bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental Political Theory’s Contribution to Sustainability Studies
Authors: Thiele Leslie Paul , Tarrant Seaton
Published: March 2016

In this chapter, we examine the relationship between environmental political theory and the development of sustainability studies within US higher education. We assess the incorporation of environmental political theory authors in sustainability classrooms and the extent to which environmental political theory and sustainability studies classrooms engage in experiential, skills-based learning. We situate this pedagogy as an extension of the tradition of the liberal arts, especially as developed by John Dewey, and effectively, as citizenship skill development for democratic societies. To teach twenty-first-century citizenship skills, we maintain, is to teach sustainability skills. This entails educating and empowering students to grapple intellectually and practically with the interdependent social, environmental, and economic challenges that define their current circumstances and future prospects. Environmental political theory can and should become more relevant to sustainability studies programs, primarily by strengthening its mission of engaged theory through the cultivation of experiential learning opportunities.
Reimagining Radical Environmentalism
Authors: Ray Emily , Parson Sean
Published: March 2016

Since the 1970s, three major philosophic perspectives have shaped radical environmental thought: spiritual ecologies, which are best illustrated by deep ecology; humanist ecologies, such as social ecology and eco-Marxism; and luddite ecologies, such as primitivism. On the ground, activism has often embraced a fusion of these perspectives as most Western radical environmentalism brings together a secular sacred regard for all living things with a materialist critique of Western civilization, particularly developments in technology and consumerism. In this chapter we introduce and examine the three major threads of radical environmentalism and provide an analysis of their philosophic strengths and weaknesses. We then argue that activists tend to fuse different aspects of these environmental philosophies together, sometimes intentionally and sometimes unintentionally.
“Nature” and the (Built) Environment
Authors: Vogel Steven
Published: March 2016

Environmentalismshould deal with theenvironment, meaning that which environs us; instead it too frequently deals with “nature.” If the latter term means that part of the world that humans haven’t transformed, the trouble is that naturedoesn’tenviron us: in the Anthropocene, we’re surrounded by an environment that humans have built. An environmentalism of the built environment would worry about why we’ve built it so badly, and would focus on the phenomenon of “reification,” whereby the actual practices of humans in constructing their world are hidden and the things and institutions surrounding us come to seem like “facts of nature.” Environmental problems are not problems about nature: they are social and political problems about how human practices ought to be organized and about the norms by which those practices ought to be guided.
Capital, Environmental Degradation, and Economic Externalization
Authors: Parr Adrian
Published: March 2016

Neo-liberal principles of individualism, privatization, consumption, and unconstrained choice underpinning advanced capitalism are rapidly becoming the predominant strategy used in response to widespread environmental degradation and climate change. This essay describes and analyzes capital’s production of negative environmental externalities. Despite a slew of environmental legislation passed by governments the world over—a response to the demands of the environmental movements of the 1960s and 1970s, environmental degradation persists. Indeed, as the continual rise in greenhouse gas emissions exemplifies, environmental degradation has worsened. How has this happened? On the one hand, the rise of neo-liberal governance and the forces of patrimonial capitalism have compromised the action of the state; on the other, capital has corrupted the autonomy, discourse, and activist charge of the mainstream of the environmental movement, turning it into an ally of private wealth.
Election Forecasting
Authors: Lewis-Beck Michael S. , Tien Charles
Published: March 2016

This article offers a new way to evaluate the pros and cons of predicting US presidential elections: the long view versus the short view. Election forecasters who take the long view stress electoral theory and lead time, examining model performance over several contests. For this view, an overarching goal remains knowledge of how the electoral process works. In contrast, forecasters who take the short view stress accuracy exclusively. Forecasts are made repeatedly, especially near the election. The short view depends increasingly on polls until nothing else matters. The short view also risks setting back the study of elections, for example, fostering the idea of an unstable, even volatile electorate, even though American voters have shown great stability. Finally, the short view forgets the lesson that most variation in national election outcomes can be predicted, even explained, by established rules of political behavior.
Sentencing Policies and Practices in Wisconsin
Authors: O'Hear Michael M.
Published: March 2016

This essay provides an overview of sentencing policies and practices in the state of Wisconsin and considers their impact on the state’s imprisonment rate. Current policies and practices are placed in historical context. Since 1980, state policy has increasingly emphasized the role of the local sentencing judge in determining punishment. Most importantly, a 1998 law ended discretionary parole, which had served as a check on the increasing severity of judge-imposed sentences. Although the state’s prison population remains near its record high of the mid-2000s, there seems little interest in adopting new restrictions on judicial sentencing discretion or otherwise restructuring the sentencing and corrections system in a fundamental way. The essay concludes by describing some more modest reforms that seem politically viable in the near term.
Susceptibility of Sixteen Citrus Genotypes to ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’
Authors: McCollum Greg , Hilf Mark , Irey Mike , Luo Weiqi , Gottwald Tim
Published: March 2016

