bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-Disaster Housing Recovery
Authors: Mukherji Anuradha
Published: April 2017

Rapid urbanization and growing populations have put tremendous pressures on limited global housing stocks. As the frequency of disasters has increased with devastating impacts on this limited stock of housing, the discourse on postdisaster housing recovery has evolved in several ways. Prior to the 1970s, the field was largely understudied, and there was a narrow understanding of how households and communities rebuilt their homes after a catastrophic event and on the effectiveness of housing recovery policy and programs designed to assist them. Early debates on postdisaster housing recovery centered on cultural and technological appropriateness of housing recovery programs. The focus on materials, technology, and climate missed larger socioeconomic and political complexities of housing recovery. Since then, the field has come a long way: current theoretical and policy debates focus on the effect of governance structures, funding practices, the consequences of public and private interventions, and socioeconomic and institutional arrangements that effect housing recovery outcomes.

There are a number of critical issues that shape long-term postdisaster housing recovery processes and outcomes, especially in urban contexts. Some of them include the role of the government in postdisaster housing recovery, governance practices that drive recovery processes and outcomes, the challenges of paying for postdisaster housing repair and reconstruction, the disconnect between planning for rebuilding and planning for housing recovery, and the mismatch between existing policy programs and housing needs after a catastrophic event—particularly for affordable housing recovery. Moreover, as housing losses after disasters continue to increase, and as the funding available to rebuild housing stocks shrinks, it has become increasingly important to craft postdisaster housing recovery policy and programs that apply the limited resources in the most efficient and impactful ways. Creating housing recovery programs by employing a needs-based approach instead of one based solely on loss could more effectively focus limited resources on those that might need it the most. Such an approach would be broad based and proportional, as it would address the housing recovery of a wide range of groups based upon their needs, including low-income renters, long-term leaseholders, residents of informal settlements and manufactured homes, as well as those with preexisting resources such as owner-occupant housing.
Environmental Benefits and Concerns of Center-Pivot Irrigation
Authors: Rodriguez Sinobas Leonor
Published: April 2017

Center-pivot irrigation systems started in the United States in the mid-20th century as an irrigation method which surpassed the traditional surface irrigation methods. At that time, they had the potential to bring about higher irrigation efficiencies with less water consumption although their requirements in energy were higher too. Among their benefits, it is highlighted the feasibility to control water management as well as the application of agro-chemicals dissolved in the irrigation water and thus, center-pivot irrigation systems have spread worldwide. Nevertheless, since the last decade of the 20th century, they are facing actual concerns regarding ecosystem sustainability and water and energy efficiencies. Likewise, the 21st century has brought about the cutting edge issue “precision irrigation” which has made feasible the application of water, fertilizers, and chemicals as the plant demands taking into account variables such as: sprinkler´s pressure, terrain topography, soil variability, and climatic conditions. Likewise, it could be adopted to deal with the current key issues regarding the sustainability and efficiency of the center-pivot irrigation to maintain the agro-ecosystems but still, other issues such as the organic matter incorporation are far to be understood and they will need further studies.
Expected Product Market Reforms and Technology Adoption by Senegalese Onion Producers
Authors: Bernard Tanguy , de Janvry Alain , Mbaye Samba , Sadoulet Elisabeth
Published: April 2017

We assess the responsiveness of Senegalese onion producers to their knowledge of expected changes in product market conditions, whereby onions would no longer be sold based on volume but rather on weight and with labeling certifying quality. A village‐level randomized information campaign on the upcoming introduction of these reforms induced significant investments by farmers into quality‐enhancing inputs. Delays in the actual introduction of scales enabled us to rigorously identify positive price effects from these investments. Our results point to the importance of farmers’ expectations regarding the improved functioning of product markets in triggering technology adoption.
Pest Management Knowledge and Practices of Mango Farmers in Southeastern Ghana
Authors: Akotsen-Mensah Clement , Ativor Isaac N. , Anderson Roger S. , Afreh-Nuamah Kwame , Brentu Collison F. , Osei-Safo Dorcas , Asuming Boakye Alfred , Avah Victor
Published: April 2017

Mango farmers in Ghana are confronted with many pest problems like fruit flies, Sternochetus mangiferae (F.), and mealy bugs. Different pest management options are available to mango farmers; however, the extent to which they apply the available pest management options is not well known. A survey was conducted among 60 farmers in southeastern Ghana, from October–December 2015 mango season, to find out the level of knowledge and practice of insect pest management used by mango farmers. The results showed that most farmers use conventional insecticides to control insect pests in mango. Majority of the farmers (30%) use a composite insecticide (Cydim super; 36 g cypermethrin + 400 g dimethoate per liter), whereas 3.3% use Pyrinex (chlorpyrifos 480 g/liter). Majority of insecticides used belong to WHO category II. Ninety percent (90%) of the farmers use cultural practices and pheromone traps. Pheromone traps are, however, used for fruit flies but not for S. mangiferae. Over 80% of the respondents who used pesticides to control pests have also adopted GLOBALGAP standards for certification. The results are discussed based on the importance of adoption of IPM strategies in mango production and the possible reduction of fruit rejection during mango export in Ghana.
A Comparison of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Abnormalities Following Balloon Remodeling for Aneurysm Coil Embolization in the Ruptured vs Unruptured Setting
Authors: Lowe Stephen R , Bhalla Tarun , Tillman Holly , Chaudry M Imran , Turk Aquilla S , Turner Raymond D , Spiotta Alejandro M
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

The prothrombotic milieu seen in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) poses a unique challenge to neurovascular surgeons with regard to device use and microcatheter practice.

