostering spatially and temporally accurate fate choices.
Stable Pom1 clusters form a glucose-modulated concentration gradient that regulates mitotic entry
Authors: Allard Corey A.H. , Opalko Hannah E. , Moseley James B.
Published: February 2019

Control of cell size requires molecular size sensors that are coupled to the cell cycle. Rod-shaped fission yeast cells divide at a threshold size partly due to Cdr2 kinase, which forms nodes at the medial cell cortex where it inhibits the Cdk1-inhibitor Wee1. Pom1 kinase phosphorylates and inhibits Cdr2, and forms cortical concentration gradients from cell poles. Pom1 inhibits Cdr2 signaling to Wee1 specifically in small cells, but the time and place of their regulatory interactions were unclear. We show that Pom1 forms stable oligomeric puncta that dynamically sample the cell cortex. Binding frequency is patterned into a concentration gradient by the polarity landmarks Tea1 and Tea4. Pom1 puncta colocalize with Cdr2 nodes, forming a glucose-modulated inhibitory threshold against node activation. Our work reveals how Pom1-Cdr2-Wee1 operates in multiprotein clusters at the cell cortex to promote mitotic entry at a specific size that can be modified by nutrient availability.
Cryo-EM structure of the rhodopsin-Gαi-βγ complex reveals binding of the rhodopsin C-terminal tail to the Gβ subunit
Authors: Tsai Ching-Ju , Marino Jacopo , Adaixo Ricardo J. , Pamula Filip , Mühle Jonas , Maeda Shoji , Flock Tilman , Taylor Nicholas M.I. , Mohammed Inayatulla , Matile Hugues , Dawson Roger J. P. , Deupi Xavier , Stahlberg Henning , Schertler Gebhard F. X.
Published: February 2019

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest class of integral membrane proteins and represent key targets for pharmacological research. GPCRs modulate cell physiology by engaging and activating a diversity of intracellular transducers, prominently heterotrimeric G proteins, but also G protein-receptor kinases (GRKs) and arrestins. The recent surge in the number of structures of GPCR-G protein complexes has expanded our understanding of G protein recognition and GPCR-mediated signal transduction. However, many aspects of these mechanisms, including the existence of transient interactions with transducers, have remained elusive.

Here, we present the cryo-EM structure of the light-sensitive GPCR rhodopsin in complex with heterotrimeric Gi. In contrast to all reported structures, our density map reveals the receptor C-terminal tail bound to the Gβ subunit of the G protein heterotrimer. This observation provides a structural foundation for the role of the C-terminal tail in GPCR signaling, and of Gβ as scaffold for recruiting Gα subunits and GRKs. By comparing all available complex structures, we found a small set of common anchoring points that are G protein-subtype specific. Taken together, our structure and analysis provide new structural basis for the molecular events of the GPCR signaling pathway.
3-{2-[3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]thiazol-4-yl}-3,8a-dihydro-2H-chromen-2-one
Authors: El-Hiti Gamal A. , Abdel-Wahab Bakr F. , Alqahtani Alaa , Hegazy Amany S , Kariuki Benson M.
Published: February 2019

The title compound, C27H17ClFN3O2S, comprises chromonyl (A), thiazolyl (B), pyrazolyl (C), chlorophenyl (D) and fluorophenyl (E) rings with twist angles between the planes of adjacent rings pairs A/B, B/C, C/D and C/E of 14.1 (1), 18.2 (2), 1.3 (1) and 4.9 (1)°, respectively. The crystal structure is characterized by a range of intermolecular interactions including C—H...F, C—H...Cl and C—H...O contacts. Aromatic π–π stacking between chromonyl groups and chlorophenyl groups [centroid–centroid separations = 3.7170 (16) and 4.017 (2) Å, respectively] lead to columns of molecules propagating parallel to the [100] direction.
From health to performance
Authors: Feng Yuanyuan , Agosto Denise E.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Building on theoretical foundation of personal information management (PIM) in information science, this paper seeks to understand how activity tracker users manage their personal health information generated by their devices and to elucidate future activity tracking technology in support of personal health information management (PHIM). This paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a web survey study with a specific group of activity tracker users – amateur runners. This survey collected both quantitative and qualitative data on participants’ engagement with activity tracking technology, their PHIM practices with the information generated by the technology and how their needs were being met by their activity tracking technology use and PHIM practices.