Huanglongbing (HLB) disease is the most serious threat to citrus production worldwide and, in the last decade, has devastated the Florida citrus industry. In the United States, HLB is associated with the phloem-limited α-proteobacterium ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ and its insect vector, the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP; Diaphorina citri). Significant effort is being put forth to develop novel citrus germplasm that has a lower propensity to succumb to HLB than do currently available varieties. Effective methods of screening citrus germplasm for susceptibility to HLB are essential. In this study, we exposed small, grafted trees of 16 citrus types to free-ranging ACP vectors and ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ inoculum in the greenhouse. During 45 weeks of exposure to ACP, the cumulative incidence of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ infection was 70%. Trees of Citrus macrophylla and C. medica were most susceptible to ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’, with 100% infection by the end of the test period in three trials, while the complex genetic hybrids ‘US 1-4-59’ and ‘Fallglo’ consistently were least susceptible, with approximately 30% infection. Results obtained in this greenhouse experiment showed good agreement with trends observed in the orchard, supporting the validity of our approach for screening citrus germplasm for susceptibility to HLB.
Effects of Acupuncture in Anesthesia for Craniotomy: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Asmussen Sven , Maybauer Dirk M. , Chen Jiande D. , Fraser John F. , Toon Michael H. , Przkora Rene , Jennings Kristofer , Maybauer Marc O.
Published: March 2016

Background:

Acupuncture treatment has been used in China for >2500 years, and at present it is used worldwide as a form of analgesia in patients with acute and chronic pain. Furthermore, acupuncture is regularly used not only as a single anesthetic technique but also as a supplement or in addition to general anesthesia (GA).

Objectives:

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the level of evidence for the clinical use of acupuncture in addition to GA in patients undergoing craniotomy.

Design:

This is a systematic review of randomized controlled trials with meta-analyses.

Data Sources:

The literature search (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) yielded 56 citations, published between 1972 and March 01, 2015. No systematic review or meta-analyses on this topic matched our search criteria. Each article of any language was assessed and rated for the methodological quality of the studies, using the recommendation of the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine. Ten prospective randomized controlled clinical trials with a total of 700 patients were included.

Eligibility Criteria:

Included in the meta-analysis were studies that involved any craniotomy under GA compared with a combination of GA and acupuncture. Exclusion criteria were no acupuncture during surgery, no GA during surgery, only postoperative data available, animal studies, and low grade of evidence.

Results:

The use of acupuncture significantly reduced the amount of volatile anesthetics during surgery (P<0.001) and led to faster extubation time (P=0.001) and postoperative patient recovery (P=0.003). In addition, significantly reduced blood levels of the brain tissue injury marker S100β 48 hours after operation (P=0.001) and occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (P=0.017) were observed. No patient studied suffered from awareness.

Conclusions:

The analysis suggests that the complementary use of acupuncture for craniotomy has additional analgesic effects, reduces the needed amount of volatile anesthetic, reduces the onset of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and might have protective effects on brain tissue. Our findings may stimulate future randomized controlled trials to provide definitive recommendations.
Ilizarov arthrodesis as a salvage procedure in infected posttraumatic arthritic ankle: experience in 11 patients
Authors: Said Elsayed Abdulhameed , Abdelgaid Sherif Mohamed , Addosooki Ahmad , Refae Hesham Hamed
Published: March 2016

Background:

Ankle arthrodesis is the most common procedure for the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. Several techniques are used to achieve solid fusion; however, Ilizarov external fixation is preferable in complex cases such as those involving bone loss, infection, or poor condition of the soft-tissue envelope.

Methods:

Between 2010 and 2013, 11 patients with end-stage posttraumatic ankle arthritis complicated by infection, irrespective of bone loss status, were treated with Ilizarov external fixation. The average patient age was 32.5 yr (range, 16–52 yr), including eight male and three female patients. All cases were posttraumatic and exhibited infection, with three also showing bone defects. Bone lengthening after acute shortening was performed in three patients.

Results:

Solid fusion was achieved within a mean period of 21.5 wk in all the patients. Infection was eliminated in 10 patients. Most patients accomplished unassisted full weight bearing activity, with the exception of two who required walking aids. Pin track infection occurred in seven patients, with only one needing surgical treatment. Based on the modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scoring system, the mean score was 74 (range, 62–85); the results were graded as excellent in three, good in six, and fair in two. Among the patients examined, nine (82%) were satisfied with the outcome of treatment.

