bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Between feminism and unionism: the struggle for socio-economic dignity of working-class women in pre- and post-uprising Tunisia
Authors: Debuysere Loes
Published: February 2018

Generally seen as a pawn in the identity struggle between so-called secular and Islamist political actors, the women's question in Tunisia has received little attention from a class perspective since the 2010–11 uprising. Yet, over recent years, working-class women have been highly visible during protests, strikes and sit-ins of a socio-economic nature, implicitly illustrating how class and gender grievances intersect. Against the background of the global feminisation of poverty and a changing political economy of the North African region over recent decades, this article builds on Nancy Fraser's theory of (gender) justice to understand if and how women's informal and revolutionary demands have been included in more formal politics and civil society activism in Tunisia. The article finds that disassociated struggles against patriarchy (feminism) and neoliberal capitalism (unionism) fail to efficiently represent women workers’ own aspirations in Tunisia's nascent democracy.
Microstructures and mechanical properties of a welded CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy
Authors: Wu Z. , David S. A. , Leonard D. N. , Feng Z. , Bei H.
Published: February 2018

The response of the CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy to weld thermal cycles was investigated to determine its applicability as an engineering structural material. Two processes were used: high-energy-density, low-heat-input electron beam (EB) welding and low-energy-density, high-heat-input gas tungsten arc (GTA) welding. Weldability was determined through comprehensive microstructural and mechanical property characterisation of the welds. The welds did not develop solidification cracking or heat-affected zone cracks. The microstructures in weld fusion zones are similar to that in the as-cast materials, consisting of large columnar grains with dendrite. The dendrite arm spacing and the extent of elemental segregation were less in the welds than in the cast ingot, and also were less pronounced in the EB weld than in the GTA weld. Compositional microsegregation between dendritic cores and interdendritic regions of the welds was insignificant. Both welds exhibited slightly higher yield strengths than the base metal. The EB weld possessed comparable tensile strength and ductility to that of the base metal. In comparison, the GTA weld maintained ∼80% of the base metal's tensile strength and 50% of the ductility.
The crowding in hypothesis revisited: new insights into the impact of social protection expenditure on informal social capital
Authors: Visser Mark , Gesthuizen Maurice , Scheepers Peer
Published: February 2018

This study revisits the crowding in hypothesis and contributes to the literature in two ways. First, in addition to total social spending, we examine whether different types of social spending increase social capital among their target groups. Second, we distinguish within- from between-country effects of social spending. Data from the European Social Survey are analysed with logistic multilevel regression models. We analyse two indicators of informal social capital: having social contact with friends, family or work colleagues and having anyone to discuss intimate and personal matters with. The results show that the more governments spend on social protection, the more likely people within those countries are to have social and intimate contact. The results also demonstrate that within-country effects of the types of social spending on having social contact disappear once we control for unobserved heterogeneity between countries. Yet, within countries with higher social spending on sickness/health care, old age and social exclusion, we find that these specific expenditures facilitate intimate contact among people in bad health, retirees and people who are having difficulties living on their present income, respectively. Overall, the crowding in hypothesis is supported. We conclude that it is important to examine the types of social spending and to distinguish within- and between-country effects.
Extracellular vesicles: the growth as diagnostics and therapeutics; a survey
Authors: Roy Sabrina , Hochberg Fred H. , Jones Pamela S.
Published: February 2018

This article aims to document the growth in extracellular vesicle (EV) research. Here, we report the growth in EV‐related studies, patents, and grants as well as emerging companies with major intent on exosomes. Four different databases were utilized for electronic searches of published literature: two general databases – Scopus/Elsevier and Web of Science (WoS), as well as two specialized US government databases – the USA Patent and Trademark Office and National Institutes of Health (NIH) of the Department of Health and Human Services. The applied combination of key words was carefully chosen to cover the most commonly used terms in titles of publications, patents and grants dealing with conceptual areas of EVs. Within the time frame from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2016, limited to articles published in English, we identified output using search strategies based upon Scopus/Elsevier and WoS, patent filings and NIH Federal Reports of funded grants. Consistently, USA and UK universities are the most frequent among the top 15 affiliations/organizations of the authors of the identified records. There is clear evidence of upward streaming of EV‐related publications. By documenting the growth of the EV field, we hope to encourage a roster of independent authorities skilled to provide peer review of manuscripts, evaluation of grant applications, support of foundation initiatives and corporate long‐term planning. It is important to encourage EV research to further identify biomarkers in diseases and allow for the development of adequate diagnostic tools that could distinguish disease subpopulations and enable personalized treatment of patients.
Bilateral asynchronous sudden sensorineural hearing loss and bilateral superior semicircular canal dehiscence** Institution where the work was done
Authors: Ibrahim Iman , Sweet Robert
Published: February 2018

Objective:

To describe a case of bilateral asynchronous sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in a patient with bilateral superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD).

