bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping the ecological networks of microbial communities
Authors: Xiao Yandong , Angulo Marco Tulio , Friedman Jonathan , Waldor Matthew K. , Weiss Scott T. , Liu Yang-Yu
Published: June 2017

Microbes form complex and dynamic ecosystems that play key roles in the health of the animals and plants with which they are associated. Such ecosystems are often represented by a directed, signed and weighted ecological network, where nodes represent microbial taxa and edges represent ecological interactions. Inferring the underlying ecological networks of microbial communities is a necessary step towards understanding their assembly rules and predicting their dynamical response to external stimuli. However, current methods for inferring such networks require assuming a particular population dynamics model, which is typically not known a priori. Moreover, those methods require fitting longitudinal abundance data, which is not readily available, and often does not contain the variation that is necessary for reliable inference. To overcome these limitations, here we develop a new method to map the ecological networks of microbial communities using steady-state data. Our method can qualitatively infer the inter-taxa interaction types or signs (positive, negative or neutral) without assuming any particular population dynamics model. Additionally, when the population dynamics is assumed to follow the classic Generalized Lotka-Volterra model, our method can quantitatively infer the inter-taxa interaction strengths and intrinsic growth rates. We systematically validate our method using simulated data, and then apply it to four experimental datasets of microbial communities. Our method offers a novel framework to infer microbial interactions and reconstruct ecological networks, and represents a key step towards reliable modeling of complex, real-world microbial communities, such as the human gut microbiota.
Identification of a novel interspecific hybrid yeast from a metagenomic spontaneously inoculated beer sample using Hi-C
Authors: Heil Caiti Smukowski , Burton Joshua N. , Liachko Ivan , Friedrich Anne , Hanson Noah A. , Morris Cody L. , Schacherer Joseph , Shendure Jay , Thomas James H. , Dunham Maitreya J.
Published: June 2017

Interspecific hybridization is a common mechanism enabling genetic diversification and adaptation; however, the detection of hybrid species has been quite difficult. The identification of microbial hybrids is made even more complicated, as most environmental microbes are resistant to culturing and must be studied in their native mixed communities. We have previously adapted the chromosome conformation capture method Hi-C to the assembly of genomes from mixed populations. Here, we show the method’s application in assembling genomes directly from an uncultured, mixed population from a spontaneously inoculated beer sample. Our assembly method has enabled us to de-convolute 4 bacterial and 4 yeast genomes from this sample, including a putative yeast hybrid. Downstream isolation and analysis of this hybrid confirmed its genome to consist ofPichia membranifaciensand that of another related, but undescribed yeast. Our work shows that Hi-C-based metagenomic methods can overcome the limitation of traditional sequencing methods in studying complex mixtures of genomes.
Rapid adaptation with gene flow via a reservoir of chromosomal inversion variation?
Authors: He Qixin , Knowles L. Lacey
Published: June 2017

The increased recognition of frequent divergence with gene flow has renewed interest in chromosomal inversions as a source for promoting adaptive divergence. Inversions can suppress recombination between heterokaryotypes so that local adapted inversions will be protected from introgression with the migrants. However, we do not have a clear understanding of the conditions for which adaptive divergence is more or less likely to be promoted by inversions when the availability of inversion variation is considered. Standing genetic variation, as opposed to new mutations, could offer a quick way to respond to sudden environmental changes, making it a likely avenue for rapid adaptation. For a scenario of secondary contact between locally-adapted populations, we might intuit that standing inversion variation would predominate over new inversion mutations in maintaining local divergence. Our results show that this is not always the case. Maladaptive gene flow, as both a demographic parameter and the cause for selection that favors locally-adapted inversions, differentiates the dynamics of standing inversion variation from that of segregating point mutations. Counterintuitively, in general, standing inversion variation will be less important to the adaptation than new inversions under the demographic and genetic conditions that are more conducive to adaptive divergence via inversions.
USP25 regulates Wnt signaling by controlling the stability of tankyrases
Authors: Xu Daichao , Liu Jianping , Fu Tao , Shan Bing , Qian Lihui , Pan Lifeng , Yuan Junying
Published: June 2017

Aberrant activation of the Wnt signaling pathway plays an important role in human cancer development. Wnt signaling is negatively regulated by Axin, a scaffolding protein that controls a rate-limiting step in the destruction of β-catenin, the central activator of the Wnt pathway. In Wnt-stimulated cells, Axin is rapidly modified by tankyrase-mediated poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation, which promotes the proteolysis of Axin and consequent stabilization of β-catenin. Thus, regulation of the levels and activity of tankyrases is mechanistically important in controlling Wnt signaling. Here, we identify ubiquitin-specific protease 25 (USP25) as a positive regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. We found that USP25 directly interacted with tankyrases to promote their deubiquitination and stabilization. We demonstrated that USP25 deficiency could promote the degradation of tankyrases and consequent stabilization of Axin to antagonize Wnt signaling. We further characterized the interaction between TNKS1 and USP25 by X-ray crystal structure determination. Our results provide important new insights into the molecular mechanism that regulates the turnover of tankyrases and the possibility of targeting the stability of tankyrases by antagonizing their interaction with USP25 to modulate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Starvation promotes odor/feeding-time associations in flies
Authors: Chouhan Nitin Singh , Wolf Reinhard , Heisenberg Martin
Published: June 2017

