bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activity Restriction Recommendations and Outcomes After Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Authors: Mueller Margaret G. , Lewicky-Gaupp Christina , Collins Sarah A. , Abernethy Melinda G. , Alverdy Alex , Kenton Kimberly
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the relationship between prescribed postoperative activity recommendations (liberal compared with restricted) after reconstructive prolapse surgery and patient satisfaction and pelvic floor symptoms.

METHODS:

In our multicenter, randomized, double-blind clinical trial, women undergoing reconstructive prolapse surgery were randomized to liberal compared with restricted postoperative activity recommendations. Liberal recommendations instructed women to resume postoperative activity at the woman's own pace with no restrictions on lifting or high-impact activities. Conversely, restricted recommendations instructed women to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 3 months. The primary outcome, patient satisfaction, was assessed on a 5-point Likert scale at 3 months postoperatively with the question, “How satisfied are you with the result of your prolapse surgery?” Secondary outcomes included anatomic outcomes and pelvic floor symptoms.

RESULTS:

From September 2014 to December 2015, 130 women were screened and 108 were randomized. Ultimately, 95 were allocated to study intervention (n=45 liberal, n=50 restricted) and completed the primary outcome. Baseline characteristics (including pelvic organ prolapse quantification stage and demographics) and surgical intervention did not differ between groups. Most women underwent a minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (58) followed by vaginal suspension (27) or vaginal closure procedures (nine). Rates of satisfaction were similarly high in the liberal and restricted recommendations groups (98% compared with 94%, odds ratio 0.36 [0.036–3.55], P=.619). Anatomic outcomes did not differ between groups; however, fewer pelvic floor symptoms were reported in the liberal group.

CONCLUSION:

Satisfaction was equally high 3 months after prolapse surgery in women who were instructed to liberally resume activities compared with those instructed to restrict postoperative activities. Women who liberally resumed their activities reported fewer prolapse and urinary symptoms and had similar short-term anatomic outcomes suggesting that allowing women to resume their normal activities postoperatively may result in improved pelvic floor outcomes.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:

ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02138487.
Postabortion Contraceptive Use and Continuation When Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Is Free
Authors: Goyal Vinita , Canfield Caitlin , Aiken Abigail R. A. , Dermish Amna , Potter Joseph E.
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To compare preference for long-acting contraception (LARC) and subsequent use, year-long continuation, and pregnancy among women after induced abortion who were and were not eligible to participate in a specialized funding program that provided LARC at no cost.

METHODS:

Between October 2014 and March 2016, we conducted a prospective study of abortion patients at Planned Parenthood in Austin, Texas (located in Travis County). We compared our primary outcome of interest, postabortion LARC use, among women who were eligible for the specialized funding program (low-income, uninsured, Travis County residents) and two groups who were ineligible (low-income, uninsured, non–Travis County residents, and higher income or insured women). Secondary outcomes of interest included preabortion preference for LARC and 1-year continuation and pregnancy rates among the three groups.

RESULTS:

Among 518 women, preabortion preference for LARC was high among all three groups (low-income eligible: 64% [91/143]; low-income ineligible: 44% [49/112]; and higher income 55% [146/263]). However, low-income eligible participants were more likely to receive LARC (65% [93/143] compared with 5% [6/112] and 24% [62/263], respectively, P<.05). Specifically, after adjusting for age, race–ethnicity, and education, low-income eligible participants had a 10-fold greater incidence of receiving postabortion LARC compared with low-income ineligible participants (incidence rate ratio 10.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.68–21.91). Among low-income eligible and higher income women who received postabortion LARC, 1-year continuation was 90% (95% CI 82–97%) and 86% (95% CI 76–97%), respectively. One-year pregnancy risk was higher among low-income ineligible than low-income eligible women (hazard ratio 3.28, 95% CI 1.15–9.31).

CONCLUSION:

Preference for postabortion LARC was high among all three eligibility groups, yet women with access to no-cost LARC were more likely to use and continue these methods. Low-income ineligible women were far more likely to use less effective contraception and become pregnant. Specialized funding programs can play an important role in immediate postabortion contraceptive provision, particularly in settings where state funding is limited.
Vaginal Delivery After Dührssen Incisions in a Patient With Bladder Exstrophy and Uterine Prolapse
Authors: Lachica Ruben , Chan Yen , Uquillas Kristen R. , Lee Richard H.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND:

Bladder exstrophy is a rare congenital anomaly affecting the lower abdominal wall, pelvis, and genitourinary structures. Pregnant women with bladder exstrophy present a unique challenge to the obstetrician.

CASE:

The patient is a 35-year old pregnant woman with bladder exstrophy, an extensive surgical history, and uterine prolapse with an abnormal, rubbery consistency to her cervix. Prenatally, she was counseled on the potential use of Dührssen incisions to facilitate vaginal delivery. Labor was induced at 36 4/7 weeks of gestation after her pregnancy was complicated by recurrent pyelonephritis. Vaginal delivery was achieved 8 minutes after the creation of Dührssen incisions.