Conclusions:

Ankle arthrodesis using the Ilizarov technique provides a successful salvage option for the treatment of complicated posttraumatic arthritic ankles by yielding solid fusion, eradication of infection, leg-length optimization, and compensation for bone loss.
Hospital Readmission Within 2 Years Following Adult Thoracolumbar Spinal Deformity Surgery
Authors: Passias Peter G. , Klineberg Eric O. , Jalai Cyrus M. , Worley Nancy , Poorman Gregory W. , Line Breton , Oh Cheongeun , Burton Douglas C. , Kim Han Jo , Sciubba Daniel M. , Hamilton D. Kojo , Ames Christopher P. , Smith Justin S. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Lafage Virginie , Bess Shay
Published: March 2016

Study Design.

A retrospective review of prospective multicenter database.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to identify factors influencing readmission, reoperation, and the impact on health-related quality of life outcomes (HRQoLs) in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery.

Summary of Background Data.

Many ASD patients experience complications requiring readmission. It is important to identify baseline/operative factors leading to rehospitalizations and reoperation, which may impact outcomes.

Methods.

Inclusion criteria: ASD surgical patients (age >18 yrs, major coronal Cobb ≥20°, sagittal vertical axis ≥5 cm, pelvic tilt ≥25°, and/or thoracic kyphosis >60°) with complete baseline, 1-, and 2-year follow-up. Patients were grouped on the basis of readmission occurrence (yes/no) and type [medical (no reoperation) vs. surgical (revision surgery)]. Readmissions caused by infections requiring surgical treatment (e.g., deep infections) were considered reoperations. Univariate and multivariate analyses determined readmission and reoperation predictors. Repeated measures mixed models evaluated readmission impact on HRQoLs at 1 and 2 years.

Results.

Three hundred thirty-four patients were included: 76 (22.8%) readmissions, involving 65 (85.5% of 76) reoperations (surgical readmission) and 11 (14.5% of 76) medical readmissions. The most common surgical readmission indication (n = 65) was implant complications (36.9%; rod breakage n = 13); the most common medical readmission indication was infection (36.4%, n = 4), treated with antibiotics. Noninfectious medical readmission (n = 7) included pleural effusion, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), intraoperative blood loss, neurologic, and unspecified. Readmission predictors: increased number of major peri-operative complications [odds ratio (OR) 5.13, P = 0.014], infection presence (OR 25.02, P = 0.001), implant complications (OR 6.12, P < 0.001), and radiographic complications (DJK, proximal junctional kyphosis, pseudoarthrosis, sagittal/coronal imbalance) (OR 16.94, P < 0.001). HRQoL analysis revealed overall improvement of the full cohort (P < 0.01), though the 76 readmitted improved less overall and at each time point P < 0.001) except in 6-week MCS (P = 0.14).

Conclusion.

Major peri-operative, implant, radiographic, and infection complications during index were associated with increased readmission odds. Implant complications most frequently caused surgical readmissions. Readmitted patients improved in outcome scores, although less compared with the nonreadmitted cohort, yet displayed reduced 6-week SF-36 Mental Component Summary.

Level of Evidence: 3
A One-Nearest-Neighbor Approach to Identify the Original Time of Infection Using Censored Baboon Sepsis Data*
Authors: Zhang Li Ang , Parker Robert S. , Swigon David , Banerjee Ipsita , Bahrami Soheyl , Redl Heinz , Clermont Gilles
Published: March 2016

Objectives:

Sepsis therapies have proven to be elusive because of the difficulty of translating biologically sound and effective interventions in animal models to humans. A part of this problem originates from the fact that septic patients present at various times after the onset of sepsis, whereas the exact time of infection is controlled in animal models. We sought to determine whether data mining longitudinal physiologic data in a nonhuman primate model of Escherichia coli–induced sepsis could help inform the time of onset of infection.

Design:

A nearest-neighbor approach was used to back cast the time of onset of infection in animal models of sepsis. Animal data were censored to simulate prospective monitoring at any moment along the septic infection. This was compared against an uncensored database to find the most similar animal in order to estimate the infection onset time. Leave-one-out cross-validation was used for validation. Biomarker selection was performed based on the criteria of estimation accuracy and/or ease of measurement.

Setting:

Computational experimental on existing experimental data.

Subjects:

Retrospective data from 33 septic baboons (Papio ursinus) subjected to Escherichia coli infusion. Validation was performed using 14 pigs that were subjected to surgically induced fecal peritonitis and 22 pigs that were subjected to lipopolysaccharide infusion.

Measurements and Main Results:

Longitudinal physiologic and serum markers, time of death. The presence of uniquely changing biomarkers during septic infection enabled the estimation of infection onset time in the datasets. Various combinations of temporal biomarkers, such as WBC, oxygen content, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate, yielded estimation accuracies of up to 97.8%. The use of temporal vital signs and a single measurement of serum biomarkers yielded highly accurate estimates without the need for invasive measurements. Validation in the pig data revealed similar results despite the heterogeneity of multiple experimental cohorts. This suggests that the method may be effective if sufficiently similar subjects are present in the database.