OBJECTIVE

To determine how demographic factors and balloon practices impact diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) abnormalities and outcomes in patients with SAH compared to those without (non-SAH).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 77 patients with SAH treated by balloon-assisted coiling in a single institution compared with 81 consecutive patients with unruptured aneurysms treated by balloon-assisted coiling at the same institution. Data were collected with regard to demographic factors, procedural and anatomic considerations, and DWI abnormalities on postprocedural magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS

SAH patients were significantly more likely to have DWI abnormality (75% vs 21%, P < .0001) and had a higher number and volume of DWI (4.0 vs 3.0, P = .0421 and 1.3 vs 0.3 cc, P = .0041) despite similar balloon practices. SAH patients were not more likely to have DWI abnormality in vascular territory distal to the treated aneurysm but had a higher likelihood of DWI in a vascular territory unrelated to the aneurysm (81.5% vs 47.1%, P = .0235). Patients without DWI abnormality were significantly more likely to have a good outcome as defined by modified Rankin Score 0 to 2 (95.6% vs 81.6%, P = .0328). Patients with DWI abnormality more often underwent 4-vessel angiography (70.5% vs 48.0%, P = .0174), but this was not found to be significant on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Balloon-assisted coiling does not result in increased incidence of downstream ischemic events in SAH patients compared to non-SAH patients and is safe in this cohort of patients. Other factors, such as 4-vessel angiography of the SAH milieu itself, may predispose patients to a higher rate of ischemic events.
Accuracy and Efficacy for Robotic Assistance in Implanting Responsive Neurostimulation Device Electrodes in Bilateral Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Chan Alvin Y , Mnatsakanyan Lilit , Sazgar Mona , Sen-Gupta Indranil , Lin Jack J , Hsu Frank P K , Vadera Sumeet
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) is a relatively new treatment option that has been shown to be effective for patients with medically refractory focal epilepsy when resection is not possible, especially in bilateral mesial temporal onset. Robotic devices are becoming increasingly popular for use in stereotactic procedures such as stereoelectroencephalography, but have yet to be used when implanting RNS devices.

OBJECTIVE

To show that these 2 forms of advanced technology were compatible and could be used effectively in patient care.

METHODS

We implanted RNS devices in 3 patients with bilateral mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Each patient was placed in the prone position, and electrode trajectories were planned via the robotic navigation system via a transoccipital approach. One lead was placed along each amygdalohippocampal complex. A small craniectomy was then created in the parietal region for RNS generator implantation. Actual and expected target locations and distance were calculated for each depth. There were no complications in this group.

RESULTS

RNS devices with bilateral leads were successfully implanted in all 3 patients, with bilateral mesial temporal lobe onset. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 6 mo, and there were no complications in this group. The median distance between the estimate and actual targets was 2.18 (range = 1.11-3.27) mm.

CONCLUSION

We show that implanting RNS devices with robotic assistance is feasible with excellent precision and accuracy. The advantages of using robotic assistance include higher flexibility, accuracy, precision, and consistency.
Teaching the Social Determinants of Health: A Path to Equity or a Road to Nowhere?
Authors: Sharma Malika , Pinto Andrew D. , Kumagai Arno K.
Published: April 2017

Medical schools are increasingly called to include social responsibility in their mandates. As such, they are focusing their attention on the social determinants of health (SDOH) as key drivers in the health of the patients and communities they serve. However, underlying this emphasis on the SDOH is the assumption that teaching medical students about the SDOH will lead future physicians to take action to help achieve health equity. There is little evidence to support this belief. In many ways, the current approach to the SDOH within medical education positions them as “facts to be known” rather than as “conditions to be challenged and changed.” Educators talk about poverty but not oppression, race but not racism, sex but not sexism, and homosexuality but not homophobia. The current approach to the SDOH may constrain or even incapacitate the ability of medical education to achieve the very goals it lauds, and in fact perpetuate inequity. In this article, the authors explore how “critical consciousness” and a recentering of the SDOH around justice and inequity can be used to deepen collective understanding of power, privilege, and the inequities embedded in social relationships in order to foster an active commitment to social justice among medical trainees. Rather than calling for minor curricular modifications, the authors argue that major structural and cultural transformations within medical education need to occur to make educational institutions truly socially responsible.
Early Experience in 100 Consecutive Patients With Injection Adipocytolysis for Neck Contouring With ATX-101 (Deoxycholic Acid)
Authors: Shridharani Sachin M.
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Deoxycholic acid (DCA) is approved for improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe convexity or fullness associated with submental fat.