CONCLUSION:

The care of pregnant women with bladder exstrophy requires multidisciplinary management and careful delivery planning. Successful vaginal delivery can be attained in these patients.
How to evaluate and assess quality of life issues in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Vartanian Jose G. , Rogers Simon N. , Kowalski Luiz P.
Published: March 2017

Purpose of review

Review quality of life (QOL) concepts and most common instruments to be used in patients with head and neck cancer, as well as the potential benefits and limitations of information derived from QOL studies.

Recent findings

Information from QOL studies can be clinical predictors of prognosis, serve as potential screening and planning tools for clinical care and rehabilitation efforts. Enhancements in computer technology and the advent of tools like head and neck cancer-specific item prompt list will allow for QOL data to be used more easily.

Patients with malignant head and neck neoplasms can present changes in important vital functions related to the disease and its treatment, usually resulting in a negative impact on their QOL. The application of specific questionnaires can be used to measure such impact and the information derived from QOL studies has the potential to be incorporated in the clinical practice to improve the quality of care.
Successful Arthroplasty Using Cadaveric Meniscus for Osteochondral Defects in the Wrist and Hand Joints
Authors: Hoang Don , Chen Vivi W. , Gould Daniel J. , Cohen Myles J. , Kulber David A.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Osteochondral defects of the radiocarpal, metacarpophalangeal (MCP), and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints often necessitate joint arthrodesis or mechanical arthroplasty, which has a limited lifespan. In severely arthritic wrist and finger joints, we propose a novel adjunct for joint salvage using cadaveric meniscus for joint resurfacing as an off-the-shelf alternative to address osteochondral defects and restore normal intraarticular contact stress.

Methods:

A total of 14 patients with osteochondral defects in 5 radiocapitate, 5 MCP, 3 PIP, and 1 carpometacarpal joints received cadaveric meniscus to facilitate arthroplasty. Patient demographic, perioperative pain, range of motion, and complications were examined.

Results:

Patients aged 17 to 73 years old (average, 54.6 years old) underwent joint reconstruction for scaphoid nonunion (n = 1), scaphoid-lunate advanced collapse (n = 4), or osteoarthritis of MCP/carpometacarpal (n = 6) or PIP (n = 3) joints. Successful arthroplasty with joint space preservation occurred in all joints. Patients had a significant reduction in average pain scale score (P < 0.01) and improved average range of active motion degrees of flexion (P < 0.01) and degrees of extension (P < 0.05). No complications resulted; only a revision tenolysis and capsulotomy were required for PIP and MCP arthroplasties. Postoperative films reveal preservation of arthroplasty joint space after an average 19.7-month follow-up (range, 8–54).

Conclusions:

We believe that meniscus is a viable joint salvage option or adjunct to preserve pain-free motion and avoid total joint arthrodesis. In this series of 14 patients, we demonstrate the successful use of cadaver meniscus in hand joint arthroplasty, such that it advantageously maintains a low metabolic demand, is biointegratable, and is surgically malleable.
Factors Associated With Levels of Risky Drinking in Adolescent Alcohol Users in Taiwan: A Secondary Data Analysis
Authors: Hung Chao-Chia , Chang Hsin-Yi , Chiang Yi-Chen , Wu Wen-Chi , Yen Lee-Lan
Published: March 2017

Background:

Drinking is largely viewed as a socialized behavior; however, our understanding of factors associated with levels of risky drinking is limited in cultures where underage drinking is relatively unacceptable.

Purpose:

The aims of this study were to define the different levels associated with risky drinking and to examine the factors that are associated with these levels.

Methods:

We used data from the Child and Adolescent Behavior in Long-Term Evolution project. Of the 2184 students who participated in the 2006 Child & Adolescent Behavior in Long-Term Evolution survey, 1591 self-reported prior use of alcohol and had complete questionnaire data that could be used in secondary data analysis. The main study variables that were used in this study to assess levels of risky drinking included frequency of drinking, amount of drinking, and frequency of intoxication. We used ordinal logistic regression to analyze the relationships between levels of risky drinking and associated factors.

Results:

In the study sample, 9.55% were classified with high-risk drinking behavior, 22.51% were classified with medium-risk drinking behavior, and 67.94% were classified with low-risk drinking behavior. Having a mother or peers who used alcohol, being encouraged to consume alcohol by older adults or peers, high alcohol availability, high positive alcohol expectancies, low negative alcohol expectancies, and low alcohol refusal efficacy were all associated with higher levels of risky drinking.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice:

Decreasing the availability of alcohol, developing appropriate alcohol expectancies, and increasing alcohol refusal skills may help decrease the development of high-risk drinking behavior in adolescents. Our study furthers the understanding of underage alcohol use in societies with low alcohol consumption.
Update on adrenocortical carcinoma management and future directions
Authors: Varghese Jeena , Habra Mouhammed Amir
Published: March 2017

Purpose of review

To present an update on the management of and future directions in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC).