Conclusions:

One nearest-neighbor analysis showed promise in accurately identifying the onset of infection given a database of known infection times and of sufficient breadth. We suggest that this approach is ready for evaluation within the clinical setting using human data.
Longitudinal Changes in ICU Admissions Among Elderly Patients in the United States*
Authors: Sjoding Michael W. , Prescott Hallie C. , Wunsch Hannah , Iwashyna Theodore J. , Cooke Colin R.
Published: March 2016

Objectives:

Changes in population demographics and comorbid illness prevalence, improvements in medical care, and shifts in care delivery may be driving changes in the composition of patients admitted to the ICU. We sought to describe the changing demographics, diagnoses, and outcomes of patients admitted to critical care units in the U.S. hospitals.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

U.S. hospitals.

Patients:

There were 27.8 million elderly (age, > 64 yr) fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized with an intensive care or coronary care room and board charge from 1996 to 2010.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

We aggregated primary International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification discharge diagnosis codes into diagnoses and disease categories. We examined trends in demographics, primary diagnosis, and outcomes among patients with critical care stays. Between 1996 and 2010, we found significant declines in patients with a primary diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease (26.6 to 12.6% of admissions) and congestive heart failure (8.5 to 5.4% of admissions). Patients with infectious diseases increased from 8.8% to 17.2% of admissions, and explicitly labeled sepsis moved from the 11th-ranked diagnosis in 1996 to the top-ranked primary discharge diagnosis in 2010. Crude in-hospital mortality rose (11.3 to 12.0%), whereas discharge destinations among survivors shifted, with an increase in discharges to hospice and postacute care facilities.

Conclusions:

Primary diagnoses of patients admitted to critical care units have substantially changed over 15 years. Funding agencies, physician accreditation groups, and quality improvement initiatives should ensure that their efforts account for the shifting epidemiology of critical illness.
Overview of Current Treatment Options and Investigational Targeted Therapies for Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Zibelman Matthew , Mehra Ranee
Published: March 2016

Patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) typically present with locally advanced (LA) stage III or IV disease and are treated with combined-modality therapy with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery (if resectable). These aggressive, upfront treatment measures are often associated with substantial morbidity, and about half the patients develop locoregional or distant recurrences. Thus, new therapeutic strategies are needed that offer similar efficacy benefits with less toxicity. Current research is focused on selectively targeting signaling pathways involved in the proliferation and malignant transformation of SCCHN cells and the tumor microenvironment. For example, the ErbB receptor pathway has been implicated in the development and progression of SCCHN, and several agents targeting this pathway and downstream effectors are in various phases of clinical investigation. Cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), is the only currently approved targeted therapy for the treatment of LA SCCHN. Additional agents targeting EGFR and other ErbB family members, including monoclonal antibodies (eg, panitumumab, nimotuzumab) and small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (eg, erlotinib, afatinib, lapatinib) are being studied in LA SCCHN with varying results. Other treatment strategies for LA SCCHN include targeting downstream effectors of signaling and resistance mechanisms to EGFR inhibitors (eg, mammalian target of rapamycin, Src family, and Aurora kinase family). Data from ongoing and future clinical trials will continue to refine current treatment paradigms for LA SCCHN and provide new therapeutic options and potential predictive biomarkers to improve patient efficacy and safety and abrogate resistance.
Age Bias in Time From Diagnosis Comparisons of Prostate Cancer Treatment
Authors: Kendal Wayne S.
Published: March 2016

Objectives:

Observational studies of prostate cancer treatment have demonstrated a major survival benefit with prostatectomy; randomized trials have been less certain in this regard. This discrepancy is hypothesized to be due to the use survival calculations based on time from diagnosis (TFD), which can bias toward better survival for younger cohorts. Attained age is an alternative timescale that can mitigate this effect. A Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results comparison of prostatectomy, radiotherapy (XRT), and conservative management for localized prostatic cancer was conducted to compare these 2 timescales.

Methods:

Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to contrast overall survival based on TFD and attained age from 279,064 prostate cancer cases. Proportional hazards models were constructed and baseline hazard functions estimated.

Results:

The prostatectomy cohort averaged 9 to 12 years younger than the radiotherapy or conservative management cohorts, and the baseline hazard depended more strongly upon age than TFD. Survival calculations based on TFD demonstrated a major benefit with prostatectomy compared with XRT and conservative management, consistent with prior observational studies. Calculations based on attained age, however, demonstrated lesser differences between treatment cohorts and were more consistent with published randomized trials.