Starvation causes a motivational state that facilitates diverse behaviors such as feeding, walking, and search. Starved Drosophila can form odor/feeding-time associations but the role of starvation in encoding of “time” is poorly understood. Here we show that the extent of starvation is correlated with the fly's ability to establish odor/feeding-time memories. Prolonged starvation promotes odor/feeding-time associations after just a single cycle of reciprocal training. We also show that starvation is required for acquisition but is dispensable for retrieval of odor/feeding-time memory. Finally, even with extended starvation, a functional circadian oscillator is indispensable for establishing odor/feeding-time memories.
DNA-binding domain of myelin-gene regulatory factor: purification, crystallization and X-ray analysis
Authors: Wu WenYu , Zhen Xiangkai , Shi Ning
Published: June 2017

The myelin sheath, which envelops axons in the vertebrate central nervous system, is crucial for the rapid conduction of action potentials. Myelin-gene regulatory factor (MRF) is a recently identified transcription factor that is required for myelin-sheath formation. Loss of MRF leads to demyelinating diseases and motor learning deficiency. MRF is a membrane-bound transcription factor that undergoes autocleavage from the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. The N-terminus of MRF contains a DNA-binding domain (DBD) that functions as a homotrimer. In this study, the MRF DBD was cloned, purified and crystallized in order to understand the molecular mechanism that regulates the transcription of myelin genes. Selenomethionine was subsequently introduced into the crystals to obtain the phases for the MRF DBD structure. The native and selenomethionine-labelled crystals exhibited diffraction to 2.50 and 2.51 Å resolution, respectively. The crystals belonged to space groupP321 and the selenomethionine-labelled crystals had unit-cell parametersa= 104.0,b= 104.0,c= 46.7 Å, α = 90, β = 90, γ = 120°. The calculated Matthews coefficient was 3.04 Å3Da−1and the solvent content was 59.5%, indicating the presence of one MRF DBD molecule in the asymmetric unit.
Redetermination of the crystal structure of NaTcO4at 100 and 296 K based on single-crystal X-ray data
Authors: German Konstantin E. , Grigoriev Mikhail S. , Garashchenko Bogdan L. , Kopytin Alexander V. , Tyupina Ekaterina A.
Published: June 2017

The redetermination of the title compound, sodium pertechnate, from single-crystal CCD data recorded both at 296 and 100 K confirms previous studies based on X-ray powder diffraction film data [Schwochau (1962).Z. Naturforsch. Teil A,17, 630; Keller & Kanellakopulos (1963).Radiochim. Acta,1, 107–108] and neutron powder diffraction data using the Rietveld method [Weaveret al.(2017).Inorg. Chem.12, 677–681], but reveals a considerable improvement in precision. The standard uncertainties of the room-temperature structure determination are about seven times lower than those of the neutron diffraction structure determination and about 13 times lower at 100 K, due to the decrease in the amplitude of librations. The crystal expansion could be approximated linearly with a thermal volumic expansion coefficient of 1.19 (12) × 10−4K−1. NaTcO4adopts the scheelite (CaWO4) structure type in space group typeI41/awith Na and Tc atoms (both with site symmetry -4) replacing Ca and W atoms, respectively.
Differences in access to information and communication technologies
Authors: Hardaker Glenn , Sabki Aishah , Qazi Atika , Iqbal Javed
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Most research on information and communication technologies (ICT) differences has been related to gender and ethnicity, and to a lesser extent religious affiliation. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to this field of research by situating the discussion in the context of British Muslims and extending current research into ICT differences beyond gender and ethnicity.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores the ICT differences in access and use by British Muslim teenage girls at Islamic faith schools, and ICTs’ perceived influence on learning. The qualitative research was undertaken by conducting 45 semi-structured interviews with British Muslim teenage girls in Islamic faith schools.

Findings

The study provides tentative findings that Islamic faith schools are not only framed by the wider diverse Muslim community, but also by the supplementary schooling of madrasahs. The findings suggest that the home use of ICTs was reinforced rather than compensated for by the Islamic faith schools. This seemed to inhibit many pupils’ access to online educational resources. The authors found that didactic instruction was prevalent and this provided tentative insights into the types of digital inequity experienced by many pupils.