Recent findings

ACC is a rare malignancy with high morbidity and mortality. Surgery remains the mainstay treatment for localized disease, but it is often not feasible in more advanced cases. There is an ongoing controversy about the routine use of adjuvant treatments after surgery. Hormonal overproduction can complicate the management and worsen the prognosis of the disease. Systemic therapy with multiple cytotoxic drugs is often combined with the adrenolytic agent mitotane. Genomic analyses of ACC revealed numerous signal transduction pathway aberrations (insulin-like growth factor 2 overexpression, TP53 mutations and Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation), but so far, there has been no clinically meaningful breakthrough in targeting these genes. Immunotherapy offers hope for altering the orthodox management of cancer, and its role in ACC is being explored in multiple ongoing trials.

Surgery by experienced team is the key treatment for localized ACC, whereas currently used chemotherapy has limited efficacy in advanced ACC. The improved understanding of the molecular pathways involved in ACC has not been translated into effective therapy. The development of new therapies requires collaborative effort to fight this disease.
Testing for Urinary Tract Infection in the Influenza/Respiratory Syncytial Virus–Positive Febrile Infant Aged 2 to 12 Months
Authors: Schlechter Salinas Anna Kathleen , Hains David S. , Jones Tamekia , Harrell Camden , Meredith Mark
Published: March 2017

Objective

Infants 12 months or younger with influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) commonly present to the emergency department (ED) with fever. Previous publications have recommended that these patients have a urinalysis and urine culture performed. We aimed to assess the prevalence of urinary tract infection (UTI) in febrile RSV/influenza positive infants aged 2 to 12 months presenting to the ED. We also examined whether the 2011 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) UTI clinical practice guidelines could be used to identify patients at lower risk of UTI.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review examining all infants aged 2 to 12 months with a documented fever of higher than 38°C who presented to our ED from 2009 to 2013 and tested positive for influenza and/or RSV.

Results

One thousand seven hundred twenty-four patients were found to meet our inclusion criteria. Of these, 98 were excluded because of known urinary tract anomaly or systemic antibiotic use in the 24 hours preceding evaluation. Of those patients remaining, 10 (0.62%) of 1626 had positive urine cultures (95% confidence interval, 0.3%–1.1%), and 8 (0.49%) of 1626 (95% confidence interval, 0.2%–0.97%) had positive urine cultures with positive urinalyses as defined in the 2011 AAP UTI clinical practice guidelines. All subjects with positive urine cultures as defined by the AAP had risk factors for UTI that placed their risk for UTI above 1%.

Conclusions

Our population of 2- to 12-month-old febrile infants with positive influenza/RSV testing, who did not have risk factors to make their risk of UTI higher than 1%, may not have required evaluation with urinalysis or urine culture.
The Impact of Androgen Receptor Expression on Endometrial Carcinoma Recurrence and Survival
Authors: Mahdi Zaid , Abdulfatah Eman , Pardeshi Vishakha , Hassan Oudai , Schultz Daniel , Morris Robert , Cote Michele L. , Elshaikh Mohamed A. , Bandyopadhyay Sudeshna , Ali-Fehmi Rouba
Published: March 2017

Endometrial carcinomas (ECs) are the most common gynecologic cancers in the western world. The impact of androgen receptor (AR) on clinicopathologic parameters of EC is not well studied. The aim of our study is to assess the role of AR expression in ECs and correlate its expression with estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR). A retrospective review of 261 EC was conducted. H&E slides were reviewed and clinicopathologic parameters were analyzed. Immunohistochemical stains for AR, ER, and PR were performed on a tissue microarray. The hormonal expression was evaluated and the data were analyzed using the Fisher exact test and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Patients’ age ranged from 31 to 91 (median=65 y). Type I EC included 202 endometrioid and 7 mucinous carcinoma, whereas type II included 34 serous, 16 carcinosarcoma, and 2 clear cell carcinoma. Although not significant, AR expression showed more frequent association with type I EC, early tumor stage (I–II), and low FIGO grade (1–2) EC. AR expression significantly correlated with absence of lymphovascular invasion (P=0.041) and decreased LN involvement (P=0.048). Patients with AR expression showed increased disease-free survival (208 vs. 165 mo, P=0.008) and late disease recurrence (P=0.009). AR expression had a positive significant correlation with PR (P<0.001) and ER (P=0.037) expression. AR might play a role as a prognostic marker for ECs.
CXCL14-CXCR4 and CXCL12-CXCR4 Axes May Play Important Roles in the Unique Invasion Process of Endometrioid Carcinoma With MELF-Pattern Myoinvasion
Authors: Kojiro-Sanada Sakiko , Yasuda Kaori , Nishio Shin , Ogasawara Sachiko , Akiba Jun , Ushijima Kimio , Yano Hirohisa
Published: March 2017