Study design:

Case report and review of the literature.

Results:

A 38-year-old male, with prior SSNHL in the left ear, presented with SSNHL in the right ear. The patient had a sense of disequilibrium, but no spinning vertigo. The physical examination revealed only bilateral hearing loss at the audiometric tests and nasal polyposis. The audiogram revealed severe SNHL with fair speech discrimination on the left, and severe-to-moderately severe SNHL with good speech discrimination on the right. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were absent. Vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) thresholds were reduced and amplitudes elevated bilaterally. Electronystagmography (ENG) revealed bilateral hypoactive caloric responses. Blood tests were significant for elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, IgE, and mumps IgG titer. Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was unremarkable except for sinonasal disease and a suggestion of bilateral SSCD which was confirmed by high-resolution computed tomography.

Conclusion:

We report a case of a bilateral SSCD associated with bilateral asynchronous SSNHL. SSCD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of SSNHL.
ApoE facilitates the microglial response to amyloid plaque pathology
Authors: Ulrich Jason D. , Ulland Tyler K. , Mahan Thomas E. , Nyström Sofie , Nilsson K. Peter , Song Wilbur M. , Zhou Yingyue , Reinartz Mariska , Choi Seulah , Jiang Hong , Stewart Floy R. , Anderson Elise , Wang Yaming , Colonna Marco , Holtzman David M.
Published: February 2018

One of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease is the presence of extracellular diffuse and fibrillar plaques predominantly consisting of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) influences the deposition of amyloid pathology through affecting the clearance and aggregation of monomeric Aβ in the brain. In addition to influencing Aβ metabolism, increasing evidence suggests that apoE influences microglial function in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we characterize the impact that apoE has on amyloid pathology and the innate immune response in APPPS1ΔE9 and APPPS1-21 transgenic mice. We report that Apoe deficiency reduced fibrillar plaque deposition, consistent with previous studies. However, fibrillar plaques in Apoe-deficient mice exhibited a striking reduction in plaque compaction. Hyperspectral fluorescent imaging using luminescent conjugated oligothiophenes identified distinct Aβ morphotypes in Apoe-deficient mice. We also observed a significant reduction in fibrillar plaque–associated microgliosis and activated microglial gene expression in Apoe-deficient mice, along with significant increases in dystrophic neurites around fibrillar plaques. Our results suggest that apoE is critical in stimulating the innate immune response to amyloid pathology.
SECLAF: a webserver and deep neural network design tool for hierarchical biological sequence classification
Authors: Szalkai Balázs , Grolmusz Vince
Published: February 2018

Artificial intelligence tools are gaining more and more ground each year in bioinformatics. Learning algorithms can be taught for specific tasks by using the existing enormous biological databases, and the resulting models can be used for the high-quality classification of novel, un-categorized data in numerous areas, including biological sequence analysis. Here, we introduce SECLAF, a webserver that uses deep neural networks for hierarchical biological sequence classification. By applying SECLAF for residue-sequences, we have reported [Methods (2018), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymeth.2017.06.034] the most accurate multi-label protein classifier to date (UniProt—into 698 classes—AUC 99.99%; Gene Ontology—into 983 classes—AUC 99.45%). Our framework SECLAF can be applied for other sequence classification tasks, as we describe in the present contribution.

Availability and implementation

The program SECLAF is implemented in Python, and is available for download, with example datasets at the website https://pitgroup.org/seclaf/. For Gene Ontology and UniProt based classifications a webserver is also available at the address above.
Mediators of the Effect of Childhood Socioeconomic Status on Late Midlife Cognitive Abilities: A Four Decade Longitudinal Study
Authors: Beck Asad , Franz Carol E , Xian Hong , Vuoksimaa Eero , Tu Xin , Reynolds Chandra A , Panizzon Matthew S , McKenzie Ruth M , Lyons Michael J , Toomey Rosemary , Jacobson Kristen C , Hauger Richard L , Hatton Sean N , Kremen William S
Published: February 2018

Background and Objectives

Childhood socioeconomic status (cSES) is found to predict later-life cognitive abilities, yet the mechanisms underlying these associations remain unclear. The objective of this longitudinal study was to examine the direct and indirect paths through which cSES influences late midlife cognitive outcomes.

Research Design and Methods

Participants were 1,009 male twins in the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging (VETSA). At mean ages 20 and 62, participants completed a standardized test for general cognitive ability (GCA). The age 62 cognitive assessment also included in-person tests of processing speed, episodic memory, abstract reasoning, working memory, verbal fluency, visual-spatial ability, and executive functions. At mean age 56, participants were interviewed regarding their own and their parents’ education and occupation, and completed questionnaires about cognitive leisure activities and sociodemographic information. Multiple mediation analyses were conducted to examine the direct path effects and indirect path effects of cSES through age 20 GCA, adult SES, and cognitive leisure activities on seven cognitive outcomes at age 62, adjusting for age, ethnicity, and non-independence of observations.