Originality/value

The research into ICT differences in the UK adopted the premise that the unity in Muslim identity increasingly transcends ethnicity and gender in the Muslim community.
Disability-aware adaptive and personalised learning for students with multiple disabilities
Authors: Nganji Julius T. , Brayshaw Mike
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address how virtual learning environments (VLEs) can be designed to include the needs of learners with multiple disabilities. Specifically, it employs AI to show how specific learning materials from a huge repository of learning materials can be recommended to learners with various disabilities. This is made possible through employing semantic web technology to model the learner and their needs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews personalised learning for students with disabilities, revealing the shortcomings of existing e-learning environments with respect to students with multiple disabilities. It then proceeds to show how the needs of a student with multiple disabilities can be analysed and then simple logical operators and knowledge-based rules used to personalise learning materials in order to meet the needs of such students.

Findings

It has been acknowledged in literature that designing for cases of multiple disabilities is difficult. This paper shows that existing learning environments do not consider the needs of students with multiple disabilities. As they are not flexibly designed and hence not adaptable, they cannot meet the needs of such students. Nevertheless, it is possible to anticipate that students with multiple disabilities would use learning environments, and then design learning environments to meet their needs.

Practical implications

This paper, by presenting various combination rules to present specific learning materials to students with multiple disabilities, lays the foundation for the design and development of learning environments that are inclusive of all learners, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. This could potentially stimulate designers of such systems to produce such inclusive environments. Hopefully, future learning environments will be adaptive enough to meet the needs of learners with multiple disabilities.

Social implications

This paper, by proposing a solution towards developing inclusive learning environments, is a step towards inclusion of students with multiple disabilities in VLEs. When these students are able to access these environments with little or no barrier, they will be included in the learning community and also make valuable contributions.

Originality/value

So far, no study has proposed a solution to the difficulties faced by students with multiple disabilities in existing learning environments. This study is the first to raise this issue and propose a solution to designing for multiple disabilities. This will hopefully encourage other researchers to delve into researching the educational needs of students with multiple disabilities.
A conceptual framework for ecological economics based on systemic principles of life
Authors: Capra Fritjof , Jakobsen Ove Daniel
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to refer to ecological economics using two meanings of the term “ecological”. In the strict scientific sense, ecological economics refers to an economic system that is consistent with and honors the basic principles of ecology, which, ultimately, are identical with what the authors call the systemic principles of life. In a broader sense ecological economics refers to economic theory and practice that see the economy as operating within, rather than dominating, the spheres of nature, society, and culture.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors distill four fundamental principles for ecological economics based on systems theory of life and philosophy of organism. The four principles are; nested systems, self-generating networks, open systems, and cognitive interactions. The authors discuss how these principles can be applied to design an ecological economic system that is life-enhancing on individual, social and ecological levels.

Findings

The authors argue that ecological economics should give priority to activities that maximize well-being of human and non-human beings, as well as entire ecosystems, and that its central purpose should be to serve the life processes in social and ecological systems.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors connect ecological economics to systems theory and come up with principles relevant for developing economic theory and practice within, rather than dominating, the spheres of nature, society, and culture.
Humanitarian supply chain strategies – a review of how actors mitigate supply chain risks
Authors: Jahre Marianne
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to link humanitarian logistics (HL) and supply chain risk management (SCRM) to provide an understanding of risk mitigation strategies that humanitarian organisations use, or could use, to improve their logistics preparedness.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on systematic reviews of RMS in SCRM and supply chain strategies (SCS) in HL literature, a framework is developed and used to review published case studies in HL.

Findings

The study finds that humanitarian actors use a number of the strategies proposed in the framework, particularly those related to strategic stocks, postponement, and collaboration. Strategies related to sourcing and procurement, however, especially those on supplier relationships, seem to be lacking in both research and practice.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on secondary data and could be further developed through case studies based on primary data. Future studies should explore the generalisability of the findings.

Practical implications

Practitioners can use the framework to identify potential new SCS and how strategies can be combined. Findings can help them to understand the abnormal risks of main concern, how they may impact normal risks, and provide ideas on how to tackle trade-offs between different risks.

Social implications

The results can support improvements in humanitarian supply chains, which will provide affected people with rapid, cost-efficient, and better-adapted responses.

Originality/value

The paper connects SCRM and HL to develop a framework and suggests propositions on how humanitarian actors can mitigate supply chain risks. Questioning the focus on strategic stock it suggests complementary or alternative strategies for improving logistics preparedness.
Diagramming development for a base camp and staging area in a humanitarian logistics base airport
Authors: Choi Sunkyung , Hanaoka Shinya
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a method for diagramming a base camp or space for emergency workers and a staging area to be used during sorting, storing, loading, and unloading of relief goods in a humanitarian logistics base airport.

Design/methodology/approach

A method is developed based on a synthesis of the relevant literature and current practices of airports. This provides a means for estimating the area required for each facility and visualizes the layout of the base through an adjacency diagram and a bubble diagram. The method is applied to the Shizuoka Airport in Japan as a case study.

