bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Preoperative Oropharyngeal Microflora on the Occurrence of Postoperative Pneumonia and Survival in Patients Undergoing Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Yuda Masami , Yamashita Kotaro , Okamura Akihiko , Hayami Masaru , Fukudome Ian , Toihata Tasuku , Imamura Yu , Mine Shinji , Ishizuka Naoki , Watanabe Masayuki
Published: April 2019

Objective:

The aim of this study was to clarify the correlation between oropharyngeal microflora and postoperative complications as well as long-term survival after esophagectomy.

Background:

Although the oral cavity is known to be a potential reservoir for pathogens, the influence of abnormal oropharyngeal microflora on the outcomes of patients undergoing esophagectomy remains unknown.

Methods:

This study included 675 patients who underwent esophagectomy between 2007 and 2014. Saliva samples from the oropharynx were collected 2 days before the operation. There were 442 patients with indigenous flora (Ind group) and 233 with allopatric flora. Among the patients with allopatric flora, 140 had antibiotic-sensitive microbes only (Allo-S group) while 93 had different types of antibiotic-resistant microbes (Allo-R group). We investigated the correlation between the types of oropharyngeal microflora and the incidence of postoperative complications as well as long-term outcomes.

Results:

Sixteen microbes could be cultivated from the saliva samples. The incidence of postoperative pneumonia in the Allo-S and Allo-R groups was significantly higher than in the Ind group (P< 0.001). In addition, acute respiratory distress syndrome was more often observed in the Allo-R group than in the other groups (P= 0.002). A significantly higher rate of antibiotic use and longer hospital stays were observed in the Allo-R group compared with the Ind group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of allopatric antibiotic-resistant microbes in the oropharynx was an independent risk factor for postoperative pneumonia (odds ratio, 3.93; 95% confidence interval, 2.41–6.42). The overall survival was significantly poorer in the Allo-R group than in the other groups.

Conclusions:

Preoperative oropharyngeal culture is a simple and low-cost method that can predict both the occurrence of postoperative pneumonia and poor prognosis after esophagectomy.
Facilitation of Surgical Innovation
Authors: Marcus Rebecca K. , Lillemoe Heather A. , Caudle Abigail S. , Weinberg Jeffrey S. , Gidley Paul W. , Skibber John M. , Levenback Charles F. , Swisher Stephen G. , Aloia Thomas A.
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To review efficiency metrics and patient safety data before and after implementation of a structured review process for surgical innovations.

Summary Background Data:

Surgical innovation ranges from minor incremental improvement to radical experimentation. Although innovation paradigms have been described, these are not widely adopted or enforced in the surgical community.

Methods:

A Continuous Quality Improvement Team (CQIT) of surgical quality officers and perioperative nurses was organized to perform structured reviews of proposed new surgical devices and procedures at a large quaternary cancer care center. The CQIT process was placed to precede an established Value Analysis Team business evaluation. Pre- and post-CQIT implementation metrics of approval process efficiency and patient safety data were compared. Seven novel procedures were also vetted by the CQIT.

Results:

Forty-six product requests were evaluated after CQIT implementation. Compared with 34 products evaluated prior to CQIT establishment, the total mean evaluation time decreased from 124 to 51 days (P
= 0.007). For new devices requiring intraoperative trial, the time between product proposal and trial decreased from a mean of 260 to 99 days (P
= 0.014). The rate of device-related complications in the pre-CQIT group was 10% compared with 0% post-CQIT. Two devices, which administratively bypassed CQIT review, had both minor and major complications, including a mortality. Five novel procedures approved by CQIT with simulation were performed without complications.

Conclusions:

Using novel algorithms, the addition of a dedicated team of surgical quality officers to the surgical innovation evaluation process improved both the efficiency and the safety associated with introducing new devices and procedures into practice.
Endovascular Aneurysm Repair With Inferior Mesenteric Artery Embolization for Preventing Type II Endoleak
Authors: Samura Makoto , Morikage Noriyasu , Otsuka Ryo , Mizoguchi Takahiro , Takeuchi Yuriko , Nagase Takashi , Harada Takasuke , Yamashita Osamu , Suehiro Kotaro , Hamano Kimikazu
Published: April 2019

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) embolization during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in patients at high risk of type II endoleak (T2EL) in randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Summary Background Data:

Several studies have demonstrated a reduction of T2EL by IMA embolization before EVAR. However, there have been no RCT confirming the efficacy of IMA embolization.