Conclusions:

The survival benefit apparent to prostatectomy in conventional observational cohort studies could reflect an age-related bias attributable to their use of TFD analysis. Care is warranted in the choice of timescale in observational analysis if large age differences exist between treatment cohorts. Randomized controlled trials remain the most reliable means to compare prostate cancer treatments.
MULTIFOCAL CHOROIDITIS IN DISSEMINATED SPOROTRICHOSIS IN PATIENTS WITH HIV/AIDS
Authors: Biancardi Ana L. , Freitas Dayvison F. S. , Valviesse Vitor R. G. de A. , Andrade Hugo B. , de Oliveira Manoel M. E. , do Valle Antonio C. F. , Zancope-Oliveira Rosely M. , Galhardo Maria C. G. , Curi Andre L. L.
Published: March 2016

Purpose:

In this article, the authors describe multifocal choroiditis related to disseminated sporotrichosis in patients with HIV/AIDS.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective observational study of three patients infected with HIV who presented with disseminated sporotrichosis characterized by cutaneous lesions, multifocal choroiditis, and other manifestations, including osteomyelitis and involvement of the bone marrow, larynx, pharynx, and nasal and oral mucosa.

Results:

Five eyes of three patients with HIV/AIDS showed multifocal choroiditis related to disseminated sporotrichosis. The CD4+ counts ranged from 25 to 53 mm−3. All patients were asymptomatic visually. The ocular disease was bilateral in two patients. The lesion size ranged from 1/3 to 2 disc diameters. None of the patients had vitritis. Of the 12 lesions, 9 were localized in the posterior pole (Zone 1) and 3 were localized in the mild periphery (Zone 2).

Conclusion:

Multifocal choroiditis due to disseminated sporotrichosis can occur in profoundly immunosuppressed patients with HIV/AIDS.
Disaster preparedness and response improvement: comparison of the 2010 Haiti earthquake-related diagnoses with baseline medical data
Authors: van Berlaer Gerlant , Staes Tom , Danschutter Dirk , Ackermans Ronald , Zannini Stefano , Rossi Gabriele , Buyl Ronald , Gijs Geert , Debacker Michel , Hubloue Ives
Published: March 2016

Objectives

Disaster medicine research generally lacks control groups. This study aims to describe categories of diagnoses encountered by the Belgian First Aid and Support Team after the 2010 Haiti earthquake and extract earthquake-related changes from comparison with comparable baseline data. The hypothesis is that besides earthquake-related trauma, medical problems emerge soon, questioning an appropriate composition of Foreign Medical Teams and Interagency Emergency Health Kits.

Methods

Using a descriptive cohort study design, diagnoses of patients presenting to the Belgian field hospital were prospectively registered during 4 weeks after the earthquake and compared with those recorded similarly by Médecins Sans Frontières in the same area and time span in previous and later years.

Results

Of 7000 triaged postearthquake patients, 3500 were admitted, of whom 2795 were included and analysed. In the fortnight after the earthquake, 90% suffered from injury. In the following fortnight, medical diseases emerged, particularly respiratory (23%) and digestive (14%). More than 53% developed infections within 3 weeks after the event. Médecins Sans Frontières registered 6407 patients in 2009; 6033 in 2011; and 7300 in 2012. A comparison indicates that postearthquake patients suffered significantly less from violence, but more from wounds, respiratory, digestive and ophthalmological diseases.

Conclusion

This is the first comparison of postearthquake diagnoses with baseline data. Within 2 weeks after the acute phase of an earthquake, respiratory, digestive and ophthalmological problems will emerge to the prejudice of trauma. This fact should be anticipated when composing Foreign Medical Teams and Interagency Emergency Health Kits to be sent to the disaster site.
Grand paternal inheritance of an acquired metabolic trait induced by ancestral obesity is associated with sperm RNA
Authors: Cropley Jennifer E , Eaton Sally A , Aiken Alastair , Young Paul E , Giannoulatou Eleni , Ho Joshua WK , Buckland Michael E , Keam Simon P , Hutvagner Gyorgy , Humphreys David T , Langley Katherine G , Henstridge Darren , Martin David , Febbraio Mark A , Suter Catherine M
Published: March 2016

Parental exposure to an environmental challenge can induce phenotypes in offspring independent of the inherited DNA sequence. Whether such acquired traits can be inherited, i.e., can manifest in a generation beyond that exposed to the precipitating insult as germ cells, is unclear. Here we report a latent metabolic phenotype induced by paternal obesity that is inherited into a second generation, without germ cell exposure. Sons of obese male mice exhibit defects in glucose and lipid metabolism that are only unmasked by post-weaning dietary challenge, yet they transmit these defects to their own progeny (F2) in the absence of the challenge. F1 sperm exhibit changes in the abundance of several small RNA species, including diet responsive tRNA-derived fragments. These data suggest that induced metabolic phenotypes may be propagated for multiple generations through the actions of noncoding RNA.
Hierarchical cortical transcriptome disorganization in autism
Authors: Lombardo Michael V. , Courchesne Eric , Lewis Nathan E. , Pramparo Tiziano
Published: March 2016

Background

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are etiologically heterogeneous and complex. Functional genomics work has begun to identify a diverse array of dysregulated transcriptomic programs (e.g., synaptic, immune, cell cycle, DNA damage, WNT signaling, cortical patterning and differentiation) potentially involved in ASD brain abnormalities during childhood and adulthood. However, it remains unclear whether such diverse dysregulated pathways are independent of each other or instead reflect coordinated hierarchical systems-level pathology.