The term “MELF-pattern myometrial invasion” (MELF pattern) denotes an unusual morphology of myometrial invasion in endometrioid carcinomas, and is associated with frequent lymphovascular invasion and lymph node metastasis. In this study, tumor cells were directly collected from a MELF pattern site, using laser microdissection. Comprehensive microarray analysis of the genes was conducted, and based on the results, expression of a metastasis progression gene, CXCR4, and its ligands CXCL14 and CXCL12, was further investigated. In vitro studies of endometrioid carcinoma cell lines revealed elevated invasion activity in a manner dependent on the CXCL14-CXCR4 or CXCL12-CXCR4 axis. Immunohistochemical analysis of 93 (MELF group, 46; non-MELF group, 47) cases illustrated CXCR4 was expressed in all endometrioid carcinomas, while based on CXCL14 and CXCL12 expression score, high proportions of cells were positive at the sites of the MELF pattern (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in progression-free survival or overall survival between MELF group and non-MELF group by Kaplan-Meier analysis. These findings suggest a possibility that cells at the sites of MELF pattern had acquired increased invasiveness through the function of the CXCL14-CXCR4 and CXCL12-CXCR4 axes.
Clinical Utility of Hemoglobin Testing After Minimally Invasive Sacrocolpopexy
Authors: Lavelle Erin Seifert , Giugale Lauren , Sears Sarah , Carter-Brooks Charelle M. , Shepherd Jonathan P.
Published: March 2017

Objective

To determine the clinical utility of routine postoperative hemoglobin screening after minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of women undergoing minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy between 2009 and 2015 at a large academic center where postoperative hemoglobin assessment is performed as routine practice. Demographic and perioperative data, pre- and postoperative hemoglobin values, and clinical signs and symptoms of potential postoperative anemia were extracted. Hemoglobin parameters were compared between women with and without clinical evidence of potential postoperative anemia. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of postoperative anemia and magnitude of hemoglobin decrease.

Results

Among 800 women, postoperative hemoglobin was obtained for 99.6% and prompted further testing among 23.8%. Mean postoperative hemoglobin was 11.78 ± 1.11 g/dL, and mean decrease was 1.76 ± 0.95 g/dL. More than half (56.9%) had clinical evidence of potential anemia, but few (5%) had postoperative hemoglobin of 10 g/dL or less and none required transfusion. Women with clinical evidence of potential anemia had lower postoperative hemoglobin (11.57 vs 12.19; P < 0.001) and larger mean hemoglobin decrease (1.91 vs 1.49; P < 0.001). On regression analyses, only lower body mass index was associated with larger hemoglobin decrease (β = −0.030, P < 0.001) and no factor significantly predicted postoperative hemoglobin of 10 g/dL or less.

Conclusions

Routine hemoglobin testing rarely benefited clinical care but lead to further testing for nearly 1 in 4 patients. Although many women demonstrated clinical evidence potentially suggestive of anemia, significant anemia was rare and no women required transfusion. Neither estimated blood loss nor other risk factors consistently predicted presence of postoperative anemia or significant postoperative decrease in hemoglobin.
Sugarcoated Perineuronal Nets Regulate “GABAergic” Transmission: Bittersweet Hypothesis in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Burket Jessica A. , Urbano Maria R. , Deutsch Stephen I.
Published: March 2017

Fast-spiking, parvalbumin-expressing “GABAergic” interneurons regulate synchronous oscillatory output of pyramidal neurons. Metabolic demands of these GABAergic projections are great because local ion concentrations must be optimally maintained; in addition, high rates of mitochondrial respiration necessitate exquisite redox regulation. Interestingly, only fast-spiking, parvalbumin-expressing basket cells coexpressing 3 metalloproteinases seem to be preferentially enwrapped in perineuronal nets (PNNs), a specialized lattice-like structure of the extracellular matrix. The PNNs maintain optimal local concentrations of ions, protect against oxidative stress, and concentrate transcription factors and chemorepulsive axon guidance cues. The PNNs mediate opening and closing of periods of heightened plasticity. Therapeutic strategies in autism spectrum disorders include promoting both maintenance and deliberate disruption of PNNs to promote new learning and cognitive flexibility.
Epigenetic Regulation of Gene Expression in Cancer: Techniques, Resources, and Analysis
Authors: Kagohara Luciane T , Stein-O’Brien Genevieve , Kelley Dylan , Flam Emily , Wick Heather C , Danilova Ludmila V , Easwaran Hariharan , Favorov Alexander V , Qian Jiang , Gaykalova Daria A , Fertig Elana J
Published: March 2017