Results

Total (direct plus indirect) effects were significant for all measures with the exception of executive functions. Men from lower cSES backgrounds had poorer cognitive functioning in late midlife. The direct effect of cSES was partially mediated for abstract reasoning, and was fully mediated for the remaining six cognitive outcomes. Total indirect effects accounted for at least half of the total effects in each model, with paths through age 20 GCA explaining most of the total indirect effects.

Discussion and Implications

cSES predicted cognitive functioning in late middle age Using multiple mediation models, we show that lower cSES predicts poorer cognition in late midlife primarily through young adult cognitive ability and to a lesser extent through SES in adulthood and engagement in cognitively stimulating activities.
Using social norms theory for health promotion in low-income countries
Authors: Cislaghi Beniamino , Heise Lori
Published: February 2018

Social norms can greatly influence people’s health-related choices and behaviours. In the last few years, scholars and practitioners working in low- and mid-income countries (LMIC) have increasingly been trying to harness the influence of social norms to improve people’s health globally. However, the literature informing social norm interventions in LMIC lacks a framework to understand how norms interact with other factors that sustain harmful practices and behaviours. This gap has led to short-sighted interventions that target social norms exclusively without a wider awareness of how other institutional, material, individual and social factors affect the harmful practice. Emphasizing norms to the exclusion of other factors might ultimately discredit norms-based strategies, not because they are flawed but because they alone are not sufficient to shift behaviour. In this paper, we share a framework (already adopted by some practitioners) that locates norm-based strategies within the wider array of factors that must be considered when designing prevention programmes in LMIC.
Social media and health information sharing among Australian Indigenous people
Authors: Hefler Marita , Kerrigan Vicki , Henryks Joanna , Freeman Becky , Thomas David P
Published: February 2018

Despite the enormous potential of social media for health promotion, there is an inadequate evidence base for how they can be used effectively to influence behaviour. In Australia, research suggests social media use is higher among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people than the general Australian population; however, health promoters need a better understanding of who uses technologies, how and why. This qualitative study investigates what types of health content are being shared among Aboriginal and Torres Strait people through social media networks, as well as how people engage with, and are influenced by, health-related information in their offline life. We present six social media user typologies together with an overview of health content that generated significant interaction. Content ranged from typical health-related issues such as mental health, diet, alcohol, smoking and exercise, through to a range of broader social determinants of health. Social media-based health promotion approaches that build on the social capital generated by supportive online environments may be more likely to generate greater traction than confronting and emotion-inducing approaches used in mass media campaigns for some health topics.
The origin of recombining plasma and the detection of the Fe-K line in the supernova remnant W 28
Authors: Okon Hiromichi , Uchida Hiroyuki , Tanaka Takaaki , Matsumura Hideaki , Tsuru Takeshi Go
Published: February 2018

Overionized recombining plasmas (RPs) have been discovered from a dozen mixed-morphology (MM) supernova remnants (SNRs). However, their formation process is still under debate. As pointed out by many previous studies, spatial variations of plasma temperature and ionization state provide clues to understanding the physical origin of RPs. We report on spatially resolved X-ray spectroscopy of W 28, which is one of the largest MM SNRs found in our Galaxy. Two observations with Suzaku XIS cover the center of W 28 to the northeastern rim where the shock is interacting with molecular clouds. The X-ray spectra in the inner regions are reproduced well by a combination of two RP models with different temperatures and ionization states, whereas that in the northeastern rim is explained with a single RP model. Our discovery of the RP in the northeastern rim suggests an effect of thermal conduction between the cloud and hot plasma, which may be the production process of the RP. The X-ray spectrum of the northeastern rim also shows an excess emission of the Fe i K α line. The most probable process to explain the line would be inner shell ionization of Fe in the molecular cloud by cosmic ray particles accelerated in W 28.
Repeating and non-repeating fast radio bursts from binary neutron star mergers
Authors: Yamasaki Shotaro , Totani Tomonori , Kiuchi Kenta
Published: February 2018