Methods:

Patients scheduled for elective EVAR between April 2014 and March 2018 were eligible. Patients at high risk of T2EL (IMA patency with IMA ≥3 mm, LAs ≥2 mm, or an aortoiliac-type aneurysm) were prospectively randomized to receive EVAR with or without IMA embolization. The primary endpoint was occurrence of T2EL during follow-up. Secondary endpoints included aneurysmal sac changes, adverse events from IMA embolization, and reintervention rate due to T2EL. This trial is registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network, number UMIN000022147.

Results:

One hundred thirteen patients had high risk and 106 were randomized. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the incidence of T2EL was significantly lower in the embolization group [24.5% vs 49.1%; P = 0.009, absolute risk reduction = 24.5%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 6.2–40.5, number needed to treat = 4.1; 95% CI, 2.5–16.1]. The aneurysmal sac shrunk significantly more in the embolization group (−5.7 ± 7.3 mm vs −2.8 ± 6.6 mm; P = 0.037), and the incidence of aneurysmal sac growth related to T2EL was significantly lower in the embolization group (3.8% vs 17.0%; P = 0.030). There were no complications related to IMA embolization or reinterventions associated with T2EL.

Conclusions:

Our results demonstrated the effectiveness of IMA embolization during EVAR in high-risk patients for the prevention of T2EL, which is suggested for avoiding aneurysmal sac enlargement related to T2EL.
Growth Patterns After Kidney Transplantation in European Children Over the Past 25 Years: An ESPN/ERA-EDTA Registry Study
Authors: Bonthuis Marjolein , Groothoff Jaap W. , Ariceta Gema , Baiko Sergey , Battelino Nina , Bjerre Anna , Cransberg Karlien , Kolvek Gabriel , Maxwell Heather , Miteva Polina , Molchanova Maria S. , Neuhaus Thomas J. , Pape Lars , Reusz Gyorgy , Rousset-Rouviere Caroline , Sandes Ana Rita , Topaloglu Rezan , Van Dyck Maria , Ylinen Elisa , Zagozdzon Ilona , Jager Kitty J. , Harambat Jérôme
Published: April 2019

Background.

Improved management of growth impairment might have resulted in less growth retardation after pediatric kidney transplantation (KT) over time. We aimed to analyze recent longitudinal growth data after KT in comparison to previous eras, its determinants, and the association with transplant outcome in a large cohort of transplanted children using data from the European Society for Paediatric Nephrology/European Renal Association and European Dialysis and Transplant Association Registry.

Methods.

A total of 3492 patients transplanted before 18 years from 1990 to 2012 were included. Height SD scores (SDS) were calculated using recent national or European growth charts. We used generalized equation models to estimate the prevalence of growth deficit and linear mixed models to calculate adjusted mean height SDS.

Results.

Mean adjusted height post-KT was −1.77 SDS. Height SDS was within normal range in 55%, whereas 28% showed moderate, and 17% severe growth deficit. Girls were significantly shorter than boys, but catch-up growth by 5 years post-KT was observed in both boys and girls. Children <6 years were shortest at KT and showed the greatest increase in height, whereas there was no catch-up growth in children transplanted >12.

Conclusions.

Catch-up growth post-KT remains limited, height SDS did not improve over time, resulting in short stature in nearly half of transplanted children in Europe.
Enhanced Advocacy and Health Systems Training Through Patient Navigation Increases Access to Living-donor Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Locke Jayme E. , Reed Rhiannon D. , Kumar Vineeta , Berry Beverly , Hendricks Daagye , Carter Alexis , Shelton Brittany A. , Mustian Margaux N. , MacLennan Paul A. , Qu Haiyan , Hannon Lonnie , Yates Clayton , Hanaway Michael J.
Published: April 2019

Background.

To date, no living donation program has simultaneously addressed the needs of both transplant candidates and living donors by separating the advocacy role from the candidate and improving potential donor comfort with the evaluation process. We hypothesized that the development of a novel program designed to promote both advocacy and systems training among transplant candidates and their potential living kidney donors would result in sustained increases in living-donor kidney transplantation (LDKT). To this end, we developed and implemented a Living Donor Navigator (LDN) Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Methods.

We included adult patients awaiting kidney-only transplant in a retrospective cohort analysis. Using time-varying Cox proportional hazards regression, we explored likelihood of living donor screening and approval by participation in the LDN program.

Results.