Methods

Two ASD cortical transcriptome datasets were re-analyzed using consensus weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify common coexpression modules across datasets. Linear mixed-effect models and Bayesian replication statistics were used to identify replicable differentially expressed modules. Eigengene network analysis was then utilized to identify between-group differences in how co-expression modules interact and cluster into hierarchical meta-modular organization. Protein-protein interaction analyses were also used to determine whether dysregulated co-expression modules show enhanced interactions.

Results

We find replicable evidence for 10 gene co-expression modules that are differentially expressed in ASD cortex. Rather than being independent non-interacting sources of pathology, these dysregulated co-expression modules work in synergy and physically interact at the protein level. These systems-level transcriptional signals are characterized by downregulation of synaptic processes coordinated with upregulation of immune/inflammation, response to other organism, catabolism, viral processes, translation, protein targeting and localization, cell proliferation, and vasculature development. Hierarchical organization of meta-modules (clusters of highly correlated modules) is also highly affected in ASD.

Conclusions

These findings highlight that dysregulation of the ASD cortical transcriptome is characterized by the dysregulation of multiple coordinated transcriptional programs producing synergistic systems-level effects that cannot be fully appreciated by studying the individual component biological processes in isolation.
The Effects of Evolution and Spatial Structure on Diversity in Biological Reserves
Authors: Dolson Emily L. , Wiser Michael J. , Ofria Charles
Published: March 2016

Conservation ecologists have long argued over the best way of placing reserves across an environment to maximize population diversity. Many have studied the effect of protecting many small regions of an ecosystem vs. a single large region, with varied results. However, this research tends to ignore evolutionary dynamics under the rationale that the spatiotemporal scale required is prohibitive. We used the Avida digital evolution research platform to overcome this barrier and study the response of phenotypic diversity to eight different reserve placement configurations. The capacity for mutation,and therefore evolution, substantially altered the dynamics of diversity in the population. When mutations were allowed, reserve configurations involving a greater number of consequently smaller reserves were substantially more effective at maintaining existing diversity and generating new diversity. However, when mutations were disallowed, reserve configuration had little effect on diversity generation and maintenance. While further research is necessary before translating these results into policy decisions, this study demonstrates the importance of considering evolution when making such decisions and suggests that a larger number of smaller reserves may have evolutionary benefits.
Nomadic Lifestyle ofLactobacillus plantarumRevealed by Comparative Genomics of 54 strains Isolated from Different Niches
Authors: Martino Maria Elena , Bayjanov Jumamurat R. , Caffrey Brian E. , Wels Michiel , Joncour Pauline , Hughes Sandrine , Gillet Benjamin , Kleerebezem Michiel , van Hijum Sacha A.F.T. , Leulier François
Published: March 2016

The ability of many bacteria to adapt to diverse environmental conditions is well known. Recent research has linked the process of bacterial adaptation to a niche to changes in the genome content and size, showing that many bacterial genomes reflect the constraints imposed by their habitat. However, some highly versatile bacteria are found in diverse niches that almost share nothing in common.Lactobacillus plantarumis a lactic acid bacterium that is found in a large variety of niches. With the aim of unravelling the link between genome evolution and ecological versatility ofL. plantarum,we analysed the genomes of 54L. plantarumstrains isolated from different environments. Phylogenomic analyses coupled with the study of genetic functional divergence and gene-trait matching analysis revealed a mixed distribution of the strains, which was uncoupled from their environmental origin. Our findings demonstrate the high complexity ofL. plantarumevolution, revealing the absence of specific genomic signatures marking adaptations of this species towards the diverse habitats it is associated with. This suggests fundamentally similar and parallel trends of genome evolution inL. plantarum,which occur in a manner that is apparently uncoupled from ecological constraint and reflects the nomadic lifestyle of this species.
Septins are involved at the early stages of macroautophagy inS. cerevisiae
Authors: Barve Gaurav , Sridhar Shreyas , Aher Amol , Singh Sunaina , K.N. Lakshmeesha , Manjithaya Ravi
Published: March 2016

Autophagy is a conserved cellular degradation pathway wherein a double membrane vesicle, called as an autophagosome captures longlived proteins, damaged or superfluous organelles and delivers to the lysosome for degradation1. We have identified a novel role for septins in autophagy. Septins are GTP-binding proteins that localize at the bud-neck and are involved in cytokinesis in budding yeast2. We show that septins under autophagy prevalent conditions are majorly localized to the cytoplasm in the form of punctate structures. Further, we report that septins not only localize to pre-autophagosomal structure (PAS) but also to autophagosomes in the form of punctate structures. Interestingly, septins also form small non-canonical rings around PAS during autophagy. Furthermore, we observed that in one of the septin Ts" mutant,cdc10-5, the anterograde trafficking of Atg9 was affected at the non-permissive temperature (NPT). All these results suggest a role of septins in early stages of autophagy during autophagosome formation.
Integrated molecular mechanism directing nucleosome reorganization by human FACT
Authors: Tsunaka Yasuo , Fujiwara Yoshie , Oyama Takuji , Hirose Susumu , Morikawa Kosuke
Published: March 2016