OBJECTIVE

To assess early treatment experience with DCA injection in a clinical practice setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this single-center, prospective, single-arm, observational study, 100 consecutive patients seeking to decrease submental fullness received subcutaneous DCA (2 mg/cm2) injections in the submental area (maximum of 6 sessions at ≥1 month intervals). Treatment response was assessed 1 and 5 to 7 weeks posttreatment using the clinician-reported submental fat rating scale (CR-SMFRS) and retrospective independent photograph review by 2 physicians.

RESULTS

Overall, 100 patients had 152 treatment sessions (58, 33, 8, and 1 patients had 1, 2, 3, and 4 sessions, respectively). CR-SMFRS score improved by ≥1 point from baseline in 88 (88%) patients; of these, 46, 33, 8, and 1 patients had 1, 2, 3, and 4 sessions, respectively. Local edema, numbness, and tenderness were reported for a mean (SD) of 7.7 (5.3), 28.5 (11.4), and 3.5 (3.5) days, respectively. Two patients experienced marginal mandibular nerve paresis.

CONCLUSION

Deoxycholic acid injection, a minimally invasive procedure for neck contouring, was effective and generally well tolerated in the private practice setting.
Long-term consequences of obesity on female fertility and the health of the offspring
Authors: Chandrasekaran Suchitra , Neal-Perry Genevieve
Published: April 2017

Purpose of review

Obesity has reached near epidemic levels among reproductive age women with a myriad of consequences. Obesity adversely affects the maternal milieu by creating conditions that decrease fertility and increase the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertensive disease in pregnancy, fetal growth abnormalities and congenital anomalies. The effects of obesity are not limited to pregnancy. Indeed, beyond the immediate postpartum period, obese women maintain a higher prevalence of insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. In this article, we will review the pathophysiology underlying the effects of obesity on fertility, pregnancy outcome and health status of offspring. The purpose of this review is to outline proposed models responsible for the short-term and long-term consequences of obesity on fertility and offspring development, and identify knowledge gaps where additional research is needed.

Recent findings

Maternal over or under nutrition adversely affect maternal reproductive capacity and pregnancy success. Separate from effects on maternal reproductive function, maternal over or under nutrition may also ‘program’ fetal pathophysiology through inheritance mechanisms that suggest epigenetic modification of DNA, differential RNA translation and protein expression, or modification of the fetal hypothalamic–pituitary axis function through programmed adverse effects on the developing hypothalamic circuitry. The concept of maternal health modifying the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases in the offspring is based on Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis.

Of importance, the long-term effects of obesity are not limited to maternal health, but also programs pathophysiology in their offspring. Children of obese gravida are at increased risk for the development of cardiometabolic disease in childhood and throughout adulthood. Future studies directly interrogating mechanisms underlying the risks associated with obesity will allow us to develop interventions and therapies to decrease short-term and long-term morbidities associated with maternal obesity.
Greater Omental Lymph Node Flap for Upper Limb Lymphedema with Lymph Nodes–depleted Patient
Authors: Chu Yu-Ying , Allen Robert J. , Wu Ting-Jung , Cheng Ming-Huei
Published: April 2017

Background:

The greater omentum is supplied by the right, middle, and left omental arteries, which arise from the right and left gastroepiploic arteries. All or part of the greater omentum can be harvested based on this blood supply for free tissue transfer. It has stimulated new interest in its use as the donor site in the treatment of lymphedema. For patients who have failed other management options or have limited peripheral lymph node donor sites, the greater omental lymph node flap may offer the best chance for lymphedema treatment.

Methods:

We report a 59-year-old woman with a history of left breast cancer who was treated with left modified radical mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection and developed left upper extremity Grade IV lymphedema. She received vascularized groin lymph node transfer and lymphaticovenous anastomosis, but the result was not satisfactory. She also had nasopharyngeal cancer that was treated with radiotherapy to the head and neck, making use of the submental lymph nodes flap impossible. Due to a lack of other options of lymph node donor sites, the split greater omental lymph node flap (GOLF) was used.

Results:

After surgery, it showed an arm circumference reduction of 42.9% above the elbow and 36.4% below the elbow at an 8-month follow-up. There was no intraabdominal complication.

Conclusions:

The split GOLF has shown good results in a peripheral lymph node–depleted lymphedema patient. Using a laparoscopic technique for flap harvest has less risk of donor site morbidity and hides scarring.
POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL VASCULOPATHY ASSOCIATED WITH CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY
Authors: Manayath George J. , Shah Vanee Sheth , Saravanan Veerappan R. , Narendran Venkatapathy
Published: April 2017

Purpose:

To study multimodal imaging features of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) associated with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in the same eye.

Methods:

A retrospective observational study of cases of suspected PCV which underwent indocyanine green angiography, fundus fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography was done, to look for simultaneous typical CSC-like active leak in the same eye. The relevant history, best-corrected visual acuity, optical coherence tomography, fundus fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography findings were analyzed.