Findings

The proposed method can be used to determine the approximate size and layout of a humanitarian logistics base in an airport based on the affected population and the number of emergency workers.

Research limitations/implications

Airport operation regulations and mathematical models from architectural planning need to be reflected further.

Practical implications

The method provides potential operational improvements for policies and standards for airport operations and enables government officials and humanitarian logistics organizations to identify concerns in facilitating and managing constraints in existing airports.

Originality/value

This study addresses the detailed phases in a diagramming for a humanitarian logistics base airport by integrating an architectural approach and airport disaster management. The results highlight the importance of managing the flexible use of space to improve effective humanitarian logistics.
“Supersize me!” The effects of cognitive effort and goal frame on the persuasiveness of upsell offers
Authors: Heidig Wibke , Wentzel Daniel , Tomczak Torsten , Wiecek Annika , Faltl Martin
Published: June 2017

Purpose

In many industries, customers are offered the opportunity to revise their initial decision in return for a superior but more expensive service option, a selling technique that is typically referred to as upselling. Drawing on the research on customers’ service experience, cognitive effort, decision justification, and goal framing, the purpose of this paper is to conceptualize upselling as a two-stage decision process where the process of making the first decision (i.e. deciding on an initial service option) affects the final decision (i.e. the decision for or against the upsell offer).

Design/methodology/approach

First, qualitative interviews were conducted both with customers as well as managers. Moreover, in two experimental studies, different scenarios depicted an upsell situation that is common in many service encounters. After choosing a hotel room or rental car for reservation, participants were confronted with differently framed arguments to induce a shift toward an enhanced but more costly version of the initially chosen service option.

Findings

The qualitative interviews reveal that upselling is a common practice in many companies and that the manner in which the upsell is communicated has a considerable influence on its effectiveness. The first experimental study finds that the cognitive effort that customers expend in the initial choice moderates the effect of upsell messages using different goal frames. The second experimental study shows that customers are only affected by different goal frames when they feel responsible for the outcome of the final decision.

Practical implications

The findings provide a number of useful guidelines for designing upselling strategies and may also be used to segment a firm’s customer base. On a more general level, this research also raises managers’ awareness of the sequential nature of upselling decisions and the customer’s intrinsic need to justify an upsell choice.

Originality/value

The studies contribute to the literature on customers’ service experience and upselling strategies. Upselling is conceptualized as a two-stage process in which customers’ experience in one phase influences their behavior in later stages. The underlying psychological mechanisms of this effect are also highlighted by referring to customers’ need to justify service choices to themselves.
Do informal institutions affect entrepreneurial intentions?
Authors: Ostapenko Nataliia
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically define the ways in which informal institutions influence entrepreneurial intentions. It tests the statement that informal institutions can have an impact on people’s decisions, directly and indirectly, by affecting their perceptions of the external world.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a theoretical model of the probability of starting a business by a potential entrepreneur. The model takes into account a comparison of current wages and future profits. The empirical analysis is based on European social survey data at the individual level. Three-stage least squares regression helps to overcome the endogeneity problem since perceptions of government actions are individual specific.

Findings

Informal institutions can affect expectations about future activities in a person’s lifetime utility maximisation problem. The paper empirically concludes that these institutions are connected with a person’s satisfaction with government and can indirectly affect the probability to be self-employed.

Research limitations/implications

Research limitations are related to employing proxies for informal institutions, using only the “satisfaction with government” as a perceptions indicator, and cross-sectional data while defining the causal effect.

Practical implications

Policymakers should consider that institutional settings affect people in a different manner when developing their policies.

Originality/value

The paper makes a novel contribution by analysing the effect of informal institutions on the probability to start a business by using both theoretical arguments and empirical tests. Building upon insights from a broader informal institutions’ effect on entrepreneurial intentions, this paper is the first to study a linkage between informal institutions and their indirect effect on people’s profit expectations.
Tree‐to‐tree competition in mixed European beech–Scots pine forests has different impacts on growth and water‐use efficiency depending on site conditions
Authors: González de Andrés Ester , Camarero J. Julio , Blanco Juan A. , Imbert J. Bosco , Lo Yueh‐Hsin , Sangüesa‐Barreda Gabriel , Castillo Federico J.
Published: June 2017

Mixed conifer–hardwood forests can be more productive than pure forests and they are increasingly considered as ecosystems that could provide adaptation strategies in the face of global change. However, the combined effects of tree‐to‐tree competition, rising atmosphericCO2concentrations and climate on such mixtures remain poorly characterized and understood.

To fill this research gap, we reconstructed 34‐year series (1980–2013) of growth (basal area increment,BAI) and intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE) of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestrisL.)–European beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.) mixed stands at two climatically contrasting sites located in the southwestern Pyrenees. We also gathered data on tree‐to‐tree competition and climate variables in order to test the hypotheses that (1) radial growth will be greater when exposed to inter‐ than to intraspecific competition, that is, when species complementarity occurs and (2) enhancediWUEcould be linked to improved stem radial growth.