There were 56 LDN participants and 1948 nonparticipants (standard of care). LDN was associated with a 9-fold increased likelihood of living donor screenings (adjusted hazard ratio, 9.27; 95% confidence interval, 5.97-14.41, P < 0.001) and a 7-fold increased likelihood of having an approved living donor (adjusted hazard ratio, 7.74; 95% confidence interval, 3.54-16.93; P < 0.001) compared with the standard of care. Analyses by participant race demonstrated higher likelihood of screened donors and a similar likelihood of having an approved donor among African Americans compared with Caucasians.

Conclusions.

These data suggest that both advocacy and systems training are needed to increase actual LDKT rates, and that LDN programs may mitigate existing racial disparities in access to LDKT.
Leptindeficient rats develop nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with unique disease progression
Authors: Lu Ping , Yang Guang , He Wen , Wu Wanwan , Qi Lingbin , Shen Shijun , Rao Junhua , Fan Guoping , Xue Zhigang , Zhang Peng , Jiang Cizhong , Zhu Xianmin
Published: April 2019

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an aggressive liver disease threatening public health, however its natural history is poorly understood. Unlikeob/obmice,Lep∆I14/∆I14rats develop unique NASH phenotype with steatosis, lymphocyte infiltration and ballooning after postnatal week 16. UsingLep∆I14/∆I14rats as NASH model, we studied the natural history of NASH progression by performing an integrated analysis of hepatic transcriptome from postnatal week 4 to 48.Leptindeficiency results in a robust increase in expression of genes encoding 9 rate-limiting enzymes in lipid metabolism such as ACC and FASN. However, genes in positive regulation of inflammatory response are highly expressed at week 16 and then remain the steady elevated expression till week 48. The high expression of cytokines and chemokines including CCL2, TNFα, IL6 and IL1β is correlated with the phosphorylation of several key molecules in pathways such as JNK and NF-κB. Meanwhile, we observed cell infiltration of MPO+neutrophils, CD8+T cells, CD68+hepatic macrophages and CCR2+inflammatory monocyte-derived macrophages, together with macrophage polarization from M2 to M1. Importantly,Lep∆I14/∆I14rats share more homologous genes with NASH patients than previously established mouse models and crab eating monkeys with spontaneous hepatic steatosis. Transcriptomic analysis showed that many drug targets in clinical trials can be evaluated inLep∆I14/∆I14rats.

Conclusion

We characterizeLep∆I14/∆I14rats as a unique NASH model by performing a long-term (i.e., 4 to 48 postnatal weeks) integrated transcriptomic analysis. This work reveal the temporal dynamics of hepatic gene expression in lipid metabolism and inflammation, and shed light on understanding the natural history of NASH in human beings.
Metatranscriptomic reconstruction reveals RNA viruses with the potential to shape carbon cycling in soil
Authors: Starr Evan P. , Nuccio Erin E. , Pett-Ridge Jennifer , Banfield Jillian F. , Firestone Mary K.
Published: April 2019

Viruses impact nearly all organisms on Earth, with ripples of influence in agriculture, health and biogeochemical processes. However, very little is known about RNA viruses in an environmental context, and even less is known about their diversity and ecology in the most complex microbial system, soil. Here, we assembled 48 individual metatranscriptomes from four habitats within a soil sampled over a 22-day time series: rhizosphere alone, detritosphere alone, a combination of the two, and unamended soil (four time points and three biological replicates per time point). We resolved the RNA viral community, uncovering a high diversity of viral sequences. We also investigated possible host organisms by analyzing metatranscriptome marker gene content. Based on viral phylogeny, much of the diversity wasNarnaviridaethat parasitize fungi orLeviviridaethat infect Proteobacteria. Both host and viral communities appear to be highly dynamic, and rapidly diverged depending on experimental conditions. The viral communities were structured based on the presence of litter, while putative hosts appeared to be impacted by both the presence of litter and roots. A clear time signature fromLeviviridaeand their hosts indicated that viruses were replicating. With this time-resolved analysis, we show that RNA viruses are diverse, abundant and active in soil. Their replication causes host cell death, mobilizing carbon in a process that represents a largely overlooked component of carbon cycling in soil.
Rapid, ultra-local adaptation facilitated by phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Sun Syuan-Jyun , Catherall Andrew M. , Pascoal Sonia , Jarrett Benjamin J. M. , Miller Sara E. , Sheehan Michael J. , Kilner Rebecca M.
Published: April 2019