Results:

From 226 patients reviewed, 195 patients had PCV from which 6 eyes (3.07%) with features of PCV associated with typical CSC-like active leak in the same eye were identified; 3 men and 3 women with a mean age of 62.6 years. Optical coherence tomography showed notched pigment epithelial detachment in two and irregular peaked pigment epithelial detachment in four cases with subretinal fluid and/or subretinal haemorrhage over a thick choroid with dilated outer choroidal vessels. Fundus fluorescein angiography showed stippled hyperfluorescence at polyp area and a separate typical CSC-like active leak—Inkblot in three and Smokestack in three cases. On indocyanine green angiography, multiple polyps were noted with choroidal hyperpermeability in late phase at the site of CSC leak.

Conclusion:

The coexistence of PCV with typical CSC-like active leaks and a thick choroid in the same eye simultaneously provides strong evidence that these diseases have an association and support the hypothesis that these conditions may originate from predisposed thick choroid.
Evaluation of Horner Syndrome in the MRI Era
Authors: Sadaka Ama , Schockman Samantha L. , Golnik Karl C.
Published: April 2017

Background:

To identify the etiologies of adult Horner syndrome (HS) in the MRI era using a targeted evaluation approach and to assess the value and yield of targeted imaging.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed of 200 adult outpatients with HS, confirmed with cocaine eyedrop testing. Patients were divided into subgroups based on the presence or absence of symptoms and those who did or did not receive additional testing with hydroxyamphetamine drops. Imaging was obtained based on pharmacologic localization and/or clinical evaluation. The etiology of HS and the yield of imaging were determined in all subgroups.

Results:

Imaging showed causative lesions in 24 of 179 (12.84%) imaged patients with HS, and 13 (69.0%) were determined “idiopathic.” Of the patients who underwent testing with hydroxyamphetamine drops (132 patients), 86 had a postganglionic localization with an imaging yield of 8.1%, and 46 had preganglionic cause with an imaging yield of 21.7%. Fifty-three patients (26.5%) never noticed ptosis/anisocoria before examination, and the imaging yield in this subgroup was 2.8%. Eighteen of the 200 patients (9.0%) had serious pathology, including carotid artery dissection, brain, or neck mass, and 6 of these (31.6%) had acute symptoms and/or pain.

Conclusions:

HS is most often idiopathic with serious pathology being relatively infrequent. When determining etiology, the absence of symptoms is not predictive of the pathology. However, acute onset of symptoms and/or pain are possible indicators for serious pathology. Localizing the lesion using hydroxyamphetamine drops whenever obtainable and available is still an efficient way to target imaging evaluation.
Familial Hemiplegic Migraine With Asymmetric Encephalopathy Secondary to ATP1A2 Mutation: A Case Series
Authors: Murphy Olwen C. , Merwick Aine , O'Mahony Olivia , Ryan Aisling M. , McNamara Brian
Published: April 2017

Introduction:

Familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) is a genetic disease with a variable clinical phenotype. The imaging and electroencephalogram (EEG) correlates of FHM are not well described.

Case Series:

We describe a case series of five young women aged 12 to 32 years. Each case presented with headache, encephalopathy, and hemiparesis of varying severity. One patient developed seizures. All patients improved spontaneously.

Investigations:

Asymmetric slow–wave activity was seen on electroencephalogram in each case. One patient developed marked unilateral cortical edema on MR imaging. Cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) studies were normal for all patients. Genetic testing in each case showed a mutation of the ATP1A2 gene. One of the mutations identified is a novel mutation.

Discussion:

Genetic mutation of the ATP1A2 gene results in a channelopathy which is thought to predispose to spreading depolarization, the probable physiologic correlate of migraine aura. We hypothesize that widespread prolonged depolarization accounts for the characteristic electroencephalogram findings in these cases. Familial hemiplegic migraine should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an asymmetric encephalopathy, particularly when CSF and imaging studies are normal.
Is embryonic hypothermia tolerance common in birds?
Authors: Zhao Jin-Ming , Han Zhi-Ming , Sun Yue-Hua
Published: April 2017

Avian incubation temperatures oscillate within narrow limits to ensure proper embryonic development. However, field observations and experimental studies have found that some species can tolerate very low incubation temperatures, either regularly or occasionally. We artificially incubated eggs from five domestic species, which represent a range of egg sizes, to examine whether a diversity of avian species could exhibit an unusual hypothermia tolerance, as observed in the field. We found that eggs of the chicken (
Gallus gallus domesticus
), pigeon (
Columba livia domestica
), Japanese quail (
Coturnix japonica
) and budgerigar (
Melopsittacus undulatus
) survived the incubation period and hatched after experiencing 10°C hypothermia for 6 h each day. However, embryos of white-rumped munia (
Lonchura striata
) died after 10 days of hypothermia. Our results showed that unusual hypothermia tolerance occurs in several avian species. This phenomenon might have been selected through the evolutionary history of birds. Future research should identify the importance of phylogeny, egg size and embryonic stage in tolerance to hypothermia.
Structural and functional analysis ofOceanobacillus iheyensismacrodomain reveals a network of waters involved in substrate binding and catalysis
Authors: Zapata-Pérez Rubén , Gil-Ortiz Fernando , Martínez-Moñino Ana Belén , García-Saura Antonio Ginés , Juanhuix Jordi , Sánchez-Ferrer Álvaro
Published: April 2017