Most fast radio bursts (FRB) do not show evidence of repetition, and such non-repeating FRBs may be produced at the time of a merger of binary neutron stars (BNS), provided that the BNS merger rate is close to the high end of the currently possible range. However, the merger environment is polluted by dynamical ejecta, which may prohibit the radio signal from propagating. We examine this by using a general-relativistic simulation of a BNS merger, and show that the ejecta appears about 1 ms after the rotation speed of the merged star becomes the maximum. Therefore there is a time window in which an FRB signal can reach outside, and the short duration of non-repeating FRBs can be explained by screening after ejecta formation. A fraction of BNS mergers may leave a rapidly rotating and stable neutron star, and such objects may be the origin of repeating FRBs like FRB 121102. We show that a merger remnant would appear as a repeating FRB on a time scale of ∼1–10 yr, and expected properties are consistent with the observations of FRB 121102. We construct an FRB rate evolution model that includes these two populations of repeating and non-repeating FRBs from BNS mergers, and show that the detection rate of repeating FRBs relative to non-repeating ones rapidly increases with improving search sensitivity. This may explain why only the repeating FRB 121102 was discovered by the most sensitive FRB search with Arecibo. Several predictions are made, including the appearance of a repeating FRB 1–10 yr after a BNS merger that is localized by gravitational waves and subsequent electromagnetic radiation.
A fungal avirulence factor encoded in a highly plastic genomic region triggers partial resistance to septoria tritici blotch
Authors: Meile Lukas , Croll Daniel , Brunner Patrick C. , Plissonneau Clémence , Hartmann Fanny E. , McDonald Bruce A. , Sánchez-Vallet Andrea
Published: February 2018

Cultivar-strain specificity in the wheat-Zymoseptoria tritici pathosystem determines the infection outcome and is controlled by resistance genes on the host side, of which many have been identified. However, on the pathogen side, the molecular determinants of specificity are largely unknown.

We used genetic mapping, targeted gene disruption and allele swapping to characterize the recognition of the new avirulence factor Avr3D1. We then combined population genetic and comparative genomic analyses to estimate the evolutionary trajectory of Avr3D1.

Avr3D1 is specifically recognized by cultivars harboring the resistance gene Stb7 and triggers a strong defence response without preventing pathogen infection and reproduction. Avr3D1 resides in a cluster of putative effector genes located in a region populated by independent transposable element insertions. The gene is present in all 132 investigated strains and is highly polymorphic, with a total of 30 different protein variants. We demonstrated that certain amino acid mutations in Avr3D1 led to evasion of recognition.

These results demonstrate that quantitative resistance and gene-for-gene interactions are not mutually exclusive per se. Location of avirulence genes in highly plastic genomic regions likely facilitates accelerated evolution that enables escape from recognition by resistance proteins.
Does impedance matter when recording spikes with polytrodes?
Authors: Neto Joana P. , Baião Pedro , Lopes Gonçalo , Frazão João , Nogueira Joana , Fortunato Elvira , Barquinha Pedro , Kampff Adam R.
Published: February 2018

Extracellular microelectrodes have been widely used to measure brain activity, yet there are still basic questions about the requirements for a good extracellular microelectrode. One common source of confusion is how an electrode’s impedance affects the amplitude of extracellular spikes and background noise.

Here we discuss how an electrode’s impedance affects data quality in extracellular recordings, which is crucial for both the detection of spikes and their assignment to the correct neurons. This study employs commercial polytrodes containing 32 electrodes (177 μm2) arranged in a dense array. This allowed us to directly compare, side-by-side, the same extracellular signals measured by modified low impedance (~100 kOhm) microelectrodes with unmodified high impedance (~1 MOhm) microelectrodes. We begin with an evaluation of existing protocols to lower the impedance of the electrodes. The poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT-PSS) electrodeposition protocol is a simple, stable, and reliable method for decreasing the impedance of a microelectrode up to tenfold. We next record in vivo using polytrodes that are modified in a ‘chess board’ pattern, such that the signal of one neuron is detected by multiple coated and non-coated electrodes. The performance of the coated and non-coated electrodes is then compared on measures of background noise and amplitude of the detected action potentials.

If the proper recording system is used, then the impedance of a microelectrode within the range of standard polytrodes (~ 0.1 to 2 MOhm) does not significantly affect data quality and spike sorting. This study should encourage neuroscientists to stop worrying about one more unknown.
Best Practices for Benchmarking Germline Small Variant Calls in Human Genomes
Authors: Krusche Peter , Trigg Len , Boutros Paul C. , Mason Christopher E. , De La Vega Francisco M. , Moore Benjamin L. , Gonzalez-Porta Mar , Eberle Michael A. , Tezak Zivana , Lababidi Samir , Truty Rebecca , Asimenos George , Funke Birgit , Fleharty Mark , Salit Marc , Zook Justin M ,   the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health Benchmarking Team
Published: February 2018

Assessing accuracy of NGS variant calling is immensely facilitated by a robust benchmarking strategy and tools to carry it out in a standard way. Benchmarking variant calls requires careful attention to definitions of performance metrics, sophisticated comparison approaches, and stratification by variant type and genome context. The Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH) Benchmarking Team has developed standardized performance metrics and tools for benchmarking germline small variant calls. This team includes representatives from sequencing technology developers, government agencies, academic bioinformatics researchers, clinical laboratories, and commercial technology and bioinformatics developers for whom benchmarking variant calls is essential to their work. Benchmarking variant calls is a challenging problem for many reasons:

Evaluating variant calls requires complex matching algorithms and standardized counting because the same variant may be represented differently in truth and query callsets.