Cancer is a complex disease, driven by aberrant activity in numerous signaling pathways in even individual malignant cells. Epigenetic changes are critical mediators of these functional changes that drive and maintain the malignant phenotype. Changes in DNA methylation, histone acetylation and methylation, non-coding RNAs, post-translational modifications are all epigenetic drivers in cancer, independent of changes in the DNA sequence. These epigenetic alterations, once thought to be crucial only for the malignant phenotype maintenance, are now recognized as critical also for disrupting essential pathways that protect the cells from uncontrolled growth, longer survival and establishment in distant sites from the original tissue. In this review, we focus on DNA methylation and chromatin structure in cancer. While associated with cancer, the precise functional role of these alterations is an area of active research using emerging high-throughput approaches and bioinformatics analysis tools. Therefore, this review describes these high-throughput measurement technologies, public domain databases for high-throughput epigenetic data in tumors and model systems, and bioinformatics algorithms for their analysis. Advances in bioinformatics data integration techniques that combine these epigenetic data with genomics data are essential to infer the function of specific epigenetic alterations in cancer, and are therefore also a focus of this review. Future studies using these emerging technologies will elucidate how alterations in the cancer epigenome cooperate with genetic aberrations to cause tumorigenesis initiation and progression. This deeper understanding is essential to future studies that will precisely infer patients’ prognosis and select patients who will be responsive to emerging epigenetic therapies.
Expression profiling reveals novel role of Hunchback in retinal glia cell development and blood-brain barrier integrity
Authors: Torres-Oliva Montserrat , Schneider Julia , Wiegleb Gordon , Kaufholz Felix , Posnien Nico
Published: March 2017

The development of different cell types must be tightly coordinated in different organs. The developing head ofDrosophila melanogasterrepresents an excellent model to study the molecular mechanisms underlying this coordination because the eye-antennal imaginal discs contain the organ anlagen of nearly all adult head structures, such as the compound eyes or the antennae. We studied the genome wide gene expression dynamics during eye-antennal disc development inD. melanogasterto identify new central regulators of the underlying gene regulatory network. Expression based gene clustering and transcription factor motif enrichment analyses revealed a central regulatory role of the transcription factor Hunchback (Hb). We confirmed thathbis expressed in two polyploid retinal subperineurial glia cells (carpet cells). Our functional analysis shows that Hb is necessary for carpet cell development and loss of Hb function results in abnormal glia cell migration and photoreceptor axon guidance patterns. Additionally, we show for the first time that the carpet cells are an integral part of the blood-brain barrier.
Transcriptomic profiling of high-density Giardia foci encysting in the murine proximal intestine
Authors: Pham JK , Nosala C , Scott EY , Nguyen KF , Hagen KD , Starcevich HN , Dawson SC
Published: March 2017

Giardiais a highly prevalent, understudied protistan parasite causing significant diarrheal disease worldwide. Its life cycle consists of two stages: infectious cysts ingested from contaminated food or water sources, and motile trophozoites that colonize and attach to the gut epithelium, later encysting to form new cysts that are excreted into the environment. Current understanding of parasite physiology in the host is largely inferred from transcriptomic studies usingGiardiagrown axenically or in co-culture with mammalian cell lines. The dearth of information about the diversity of host-parasite interactions occurring within distinct regions of the gastrointestinal tract has been exacerbated by a lack of methods to directly and non-invasively interrogate disease progression and parasite physiology in live animal hosts. By visualizingGiardiainfections in the mouse gastrointestinal tract using bioluminescent imaging (BLI) of tagged parasites, we recently showed that parasites colonize the gut in high-density foci that may cause localized pathology to the epithelium. Encystation is also initiated in these foci throughout the entire course of infection, yet how the physiology of parasites within high-density foci in the host gut differs from that of cells in laboratory culture is unclear. Here we use BLI to precisely select parasite samples from high-density foci in the proximal intestine to interrogatein vivo Giardiagene expression in the host. Relative to axenic culture, we noted significantly higher expression (> 10-fold) of oxidative stress, membrane transporter, and metabolic and structural genes associated with encystation in the high-density foci. These differences in gene expression within parasite foci in the host may reflect physiological changes associated with high-density growth in localized regions of the gut. We also identified and verified six novel cyst-specific proteins, including new components of the cyst wall that were highly expressed in these foci. Ourin vivotranscriptome data support an emerging view that parasites encyst early in localized regions in the gut, possibly as a consequence of nutrient limitation, and also impact local metabolism and physiology.
Affective Bias as a Rational Response to the Statistics of Rewards and Punishments
Authors: Pulcu Erdem , Browning Michael
Published: March 2017