Macrodomains are ubiquitous conserved domains that bind or transform ADP-ribose (ADPr) metabolites. In humans, they are involved in transcription, X-chromosome inactivation, neurodegeneration and modulating PARP1 signalling, making them potential targets for therapeutic agents. Unfortunately, some aspects related to the substrate binding and catalysis of MacroD-like macrodomains still remain unclear, since mutation of the proposed catalytic aspartate does not completely abolish enzyme activity. Here, we present a functional and structural characterization of a macrodomain from the extremely halotolerant and alkaliphilic bacteriumOceanobacillus iheyensis(OiMacroD), related to hMacroD1/hMacroD2, shedding light on substrate binding and catalysis. The crystal structures of D40A, N30A and G37V mutants, and those with MES, ADPr and ADP bound, allowed us to identify five fixed water molecules that play a significant role in substrate binding. Closure of the β6–α4 loop is revealed as essential not only for pyrophosphate recognition, but also for distal ribose orientation. In addition, a novel structural role for residue D40 is identified. Furthermore, it is revealed that OiMacroD not only catalyses the hydrolysis ofO-acetyl-ADP-ribose but also reverses protein mono-ADP-ribosylation. Finally, mutant G37V supports the participation of a substrate-coordinated water molecule in catalysis that helps to select the proper substrate conformation.
Linear ubiquitin chains: enzymes, mechanisms and biology
Authors: Rittinger Katrin , Ikeda Fumiyo
Published: April 2017

Ubiquitination is a versatile post-translational modification that regulates a multitude of cellular processes. Its versatility is based on the ability of ubiquitin to form multiple types of polyubiquitin chains, which are recognized by specific ubiquitin receptors to induce the required cellular response. Linear ubiquitin chains are linked through Met 1 and have been established as important players of inflammatory signalling and apoptotic cell death. These chains are generated by a ubiquitin E3 ligase complex called the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC) that is thus far the only E3 ligase capable of forming linear ubiquitin chains. The complex consists of three subunits, HOIP, HOIL-1L and SHARPIN, each of which have specific roles in the observed biological functions of LUBAC. Furthermore, LUBAC has been found to be associated with OTULIN and CYLD, deubiquitinases that disassemble linear chains and counterbalance the E3 ligase activity of LUBAC. Gene mutations in HOIP, HOIL-1L and OTULIN are found in human patients who suffer from autoimmune diseases, and HOIL-1L mutations are also found in myopathy patients. In this paper, we discuss the mechanisms of linear ubiquitin chain generation and disassembly by their respective enzymes and review our current understanding of their biological functions and association with human diseases.
Interactive numerals
Authors: Thimbleby Harold , Cairns Paul
Published: April 2017

Although Arabic numerals (like ‘2016’ and ‘3.14’) are ubiquitous, we show that in interactive computer applications they are often misleading and surprisingly unreliable. We introduce
interactive numerals
as a new concept and show, like Roman numerals and Arabic numerals, interactive numerals introduce another way of using and thinking about numbers. Properly understanding interactive numerals is essential for all computer applications that involve numerical data entered by users, including finance, medicine, aviation and science.
Diversity Predicts Ability of Bacterial Consortia to Mitigate a Lethal Wildlife Pathogen
Authors: Antwis Rachael E. , Harrison Xavier A.
Published: April 2017

Symbiotic bacterial communities can protect their hosts from infection by pathogens. Treatment of wild individuals with protective bacteria isolated from hosts can combat the spread of emerging infectious diseases, but it is unclear whether the degree of bacterially-mediated host protection is uniform across multiple isolates of globally-distributed pathogens. Here we use the lethal amphibian fungal pathogenBatrachochytrium dendrobatidisas a model to investigate the traits predicting broad-scalein vitroinhibitory capabilities of both individual bacteria and multiple-bacterial consortia. We show that inhibition of multiple pathogen isolates is rare, with no clear phylogenetic signal at the genus level. Bacterial consortia offer stronger protection againstB. dendrobatidiscompared to single isolates, but critically this was only true for consortia containing multiple genera, and this pattern was not uniform across allB. dendrobatidisisolates. These novel insights have important implications for the effective design of bacterial probiotics to mitigate emerging infectious diseases.
Co-localization of Conditional eQTL and GWAS Signatures in Schizophrenia
Authors: Dobbyn Amanda , Huckins Laura M. , Boocock James , Sloofman Laura G. , Glicksberg Benjamin S. , Giambartolomei Claudia , Hoffman Gabriel , Perumal Thanneer , Girdhar Kiran , Jiang Yan , Ruderfer Douglas M. , Kramer Robin S. , Pinto Dalila ,   the CommonMind Consortium, Akbarian Schahram , Roussos Panos , Domenici Enrico , Devlin Bernie , Sklar Pamela , Stahl Eli A. , Sieberts Solveig K.
Published: April 2017

