bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The daunting polygenicity of mental illness: making a new map
Authors: Hyman Steven E.
Published: March 2018

An epochal opportunity to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of psychiatric disorders has emerged from advances in genomic technology, new computational tools and the growth of international consortia committed to data sharing. The resulting large-scale, unbiased genetic studies have begun to yield new biological insights and with them the hope that a half century of stasis in psychiatric therapeutics will come to an end. Yet a sobering picture is coming into view; it reveals daunting genetic and phenotypic complexity portending enormous challenges for neurobiology. Successful exploitation of results from genetics will require eschewal of long-successful reductionist approaches to investigation of gene function, a commitment to supplanting much research now conducted in model organisms with human biology, and development of new experimental systems and computational models to analyse polygenic causal influences. In short, psychiatric neuroscience must develop a new scientific map to guide investigation through a polygenic
terra incognita
.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Of mice and mental health: facilitating dialogue between basic and clinical neuroscientists’.
Can we use mice to study schizophrenia?
Authors: Canetta Sarah , Kellendonk Christoph
Published: March 2018

The validity of rodent models for the study of psychiatric disorders is controversial. Despite great efforts from academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies, as of today, no major therapeutic intervention has been developed for the treatment of psychiatric disorders based on mechanistic insights from rodent models. Here, we argue that despite these historical shortcomings, rodent studies are nevertheless instrumental for identifying neuronal circuit mechanisms underlying behaviours that are affected in psychiatric disorders. Focusing on schizophrenia, we will give four examples of rodent models that were generated based on genetic and environmental risk factors or pathophysiological evidence as entry points. We will then discuss how circuit analysis in these specific examples can be used for testing hypotheses about neuronal mechanisms underlying symptoms of schizophrenia, which will then guide the development of new therapies.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Of mice and mental health: facilitating dialogue between basic and clinical neuroscientists’.
The surprising subtleties of changing fear memory: a challenge for translational science
Authors: Kindt Merel
Published: March 2018

Current pharmacological and psychological treatments for disorders of emotional memory only dampen the affective response while leaving the original fear memory intact. Under adverse circumstances, these original memories regain prominence, causing relapses in many patients. The (re)discovery in neuroscience that after reactivation consolidated fear memories may return to a transient labile state, requiring a process of restabilization in order to persist, offers a window of opportunity for modifying fear memories with amnestic agents. This process, known as memory reconsolidation, opens avenues for developing a revolutionary treatment for emotional memory disorders. The reconsolidation intervention challenges the dominant pharmacological and psychological models of treatment: it is only effective when the amnestic drug is given in conjunction with memory reactivation during a specific time window, and a modification of cognitive processes is a boundary condition for changing fear. Notwithstanding the dramatic effects of targeting memory reconsolidation in the laboratory (i.e. proof of principle), the greatest hurdle to overcome is that the success of the manipulation depends on subtle differences in the reactivation procedure. These experimental parameters cannot be easily controlled in clinical practice. In harnessing the clinical potential of memory reconsolidation, a heuristic for
bi-directionally translating
behavioural neuroscience and clinical science is proposed.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Of mice and mental health: facilitating dialogue between basic and clinical neuroscientists’.
Data-driven criteria to assess fear remission and phenotypic variability of extinction in rats
Authors: Shumake Jason , Jones Carolyn , Auchter Allison , Monfils Marie-Hélène
Published: March 2018

Fear conditioning is widely employed to examine the mechanisms that underlie dysregulations of the fear system. Various manipulations are often used following fear acquisition to attenuate fear memories. In rodent studies, freezing is often the main output measure to quantify ‘fear’. Here, we developed data-driven criteria for defining a standard benchmark that indicates remission from conditioned fear and for identifying subgroups with differential treatment responses. These analyses will enable a better understanding of individual differences in treatment responding.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Of mice and mental health: facilitating dialogue between basic and clinical neuroscientists’.
Using mouse transgenic and human stem cell technologies to model genetic mutations associated with schizophrenia and autism
Authors: St. Clair David , Johnstone Mandy
Published: March 2018

Solid progress has occurred over the last decade in our understanding of the molecular genetic basis of neurodevelopmental disorders, and of schizophrenia and autism in particular. Although the genetic architecture of both disorders is far more complex than previously imagined, many key loci have at last been identified. This has allowedin vivoandin vitrotechnologies to be refined to model specific high-penetrant genetic loci involved in both disorders. Using theDISC1/NDE1andCYFIP1/EIF4Eloci as exemplars, we explore the opportunities and challenges of using animal models and human-induced pluripotent stem cell technologies to further understand/treat and potentially reverse the worst consequences of these debilitating disorders.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Of mice and mental health: facilitating dialogue between basic and clinical neuroscientists’.
Multiple memory systems, multiple time points: how science can inform treatment to control the expression of unwanted emotional memories
Authors: Visser Renée M. , Lau-Zhu Alex , Henson Richard N. , Holmes Emily A.
Published: March 2018