Defining and interpreting resulting metrics such as precision (aka positive predictive value = TP/(TP+FP)) and recall (aka sensitivity = TP/(TP+FN)) requires standardization to draw robust conclusions about comparative performance for different variant calling methods.

Performance of NGS methods can vary depending on variant types and genome context; and as a result understanding performance requires meaningful stratification.

High-confidence variant calls and regions that can be used as “truth” to accurately identify false positives and negatives are difficult to define, and reliable calls for the most challenging regions and variants remain out of reach.

We have made significant progress on standardizing comparison methods, metric definitions and reporting, as well as developing and using truth sets. Our methods are publicly available on GitHub (https://github.com/ga4gh/benchmarking-tools) and in a web-based app on precisionFDA, which allow users to compare their variant calls against truth sets and to obtain a standardized report on their variant calling performance. Our methods have been piloted in the precisionFDA variant calling challenges to identify the best-in-class variant calling methods within high-confidence regions. Finally, we recommend a set of best practices for using our tools and critically evaluating the results.
Yield of Universal Testing for DNA Mismatch Repair Protein Deficiency in Colorectal Carcinoma From an Australian Community-based Practice
Authors: Miller Gregory C. , Bettington Mark L. , Brown Ian S. , Rosty Christophe
Published: February 2018

Lynch syndrome is the most common cause of inherited colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Testing all newly diagnosed CRC for MMR protein deficiency, known as universal testing, has recently emerged as the preferred approach to identify potential Lynch syndrome individuals. All newly diagnosed CRCs were screened for MMR protein expression by immunohistochemistry. A 2-step approach was used: PMS2 and MSH6 testing followed by the testing of the respective MMR protein partner if one of the proteins is lost. We retrospectively searched our pathology database for MMR protein expression results across a 5-year period (2012-2016) when universal testing was performed. Clinical and pathological data were extracted from the pathology report. A total of 2077 consecutive CRCs were tested for MMR protein expression. Mean age at diagnosis was 68.4 years. MMR protein deficiency was identified in 399 cases (19.2%). The vast majority of CRC with MLH1/PMS2 loss were diagnosed in patients older than 70 years (84%), most of them are likely to be secondary to sporadic MLH1 methylation. MMR protein deficiency patterns suggestive of a defect in MSH2, MSH6 or PMS2 comprised 42 cases, of which 37 were found in individuals aged 50 years or older. CRCs with MSH2/MSH6 loss were most commonly found in patients older than 70 years (57%). In summary, universal testing for MMR protein deficiency in CRC identifies abnormal patterns of expression suggestive of Lynch syndrome in all age groups. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the actual rate of Lynch syndrome individuals identified from this initial screening.
The TMEM16A Channel Mediates the fast polyspermy block in Xenopus Laevis
Authors: Wozniak Katherine L. , Phelps Wesley A. , Tembo Maiwase , Lee Miler T. , Carlson Anne E.
Published: February 2018

In externally fertilizing animals, such as sea urchins and frogs, prolonged depolarization of the egg immediately after fertilization inhibits the entry of additional sperm – a phenomenon known as the fast block to polyspermy. In the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, this depolarization is driven by a Ca2+-activated Cl− efflux. Although the prominent Ca2+-activated Cl− currents generated by immature X. laevis oocytes are conducted by xTMEM16A channels, little is known about which channels contribute to fertilization-competency in mature eggs. Moreover, the gamete undergoes a gross transformation as it matures from an immature oocyte into a fertilization-competent egg. Here we report the results of our approach to identify the Ca2+-activated Cl− channel that triggers the fast block. Querying published proteomics and RNA-seq data, we identified two Ca2+-activated Cl− channels expressed in fertilization-competent X. laevis eggs: xTMEM16A and xBEST2A. Furthermore, transcripts for these channels increase in abundance during gamete maturation. To determine if either of these mediates the fast block, we characterized exogenously expressed xTMEM16A and xBEST2A using pharmacologic inhibitors. None of the inhibitors tested blocked xBEST2A currents specifically. However, Ani9 and MONNA each reduced xTMEM16A currents by more than 70%, while only nominally inhibiting those generated by xBEST2A. Using whole-cell recordings during fertilization, we found that Ani9 and MONNA effectively diminished fertilization-evoked depolarizations. These results indicate that fertilization activates TMEM16A channels in X. laevis eggs and induces the earliest known event triggered by fertilization: the fast block to polyspermy.

HIGHLIGHTS

Protein for the channels xBEST2A and xTMEM16A is present in X. laevis eggs.

The inhibitors MONNA and Ani9 effectively block xTMEM16A compared to xBEST2A.

Xenopus laevis fertilization opens TMEM16A to trigger egg depolarization.