Models of ‘plasticity-first’ evolution are attractive because they explain the rapid evolution of new complex adaptations. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether plasticity can still facilitate rapid evolution when diverging populations are connected by gene flow. Here we show how plasticity has generated adaptive divergence in fecundity in wild populations of burying beetlesNicrophorus vespilloides, which are still connected by gene flow, which occupy distinct Cambridgeshire woodlands that are just 2.5km apart and which diverged from a common ancestral population c. 1000-4000 years ago. We show that adaptive divergence is duetothe coupling of an evolved increase in the elevation of the reaction norm linking clutch size to carrion size (i.e. genetic accommodation) with plastic secondary elimination of surplus offspring. Working in combination, these two processes have facilitated rapid adaptation to fine-scale environmental differences, despite ongoing gene flow.
A comparative analysis of histone methyltransferases and demethylases in insect genome: A meta-analysis
Authors: Gulati Parul , Kohli Surbhi , Narang Ankita , Brahmachari Vani
Published: April 2019

Background

The epigenetic regulation through post-translational modification of histones, especially methylation is well conserved, while DNA methylation is variable, being very low or absent in Drosophila melanogaster. Though there are several insect genomes sequenced, an analysis with a focus on their epigenetic repertoire is limited. We have compared the histone methyltransferases and the demethylases in the genome of Drosophila melanogaster, Aedes aegypti (Diptera), the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, the triatomid bug Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera), the honeybee Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera), the silkworm Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera) and the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera).

Results

We identified 38 clusters consisting of arginine, lysine methyltransferases and demethylases using OrthoFinder. To eliminate false positives, we designed a method based on identifying highly conserved domain within each class designated as the high priority domain. Out of the 9 arginine methyltransferases, Art2, Art6 and Art9 are identified in D.melanogaster only. We observe copy number variation between the genomes; A.pisum has nine copies of eggless gene (H3K9me3 methyltransferase), which can be correlated with the switch between parthenogenesis and sexual reproduction. Other than the high-priority domains, these proteins contain shared and unique domains that can mediate protein-protein interaction. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the there is a broad conservation within the members of a class while duplication and divergence is observed in LSD1.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis provides a method for reliable identification of epigenetic modifiers of histones in newly sequenced insect genomes. Similar approach can be taken for other classes of genes.
Renewal theory provides a universal quantitative framework to characterise the continuous regeneration of rotational events in cardiac fibrillation
Authors: Dharmaprani Dhani , Schopp Madeline , Kuklik Pawel , Chapman Darius , Lahiri Anandaroop , Dykes Lukah , Xiong Feng , Aguilar Martin , Strauss Benjamin , Mitchell Lewis , Pope Kenneth , Meyer Christian , Willems Stephan , Akar Fadi G. , Nattel Stanley , McGavigan Andrew D , Ganesan Anand N.
Published: April 2019

Background

Cardiac fibrillation is thought to be maintained by rotational activity, with pivoting regions called phase singularities (PSs). Despite a century of research, no clear quantitative framework exists to model the fundamental processes responsible for the continuous formation and destruction of rotors in fibrillation.

Objective

We conducted a multi-modality, multi-species study of AF/VF under the hypothesis that PS formation/destruction in fibrillation can be modelled as self-regenerating renewal processes, producing exponential distributions of inter-event times governed by constant rate-parameters defined by the prevailing properties of the system.

Methods

PS formation/destruction was studied and cross-validated in 5 models, using basket recordings and optical mapping from: i) human persistent AF (n = 20), ii) tachypaced sheep AF (n = 5), iii) rat AF (n = 4), iv) rat VF (n = 11) and v) computer simulated AF (SIM). Hilbert phase maps were constructed. PS lifetime data were fitted by exponential probability distribution functions (PDFs) computed using maximum entropy theory, and the rate parameter (λ) determined. A systematic review was conducted to cross-validate with source data from literature.

Results

PS destruction/formation distributions showed good fits to an exponential in all systems (R2≥ 0.90). In humans,λ= 4.6%/ms (95%CI,4.3,4.9)), sheep 4.4%/ms (95%CI,4.1,4.7)), rat AF 38%/ms (95%CI,22,55), rat VF 46%/ms (95%CI,31.2,60.2) and SIM 5.4%/ms (95%CI,4.1,6.7). All PS distributions identified through systematic review were exponential with λ comparable to experimental data.