Memories that have strong emotions associated with them are particularly resilient to forgetting. This is not necessarily problematic, however some aspects of memory can be. In particular, the involuntary expression of those memories, e.g. intrusive memories after trauma, are core to certain psychological disorders. Since the beginning of this century, research using animal models shows that it is possible to change the underlying memory, for example by interfering with its consolidation or reconsolidation. While the idea of targeting maladaptive memories is promising for the treatment of stress and anxiety disorders, a direct application of the procedures used in non-human animals to humans in clinical settings is not straightforward. In translational research, more attention needs to be paid to specifying what aspect of memory (i) can be modified and (ii) should be modified. This requires a clear conceptualization of what aspect of memory is being targeted, and how different memory expressions may map onto clinical symptoms. Furthermore, memory processes are dynamic, so procedural details concerning timing are crucial when implementing a treatment and when assessing its effectiveness. To target emotional memory in its full complexity, including its malleability, science cannot rely on a single method, species or paradigm. Rather, a constructive dialogue is needed between multiple levels of research, all the way ‘from mice to mental health’.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Of mice and mental health: facilitating dialogue between basic and clinical neuroscientists'.
Arimoclomol as a potential therapy for neuronopathic Gaucher Disease
Authors: Fog-Tonnesen Cathrine K. , Zago Paola , Malini Erika , Solanko Lukasz M. , Peruzzo Paolo , Bornaes Claus , Magnoni Raffaella , Petersen Nikolaj H. T. , Bembi Bruno , Dardis Andrea , Kirkegaard Thomas
Published: March 2018

Gaucher Disease (GD) is caused by mutations of the GBA gene which encodes the lysosomal enzyme acid beta-glucosidase (GCase). GBA mutations commonly affect GCase function by perturbing its protein homeostasis rather than its catalytic activity. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are well known cytoprotective molecules with numerous functions in protein homeostasis and lysosomal function and their manipulation has been suggested as a potential therapeutic strategy for GD. The investigational drug arimoclomol, which is currently in phase II/III clinical trials, is a well-characterized HSP amplifier and has been extensively clinically tested. Importantly, arimoclomol efficiently crosses the blood-brain-barrier hereby presenting an opportunity to target the neurological manifestations of GD, which remains without a disease modifying therapy.

In the present study, we found that arimoclomol induced relevant HSPs such as ER-resident HSP70 (BiP) and enhanced the folding, maturation, activity and correct cellular localization of mutated GCase across a number of genotypes including the common L444P and N370S mutations in primary cells from GD patients. These effects where recapitulated in a human neuronal model of GD obtained by differentiation of multipotent adult stem cells. Taken together, these data demonstrate the potential of HSP-targeting therapies in GCase-deficiencies and strongly support the clinical development of arimoclomol as a potential first therapeutic option for the neuronopathic forms of GD.

These studies provide proof-of-concept for the development of the Heat shock protein amplifier, arimoclomol, as a potential therapy for neuronopathic Gaucher disease as arimoclomol enhances folding, maturation, activity and correct localization of GCase in neuronopathic and non-neuronopathic Gaucher disease models.
Single-nucleotide and Copy-number variance related to severity of Hypospadias
Authors: Singh Neetu , Gupta Devendra Kumar , Sharma Shilpa , Sahu Dinesh Kumar , Mishra Archana , Yadav Devendra , Rawat Jiledar , Singh Arun K
Published: March 2018

The genetic association of Hypospadias-risk studies has been conducted in Caucasians, Chinese-Han populations and few in Indian populations. Although no comprehensive approach has been followed to assess genetic involvement in the severity of the disorder. The study evaluated to establish the correlation between genotyped SNPs/CNVs and Hypospadias-severity by an association in a total 30 SNPs in genes related to sex hormone-biosynthesis and metabolism; embryonic-development and Phospholipase-D-signalling pathways on 138 surgery-confirmed hypospadias-cases from North-India (84 Penile and 28 cases of Penoscrotal-Hypospadias compared against 31 cases of Glanular+Coronal), and analyzed and identified copy number variants (CNVs) in four Familial samples (18 members) and three paired-sporadic cases (6 samples) using array-based comparative-genomic-hybridization and validated in 32 Hypospadias samples by TaqMan assay. Based on Odds Ratio at 95% CI, Z Statistic and Significance Levels, STS gene-rs17268974 was associated with Penile-Hypospadias and 9-SNPs (seven-SNPs (rs5934740; rs5934842; rs5934913; rs6639811; rs3923341; rs17268974; rs5934937) of STS gene; rs7562326-SRD5A2 and rs1877031-STARD3 were associated with Penoscrotal-Hypospadias. On aggregate analysis with p <0.001, we identified homozygous-loss of Ch7:q34 (PRSS3P2, PRSS2). On validation in previously CNV-characterized and new (32-hypospadias-cases), we identified PRSS3P2-loss in most of the grade 3 and 4 hypospadias. Hence, Grade 1 and 2 (coronal and granular) show no-PRSS3P2-loss and no-association with SNPs in STS; SRD5A2; STARD3-gene but Grade 3 and 4 (Penile and Penoscrotal) show PRSS3P2-loss accompanied with the association of SNPs in STS; SRD5A2; STARD3. Hence, homozygous-loss of PRSS3P2 accompanied with the association of STS; SRD5A2; STARD3 may link to the severity of the disease.
Distinct housing conditions reveal a major impact of adaptive immunity on the course of obesity-induced type 2 diabetes
Authors: Sbierski-Kind Julia , Kath Jonas , Brachs Sebastian , Streitz Mathias , Herrath Matthias v. , Kühl Anja A. , Schmidt-Bleek Katharina , Mai Knut , Spranger Joachim , Volk Hans-Dieter
Published: March 2018