Causal genes and variants within genome-wide association study (GWAS) loci can be identified by integrating GWAS statistics with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) and determining which SNPs underlie both GWAS and eQTL signals. Most analyses, however, consider only the marginal eQTL signal, rather than dissecting this signal into multiple independent eQTL for each gene. Here we show that analyzing conditional eQTL signatures, which could be important under specific cellular or temporal contexts, leads to improved fine mapping of GWAS associations. Using genotypes and gene expression levels from post-mortem human brain samples (N=467) reported by the CommonMind Consortium (CMC), we find that conditional eQTL are widespread; 63% of genes with primary eQTL also have conditional eQTL. In addition, genomic features associated with conditional eQTL are consistent with context specific (i.e. tissue, cell type, or developmental time point specific) regulation of gene expression. Integrating the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium schizophrenia (SCZ) GWAS and CMC conditional eQTL data reveals forty loci with strong evidence for co-localization (posterior probability >0.8), including six loci with co-localization of conditional eQTL. Our co-localization analyses support previously reported genes and identify novel genes for schizophrenia risk, and provide specific hypotheses for their functional follow-up.
Combinatorial approach for complex disorder prediction: Case study of neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Huynh Linh , Hormozdiari Fereydoun
Published: April 2017

Early prediction of complex disorders (e.g., autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders) is one of the fundamental goals of precision medicine and personalized genomics. An early prediction of complex disorders can have a significant impact on increasing the effectiveness of interventions and treatments in improving the prognosis and, in many cases, enhancing the quality of life in the affected patients. Considering the genetic heritability of neurodevelopmental disorders, we are proposing a novel framework for utilizing rare coding variation for early prediction of these disorders in subset of affected samples. We provide a novel formulation for theUltra-AccurateDisorderPrediction (UADP) problem and develop a combinatorial framework for solving this problem. The primary goal of this framework, denoted as Odin (Oracle forDIsorder predictioN), is to make prediction for a subset of affected cases while having very low false positive rate prediction for unaffected samples. Note that in the Odin framework we will take advantage of the available functional information (e.g., pairwise coexpression of genes during brain development) to increase the prediction power beyond genes with recurrent variants. Application of our method accurately recovers an additional 8% of autism cases without a sever variant in a known recurrent mutated genes with a less than 1% false positive rate. Furthermore, Odin predicted a set of 391 genes that severe variants in these genes can cause autism or other developmental delay disorders. Odin is publicly available athttps://github.com/HormozdiariLab/Odin†
Dual phenotype of MDA-MB-468 cancer cells reveals mutual regulation of tensin3 and adhesion plasticity
Authors: Veβ Astrid , Blache Ulrich , Leitner Laura , Kurz Angela R.M. , Ehrenpfordt Anja , Sixt Michael , Posern Guido
Published: April 2017

Plasticity between adhesive and less-adhesive states is important for mammalian cell behaviour. To investigate adhesion plasticity, we have selected a stable isogenic subpopulation of MDA-MB-468 breast carcinoma cells which grows in suspension. These suspension cells are unable to re-adhere to various matrices or to contract three-dimensional collagen lattices. By transcriptome analysis, we identified the focal adhesion protein tensin3 (Tns3) as a determinant of adhesion plasticity. Tns3 is strongly reduced on mRNA and protein level in suspension cells. Furthermore, challenging breast cancer cells transiently with non-adherent conditions markedly reduces Tns3 expression, which is regained upon re-adhesion. Stable knockdown of Tns3 in parental cells results in defective adhesion, spreading and migration. Tns3 knockdown cells display impaired structure and dynamics of focal adhesion complexes as determined by immunostaining. Restoration of Tns3 expression in suspension cells partially rescues adhesion and focal contact composition. Our work identifies Tns3 as a critical focal adhesion component regulated by, and functionally contributing to, the switch between adhesive and non-adhesive states in MDA-MB-468 cancer cells.

Summary statement

We identify the cell-matrix adapter protein tensin3 as a determinant of adhesion plasticity, using cancer cells selected for non-adherent growth. Tensin3 expression constitutes a feedback loop controlling adhesion and motility.
Duplications at 19q13.33 in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Pérez-Palma Eduardo , Saarentaus Elmo , Andrieux Joris , Ravoet Marie , De Ferrari Giancarlo V. , Nuernberg Peter , Isidor Bertrand , Neubauer Bernd A. , Lal Dennis
Published: April 2017

OBJECTIVE

After recent publication of the first patients with disease associated missense variants inGRIN2D, we evaluate the effect of copy number variation (CNV) overlapping this gene towards the presentation of neurodevelopmental disorders.

METHODS

We explored ClinVar (N°CNV = 41,398) and DECIPHER (N°CNV = 30,222) clinical databases of genomic variations for patients with copy number changes overlapping theGRIN2Dgene at the 19q13.33 locus and evaluated their respective phenotype alongside their frequency, gene content and expression with publicly available reference databases.