The TMEM16A-mediated depolarization is critical for the fast block to polyspermy.
Elongation during segmentation shows axial variability, low mitotic rates, and synchronized cell cycle domains in the crustacean,Thamnocephalus platyurus
Authors: Constantinou Savvas J , Duan Nicole , Chipman Ariel D. , Nagy Lisa M. , Williams Terri A.
Published: February 2018

Segmentation in arthropods typically occurs by sequential addition of segments from a posterior growth zone, but cell behaviors producing posterior elongation are not well known. Using precisely staged larvae of the crustacean,Thamnocephalus platyurus, we systematically examined cell division patterns and morphometric changes associated with posterior elongation during segmentation. We show that cell division is required for normal elongation but that cells in the growth zone need only divide ~1.5 times to meet that requirement; correspondingly, direct measures of cell division in the growth zone are low. Morphometric measurements of the growth zone and of newly formed segments suggest tagma-specific features of segment generation. Using methods for detecting two different phases in the cell cycle, we show distinct domains of synchronized cells in the posterior. Borders of cell cycle domains correlate with domains of segmental gene expression, suggesting an intimate link between segment generation and cell cycle regulation.

Summary Statement

Posterior growth zone has synchronized cell cycle domains but shows little cell division during segment addition in a crustacean. Dimensions of the shrinking posterior growth zone change at tagma boundaries.
A microtubule-based mechanism predicts cell division orientation in plant embryogenesis
Authors: Chakrabortty Bandan , Willemsen Viola , de Zeeuw Thijs , Liao Che-Yang , Weijers Dolf , Mulder Bela , Scheres Ben
Published: February 2018

Oriented cell divisions are significant in plant morphogenesis because plant cells are embedded in cell walls and cannot relocate. Cell divisions follow various regular orientations, but the underlying mechanisms have not been clarified. We show that cell-shape dependent self-organisation of cortical microtubule arrays is crucial for determining planes of early tissue-generating divisions and forms the basis for robust control of cell division orientation in the embryo. To achieve this, we simulate microtubules on actual cell surface shapes from which we derive a minimal set of three rules for proper array orientation. The first rule captures the effects of cell shape alone on microtubule organisation, the second rule describes the regulation of microtubule stability at cell edges and the third rule includes the differential effect of auxin on local microtubule stability. These rules explain early embryonic division plane orientations and offer a framework for understanding patterned cell divisions in plant morphogenesis.
Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) ablation promotes tissue fibrosis and hypoxia to induce aggressive basal-like breast cancers
Authors: Takai Ken , Drain Allison P. , Lawson Devon A. , Littlepage Laurie E. , Karpuj Marcela , Kessenbrock Kai , Le Annie , Inoue Kenichi , Weaver Valerie M. , Werb Zena
Published: February 2018

The discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is overexpressed in breast carcinoma cells. Low DDR1 expression is associated with worse relapse-free survival, reflecting its controversial role in cancer progression. We detected DDR1 on luminal cells but not on myoepithelial cells of DDR1+/+ mice. We found that DDR1 loss compromises cell adhesion, consistent with data that older DDR1−/− mammary glands had more basal/myoepithelial cells. Basal cells isolated from older mice exerted higher traction forces than the luminal cells, in agreement with increased mammary branches observed in older DDR1−/− mice and higher branching by their isolated organoids. When we crossed DDR1−/− mice with MMTV-PyMT mice, the PyMT/DDR1−/− mammary tumors grew faster and had increased epithelial tension and matricellular fibrosis with a more basal phenotype and increased lung metastases. DDR1 deletion induced basal differentiation of CD90+CD24+ cancer cells, and the increase in basal cells correlated with tumor cell mitoses. K14+ basal cells, including K8+K14+ cells, were increased adjacent to necrotic fields. These data suggest that the absence of DDR1 provides a growth and adhesion advantage that favors the expansion of basal cells, potentiates fibrosis, and enhances necrosis/hypoxia and basal differentiation of transformed cells to increase their aggression and metastatic potential.
A mechanism for epigenetic control of DNA replication
Authors: Sansam Courtney G. , Pietrzak Katarzyna , Majchrzycka Blanka , Kerlin Maciej A. , Chen Jingrong , Rankin Susannah , Sansam Christopher L.
Published: February 2018

DNA replication origins in hyperacetylated euchromatin fire preferentially during early S phase. However, how acetylation controls DNA replication timing is unknown. TICRR/TRESLIN is an essential protein required for the initiation of DNA replication. Here, we report that TICRR physically interacts with the acetyl-histone binding bromodomain (BRD) and extraterminal (BET) proteins BRD2 and BRD4. Abrogation of this interaction impairs TICRR binding to acetylated chromatin and disrupts normal S-phase progression. Our data reveal a novel function for BET proteins and establish the TICRR–BET interaction as a potential mechanism for epigenetic control of DNA replication.
YopT domain of the PfhB2 toxin from Pasteurella multocida: protein expression, characterization, crystallization and crystallographic analysis
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Hedrick Victoria , Mattoo Seema
Published: February 2018