Obesity is associated with adipose tissue inflammation, insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes. However, our knowledge is mostly based on conventional murine models and promising pre-clinical studies rarely translated into successful therapies.

There is a growing awareness of the limitations of studies in laboratory mice, housed in abnormally hygienic specific pathogen-free (SPF) conditions, as relevant aspects of the human immune system remain unappreciated. Here, we assessed the impact of housing conditions on adaptive immunity and metabolic disease processes during high-fat diet. We therefore compared diet-induced obesity in SPF mice with those housed in non-SPF, so called “antigen exposed” (AE) conditions. Surprisingly, AE mice fed a high-fat diet maintained increased insulin levels to compensate for insulin resistance, which was reflected in islet hyperplasia and improved glucose tolerance compared to SPF mice. In contrast, we observed higher proportions of effector/memory T cell subsets in blood and liver of high-fat diet AE mice accompanied by the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-like liver pathology. Thus, our data demonstrate the impact of housing conditions on metabolic alterations. Studies in AE mice, in which physiological microbial exposure was restored, could provide a tool for revealing therapeutic targets for immune-based interventions for type 2 diabetes patients.
GWAS identifies novel risk locus for erectile dysfunction and implicates hypothalamic neurobiology and diabetes in etiology
Authors: Bovijn Jonas , Jackson Leigh , Censin Jenny , Chen Chia-Yen , Laisk-Podar Triin , Laber Samantha , Ferreira Teresa , Glastonbury Craig , Smoller Jordan , Harrison Jamie W , Ruth Katherine S , Beaumont Robin N , Jones Samuel E , Tyrrell Jessica , Wood Andrew R , Weedon Michael N , Mägi Reedik , Neale Benjamin , Lindgren Cecilia M , Murray Anna , Holmes Michael V
Published: March 2018

GWAS of erectile dysfunction (ED) in 6,175 cases among 223,805 European men identified one new locus at 6q16.3 (lead variant rs57989773, OR 1.20 per C-allele; p = 5.71×10−14), located between MCHR2 and SIM1. In-silico analysis suggests SIM1 to confer ED risk through hypothalamic dysregulation; Mendelian randomization indicates genetic risk of type 2 diabetes causes ED. Our findings provide novel insights into the biological underpinnings of ED.
Normalization models of cue combination in touch
Authors: Rahman Md. Shoaibur , Yau Jeffrey M.
Published: March 2018

Bimanual touch may require combining what is felt on the hands with where the hands are located in space. The computations supporting bimanual touch are poorly understood. We found that tactile cue combination patterns and their sensitivity to the locations of the hands differed according to the attended stimulus feature. These idiosyncratic perceptual patterns can be explained by distinct cue combination models that each involve divisive normalization, a canonical computation.
Clustered, information-dense transcription factor binding sites identify genes with similar tissue-wide expression profiles
Authors: Lu Ruipeng , Rogan Peter K.
Published: March 2018

Background

The distribution and composition ofcis-regulatory modules (e.g. transcription factor binding site (TFBS) clusters) in promoters substantially determine gene expression patterns and TF targets, whose expression levels are significantly regulated by TF binding. TF knockdown experiments have revealed correlations between TF binding profiles and gene expression levels. We present a general framework capable of predicting genes with similar tissue-wide expression patterns from activated or repressed TF targets using machine learning to combine TF binding and epigenetic features.

Methods

Genes with correlated expression patterns across 53 tissues were identified according to their Bray-Curtis similarity. DNase I HyperSensitive region (DHS) -accessible promoter intervals of direct TF target genes were scanned with previously derived information theory-based position weight matrices (iPWMs) of 82 TFs. Features from information density-based TFBS clusters were used to predict target genes with machine learning classifiers. The accuracy, specificity and sensitivity of the classifiers were determined for different feature sets. Mutations in TFBSs were also introduced to examine their impact on cluster densities and the regulatory states of predicted target genes.