RESULTS

We identified 13 patients with microduplications at the 19q13.33 locus. The majority of CNVs arosede novoand comparable CNVs are not present in control databases. All patients were reported to have neurodevelopmental disorders and dysmorphic features as the most common clinical phenotype (N= 10/13), followed by seizures (N= 6/13) and intellectual disability (N= 5/13). All duplications shared a consensus region of 405 kb overlapping 13 genes. After screening for duplication tolerance in control populations, positive gene brain expression and gene dosage sensitivity analysis, we highlight four genes for future evaluation:CARD8,C19orf68,KDELR1andGRIN2D,which are promising candidates for disease causality. Further, investigation of the literature especially supportsGRIN2Das the best candidate gene.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study presents dup19q13.33 as novel duplication syndrome locus associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.CARD8,C19orf68,KDELR1andGRIN2Dare promising candidates for functional follow up.
Supercoiling DNA locates mismatches
Authors: Dittmore Andrew , Brahmachari Sumitabha , Takagi Yasuhara , Marko John F. , Neuman Keir C.
Published: April 2017

We present a method of detecting sequence defects by supercoiling DNA with magnetic tweezers. The method is sensitive to a single mismatched base pair in a DNA sequence of several thousand base pairs. We systematically compare DNA molecules with 0 to 16 adjacent mismatches at 1Mmonovalent salt and 3.5 pN force and show that, under these conditions, a single plectoneme forms and is stably pinned at the defect. We use these measurements to estimate the energy and degree of end-loop kinking at defects. From this, we calculate the relative probability of plectoneme pinning at the mismatch under physiologically relevant conditions. Based on this estimate, we propose that DNA supercoiling could contribute to mismatch and damage sensingin vivo.
Ecological plant epigenetics: Evidence from model and non-model species, and the way forward
Authors: Richards Christina L. , Alonso Conchita , Becker Claude , Bossdorf Oliver , Bucher Etienne , Colomé-Tatché Maria , Durka Walter , Engelhardt Jan , Gaspar Bence , Gogol-Döring Andreas , Grosse Ivo , van Gurp Thomas P. , Heer Katrin , Kronholm Ilkka , Lampei Christian , Latzel Vít , Mirouze Marie , Opgenoorth Lars , Paun Ovidiu , Prohaska Sonja , Rensing Stefan A. , Stadler Peter , Trucchi Emiliano , Ullrich Kristian , Verhoeven Koen J. F.
Published: April 2017

Growing evidence makes a strong case that epigenetic mechanisms contribute to complex traits, with implications across many fields of biology from dissecting developmental processes to understanding aspects of human health and disease. In ecology, recent studies have merged ecological experimental design with epigenetic analyses to elucidate the contribution of epigenetics to plant phenotypes, stress response, adaptation to habitat, or species range distributions. While there has been some progress in revealing the role of epigenetics in ecological processes, many studies with non-model species have so far been limited to describing broad patterns based on anonymous markers of DNA methylation. In contrast, studies with model species have benefited from powerful genomic resources, which allow for a more mechanistic understanding but have limited ecological realism. To understand the true significance of epigenetics for plant ecology and evolution, we must combine both approaches transferring knowledge and methods from model-species research to genomes of evolutionarily divergent species, and examining responses to complex natural environments at a more mechanistic level. This requires transforming genomics tools specifically for studying non-model species, which is challenging given the large and often polyploid genomes of plants. Collaboration between molecular epigeneticists, ecologists and bioinformaticians promises to enhance our understanding of the mutual links between genome function and ecological processes.
Model-based fMRI Reveals Dissimilarity Processes Underlying Base Rate Neglect
Authors: O’Bryan Sean R. , Worthy Darrell A. , Livesey Evan J. , Davis Tyler
Published: April 2017

Extensive evidence suggests that people use base rate information inconsistently in decision making. A classic example is the inverse base rate effect (IBRE), whereby participants classify ambiguous stimuli sharing features of both common and rare categories as members of the rare category. Computational models of the IBRE have either posited that it arises from associative similarity-based mechanisms or dissimilarity-based processes that may depend upon higher-level inference. Here we develop a hybrid model, which posits that similarity- and dissimilarity-based evidence both contribute to the IBRE, and test it using functional magnetic resonance imaging data collected from human subjects completing an IBRE task. Consistent with our model, multivoxel pattern analysis reveals that activation patterns on ambiguous test trials contain information consistent with dissimilarity-based processing. Further, trial-by-trial activation in left rostrolateral prefrontal cortex tracks model-based predictions for dissimilarity-based processing, consistent with theories positing a role for higher-level symbolic processing in the IBRE.
mTORC1-mediated inhibition of 4EBP1 is essential for Hedgehog (HH) signaling and can be targeted to suppress HH-driven medulloblastoma
Authors: Wu Chang-Chih , Hou Shirui , Orr Brent A. , Youn Yong Ha , Roth Fanny , Eberhart Charles G. , Han Young-Goo
Published: April 2017