Affective bias, the tendency to prioritise the processing of negative relative to positive events, is causally linked to clinical depression. However, why such biases develop or how they may best be ameliorated is not known. Using a computational framework, we investigated whether affective biases may reflect an individual’s estimates of the information content of negative and positive events. During a reinforcement learning task, the information content of positive and negative outcomes was manipulated independently by varying the volatility of their occurrence. Human participants altered the learning rates used for the outcomes selectively, preferentially learning from the most informative. This behaviour was associated with activity of the central norepinephrine system, estimated using pupilometry, for loss outcomes. Humans maintain independent estimates of the information content of positive and negative outcomes which bias their processing of affective events. Normalising affective biases using computationally inspired interventions may represent a novel treatment approach for depression.
High-resolution TADs reveal DNA sequences underlying genome organization in flies
Authors: Ramírez Fidel , Bhardwaj Vivek , Villaveces José , Arrigoni Laura , Grüning Björn A. , Lam Kin Chung , Habermann Bianca , Akhtar Asifa , Manke Thomas
Published: March 2017

Eukaryotic chromatin is partitioned into domains called TADs that are broadly conserved between species and virtually identical among cell types within the same species. Previous studies in mammals have shown that the DNA binding protein CTCF and cohesin contribute to a fraction of TAD boundaries. Apart from this, the molecular mechanisms governing this partitioning remain poorly understood. Using our new software, HiCExplorer, we annotated high-resolution (570 bp) TAD boundaries in flies and identified eight DNA motifs enriched at boundaries. Known insulator proteins bind five of these motifs while the remaining three motifs are novel. We find that boundaries are either at core promoters of active genes or at non-promoter regions of inactive chromatin and that these two groups are characterized by different sets of DNA motifs. Most boundaries are present at divergent promoters of constitutively expressed genes and the gene expression tends to be coordinated within TADs. In contrast to mammals, the CTCF motif is only present on 2% of boundaries in flies. We demonstrate that boundaries can be accurately predicted using only the motif sequences, along with open chromatin, suggesting that DNA sequence encodes the 3D genome architecture in flies. Finally, we present an interactive online database to access and explore the spatial organization of fly, mouse and human genomes, available athttp://chorogeome.ie-freiburg.mpg.de.
Predicting metabolic adaptation from networks of mutational paths
Authors: Josephides Christos , Swain Peter S.
Published: March 2017

Competition for substrates is a ubiquitous selection pressure faced by microbes, yet intracellular trade-offs can prevent cells from metabolizing every type of available substrate. Adaptive evolution is constrained by these trade-offs, but their consequences for the repeatability and predictability of evolution are unclear. Here we develop an eco-evolutionary model with a metabolic trade-off to generate networks of mutational paths in microbial communities and show that these networks have descriptive and predictive information about the evolving communities. We find that long-term outcomes, including community collapse, diversity, and cycling, have characteristic evolutionary dynamics that determine the entropy, or repeatability, of mutational paths. Although reliable prediction of evolutionary outcomes from environmental conditions is difficult, graph-theoretic properties of the mutational networks enable accurate prediction even from incomplete observations. In conclusion, we present a novel methodology for analyzing adaptive evolution and report that the dynamics of adaptation are a key variable for predictive success.
Enhanced skeletal muscle ribosome biogenesis, yet attenuated mTORC1 and ribosome biogenesis-related signalling, following short-term concurrent versus single-mode resistance training
Authors: Fyfe Jackson J. , Bishop David J. , Bartlett Jonathan D. , Hanson Erik D. , Anderson Mitchell J. , Garnham Andrew P. , Stepto Nigel K.
Published: March 2017

1.

Combining endurance training with resistance training (RT) may attenuate skeletal muscle hypertrophic adaptation versus RT alone; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We investigated changes in markers of ribosome biogenesis, a process linked with skeletal muscle hypertrophy, following concurrent training versus RT alone. Twenty-three males underwent eight weeks of RT, either performed alone (RT group,n= 8), or combined with either high-intensity interval training (HIT+RT group,n= 8), or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT+RT group,n= 7). Muscle samples (vastus lateralis) were obtained before training, and immediately before, 1 h and 3 h after the final training session. Training-induced changes in basal expression of the 45S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) precursor (45S pre-rRNA), and 5.8S and 28S mature rRNAs, were greater with concurrent training versus RT. However, during the final training session, RT further increased both mTORC1 (p70S6K1 and rps6 phosphorylation) and 45S pre-rRNA transcription-related signalling (TIF-1A and UBF phosphorylation) versus concurrent training. These data suggest that when performed in a training-accustomed state, RT induces further increases mTORC1 and ribosome biogenesis related signalling in human skeletal muscle versus concurrent training; however, changes in ribosome biogenesis markers were more favourable following a period of short-term concurrent training versus RT performed alone.
Towards a qualitative understanding of human capital in entrepreneurship research
Authors: Dimov Dimo
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to revisit the conceptualization and measurement of human capital in entrepreneurship research.