Results

We initially chose the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1), whose regulation has been extensively studied, to test this approach.SLC25A32andTANKwere found to exhibit the most similar expression patterns to this gene across 53 tissues. Prediction of other genes with similar expression profiles was significantly improved by eliminating inaccessible promoter intervals based on DHSs. A Random Forest classifier exhibited the best performance in detecting such coordinately regulated genes (accuracy was 0.972 for training, 0.976 for testing). Target gene prediction was confirmed using CRISPR knockdown data of TFs, which was more accurate than siRNA inactivation. Mutation analyses of TFBSs also revealed that one or more information-dense TFBS clusters in promoters are required for accurate target gene prediction.

Conclusions

Machine learning based on TFBS information density, organization, and chromatin accessibility accurately identifies gene targets with comparable tissue-wide expression patterns. Multiple, information-dense TFBS clusters in promoters appear to protect promoters from the effects of deleterious binding site mutations in a single TFBS that would effectively alter the expression state of these genes.
A scanning transmission X-ray microscope at the Pohang Light Source
Authors: Shin Hyun-Joon , Kim Namdong , Kim Hee-Seob , Lee Wol-Woo , Lee Chae-Soon , Kim Bongsoo
Published: March 2018

A scanning transmission X-ray microscope is operational at the 10A beamline at the Pohang Light Source. The 10A beamline provides soft X-rays in the photon energy range 100–2000 eV using an elliptically polarized undulator. The practically usable photon energy range of the scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) setup is from ∼150 to ∼1600 eV. With a zone plate of 25 nm outermost zone width, the diffraction-limited space resolution, ∼30 nm, is achieved in the photon energy range up to ∼850 eV. In transmission mode for thin samples, STXM provides the element, chemical state and magnetic moment specific distributions, based on absorption spectroscopy. A soft X-ray fluorescence measurement setup has been implemented in order to provide the elemental distribution of thicker samples as well as chemical state information with a space resolution of ∼50 nm. A ptychography setup has been implemented in order to improve the space resolution down to 10 nm. Hardware setups and application activities of the STXM are presented.
Personalized 3D mannequin reconstruction based on 3D scanning
Authors: Hu PengPeng , Li Duan , Wu Ge , Komura Taku , Zhang Dongliang , Zhong Yueqi
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Currently, a common method of reconstructing mannequin is based on the body measurements or body features, which only preserve the body size lacking of the accurate body geometric shape information. However, the same human body measurement does not equal to the same body shape. This may result in an unfit garment for the target human body. The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel scanning-based pipeline to reconstruct the personalized mannequin, which preserves both body size and body shape information.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first capture the body of a subject via 3D scanning, and a statistical body model is fit to the scanned data. This results in a skinned articulated model of the subject. The scanned body is then adjusted to be pose-symmetric via linear blending skinning. The mannequin part is then extracted. Finally, a slice-based method is proposed to generate a shape-symmetric 3D mannequin.

Findings

A personalized 3D mannequin can be reconstructed from the scanned body. Compared to conventional methods, the method can preserve both the size and shape of the original scanned body. The reconstructed mannequin can be imported directly into the apparel CAD software. The proposed method provides a step for digitizing the apparel manufacturing.

Originality/value

Compared to the conventional methods, the main advantage of the authors’ system is that the authors can preserve both size and geometry of the original scanned body. The main contributions of this paper are as follows: decompose the process of the mannequin reconstruction into pose symmetry and shape symmetry; propose a novel scanning-based pipeline to reconstruct a 3D personalized mannequin; and present a slice-based method for the symmetrization of the 3D mesh.
Moderating effects of age, income and internet usage on Online Brand Community (OBC)-induced purchase intention
Authors: Tiruwa Anurag , Yadav Rajan , Suri Pradeep Kumar
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the customer attitude and perception towards the online brand communities (OBCs) and purchase intention (PI). The paper also analyses the moderating effects of age, income and internet usage on the relationship among the proposed variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a multi-analytical approach through the use of structural equation modelling and neural networks to test the proposed framework. The information was obtained from 236 respondents using a web-based questionnaire survey. Further, moderation analysis, with age, annual family income and weekly internet usage as moderating variables, was conducted on the structural model.

Findings

The results of the analysis demonstrate that the multi-group moderating effect for different groups within age, income and internet usage have significant differences for the relationships between the independent variables content perception, perceived usefulness, critical mass, brand attachment and attitude towards brand and the dependent variable, PI.

Originality/value

The study is one of its kind to understand and analyse the role of moderating variables (age, income and internet usage) on OBC-induced PI.
Towards a resilient perspective in building conservation
Authors: Luciani Andrea , Del Curto Davide
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the cross-fertilisation process between the concept of resilience and building conservation. The authors discuss how the conservation field can address new issues posed by climate change and whether the concept of resilience plays a role within the framework of sustainable building conservation.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting from the use of resilience as a “travelling concept”, different interpretations of the term emerging from different fields are compared and interrelated in order to understand how this concept can impact future research in building conservation.