Pasteurella multocida causes respiratory-tract infections in a broad range of animals, as well as opportunistic infections in humans. P. multocida secretes a multidomain toxin called PfhB2, which contains a YopT-like cysteine protease domain at its C-terminus. The YopT domain of PfhB2 contains a well conserved Cys–His–Asp catalytic triad that defines YopT family members, and shares high sequence similarity with the prototype YopT from Yersinia sp. To date, only one crystal structure of a YopT family member has been reported; however, additional structural information is needed to help characterize the varied substrate specificity and enzymatic action of this large protease family. Here, a catalytically inactive C3733S mutant of PfhB2 YopT that provides enhanced protein stability was used with the aim of gaining structural insight into the diversity within the YopT protein family. To this end, the C3733S mutant of PfhB2 YopT has been successfully cloned, overexpressed, purified and crystallized. Diffraction data sets were collected from native crystals to 3.5 Å resolution and a single-wavelength anomalous data set was collected from an iodide-derivative crystal to 3.2 Å resolution. Data pertaining to crystals belonging to space group P31, with unit-cell parameters a = 136.9, b = 136.9, c = 74.7 Å for the native crystals and a = 139.2, b = 139.2, c = 74.7 Å for the iodide-derivative crystals, are discussed.
Expression, purification and crystallization of phosphoribosyl transferase from a mycobacteriophage
Authors: Li Lei , Lee Eungyu , Shaw Neil
Published: February 2018

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to remain a leading cause of death globally. Of particular concern is the emergence and rise in incidence of multidrug-resistant and extremely drug-resistant cases of TB. To counter this threat, it is important to explore alternative therapies, including phage therapy. Phage BTCU-1 specifically infectsMycobacteriumspp. and kills the majority of them. Intriguingly, many proteins from the phage do not share high amino-acid sequence identity with proteins from species other than phages. Here, the expression, purification and crystallization of one such protein, a putative phosphoribosyl transferase from phage BTCU-1, is reported. The crystals belonged to space groupC2221, with unit-cell parametersa= 59.71,b= 64.42,c = 65.32 Å, α = β = γ = 90°. The crystals diffracted X-rays to 2.2 Å resolution.
Analysis of deburring effectiveness and surface layer properties around edges of workpieces made of 7075 aluminium alloy
Authors: Matuszak Jakub , Zaleski Kazimierz
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to present a comprehensive analysis of deburring effectiveness and surface layer properties after deburring process by wire brushing from milled 7075 aluminium alloys objects. Edge states (rounding, chamfering), surface roughness around the edge, microhardness and residual stress distribution were analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

During the machining process, undesirable phenomenon occurs, which is the formation of burrs at the edges of workpieces. They occur in most elements formed by machining. There are many methods that can be used for deburring, but in the case of large components, typical of aerospace industry, using certain methods becomes difficult or uneconomic. Taking advantage of the fact that a part is mounted on the machine, it is advisable to make deburring operation the last action. This operation can be carried out by wire brushing.

Findings

On the basis of conducted studies, it was demonstrated that it was possible to choose such technological brushing conditions as to ensure an effective process of deburring, form appropriate edge state and generate the desired surface layer properties.

Practical implications

The method presented in the article allows for efficient, automatic deburring, especially for large components made of 7075 aluminium alloy. This eliminates manual, time-consuming methods of removing burrs by locksmiths. Moreover, the results allow to evaluate changes occurring in the surface layer after brushing process.

Originality/value

Results of brushing experiment provide full information on selection of technological parameters to obtain the required surface roughness and edge state. Moreover, analysis of surface layer properties (microhardness, residual stress) allows to assess the degree of impact hitting fibre on the workpiece.
Study of low-cycle fatigue of glass-hybrid laminates
Authors: Majerski Krzysztof , Surowska Barbara , Bienias Jaroslaw , Szusta Jaroslaw
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the results of reinforcing fibre metal laminates with glass fibres under low-cycle fatigue conditions in a limited number of cycles.

Design/methodology/approach

The tests were carried out on open-hole rectangular specimens loaded in tension-tension at high load ranges of 80 and 85 per cent of maximum force determined in static test, correspondingly. The number of cycles for destruction has been determined experimentally.

Findings

By means of microscopic observations, it was possible to determine the moment of crack initiation and their growth rate. Furthermore, it was possible to identify the impact of reinforcing fibre orientation in composite layers, material creating the metal layers, on fatigue life and on nature of crack propagation.

Practical implications

This work validates the possibility of increasing the resistance of fibre metal laminates to low-cycle fatigue by modifying the structure of the laminate.