Growth of both species was reduced when intraspecific competition increased. Species complementarity was linked to improved growth of Scots pine at the continental site, while competition overrode any complementarity advantage at the drought‐prone Mediterranean site. Beech growth did not show any significant response to pine admixture likely due to shade tolerance and the highly competitive nature of this species. Increasing interspecific competition drove recentiWUEchanges, which increased in Scots pine but decreased in European beech. TheiWUEenhancement did not involve any growth improvement in Scots pine. However, the positiveBAI‐iWUErelationship found for beech suggests an enhanced beech growth in drought‐prone sites due to improved water use.

Synthesis. Complementarity may enhance growth in mixed forests. However, water scarcity can constrict light‐related complementarity for shade intolerant species (Scots pine) in drought‐prone sites. Basal area increment–intrinsic water‐use efficiency relationships were negative for Scots pine and positive for European beech. These contrasting behaviours have got implications for coping with the expected increasing drought events in Scots pine–European beech mixtures located near the ecological limit of the two species. Complementarity effects between tree species should be considered to avoid overestimating the degree of future carbon uptake by mixed conifer–broadleaf forests.
Early vocabulary development in children with bilateral cochlear implants
Authors: Välimaa Taina , Kunnari Sari , Laukkanen‐Nevala Päivi , Lonka Eila ,   the National Clinical Research Team
Published: June 2017

Background

Children with unilateral cochlear implants (CIs) may have delayed vocabulary development for an extended period after implantation. Bilateral cochlear implantation is reported to be associated with improved sound localization and enhanced speech perception in noise. This study proposed that bilateral implantation might also promote early vocabulary development. Knowledge regarding vocabulary growth and composition in children with bilateral CIs and factors associated with it may lead to improvements in the content of early speech and language intervention and family counselling.

Aims

To analyse the growth of early vocabulary and its composition during the first year after CI activation and to investigate factors associated with vocabulary growth.

Methods & Procedures

The participants were 20 children with bilateral CIs (12 boys; eight girls; mean age at CI activation = 12.9 months). Vocabulary size was assessed with the Finnish version of the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventories (CDI) Infant Form and compared with normative data. Vocabulary composition was analysed in relation to vocabulary size. Growth curve modelling was implemented using a linear mixed model to analyse the effects of the following variables on early vocabulary growth: time, gender, maternal education, residual hearing with hearing aids, age at first hearing aid fitting and age at CI activation.

Outcomes & Results

Despite clear vocabulary growth over time, children with bilateral CIs lagged behind their age norms in receptive vocabulary during the first 12 months after CI activation. In expressive vocabulary, 35% of the children were able to catch up with their age norms, but 55% of the children lagged behind them. In receptive and expressive vocabularies of 1–20 words, analysis of different semantic categories indicated that social terms constituted the highest proportion. Nouns constituted the highest proportion in vocabularies of 101–400 words. The proportion of verbs remained below 20% and the proportion of function words and adjectives remained below 10% in the vocabularies of 1–400 words. There was a significant main effect of time, gender, maternal education and residual hearing with hearing aids before implantation on early receptive vocabulary growth. Time and residual hearing with hearing aids had a significant main effect also on expressive vocabulary growth.

Conclusions & Implications

Vocabulary development of children with bilateral CIs may be delayed. Thus, early vocabulary development needs to be assessed carefully in order to provide children and families with timely and targeted early intervention for vocabulary acquisition.
Plugging the patient evidence gap: what patients with swallowing disorders post‐stroke say about thickened liquids*
Authors: McCurtin Arlene , Healy Chiara , Kelly Linda , Murphy Fiona , Ryan Jean , Walsh Joanne
Published: June 2017

Background

Oropharyngeal dysphagia post‐stroke is well known, with its presence increasing the risk of poor outcomes in particular aspiration and aspiration pneumonia. Management to minimize the risk of aspiration and improve swallow safety post‐stroke includes the treatment of thickened liquids (TL), an established bolus modification intervention. Despite widespread use, there is a lack of robust empirical evidence and minimal patient evidence as to the experience and acceptability of using thickeners by people who experience dysphagia after a stroke.

Aims

To explore people with swallowing disorders post‐stroke experiences of and acceptability regarding the bolus modification treatment of thickened liquids.

Methods & Procedures

A qualitative, descriptive study exploring the experiences of individuals given TL after their stroke. A purposive sample of 14 adults was obtained with data collection and generation through the medium of individual semi‐structured interviews. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Outcomes & Results

Three overarching themes of ‘uncertainty’, ‘an unpleasant experience’ and ‘a trade‐off’ were identified. These themes highlight that participants disliked TL and this dislike may have impacted clinically in terms of adherence, hydration and quality of life. Lack of sensory appeal was important in framing patient dislike. Participants’ involvement in and understanding of reasons for prescription of TL was poor leading to uncertainty regarding the treatment. Notwithstanding, some participants felt it was necessary for their stroke recovery.