Findings

In addition to summarising recent developments in conservation theory with a special focus on how sustainability has influenced the field, this work also suggests some lines of research where resilience could foster interdisciplinary approaches to building conservation and presents some controversial outcomes.

Originality/value

The paper raises a discussion on how the concept of resilience could renew the field of building conservation, helping contemporary society to address the challenges of climate change.
Sustainable public procurement: the Federal Public Institution’s shared system
Authors: Cader Da Silva Renato , Betiol Luciana , Villac Teresa , Nonato Raquel
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the experience of the Federal Public Institution with sustainable public procurement through the mechanism of shared acquisitions.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis adopted a qualitative approach and an empirical investigation of MPF’s experience, based on a documentary research and participant observation.

Findings

The results allow the authors to demonstrate the economic, environmental and social advantages of the procurement made by MPF, thus granting to this new model of acquisition governance, the adherence to the organization’s institutional mission.

Research limitations/implications

This is a single case study.

Practical implications

It is a promising path that optimizes the institution’s use of its budgetary, human, logistical and information technology resources, focusing on the quality and sustainability of public biddings.

Social implications

The process of collective construction, improvement of knowledge management, standardization, procedural and scale economies, and the use of sustainability criteria are the main reasons for the implementation of the sustainable shared acquisitions system in the institution.

Originality/value

This is a development process of a new paradigm of procurement at MPF.
Contemporary climate‐driven range shifts: Putting evolution back on the table
Authors: Diamond Sarah E.
Published: March 2018

As the climate continues to change, species are moving to track their climatic niches. Although we are gaining a clearer picture of where and how quickly species ranges are moving, a mechanistic understanding of these changes is still nascent.

Evolutionary changes in ranges and range‐limiting traits over contemporary time‐scales have received relatively little attention, possibly due to the mismatch in scale between rapid contemporary range shifts and the historical evolution of species ranges over millions of years. But recent experimental work has shown that range‐limiting traits can evolve rapidly over decadal time‐scales, effectively putting evolution back on the table towards the goal of a mechanistic understanding of contemporary range shifts.

Here, I review the role of evolution in shaping range shift responses to recent climate change from the perspective of the past (shared evolutionary history, or phylogenetic signal in range shifts and range‐limiting traits), present (variation in range‐limiting traits) and future (incorporating evolution of range‐limiting traits into range forecasts from species distribution models).

In each of these areas, I found a critical role for evolution in understanding historical constraints and future changes in species ranges over contemporary time‐scales: shared evolutionary history may constrain range shift responses for some taxa; compensatory mechanisms of phenotypic plasticity and adaptive evolution can modulate the range shift response; and incorporating evolution into species distribution models can qualitatively alter forecasts of future range shifts.

Yet, more can be done in this context, and so I conclude by outlining near‐ and long‐term goals for improving our understanding of the role of evolution in shaping species ranges in a rapidly changing world.

Aplain language summaryis available for this article.
Environmental filtering and competitive exclusion drive biodiversity‐invasibility relationships in shallow lake plant communities
Authors: Muthukrishnan Ranjan , Hansel‐Welch Nicole , Larkin Daniel J.
Published: March 2018

Understanding the processes that influence the diversity of ecological communities and their susceptibility to invasion by exotic species remains a challenge in ecology. In many systems, a positive relationship between the richness of native species and exotic species has been observed at larger spatial (e.g., regional) scales, while a negative pattern has been observed at local (e.g., plot) scales. These patterns are widely attributed to (1) biotic interactions, particularly biotic resistance, limiting invasions in high‐diversity locations, producing negative local‐scale relationships, and (2) native and exotic richness covarying at larger spatial scales as a function of environmental conditions and heterogeneity, producing positive large‐scale relationships. However, alternative processes can produce similar patterns and need to be critically evaluated to make sound inferences about underlying mechanisms.

We aggregated a large dataset of aquatic vegetation surveys from 1,102 Minnesota shallow lakes collected over 13 years to quantify spatial and temporal patterns of community composition. Using those data and additional information on environmental conditions we evaluated evidence for four distinct mechanisms that could drive patterns of native and exotic species richness: biotic resistance, competitive exclusion, environmental filtering and environmental heterogeneity.

We found the classic pattern of a negative native‐exotic richness relationship at local scales and a positive relationship at lake scales. However, we found no evidence for local‐scale biotic resistance; instead, competitive exclusion by invasive species appeared to reduce native species richness after locations became invaded. Evaluating the influence of environmental filtering and heterogeneity, we found that native and exotic species occupied somewhat different niches. Invaders were less sensitive to environmental gradients and more tolerant of a wider range of conditions. This segregation of habitat preferences alone could produce a negative local native‐exotic richness relationship and a positive regional pattern without the involvement of biotic interactions.