Facilitates chromatin transcription (FACT) plays essential roles in chromatin remodeling during DNA transcription, replication, and repair. Our structural and biochemical studies of human FACT–histone interactions present precise views of nucleosome reorganization, conducted by the FACT-SPT16 (suppressor of Ty 16) Mid domain and its adjacent acidic AID segment. AID accesses the H2B N-terminal basic region exposed by partial unwrapping of the nucleosomal DNA, thereby triggering the invasion of FACT into the nucleosome. The crystal structure of the Mid domain complexed with an H3–H4 tetramer exhibits two separate contact sites; the Mid domain forms a novel intermolecular β structure with H4. At the other site, the Mid–H2A steric collision on the H2A-docking surface of the H3–H4 tetramer within the nucleosome induces H2A–H2B displacement. This integrated mechanism results in disrupting the H3 αN helix, which is essential for retaining the nucleosomal DNA ends, and hence facilitates DNA stripping from histone.
Nucleosome repositioning underlies dynamic gene expression
Authors: Nocetti Nicolas , Whitehouse Iestyn
Published: March 2016

Nucleosome repositioning at gene promoters is a fundamental aspect of the regulation of gene expression. However, the extent to which nucleosome repositioning is used within eukaryotic genomes is poorly understood. Here we report a comprehensive analysis of nucleosome positions as budding yeast transit through an ultradian cycle in which expression of >50% of all genes is highly synchronized. We present evidence of extensive nucleosome repositioning at thousands of gene promoters as genes are activated and repressed. During activation, nucleosomes are relocated to allow sites of general transcription factor binding and transcription initiation to become accessible. The extent of nucleosome shifting is closely related to the dynamic range of gene transcription and generally related to DNA sequence properties and use of the coactivators TFIID or SAGA. However, dynamic gene expression is not limited to SAGA-regulated promoters and is an inherent feature of most genes. While nucleosome repositioning occurs pervasively, we found that a class of genes required for growth experience acute nucleosome shifting as cells enter the cell cycle. Significantly, our data identify that the ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling enzyme Snf2 plays a fundamental role in nucleosome repositioning and the expression of growth genes. We also reveal that nucleosome organization changes extensively in concert with phases of the cell cycle, with large, regularly spaced nucleosome arrays being established in mitosis. Collectively, our data and analysis provide a framework for understanding nucleosome dynamics in relation to fundamental DNA-dependent transactions.
The execution of marketing strategies in a developing economy
Authors: Appiah-Adu Kwaku , Amoako George Kofi
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how market leaders use marketing strategies to maintain strong performance in their respective sectors within different economic contexts in an emerging developing economy.

Design/methodology/approach

– Case studies of three consistent, high performing market leaders based on the Ghana Club 100 rankings over the past decade are conducted. This involves structured interviews with chief executive officers (CEOs) and chief marketing officers (CMOs) of the organisations studied.

Findings

– The findings indicate that irrespective of the country of origin of the firm, or the economic context in a developing country, effective marketing strategies can be used to enhance the performance of organisations in their respective sectors.

Originality/value

– The approach used in this paper enables the authors to address the effectiveness of the marketing strategies across the past three decades covering the periods of pre-, during and post-economic reforms, and to examine the influence of different types of ownership (local, mixed foreign/local ownership and a multinational) on the execution of marketing strategies in a developing economy.
Design of a novel permanent magnet linear synchronous motor with segmented armature core for ropeless lifter
Authors: Lu Qinfen , Huang Liren , Ye Yunyue , Huang Xiaoyan , Fang Youtong
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Due to the merits of direct driven, high thrust density and high efficiency, PM linear synchronous motor (PMLSM) is pretty suitable for the long-stroke ropeless lifter. However, the vibration caused by detent force and difficulty of maintenance become the barriers that restrict its application. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– In order to simplify structure and improve driving performance, a novel PMLSM with segmented armature core and end non-overlapping windings is proposed. The analytical formula of detent force is derived based on energy method and harmonic analysis, which is validated by two-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA). Moreover, with erected parametric FEA calculation, the selection principles of slot-pole number combination and interval distance to this novel structure are obtained. Finally, the heat dissipation ability of conventional PMLSM and novel PMLSM are compared through thermal analysis.