Conclusion

These results provide a universal quantitative framework to explain rotor formation and destruction in AF/VF, and a platform for therapeutic advances in cardiac fibrillation.
Pan-Cancer Exploration of mRNA Mediated Dysregulated Pathways in the Cancer Genomics Cloud
Authors: Linan Margaret , Wang Junwen , Dinu Valentin
Published: April 2019

We performed a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis in the Cancer Genomics Cloud of HTSeq-FPKM normalized protein coding mRNA data from 17 cancer projects in the Cancer Genome Atlas, these are Adrenal Gland, Bile Duct, Bladder, Brain, Breast, Cervix, Colorectal, Esophagus, Head and Neck, Kidney, Liver, Lung, Pancreas, Prostate, Stomach, Thyroid and Uterus. The PoTRA algorithm was applied to the normalized mRNA protein coding data and detected dysregulated pathways that can be implicated in the pathogenesis of these cancers. Then the PageRank algorithm was applied to the PoTRA results to find the most influential dysregulated pathways among all 17 cancer types. Pathways in cancer is the most common dysregulated pathway, and the MAPK signaling pathway is the most influential (PageRank score = 0.2034) while the purine metabolism pathway is the most significantly dysregulated metabolic pathway.
Transcriptomic responses to warming and cooling of an Arctic tundra soil microbiome
Authors: Schostag Morten Dencker , Anwar Muhammad Zohaib , Jacobsen Carsten Suhr , Larose Catherine , Vogel Timothy M. , Maccario Lorrie , Jacquiod Samuel , Faucherre Samuel , Priemé Anders
Published: April 2019

Background

Arctic surface soils experience pronounced seasonal changes in temperature and chemistry. However, it is unclear how these changes affect microbial degradation of organic matter, nitrogen cycling and microbial stress responses. We combined measurements of microbiome transcriptional activity, CO2production, and pools of carbon and nitrogen to investigate the microbial response to warming in the laboratory, from −10 °C to 2 °C, and subsequent cooling, from 2 °C to −10 °C, of a high Arctic tundra soil from Svalbard, Norway.

Results

Gene expression was unaffected by warming from −10 °C to −2 °C and by cooling from −2 °C to −10 °C, while upon freezing (2 °C to −2 °C) a defense response against oxidative stress was observed. Following modest transcriptional changes one day after soil thaw, a more pronounced response was observed after 17 days, involving numerous functions dominated by an upregulation of genes involved in transcription, translation and chaperone activity. Transcripts related to carbohydrate metabolism and degradation of complex polymers (e.g. cellulose, hemicellulose and chitin) were also enhanced following 17 days of soil thaw, which was accompanied by a four-fold increase in CO2production. In addition, anaerobic ammonium oxidation and turnover of organic nitrogen were upregulated. In contrast, nitrification, denitrification and assimilatory nitrate reduction were downregulated leading to an increase in the concentration of soil inorganic nitrogen.

Conclusion

the microorganisms showed negligible response to changes in sub-zero temperatures and a delayed response to thaw, which after 17 days led to upregulation of soil organic matter degradation and enhanced CO2production, as well as downregulation of key pathways in nitrogen cycling and a concomitant accumulation of inorganic nitrogen available for plants.
Printability study of metal ion crosslinked PEG-catechol based inks
Authors: Włodarczyk-Biegun Małgorzata K. , Paez Julieta I. , Villiou Maria , Feng Jun , del Campo Aranzazu
Published: April 2019

Inspired by reversible networks present in nature, we have explored the printability of catechol functionalized polyethylene glycol (PEG) based inks with metal-coordination crosslinking. Material formulations containing Al3+, Fe3+or V3+as crosslinking ions were tested. The printability and shape fidelity were dependent on the ink composition (metal ion type, pH, PEG molecular weight) and printing parameters (extrusion pressure and printing speed). The relaxation time, recovery rate and viscosity of the inks were analyzed in rheology studies and correlated with thermodynamic and ligand exchange kinetic constants of the dynamic bonds and the printing performance (i.e. shape fidelity of the printed structures). The relevance of the relaxation time and ligand exchange kinetics for printability was demonstrated. Cells seeded on the crosslinked materials were viable, indicating the potential of the formulations to be used as inks for cell encapsulation. The proposed dynamic ink design offers significant flexibility for 3D (bio)printing, and enables straightforward adjustment of the printable formulation to meet application-specific needs.
A validated strategy to infer protein biomarkers from RNA-Seq by combining multiple mRNA splice variants and time-delay
Authors: Magnusson Rasmus , Rundquist Olof , Kim Min Jung , Hellberg Sandra , Na Chan Hyun , Benson Mikael , Gomez-Cabrero David , Kockum Ingrid , Tegnér Jesper , Piehl Fredrik , Jagodic Maja , Mellergård Johan , Altafini Claudio , Ernerudh Jan , Jenmalm Maria C. , Nestor Colm E. , Kim Min-Sik , Gustafsson Mika
Published: April 2019