Originality/value

The resistance of fibre metal laminates on low-cycle fatigue is not widely described and the phenomena occurring during degradation are poorly understood.
Influence of ethnic values on public sector performance management
Authors: Lam Newman M.K. , MacGregor James
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether deeply rooted ethnic values persist in public administration in spite of strong foreign influence in education and administrative culture.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the theories and concepts on ethnic values, in particular Chinese and Canadian administrative values in order to examine their differences. Victoria of Canada and Hong Kong of China, both former British colonies, have been selected as the study sites due to their similarity in British education and administrative culture. Comparable samples of human subjects were drawn from the public sectors of Hong Kong and Victoria, who were either students or graduates of a master of public administration program. A questionnaire containing questions on program evaluation and staff promotion was administered to participants.

Findings

The survey results show that, while organizations may have similar administrative systems and cultures, employees revert to their ethnic values for matters concerning their immediate well-being – staff promotion in this case. The findings also suggest that employees endorse good practices and reject bad ones more often than they believe their organizations do.

Research limitations/implications

The purpose of this study is to examine whether lengthy foreign influence can change deeply rooted ethnic culture. The research results are not aimed at and may not be relevant to explaining a current situation.

Practical implications

The research findings may help improve public administration, in particular regarding issues of human resources management.

Social implications

The research findings may provide a better understanding of social behavior in the work place.

Originality/value

This paper contains original data for a comparative analysis that appears to have never been done before. It provides empirical proof that deeply rooted ethnics values are very difficult to change in spite of a long history of foreign influence.
Domestic and overseas doctorates and their academic entry-level jobs in South Korea
Authors: Jung Jisun
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the development and challenges of doctoral education in Korea. In particular, it focusses on the differences between overseas and domestic doctorates in terms of training, supply and demand in the academic workforce, their academic entry-level jobs and employment status.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied document analysis to mainly secondary data sources. The data were drawn from the Statistical Yearbooks of Education, Annual Science and Technology Statistics, the Database for Overseas Doctorates Registration and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Findings

The findings indicate that the doctoral education system in Korea, in terms of both size and quality, has demonstrated significant development for last four decades. However, the results also show that overseas doctorates have relative advantages for their academic job entry over domestic doctorates, and the major research universities are more likely to hire those with overseas doctorates than domestic doctorates.

Originality/value

This study presents the evolution of the doctoral education system in Korea, which has not yet been considered in the international research.
Inbound international student policies in China: a historical perspective
Authors: Wen Wen
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Policies regarding international student enrollment represents diversified responses and attitudes on internationalization of higher education, which is associated not only to the internal reforms of the higher education system but also to the adjustment of government-institution relationships in larger contexts of economic development, and cultural and diplomatic strategies. The purpose of this paper is therefore to analyze the trend of the mainland China’s inbound international student mobility during the past decades in the broader context of the country’s diplomatic and domestic political circumstances.

Design/methodology/approach

By using a historical and holistic approach, this paper identifies four stages of the development of international education for inbound international students, and examines the underpinning ideologies or motives of the trend.

Findings

Findings of this research suggestthat different from the triumph of other Asian countries in international education, neo-liberalism has inserted a very limited impact to the development of international education of the mainland China, mainly at the micro level; the main motive of international education in China is to serve its domestic politics and diplomacy. A type of new nationalism is emerging in China’s recent global strategy.

Originality/value

This paper responds to the broader discussion of natioanlism vs internationalism by looking at the complex relationship between the state, international relations, and higher education institutions.
Determinants of self-reported food safety practices among youths
Authors: Moy Foong Ming , Alias Abd Aziz , Jani Rohana , Abdul Halim Hishamuddin , Low Wah Yun
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the level of food safety practices and their determinants among youths in the city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

An online cross-sectional study was carried out among 1,178 students at a premier university in the city of Kuala Lumpur. A web-based questionnaire pertaining to food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices was e-mailed to all registered students.

Findings

This study found that 61.7 per cent of the respondents had good food safety practices, 89.7 per cent had fair knowledge and slightly less than half of them had positive attitudes regarding food safety. There was significant association between respondents’ attitudes and their food safety practices. No association was found between socio-demographic characteristics, year and field of study and their food safety practices. There was also no significant association between knowledge and food safety practices. Respondents with positive food safety attitudes had higher odds (OR=7.55, 95 per cent CI: 5.66, 10.07) for food safety practices compared to those with negative attitudes.

Research limitations/implications

As the study population consisted only of university students, the results may not be generalised to all youths in the country. Data collection using online self-reported questionnaires may cause misinterpretation. However, the questionnaire was validated and pilot tested prior to data collection. The results can be used in creating greater awareness of food safety practices, especially on positive attitudes among Malaysian youths.

Originality/value

This study describes self-reported food safety practices and their relationship with socio-demographic factors, knowledge, and attitudes of Malaysian university students.