Conclusions & Implications

TL can be considered a burdensome treatment from multiple perspectives including product palatability, treatment uncertainty and treatment adherence issues. Despite intensely disliking this treatment, some patients ultimately understand why the treatment is prescribed. Improvements in product palatability are required in order to improve adherence and patient quality of life. Consideration of other treatment options and newer products to manage aspiration post‐stroke is also warranted.
When Social Infrastructure Deficits Create Displacement Pressures: Inner City Schools and the Suburbanization of Families in Melbourne
Authors: Nethercote Megan
Published: June 2017

Under advanced capitalism, gentrification converges with the post‐Keynesian ‘unhinging' of the state from the project of social reproduction, including its responsibilities for collective consumption (e.g. housing, schools). Gentrification research scrutinizes this convergence through the ongoing assault on social/affordable housing, and yet anaemic housing welfare is not its endpoint. The social contract is further fractured through the ongoing discreditation and dismantling of the full gamut of legacies of the publicly regulated Keynesian inner city, including essential social infrastructure. Focusing on public schools, as an essential site for social reproduction, this article explores how the struggle for the city under neoliberal gentrification may be emerging along additional (non‐housing) vectors. Based on a qualitative study of families' experiences of poor public education provision in central Melbourne (Australia), this article argues that the exclusionary effects of gentrification likely exceed residential encroachment as state subsidization of residents continues to yield to the subsidization of capital. In particular, this article identifies life‐stage specific, infrastructure‐related displacement pressures wrought by a state failure to provide adequate public primary schools in the ‘regeneration' of central Melbourne, and it illustrates how these pressures prompt housing strategies that unevenly divest families of the locational advantages secured in the inner city. Highlighting the role of public school deficits in the reluctant suburbanization of lesser‐resourced families assists in foregrounding state complicity in displacement dynamics and the potential for these to magnify socio‐economic, gendered and socio‐spatial inequalities across the city.
Feasibility of Collecting Patient‐Reported Outcomes for Inpatient Rehabilitation Quality Reporting
Authors: Heinemann Allen Walter , Deutsch Anne , Cella David , Cook Karon Frances , Foster Linda , Miskovic Ana , Davis Katharine , Goldsmith Arielle
Published: June 2017

Objective

To evaluate rehabilitation inpatients’ willingness and ability to complete patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) and the burden of completion on patients and staff.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Two inpatient rehabilitation facilities.

Study Design

Patients with neurological disorders were assigned randomly to receive a nominal monetary incentive during or 1 month after the stay.

Data Collection

Patients responded using a tablet computer or paper.

Principal Findings

Of the 1,055 admissions, 74 percent were eligible, and 51 percent of eligible patients completed the survey. Most answered without assistance. A majority completed the survey 1 month after discharge; incentive timing was unrelated to postdischarge completion. Half of the 285 follow‐up respondents required at least two reminder calls.

Conclusions

Collection of PROs from rehabilitation patients is feasible. Results inform policy makers regarding feasibility of PRO data in evaluating rehabilitation quality.
Avoidance of parasitized host by female wasps of Aphidius gifuensis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): The role of natal rearing effects and host availability?
Authors: Pan Ming‐Zhen , Liu Tong‐Xian , Nansen Christian
Published: June 2017

Natal rearing experience of animals may affect their behaviors, such as habitat selection and oviposition decision. As part of the overall fitness of insect parasitoids, successful host discrimination (distinguishing parasitized hosts from unparasitized hosts) is of paramount importance. In this study we examined whether and how parasitoids’ natal rearing experience would affect their host discrimination ability according to host availability. We established separate colonies of Aphidius gifuensis Ashmead by continual rearing on two hosts, Sitobion avenae F. and Myzus persicae (Suzler), and quantified self superparasitism and self superparasitism versus parasitism ratio for the four combinations of parasitoid colonies and host species (S. aveane and M. persicae) at four host densities (30, 50, 100 or 150 per plant). Results showed that self superparasitism of M. persicae by A. gifuensis reared on S. avenae was significantly higher than by those reared on M. persicae, no matter whether the host densities were 30, 50, 100 or 150. Aphidius gifuensis reared on M. persicae significantly superparasitized more S. avenae than those reared on S. aveane only when host density was 30. Self superparasitism versus parasitism ratio of A. gifuensis from both colonies was always lower on natal hosts than on new hosts, and the difference was more pronounced as the host density decreased. These results suggested that natal rearing effects is important on host discrimination and oviposition decision of the parasitoid A. gifuensis. These effects promoted the parasitoid's host adaptation and made them confer greater fitness.
Metformin prevents vascular prostanoid release alterations induced by a high‐fat diet in rats
Authors: Lee H. J. , Cantú S. M. , Donoso A. S. , Choi M. R. , Peredo H. A. , Puyó A. M.
Published: June 2017

Perivascular adipose tissue dysfunction induced by high‐fat feeding leads to alterations in the modulation of inflammation, contractile activity of the vascular smooth muscle and endothelial function, all risk factors in the development of hypertension. Metformin, an activator of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), is currently the first‐line drug treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome. Besides its glucose‐lowering effect, there is an interest in actions of this drug with potential relevance in cardiovascular diseases.