Background

Profiling of mRNA expression is an important method to identify biomarkers but complicated by limited correlations between mRNA expression and protein abundance. We hypothesised that these correlations could be improved by mathematical models based on measuring splice variants and time delay in protein translation.

Methods

We characterised time-series of primary human naïve CD4+ T cells during early T-helper type 1 differentiation with RNA-sequencing and mass-spectrometry proteomics. We then performed computational time-series analysis in this system and in two other key human and murine immune cell types. Linear mathematical mixed time-delayed splice variant models were used to predict protein abundances, and the models were validated using out-of-sample predictions. Lastly, we re-analysed RNA-Seq datasets to evaluate biomarker discovery in five T-cell associated diseases, validating the findings for multiple sclerosis (MS) and asthma.

Results

The new models demonstrated median correlations of mRNA-to-protein abundance of 0.79-0.94, significantly out-performing models not including the usage of multiple splice variants and time-delays, as shown in cross-validation tests. Our mathematical models provided more differentially expressed proteins between patients and controls in all five diseases. Moreover, analysis of these proteins in asthma and MS supported their relevance. One marker, sCD27, was clinically validated in MS using two independent cohorts, for treatment response and prognosis.

Conclusion

Our splice variant and time-delay models substantially improved the prediction of protein abundance from mRNA data in three immune cell-types. The models provided valuable biomarker candidates, which were validated in clinical studies of MS and asthma. We propose that our strategy is generally applicable for biomarker discovery.
Genomic Prediction of Depression Risk and Resilience Under Stress
Authors: Fang Yu , Scott Laura , Song Peter , Burmeister Margit , Sen Srijan
Published: April 2019

Advancing our ability to predict who is likely to develop depression in response to stress holds great potential in reducing the burden of the disorder. Large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of depression have, for the first time, provided a basis for meaningful depression polygenic risk score construction (MDD-PRS). The Intern Health Study utilizes the predictable and large increase in depression with physician training stress to identify predictors of depression. Applying the MDD-PRS derived from the PGC2/23andMe GWAS to 5,227 training physicians, we found that MDD-PRS predicted depression under training stress (beta=0.082, p=2.1×10−12) and that MDD-PRS was significantly more strongly associated with depression under stress than at baseline (MDD-PRS × stress interaction - beta=0.029, p=0.02). While known risk factors accounted for 85.6% of the association between MDD-PRS and depression at baseline, they only accounted for 55.4% of the association between MDD-PRS and depression under stress, suggesting that MDD-PRS can add unique predictive power to existing models of depression under stress. Further, we found that low MDD-PRS may have particular utility in identifying individuals with high resilience. Together, these findings suggest that polygenic risk score holds promise in furthering our ability to predict vulnerability and resilience under stress.
Symptom Severity in Youths with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Associated with Normalizing Effects of Treatment on fMRI Response during a Stop Signal Task
Authors: Hegarty Catherine E. , Gupta Mohan W. , Miller Eric , Terashima Kevin , Loo Sandra , McCracken James , McGough James , Bilder Robert M. , Poldrack Russell A. , Galvan Adriana , Bookheimer Susan
Published: April 2019