Findings

Amateur runners surveyed in this study exhibit long-term engagement and frequent interaction with activity tracking technology. They also engage in PHIM practices by using a range of PHIM tools and performing various PHIM activities. Furthermore, they use activity tracking technology and engage in PHIM practices to meet various health/fitness-related needs and information needs, while some of these needs such as performance needs and overarching needs are only partially met or unmet.

Originality/value

This research discusses amateur runners as power users of activity tracking technology, provides timely updates to PIM and PHIM research in light of a new type of personal health information, and generates design considerations for future activity tracking technology in support of PHIM. It also brings together previously disparate research regarding everyday life PHIM in information science, human–computer interaction and health informatics.
“When you write review” matters
Authors: Li Hengyun , Zhang Zili , Meng Fang , Zhang Ziqiong
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how prior reviews posted by other consumers affect subsequent consumers’ evaluations and to what extent the review temporal distance can increase or reduce the social influence of prior reviews. In this study’s restaurant context, review temporal distance refers to the duration between dining time and review time of a dining experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of paired online restaurant reservations and reviews are analyzed using Ordered Logit Model. Two robustness checks are conducted to test the stability of the main estimation results.

Findings

The empirical results demonstrate that consumers’ restaurant evaluation is socially influenced by both the prior average review rating and number of prior reviews; review temporal distance has a direct negative effect on consumers’ restaurant evaluation; and review temporal distance increases the social influence of prior reviews.

Practical implications

This study suggests that online review matters. Both restaurants and the online review platforms should encourage consumers to share their experiences and post online reviews immediately after their consumption.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature on electronic word-of-mouth, social influence and psychological distance. First, the bi-directional nature of social influence on electronic word-of-mouth for experience-oriented product is documented. Second, for the first time, this study examines how review temporal distance could affect the social influence on consumers’ restaurant evaluation.
Determinants of corporate social responsibility (CSR) attitudes: perspective of travel and tourism managers at world heritage sites
Authors: Chi Christina Geng-qing , Zhang Chaozhi , Liu Yuanyuan
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine how tourism impacts on local community, managers’ attachment to the community and their identification with the value of heritage resources influence managers’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) attitudes, utilizing the value identification and agency theories.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed hypotheses were tested utilizing cross-sectional data collected from 228 managers of a plethora of travel and tourism companies that operate at a UNESCO World Heritage site in China. A structured questionnaire was administered in person in managers’ offices by a team of trained research assistants. A total of 202 valid surveys were included in the data analysis. A two-step structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was used to first examine the psychometric properties of the measurement model, and then test the causal relationships proposed in the structural model.

Findings

The findings indicate that managers’ place attachment, their heritage value identification and their perceptions of positive tourism impacts affect their CSR attitudes. However, the negative effects of tourism do not significantly influence CSR attitudes. Data collected through open-ended questions incorporated in the structured survey have provided justification for the insignificant relationship.

Originality/value

CSR perceptions of managers, especially those at heritage sites, have not received much attention from tourism scholars. Because travel and tourism companies at heritage sites are integral in the preservation and conservation of heritage sites while managers of those companies are the ones who initiate and implement socially responsible policies and practices, it is important to understand the factors that may influence those managers’ CSR attitudes and behaviors.
How to facilitate hotel employees’ work engagement
Authors: Altinay Levent , Dai You-De , Chang Janet , Lee Chun-Han , Zhuang Wen-Long , Liu Ying-Chan
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study aims to explore the mediating effects of role overload and job security on the relationship between leader–member exchange and work engagement and simultaneously examines the impact of role overload on employees’ job security.

Design/methodology/approach

By means of telephone and email, the study inquired eight international tourist hotels’ willingness, and questionnaires were distributed to employees of these hotels in 2014. The hotel employees were asked to participate, and they have the right to agree or not. After discarding unusable responses, 310 individual surveys ratings were collected from a total of 500 self-administrated questionnaires were distributed (a 62.0 per cent response rate).