The high‐fat (HF) diet is an experimental model that resembles human metabolic syndrome. We have previously reported an altered pattern of prostanoid release in mesenteric vessels in this model.

The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of metformin on mesenteric vascular bed prostanoid release, adiposity index and its relation to blood pressure in Sprague‐Dawley rats fed a HF diet for 8 and 12 weeks. Eight groups were used: control (C8, C1), HF diet (HF8, HF12, 50% w/w bovine fat), metformin‐treated (CMf8, CMf12, 500 mg/kg/day) and metformin‐treated HF diet (HFMf8, HFMf12, both treatments).

HF diet increased mesenteric vascular bed adiposity index (%, HF8: 1.7±0.1 vs C8: 0.9±0.04 and HF12: 1.8±0.1 vs C12: 0.8±0.1, P<.001); systolic blood pressure (SBP, mm Hg, HF8: 145±6 vs C8: 118±4, P<.01 and HF12: 151±1 vs C12: 121±3, P<.001). We found a positive correlation between these two parameters. Moreover HF diet increased the release of vasoconstrictor prostanoids such as thromboxane (TX) B2 (ng PR/mg of tissue, HF8: 117±6 vs C8: 66±2 and HF12: 123±6 vs C12: 62±5, P<.001) and prostaglandin (PG) F2α (ng/mg, HF8: 153±9 vs C8: 88±3 and HF12: 160±11 vs C12: 83±5, P<.001). We also found that this increase in the release of vasoconstrictor prostanoids positively correlates with the elevation of SBP. In addition, HF diet increases the release of PGE2 and decreases the prostacyclin (PGI2)/TXA2 release ratio at 8 and 12 weeks of treatment compared to control groups.

In the HFMf group, metformin treatment prevented all these increases in mesenteric vascular bed adiposity index (%, HFMf8: 1.3±0.2 vs HF8 and HFMf12: 1.3±0.1 vs HF12, P<.05); SBP (mm Hg, HFMf8: 127±2 vs HF8 and HFMf12: 132±1 vs HF12, P<.001); TXB2 release (ng PR/mg of tissue, HFMf8: 65±12 vs HF8, P<.05 and HFMf12: 53±3 vs HF12, P<.001) and PGF2α (ng PR/mg of tissue, HFMf8: 99±13 vs HF8, P<.01 and HFMf12: 77±8 vs HF12, P<.001). Meanwhile metformin prevented the increment in PGE2 release only at 12 weeks. On the other hand, metformin improved the PGI2/TXA2 ratio in both periods studied.

In conclusion, metformin could exert beneficial effects on adipose tissue and the vascular system by improving endothelial dysfunction induced by an imbalance of vasoactive substances in mesenteric perivascular adipose tissue in this model.
Dicephalic Parapagus Conjoined Twins in a Large Fruit‐eating Bat, Genus Artibeus (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae)
Authors: Nogueira M. R. , Ventura A. , da Veiga C. C. P. , Monteiro L. R. , Pinheiro N. L. , Peracchi A. L.
Published: June 2017

Conjoined twinning is an embryological anomaly rarely reported in wild mammals and with only two previous records in Chiroptera. Here, we report a case of dicephalic parapagus conjoined twins in the Neotropical phyllostomid genus Artibeus. These twins are males and present separated heads and necks, but a conjoined trunk with an expanded upper thoracic region. They developed two complete forelimbs and two complete hindlimbs, all laterally to the trunk. There is a volume in the upper midback and between the heads that resembles a third rudimentary medial forelimb, but X‐ray images only suggest the presence of medial skeletal elements of the pectoral girdle (clavicle and scapulae) in this region. The X‐ray images also show that vertebral columns run separated from head until the base of lumbar region, where they form a single structure. Using ultrasound images, we detected the presence of two similarly sized and apparently separated hearts. The accumulation of study cases like this will help in the understanding of patterns and process behind this phenomena, and collection material plays a key role in this context.
Oesophageal epidermal naevi as a feature of systematised epidermal naevus syndrome
Authors: Oyesanya Tola , Boozalis Emily , Kwatra Shawn G , Cohen Bernard A
Published: June 2017