Synthesis. Our findings conflict with established expectations, which come from research predominantly conducted in terrestrial ecosystems. This illustrates the importance of explicitly evaluating underlying mechanisms in diversity‐invasibility research and for comparisons across different types of ecosystems. Identification of different drivers of diversity also has direct implications for decisions about management of freshwater plant communities.
Competition reverses the response of shrub seedling mortality and growth along a soil moisture gradient
Authors: Esch Ellen H. , Ashbacher Angelita C. , Kopp Christopher W. , Cleland Elsa E.
Published: March 2018

Predicting species responses to climate change involves understanding both the direct effects of environmental change, as well as indirect effects mediated by altered interspecific interactions. Indirect effects may be particularly important for understanding native species responses in systems invaded by highly competitive exotic species. For instance, Mediterranean climate regions are predicted to experience more frequent drought, and are increasingly invaded by exotic annual plants. For native shrubs in these regions, seedling establishment is episodic, and associated with high rainfall years. However, exotic annual plants also often increase in abundance with high rainfall, suggesting competition from exotic annual species could alter the relationship between rainfall and shrub seedling establishment. Theories such as the stress gradient hypothesis predict competition intensity should increase with resource supply, but there have been few evaluations of competitive interactions across experimental gradients of soil moisture availability.

Here we examined how competition from an exotic annual influenced native shrub establishment, across an experimental soil moisture gradient. Seedlings of two native shrub species (Encelia californica and Eriogonum fasciculatum) were grown with and without an exotic grass competitor (Avena fatua) across eight water availability levels, and monitored for growth and survival. These species are common and abundant in the Mediterranean climate region of coastal Southern California, where climate change projections include long‐term drought for the coming decades.

Without competition, shrub seedlings achieved higher growth and survival at high water availability levels. However, when grown in competition with the exotic grass, shrub seedlings had higher growth and/or survival under relatively dry conditions, suggesting competition can modify and even reverse species responses to changing rainfall patterns, compared to predictions made in the absence of competitors. The exotic grass strongly reduced soil nitrate and water availability when it was planted with the native shrub seedlings, and the exotic grass responded with positive but saturating growth with increasing levels of water addition.

Synthesis. This experiment demonstrates that competition from invasive species can alter native species responses to climate change; consistent with ecological theories predicting a positive association between the supply of limiting resources and the intensity of competition.
What ‘form’ does informal assessment take? A scoping review of the informal assessment literature for aphasia
Authors: Thomson Jennifer , Gee Melanie , Sage Karen , Walker Traci
Published: March 2018

Background

Aphasia assessment is traditionally divided into formal and informal approaches. Informal assessment is useful in developing a rich understanding of the person with aphasia's performance, e.g., describing performance in the context of real‐world activities, and exploring the impact of environmental and/or partner supports upon communication. However, defining ‘informal assessment’ is problematic and can result in clinical issues including idiosyncratic practices regarding why, when and how to apply informal assessment.

Aims

To examine the extent to which the informal assessment literature can guide speech and language therapists (SLTs) in their clinical application of informal assessment for post‐stroke aphasia.

Methods & Procedures

A scoping review methodology was used. A systematic search of electronic databases (Scopus, Embase, PyscInfo, CINAHL, Ovid Medline and AMED) gave informal assessment references between 2000 and 2017 to which title/abstract and full‐text screening against inclusion criteria were applied. Data were extracted from 28 resulting documents using an extraction template with fields based on the review's purpose.

Main Contribution

This review examines the informal assessment guidance regarding: rationale; areas of interest for informal assessment; available methods; procedural guidance; documentation; and analytical frameworks. The rationale for using informal assessment included several aspects such as gaining a ‘representative’ sample of the individual's language. Ten communication areas of interest were found with 13 different assessment methods. The procedural guidance for these methods varied considerably, with the exception of conversation and semi‐structured interviewing. Overall, documentation guidance was limited but numerous analytical frameworks were found.

Conclusions

Several informal assessment methods are available to SLTs. However, information is mixed regarding when they might be used or how they might be applied in terms of their administration, documentation and analysis.
Introduction. Dislocating labour: anthropological reconfigurations
Authors: Harvey Penny , Krohn‐Hansen Christian
Published: March 2018

In the introduction to this volume on ‘dislocating labour’ we seek to lay the ground for an anthropology of labour that extends beyond the industrial heartlands from which the concept emerged. Remaining aware of the analytical purchase of the focus on the labour/capital relation, we argue that the ethnographic exploration of this relation allows us to extend the reach of the labour concept. It also allows us to explore the diverse ways in which labour relations are experienced beyond the confines of the economic, bringing kinship, personhood, affect, politics, and sociality firmly back into the frame of capitalist value creation. We draw on the notion of dislocation to extend the repertoire of labour analysis beyond that of dispossession and/or disorganization. By dislocation we refer to the unevenness of transnational capitalism's unfolding and the ways in which both places and persons are reconfigured by the movements of capital. Dislocation thus refers to the spatial movements of refugees and migrant workers, but also to other senses of disruption, such as the sentiment of feeling out of place, or of losing your bearings as things move and change around you.
Intrauterine adhesions following an induced termination of pregnancy: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Mentula M , Männistö J , Gissler M , Heikinheimo O , Niinimäki M
Published: March 2018

Objective

Intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) are a problematic complication after termination of pregnancy, but their incidence is unknown. Our objective was to assess the incidence of IUAs following induced termination of pregnancy and the risk factors for IUAs.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A nationwide registry study.