Mechanistic target of rapamycin (MTOR) cooperates with Hedgehog (HH) signaling, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here, we provide genetic, biochemical, and pharmacologic evidence that MTOR complex 1 (mTORC1)-dependent translation is a prerequisite for HH signaling. The genetic loss of mTORC1 function inhibited HH signaling– driven growth of the cerebellum and medulloblastoma. Inhibiting translation or mTORC1 blocked HH signaling. Depleting 4EBP1, an mTORC1 target that inhibits translation, alleviated the dependence of HH signaling on mTORC1. Consistent with this, phosphorylated 4EBP1 levels were elevated in HH signaling–driven medulloblastomas in mice and humans. In mice, an mTORC1 inhibitor suppressed medulloblastoma driven by a mutant SMO that is resistant to an SMO inhibitor in the clinic, prolonging the survival of the mice. Our study reveals mTORC1-mediated translation to be a key component of HH signaling and an important target for treating medulloblastoma and other cancers driven by HH signaling.
Intelligent materials: a review of applications in 4D printing
Authors: Li Xin , Shang Jianzhong , Wang Zhuo
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to promote the development of intelligent materials and the 4D printing technology by introducing recent advances and applications of additive layered manufacturing (ALM) technology of intelligent materials and the development of the 4D printing technology. Also, an arm-type ALM technology of shape memory polymer (SMP) with thermosetting polyurethane is briefly introduced.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper begins with an overview of the development and applications of intelligent materials around the world and the 4D printing technology. Then, the authors provide a brief outline of their research on arm-type ALM technology of SMP with thermosetting polyurethane.

Findings

The paper provides the recent developments and applications of intelligent materials and 4D printing technology. Then, it is suggested that intelligent materials mixed with different functional materials will be developed, and these types of materials will be more suitable for 4D printing.

Originality/value

This paper overviews the current developments and applications of intelligent materials and its use in 4D printing technology, and briefly states the authors’ research on arm-type ALM technology of SMP with thermosetting polyurethane.
Signs of dystopia and demoralization in global academia
Authors: Geppert Mike , Hollinshead Graham
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper has been written in the style of a provocative essay. This paper aims to show how neo-liberalism has become the leading “policy doctrine” in higher education (HE) systems across the globe. This has put increasing systemic political and economic pressure on many universities which not only undermine but also “colonize” the Lebenswelt or “lifeworld” (Habermas, 1987) of academics.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on concrete empirical examples based on the authors’ subjective experiences within the higher educational sector and secondary sources.

Findings

The authors highlight and illustrate how the increasing dominance of “neo-liberal science” principles (Lave et al., 2010) severely damage the quality of knowledge production and working conditions of ordinary academics in both national and international academic communities.

Practical implications

This paper provides insights into the practical implications of the spread of “neo-liberal science” principles on the work and employment of academics.

Originality/value

The authors aim to trigger critical discussion concerning how emancipatory principles of teaching and research can be brought back into the Lebenswelt of academics to reverse some of the destructive effects to which this paper refers to.
Incidence of workplace bullying among hospitality employees
Authors: Ariza-Montes Antonio , Arjona-Fuentes Juan M. , Law Rob , Han Heesup
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to the address the key factors of workplace bullying among hospitality employees, as workplace bullying results in damaging consequences on both individuals and organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study first defines the phenomenon of workplace bullying and then reviews the related literature. Data are collected from a sample population of 238 hospitality employees obtained from the latest European Working Conditions Survey. Logistic regression analysis is used to achieve the study objectives.

Findings

Results from the binary logistic regression model show the main personal and organizational factors related to the probability of workplace bullying. The logistic regression model explains 76.4 per cent of the total variations in the sample. The model correctly classifies 78.1 per cent of hospitality employees who did not feel bullied in their profession and 74.1 per cent of employees who did feel bullied.

Practical implications

The authors’ findings imply that responsible managers in hospitality enterprises may reduce the organizational levels of workplace bullying by adjusting certain working conditions and establishing a supportive environment.

Originality/value

Studies on personalities inclined to bullying are inconclusive. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to develop a comprehensive and exploratory conceptual model of workplace bullying that links personal variables, working conditions and contextual factors to the prevalence of workplace bullying within the hospitality sector in the European context.
The impacts of historic districts on residential property land values in Australia
Authors: Warren Clive M.J. , Elliott Peter , Staines Jason
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Focusing on the externality effects of historic districts, this paper aims to assess and compare the impact of historic district designation on the value of residential vacant land property.

Design/methodology/approach

Hedonic regression is used to analyze data from 4,233 residential vacant site transactions to measure the influence of historic district designation on the price of residential vacant site properties.

Findings

Results support established theory and research on other residential property types, showing a significant and positive relationship between designation in a historic district and property prices. Residential vacant sites located in a designated historic district sold at a 10-11 per cent premium compared to similar vacant sites not located in a historic district.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical study of the influence of historic districts on residential vacant land property. The paper extends limited previous literature on the externality effects of historic districts through detailed analysis of a large Australian housing market(Brisbane).