Findings

– In novel PMLSM, it is found that the (3m+1) and (3m+2) order harmonic components of thrust force are eliminated, which leads to a better driving performance in comparison with the conventional structure. Furthermore, the good heat dissipation ability of novel structure makes it possible for higher thrust density, which is crucial for ropeless lifter.

Originality/value

– The novel PMLSM has excellent driving performance, simple structure for maintenance, possibility of modular production and high thrust density. It is a strong candidate for long-stroke ropeless lifter.
Investigation of modular odd-pole PM linear synchronous motors with flux gaps
Authors: Shi Jiameng , Kong Hao , Huang Liren , Lu Qinfen , Ye Yunyue
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Nowadays, to simplify manufacture process and improve fault-tolerant capability, more and more modular electrical machines are being applied in industrial areas. The purpose of this paper is to investigate a novel modular single-sided flat permanent magnet linear synchronous motor (PMLSM), which adopts segmented armature with the required flux gaps between segments to enhance the performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using 2D finite element analysis, the performances, such as open-flux linkage, back-EMF, average thrust force, thrust ripple, etc., are compared in different values of flux gaps, as well as different slot/pole number combinations (mainly odd numbers of poles). Finally, to show the difference of linear motor from rotary one, the detailed comparison is made between modular PMLSM and rotary PMSM.

Findings

– Due to flux gaps, it is found the electromagnetic performances are worsened along with flux gap width increasing to modular PMLSMs having slot number higher than pole number, but some aspects of performances such as winding factor, open-circuit flux linkage, back-EMF and average thrust can be improved to those having slot number lower than pole number. Due to the end effect of linear format, the thrust ripple is not significantly improved.

Originality/value

– It is concluded the proper flux gaps can be chosen to improve the performance of PMLSM with certain slot/pole combinations. A new structure of 12-slot-13-pole (hereinafter referred to as 12s/13p) PMLSM with fractional slot and alternative-teeth wound winding is designed.
Cogging torque in SPM machine with segmented stator
Authors: Shen Jian-Xin , Cai Shun , Yuan Jian , Cao Shuai , Shi Cen-Wei
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the cogging torque in a surface-mounted permanent magnet (SPM) machine with both uniformly and non-uniformly segmented stator cores and to find out the optimal solution of stator core segmenting.

Design/methodology/approach

– The cogging torque with segmented stators is synthesized from a single slot model, and analytical prediction is given to analyze the cogging torque with both uniformly and non-uniformly segmented stators. Finite element method (FEM) is used to figure out the electromagnetic field and validate the analytical prediction. Moreover, models with various shapes and positions of connecting tongues between the stator core segments are explored to achieve the optimal design.

Findings

– The cogging torque is found to be greatly related to the number of segments and the electrical angle between adjacent additional air gaps caused by the tolerance of stator segments. Different shapes of the connecting tongues are tested and proved to be of great importance to the flux density, both radial and tangential, and therefore affect the cogging torque. Finally, position of the connecting tongues is perceived to have little influence on the performance of machine.

Practical/implications

– By utilizing analytical prediction and FEM calculation, the optimal solution is discussed to minimize the cogging torque in the SPM machine from the perspective of the stator core segmentation.

Originality/value

– This paper establishes formula of cogging torque with segmented stators and predicts the variation of cogging torque with analytical method. Besides, different combinations of segments are compared and measures to reduce the cogging torque produced by the segmentation are proposed.
Fundamental characteristics and first prototype of a novel claw pole type half-wave rectified variable field flux motor
Authors: Abe Takashi , Ohba Ryohei , Higuchi Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Recently, considerable attention has been attracted to the development of the new concept motor for EV or HEV. Wider torque and speed controllable operating range and high efficiency under driving area are needed for traction motor. The purpose of this paper is to realize the new concept variable field flux motor with claw pole rotor and brushless robust structure for high-speed range.

Design/methodology/approach

– In the previous paper, the authors proposed a half-wave rectified brushless variable field flux method with a diode inserted into the field winding. This paper presents a designing for a novel claw pole rotor type motor using the variable field flux method (CP-HVFM). The claw pole type rotor has simple and robust structure for high-speed operation. This paper describes a first prototype design result for CP-HVFM using 3D-FEM. And the authors report the torque and efficiency characteristic results using 3D-FEM.

Findings

– The authors have studied the designing for CP-HVFM using 3D-FEM. The designed prototype CP-HVFM reached a rated power of 2 kW or more at a rated speed 1,800 rpm under design restrictions of experimental equipment and initial specifications. In addition, the authors found the ratio of the tip and root embrace of the claw pole shape for maximum average torque and minimum torque ripple. Finally, the authors revealed an influence of the armature current on the torque and the efficiency characteristic results for the designed prototype CP-HVFM using 3D-FEM.

Originality/value

– The half-wave rectified brushless variable field flux method proved to be effective for the claw pole rotor type motor. And also the authors found the best claw pole shape for torque characteristic. This results are applied to another concept motor for EV or HEV.