Sample

All women undergoing induced termination of pregnancy (n = 80 015) in Finland between 2000 and 2008.

Methods

The data were retrieved from the Finnish Abortion Registry and the Hospital Discharge Registry. The diagnosis of IUAs or complications was based on the diagnostic codes (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision, ICD‐10) and operative codes according to the Nordic Medico‐Statistical Committee (NOMESCO) Classification of Surgical Procedures (NCSP). IUAs were defined as ICD‐10 code N85.6 or operative code LCG02. A subanalysis of IUA cases and five matched controls was performed.

Main outcome measures

The incidence of and risk factors for IUAs.

Results

A total of 12 (1.5 per 10 000) IUA diagnoses were identified from 79 960 eligible induced terminations of pregnancy. The rate of IUAs was 1.5 and 2.0 cases per 10 000 terminations of pregnancy following medically and surgically induced termination of pregnancy, respectively (P = 0.19). In a subgroup analysis of IUA cases and five matched controls, surgical treatment of the remaining products of conception following termination of pregnancy significantly increased the risk of IUAs (odds ratio, OR 5.50; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 1.46–20.79; P = 0.012).

Conclusion

IUAs that require further treatment are rare after an induced termination of pregnancy. Surgical evacuation following medical or surgical termination of pregnancy was a risk factor for the diagnosis of IUAs. These results suggest that trauma to a recently pregnant uterus is an important risk factor for IUAs.

Tweetable abstract

IUA is rare after induced termination of pregnancy (iTOP), but surgical evacuation is a risk factor for IUAs.
The charismatic leadership of the ECB presidency: A language‐based analysis
Authors: TORTOLA PIER DOMENICO , PANSARDI PAMELA
Published: March 2018

There is little doubt that the European Central Bank (ECB), and in particular its presidency, has taken the lead in tackling the euro crisis. But can this leadership be also characterised as charismatic? This article answers the question by focusing on language – a key component as well as a reliable indicator of charisma. By means of a software‐assisted content analysis of the entire corpus of ECB presidential speeches, it is found that the crisis has indeed led to the emergence of the Bank's presidency as a charismatic euro leader. This in turn confirms the recent politicisation of the ECB, but at the same time might be seen as mitigating the problems related to the Bank's democratic deficit, to the extent that charisma can be seen, from a Weberian standpoint, as an alternative source of political legitimacy.
Home Visit‐Based Community Paramedicine and Its Potential Role in Improving Patient‐Centered Primary Care: A Grounded Theory Study and Framework
Authors: Dainty Katie N. , Seaton M. Bianca , Drennan Ian R. , Morrison Laurie J.
Published: March 2018

Objective

Community paramedicine (CP) is a model of community‐based health care being used around the world. Our objective was to study the patient perspective and valuation of this type of program to understand its potential value for primary care innovation in the future.

Study Setting

The EPIC community paramedicine program is a partnership between primary care physicians and specially trained community paramedics, designed to provide in‐home support for complex chronic disease patients in Ontario, Canada.

Study Design

As part of an ongoing clinical trial we designed an embedded qualitative evaluation using constructionist grounded theory methodology.

Data Collection Methods

Data collection included in‐depth interviews with 30 patients and/or family members and 60 hours of observation.

Principal Findings

The health care needs of this complex population are largely attributes that impact a patient's quality of life—including recognition of their vulnerability, providing a safety‐net in times of exacerbation and health education and accountability. This seems to be facilitated by a relationship with a dedicated provider that increases continuity of care.