Design/methodology/approach

By contrasting reflective and formative conceptions, it shows that human capital is more appropriately seen as defined and formed by its indicators (education, work experience, entrepreneurial experience, industry experience, and managerial experience). It, then, explores the configurations of these indicators in a qualitative comparative analysis framework based on Boolean algebra and fuzzy-set methodology. It derives an empirical typology of the human capital of nascent entrepreneurs, based on two primary combinations of indicators.

Findings

The paper shows that the relationship between human capital and venture emergence is best represented as multiple, conjectural causation, i.e. human capital matters through certain combinations of its indicators.

Originality/value

The discussion and results offer novel and valuable insights into entrepreneurship researchers for the conceptualization and use of human capital constructs.
Entrepreneursheep and context: when entrepreneurship is greater than entrepreneurs
Authors: Gaddefors Johan , Anderson Alistair R.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain how context shapes what becomes entrepreneurial.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is part of a longitudinal study over ten years, an ethnographic work including interviews, participating in meetings and shadowing. Texts and voices boiled down to transcripts and notes were sorted in NVivo. The empirical material was presented as a simple, short story, with the aim to question established assumptions and relations. The paper propose context as the unit for analysis, instead of entrepreneurs and outcomes. This opened up the scale from a narrow individualism to a much broader appreciation of the entrepreneurship as shaped by social factors.

Findings

The paper provides insights about how context determines entrepreneurship. It is not simply the context in itself, but the things that are going on in the context. What entrepreneurship does is to connect and thus create a raft of changes. The paper suggests that to depart from context as the unit of analysis will avoid the objectification of entrepreneurship and open up for discussing the becoming of entrepreneurship. The case illustrates how entrepreneurship is an event in a flow of changing circumstances. Entrepreneurship is formed from the context itself, rather than being individual or social; entrepreneurship appears simultaneously to be both. Entrepreneurship can and does exist in multiple states regardless of the observer and the observation.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to learn more about how entrepreneurship and context interact. It illustrates how context is more engaged in the entrepreneurial process than entrepreneurship theory acknowledges.
Why supporters contribute to reward-based crowdfunding
Authors: Steigenberger Norbert
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical evidence on the motivation of supporters to contribute resources to reward-based crowdfunding campaigns.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports results from a survey combining open and closed questions, addressing supporters of reward-based crowdfunding campaigns in the field of video game development. Publicly available data from a large crowdfunding website complements the approach.

Findings

Two groups of supporters emerge from the data: one group derives motivation almost exclusively from a purchasing motive, the other group displays the purchasing motive alongside an altruistic and involvement motive. There is little indication that social acknowledgement plays a role for supporter motivation. Supporters rely on the evaluation of previous activities of an entrepreneur to judge trustworthiness.

Originality/value

The manuscript offers empirical insights into the previously scarcely researched question why supporters contribute to reward-based crowdfunding. These insights inform research on reward-based crowdfunding and help entrepreneurs considering reward-based crowdfunding as a way to fund entrepreneurial activities.
Distinguishing entrepreneurial approaches to opportunity perception
Authors: Neill Stern , Metcalf Lynn E. , York Jonathan L.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Whether opportunities are discovered or created by entrepreneurs is a foundational question in entrepreneurship research. The purpose of this paper is to examine women entrepreneurs in high-growth new ventures and explore the cognitive resources that distinguish between three approaches to opportunity perception: opportunity discovery; opportunity creation; and a combined discover-create (ambidextrous) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Using questionnaire responses from 165 women entrepreneurs in high-growth new ventures, K-means clustering was used to determine three approaches to opportunity perception. The cognitive resources associated with each approach were then identified using multiple discriminant analysis. Finally, multivariate analysis of variance was conducted to examine the relationship between opportunity perception and growth expectations.

Findings

These results demonstrate different approaches to opportunity perception among entrepreneurs in high-growth new ventures, the cognitive resources that reinforce each approach, and the expected new venture growth outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The findings offer insight on the cognitive origins of opportunity perception by empirically identifying distinct approaches to opportunity perception and the cognitive resources that underlie each. The study relies on a unique sample of entrepreneurs to understand complex cognitive phenomenon.

Practical implications

Understanding the effects that cognitive factors have on opportunity perception provides direction for current and aspiring entrepreneurs. The findings and instrument may be used for professional development and to inform educational strategies.

Originality/value

The findings offer important contributions to entrepreneurial theory and practice by addressing repeated calls for research that examines the cognitive antecedents enabling opportunity formation (discovery, creation or both). This manuscript empirically does so, while opening up possibilities for future research.
Barriers to the development and progress of entrepreneurship in rural Pakistan
Authors: Muhammad Nabeel , McElwee Gerard , Dana Leo-Paul
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Focussing on entrepreneurs’ experiences inhibiting them from launching a business – at the micro level – the purpose of this paper is to identify issues that limit rural entrepreneurship in Pakistan and also, to identify the cultural, social, economic and religious traditions and settings that discourage entrepreneurship thus hindering economic development

Design/methodology/approach

An ethnographic approach was used to obtain a picture of current problems and perspectives of rural inhabitants. Members of 84 families were interviewed.