Systematised epidermal naevi are hamartomas developing from neural ectoderm that can be quite extensive, typically with involvement of the face, neck, scalp, arms, legs and trunk. Involvement of the gastrointestinal tract is rare. We report on a 38‐year‐old Caucasian woman with systematised epidermal naevus syndrome who presented with previously undescribed involvement of the oesophagus, as well as the right side of her scalp, forehead, cheeks, chin, oral mucosa, neck, arms and trunk.
Magnetic‐activated cell sorting before density gradient centrifugation improves recovery of high‐quality spermatozoa
Authors: Berteli T. S. , Da Broi M. G. , Martins W. P. , Ferriani R. A. , Navarro P. A.
Published: June 2017

Recent studies have evaluated the use of magnetic‐activated cell sorting (MACS) to reduce apoptotic spermatozoa and improve sperm quality. However, the efficiency of using MACS alone, before or after sperm processing by density gradient centrifugation (DGC) has not yet been established. The purpose of this study is to determine the optimal protocol of MACS in assisted reproduction techniques (ART). Thus, we compared sperm quality obtained by DGC alone (DGC), DGC followed by MACS (DGC‐MACS), MACS followed by DGC (MACS‐DGC), and MACS alone (MACS), and found that the combined methods (MACS‐DGC and DGC‐MACS) led to retrieval of less spermatozoa with fragmented DNA compared to the single protocols. However, MACS‐DGC protocol led to a significantly higher percentage of spermatozoa with progressive motility and normal morphology than DGC‐MACS protocol. These findings suggest the potential clinical value of using MACS‐DGC to improve sperm quality in seminal preparation for ART.
miR‐2909 regulates ISGylation system via STAT1 signalling through negative regulation of SOCS3 in prostate cancer
Authors: Ayub Shiekh Gazalla , Kaul Deepak
Published: June 2017

One of the well‐document strategies adopted by tumour cells for progression is to evade immune surveillance mechanisms. An understanding of the tight interaction between immunity and progression of cancer can provide novel treatment options for different malignancies including prostate cancer (PCa). Here, we have shown that AATF genome encoded miR‐2909, known to play role both in immunity and cancer upregulates various interferon stimulating genes (ISGs) including ISGylation system through STAT1. Our results revealed that miR‐2909 up‐regulates STAT1 through negative regulation of SOCS3 and not through up‐regulation of Type 1 interferon (IFN) production. It was observed that inhibition of ISGylation reduced the proliferation potential of PCa cells. Furthermore, androgens were found to negatively regulate ISGylation in LNCaP cells through androgen receptor signalling independently of miR‐2909. TGF‐β mediated SMAD3 signalling was also seen to be suppressed by miR‐2909 through induction of SMAD7 via enhanced STAT1 expression. Collectively, these studies suggest that miR‐2909 could play a vital role in prostate carcinogenesis through modulation of ISGylation system and TGFβ signalling via STAT1.
Evaluation of Hemodynamic Performance of a Combined ECLS and CRRT Circuit in Seven Positions With a Simulated Neonatal Patient
Authors: Profeta Elizabeth , Shank Kaitlyn , Wang Shigang , O'Connor Christian , Kunselman Allen R. , Woitas Karl , Myers John L. , Ündar Akif
Published: June 2017

As it is common for patients treated with extracorporeal life support (ECLS) to subsequently require continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), and neonatal patients encounter limitations due to lack of access points, inclusion of CRRT in the ECLS circuit could provide advanced treatment for this population. The objective of this study was to evaluate an alternative neonatal ECLS circuit containing either a Maquet RotaFlow centrifugal pump or Maquet HL20 roller pump with one of seven configurations of CRRT using the Prismaflex 2000 System. All ECLS circuit setups included a Quadrox‐iD Pediatric diffusion membrane oxygenator, a Better Bladder, an 8‐Fr arterial cannula, a 10‐Fr venous cannula, and 6 feet of ¼‐inch diameter arterial and venous tubing. The circuit was primed with lactated Ringer's solution and packed human red blood cells resulting in a total priming volume of 700 mL for both the circuit and the 3‐kg pseudopatient. Hemodynamic data were recorded for ECLS flow rates of 200, 400, and 600 mL/min and a CRRT flow rate of 50 mL/min. When a centrifugal pump is used, the hemodynamic performance of any combined ECLS and CRRT circuit was not significantly different than that of the circuit without CRRT, thus any configuration could potentially be used. However, introduction of CRRT to a circuit containing a roller pump does affect performance properties for some CRRT positions. The circuits with CRRT positions B and G demonstrated decreased total hemodynamic energy (THE) levels at the post‐arterial cannula site, while positions D and E demonstrated increased post‐arterial cannula THE levels compared to the circuit without CRRT. CRRT positions A, C, and F did not have significant changes with respect to pre‐arterial cannula flow and THE levels, compared to the circuit without CRRT. Considering hemodynamic performance, for neonatal combined extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and CRRT circuits with both blood pumps, we recommend the use of CRRT position A due to its hemodynamic similarities to the ECMO circuit without CRRT.