Conclusions

Home‐based community paramedicine programs like EPIC appear to be able to create a patient‐centered, safe, responsive therapeutic relationship that is often not possible within the standard primary health care system.
Potential impact of genetically modified Lepidoptera‐resistant Brassica napus in biodiversity hotspots: Sicily as a theoretical model
Authors: Manachini Barbara , Bazan Giuseppe , Schicchi Rosario
Published: March 2018

The general increase of the cultivation and trade of Bt transgenic plants resistant to Lepidoptera pests raises concerns regarding the conservation of animal and plant biodiversity. Demand for biofuels has increased the cultivation and importation of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), including transgenic lines. In environmental risk assessments (ERAs) for its potential future cultivation as well as for food and feed uses, the impact on wild Brassicaeae relatives and on non‐target Lepidoptera should be assessed. Here we consider the potential exposure of butterflies as results of possible cultivation or naturalization of spilled seed in Sicily (Italy). Diurnal Lepidoptera, which are pollinators, can be exposed directly to the insecticidal proteins as larvae (mainly of Pieridae) through the host and through the pollen that can deposit on other host plants. Adults can be exposed via pollen and nectar. The flight periods of butterflies were recorded, and they were found to overlap for about 90% of the flowering period of B. napus for the majority of the species. In addition, B. napus has a high potential to hybridise with endemic taxa belonging to the B. oleracea group. This could lead to an exposure of non‐target Lepidoptera if introgression of the Bt gene into a wild population happens. A rank of the risk for butterflies and wild relatives of oilseed rape is given. We conclude that, in environmental risk assessments, attention should be paid to plant–insect interaction especially in a biodiversity hotspot such as Sicily.
Characteristics of older adults with diabetes: What does the current aged care resident look like?
Authors: Farrer Olivia , Yaxley Alison , Walton Karen , Miller Michelle
Published: March 2018

Aim

The prevalence of diabetes in older adults in residential aged care (RAC) is twice that of community dwelling older adults. Older adults with diabetes have been highlighted as being at high risk of frailty and malnutrition, particularly when managed on a therapeutic diet. However, assumptions may be based on clinical presentation of our oldest old which may be at conflict with the clinical presentation of younger older adults. The aim of this retrospective audit was to identify the characteristics of aged care residents with diabetes, their comorbidities and malnutrition risk.

Methods

Residents' with diabetes paper‐based records were audited for demographic data, diet code, medical and medication history, malnutrition risk screening scores and anthropometric data.

Results

A total of 295 residents with diabetes records were audited across 13 sites in South Australia. Younger older adults (65–74 years) were generally in a healthy weight range (23–30 kg/m2) or obese (>30 kg/m2) and had gained weight since admission to RAC; whereas the oldest old were more likely to have lost weight and had a lower body mass index range 22.6–28.9 kg/m2. An unexpected finding was the variability between RAC sites in dietary management of diabetes and potential inappropriate dietary management of malnutrition, as indicated by their food service diet codes.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that younger older adults in RAC are more likely to be overweight which is maintained over a typical length of stay. Study findings indicate that diabetes management is inconsistent and highlights the need for mandated RAC menu guidelines.
The role of pay secrecy policies and employee secrecy preferences in shaping job attitudes
Authors: Smit Brandon W. , Montag‐Smit Tamara
Published: March 2018

Although pay secrecy continues to garner attention in human resource management, little research examines how these policies impact employees. Research inconsistently links secretive pay policies to unfavourable outcomes but has yet to consider that employees may have varying attitudes toward these policies. We examine how employee preferences modify the effect that organisational pay secrecy policies have on employee attitudes in a sample of 431 employed adults. To accomplish this goal, we create measures of pay secrecy policies and pay secrecy preferences that each differentiate two facets of pay secrecy: distributive pay non‐disclosure and communication restriction. Polynomial and moderated regression analyses indicated that disparities between employee preferences and organisational pay secrecy policies can reduce job satisfaction and perceptions of informational, interpersonal, and procedural justice under certain circumstances. These results simultaneously highlight the importance of employee attitudes toward pay secrecy policies and the challenges human resource practitioners face in managing employees with diverse preferences.
Influence of Tannin Extract and Yeast Extract on Color Preservation and Anthocyanin Content of Mulberry Wine
Authors: You Yilin , Li Na , Han Xue , Guo Jielong , Liu Guojie , Huang Weidong , Zhan Jicheng
Published: March 2018

The color of mulberry wine is extremely unstable in processing and aging. This paper investigates the effects of tannin extract and yeast extract on the color and color‐preserving characteristics of mulberry wine made from the Dashi cultivar. The results showed that the maximum absorption wavelength in both tannin extract and yeast extract groups changed generating the red shift effect. The color of the tannin extract maintained a good gloss in the first 4 months, while the yeast extract group showed remarkable color preservation for the first 3 months. The total anthocyanin and cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside contents in both experiment groups were significantly higher than that of the control group, thus proving that tannin extract and yeast extract both exert a remarkably positive effect on preserving the color of mulberry wine during its aging. Moreover, sensory analysis indicated that the quality of mulberry wine treated with tannin extract was significantly higher than that of the control.

Practical Application

The distinct color of mulberry wine is one of the foremost qualities that imprints on consumers’ senses, but it is extremely unstable in processing and aging. However, the color protection of mulberry wine was not studied previously. In this study, we found that tannin extract and yeast extract both exert a remarkably positive effect on preserving the color of mulberry wine during aging. The study is of great significance as a guide to improving the color stability of mulberry wine, thereby also improving and promoting the development of the mulberry deep processing industry.