Findings

Religious, socioeconomic and structural forces play a significant role in suppressing social and cultural capital in rural areas of Pakistan, explaining the low level of entrepreneurship in these areas. Social and cultural capital requires a certain socioeconomic context for entrepreneurship to thrive.

Originality/value

This study examines the determinants of very low levels of entrepreneurship in rural settings in the agro-based regions of interior Sindh, Pakistan; this contributes to the gap of understanding the context of rural entrepreneurs in agro-based economies. This study makes recommendations for policy makers to promote entrepreneurship in such areas.
Belief patterns of entrepreneurship: exploring cross-cultural logics
Authors: Valliere Dave
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Under the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), subjective norms are important antecedents of entrepreneurial intent. But little is known about the forces that shape these. Hofstede’s national culture has implicated, but the conceptual distance between it and subjective norms is wide. The purpose of this paper is to explore an intermediate level to propose a mechanism by which national cultures give rise to individual beliefs about entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

UsesQmethodology with data from seven countries to discover patterns of beliefs in diverse cultures. Hierarchical clustering characterises an intermediate-level mechanism.

Findings

In each country, a small number of patterns emerge, two of which are found in every country studied – despite the large cultural differences. Drawing on the institutional logics perspective, a model of individual sensemaking is developed to bridge between monolithic national culture and idiosyncratic subjective norms of individuals, and to explain the commonality of belief patterns observed. Several propositions are suggested for testing the model.

Originality/value

Reports cultural attitudes towards entrepreneurship at a more granular level than previous research, and thereby discovers the existence of cross-cultural patterns. Proposes a novel model that connects macro forces of national culture with individual precursors of TPB through cultural entrepreneurship.
The Pransky interview: Mitchell Weiss, CTO, Seegrid Corporation
Authors: Pransky Joanne
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is a “Q&A interview” conducted by Joanne Pransky of Industrial Robot Journal as a method to impart the combined technological, business and personal experience of a prominent, robotic industry engineer-turned-entrepreneur regarding the evolution, commercialization and challenges of bringing a technological invention to market.

Design/methodology/approach

The interviewee is Mitchell Weiss, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for Seegrid Corporation, a manufacturer of stereo vision-guided robots and vehicle control systems. As an accomplished executive of automation and robotics companies, Weiss shares his experiences and industry knowledge, including his first full-time job out of college at Unimation, the world’s first robot company.

Findings

Weiss received a Bachelor of Science from MIT and a Graduate Certificate in Intellectual Property (IP) from Northeastern University, has taught at Penn State and the University of Pennsylvania and has lectured at MIT. He has served as the Chief Operating Officer at Seegrid Corp.; CTO at Brooks Automation; CTO and Vice President of PRI Automation; President of ProgramMation, Inc.; and Chief Engineer and Co-Founder at United States Robots, Inc.

Originality/value

Weiss holds 24 patents, is an expert witness in IP litigation, is Vice Chair of ASTM F45 Driverless Automatic Guided Industrial Vehicles and is a member of ANSI/ITSDF B56.5 Safety Standard for Driverless, Automatic Guided Industrial Vehicles and Automated Functions of Manned Industrial Vehicles. He is also one of the co-authors of the 1986 McGraw-Hill book Industrial Robotics: Technology, Programming, and Applications. Weiss has led his high-technology robotic and automation companies to be successful in the installation of worldwide automation systems in semiconductor manufacturing, electronics manufacturing, automotive and warehousing and distribution. His technical achievements in product design, development and production combined with his business expertise in fund-raising, initial public offering and mergers & acquisitions provide companies with a unique, forward-thinking technology roadmap.
Domestic robots: Has their time finally come?
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to provide details of commercially available domestic robots and recent product developments and consider whether a significant boost in the robot population is imminent.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a short introduction, this paper first provides a brief overview of existing domestic robots and identifies recent product trends. It then discusses some newer product developments which extend the capabilities of domestic robots. This is followed by a consideration of the many recently launched companion robots, and the paper concludes with a discussion of the likely impact on the domestic robot market.

Findings

This paper shows that domestic robots have benefited from developments in artificial intelligence, sensor technology and connectivity, which have led to greater versatility and enhanced ease of use. Several new product developments are extending the range of functions conducted by domestic robots. Many small, mobile companion/social robots have recently been developed which interact with humans by speech and vision and conduct functions such as entertainment, the control of household appliances and security.

Originality/value

This paper provides an insight into the wide range of domestic robots which are available or under development and considers their commercial prospects.