Findings

The result indicates that role overload and job security have mediating effects on the relationship between leader–member exchange and work engagement. Also, role overload can positively influence job security.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the mediating roles of role overload and job security between LMX and work engagement, as well as the influence of role overload on job security. This study attempts to make contributions to human resource management literatures of hospitality and tourism.
Predicting bankruptcy in resort hotels: a survival analysis
Authors: Gemar German , Soler Ismael P. , Guzman-Parra Vanesa F.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine variables influencing resort hotels’ survival in Spain, which had not previously been analysed. In this country, determining whether the reasons resort hotels close are different from other hotels could be imperative to resort hotels’ survival.

Design/methodology/approach

The survival analysis used Cox’s semi-parametric proportional hazards regression to determine which variables influence hotel closure and how much each variable increases risk of closure.

Findings

Resort hotel closure depends on hotel size, location, executive management and the business cycle. Survival is not affected by hotel type or financial structure.

Research limitations/implications

While this methodology is common in business survival analyses, it has seldom been applied to hotels and has never been used to study the survival of resort hotels.

Practical implications

Companies need to rethink the location of new hotels. For already-built facilities, good management practices are strategically important for resort hotels’ survival.

Originality/value

This paper explores the reasons why resort hotels survive. The study’s selection of variables and methodology and its conclusions are unique.
Which appeals (ethos, pathos, logos) are the most important for Airbnb users to booking?
Authors: Han Heejeong , Shin Seunghun , Chung Namho , Koo Chulmo
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explain a guest’s purchase decision in Airbnb from the perspective of Aristotle’s appeals. In host-created information, the authors investigate which information appeals are significantly considered by guests.

Design/methodology/approach

It is hypothesized that a guest’s purchase would be affected by the host-created information’s ethos, pathos and logos.

Findings

For the ethos, the super host badge and host review have positive impacts on the purchase; for the pathos, the positive impact of the use of social words is significant. For the logos, the authors have determined that although the price, place picture and star-rating have positive impacts on the likelihood of a purchase, the occupancy has a negative impact on it.

Research limitations/implications

The dependent variable, the number of place reviews, cannot represent the exact number of purchases. Other possible influential factors, such as direct communications between hosts and guests, are not examined.

Practical implications

The findings suggest guidelines for Airbnb and its host users. Specifically, the management of normal host users is revealed as a necessary process for Airbnb’s development. For host users, several guidelines on how to attract more guests effectively are provided.

Originality/value

In contrast to other studies on Airbnb, various pieces of information are considered from holistic perspectives, and each piece’s impact on the sharing behavior is understood by means of a unique theoretical model that is based on Aristotle’s appeals.
Job preferences of business and economics students
Authors: Demel Simona , Mariel Petr , Meyerhoff Jürgen
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to elicit young economists’ job preferences through the use of a choice experiment (CE).

Design/methodology/approach

A CE conducted at a total of five universities in Spain, the Czech Republic and Germany. After estimating a random parameter logit model, the monetary value of the willingness to accept a specific job attribute is simulated.

Findings

The most important job characteristic, consistent across countries and universities, is a long-term career prospect at the company.

Originality/value

This is the first CE conducted on business and economics students’ job preferences in three European countries. Using the same survey instrument allows for the comparison of students’ job preferences across countries and also between private and public universities.
The potential for the participation of Nigeria in global horticulture value chains
Authors: Olaitan Oluseyi F. , Hubbard Nick J. , Bamford Colin G.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the barriers inhibiting horticulture product export from Nigeria, particularly to the UK, and identify those requiring resolution if global horticulture value chains (GHVCs) are to contribute to economic growth in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

A single-case (embedded) research design was adopted. In total, 26 participants from five stakeholder groups (namely, farmers, exporters, air freight forwarders, aviation operators and government institutions) were selected for investigation to examine the research problem.

Findings

The empirical investigation showed that: the existing institutional framework, infrastructure and logistics issues, market penetration issues, stakeholders’ incompetence, food safety and quality issues, high transaction costs, operational challenges of exporting, neglect of agriculture and the existing airline market structure are prominent barriers that require resolution if horticultural product exports are to increase.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on the analysis of five key stakeholder groups upstream in the supply chain. Further investigation should include stakeholders downstream (importers, wholesalers and retailers).

Originality/value

The specific case study of horticultural product export from Nigeria offers empirically rich insights into the barriers hindering the participation of Nigeria in GHVCs.