Inhibitory control deficits represent one of many core cognitive deficits in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Neuroimaging studies suggest that individuals with ADHD exhibit atypical engagement of neural systems during response inhibition, but the exact nature of this phenotype is obscured by mixed findings. We tested whether drug-free youths with ADHD (n=30, ages 7-14 years, 10 female) exhibited atypical neural correlates of response inhibition, as measured with a stop signal task and fMRI, compared to matched controls. We next investigated medication effects and whether there was a relationship between symptom severity and medication effects on the fMRI-evaluated signal. Finally, we tested for a significant difference between effects of monotherapy and combined pharmacological treatment. Patients showed significantly slower stop signal response time and lower percent inhibition, but no significant differences in the neural correlates of response inhibition relative to controls. However, patients showed significantly elevated signal in frontostriatal regions during responses. Prefrontal signal in patients was positively associated with reaction time variability in patients, and change (medicated – drug free) in the prefrontal signal was significantly associated with symptom scores, such that patients with elevated symptoms had greater BOLD signal reduction following treatment. Medication significantly improved go response time median and variability as well as stop signal reaction time, but there were no significant effects of medication or treatment type on BOLD signal. These findings challenge the notion of frontostriatal hypoactivation during response inhibition as a biomarker for ADHD and suggest that symptom severity may be associated with response to medication.
PBS3 is the missing link in plant-specific isochorismate-derived salicylic acid biosynthesis
Authors: Rekhter Dmitrij , Lüdke Daniel , Ding Yuli , Feussner Kirstin , Zienkiewicz Krzysztof , Lipka Volker , Wiermer Marcel , Zhang Yuelin , Feussner Ivo
Published: April 2019

The phytohormone salicylic acid (SA) is a central regulator of plant immunity. Despite such functional importance, our knowledge of its biosynthesis is incomplete. Previous work showed that SA is synthesized from chorismic acid in plastids. The bulk of pathogen-induced SA derives from isochorismate generated by the catalytic activity of ISOCHORISMATE SYNTHASE1 (ICS1). How and in which cellular compartment isochorismate is converted to SA is unknown. Here we show that the pathway downstream of isochorismate requires only two additional proteins: the plastidial isochorismate exporter ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY5 (EDS5) and the cytosolic amido-transferase AvrPphB SUSCEPTIBLE3 (PBS3). PBS3 catalyzes the conjugation of glutamate to isochorismate. The reaction product isochorismate-9-glutamate spontaneously decomposes into enolpyruvyl-N-glutamate and SA. This previously unknown reaction mechanism appears to be conserved throughout the plant kingdom.

One Sentence Summary

Salicylic acid is synthesized via isochorismate-9-glutamate by PBS3.
(E)-2-(2-Hydroxy-3-methylbenzylidene)-N-methylhydrazine-1-carbothioamide: supramolecular assemblies in two-dimensions mediated by N—H...S and C—H...π interactions
Authors: Arafath Md. Azharul , Kwong Huey Chong , Adam Farook
Published: April 2019

In the title compound, C10H13N3OS, the azomethine C=N double bond has an E configuration. The phenyl ring and methylhydrazine carbothioamide moiety [maximum deviation = 0.008 (2) Å] are twisted slightly with a dihedral angle of 14.88 (10)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked into sheets parallel to the ab plane via N—H...S hydrogen bonds and C—H...π interactions.
(E)-N-(3,4-Dimethylphenyl)-1-[5-(phenylethynyl)thiophen-2-yl]methanimine
Authors: Crundwell Guy , Crundwell Hugh Ian
Published: April 2019

The title compound, C21H17NS, was synthesized via the reaction of 5-(2-phenyleth-1-ynyl)thiophene-2-carbaldehyde and 3,4-dimethylaniline using ammonium bifluoride (NH4HF2) as an acid catalyst in methanol. The molecule has three aryl rings: a phenyl (A), a thiophene (B), and a dimethylbenzene ring (C). The dihedral angles between the mean planes defined by these individual rings are 14.88 (6)° for A/B and 43.93 (4)° for B/C.
1,3-Bis(2-cyanopropan-2-yl)-5-methylbenzene
Authors: Gomathi Sundaramoorthy , Sathya Udhayasuriyan , Sharmila Tagore Sadasivam , Nirmal Ram Jeyaraman Selvaraj , Manikandan Devakumar , Sethuraman Velusamy , McMillen Colin
Published: April 2019

The complete molecule of the title compound [systematic name: 2,2′-(5-methyl-1,3-phenylene)bis(2-methylpropanenitrile)] is generated by a crystallographic twofold axis, which leads to disorder of the H atoms on the methyl group attached to the benzene ring. The dihedral angle between the benzene ring and the nitrile group is 26.2 (2)°. In the crystal, pairs of weak C—H...π interactions link molecules into dimers. The molecule absorbs at 212 nm as a result of a π–π* transition.
Conceptual design of an aircraft for Mars mission
Authors: Kwiek Agnieszka
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a conceptual design of Martian aircraft. This study focuses on the aerodynamic and longitudinal dynamic stability analysis. The main research questions are as follows: Does a tailless aircraft configuration can be used for Martian aircraft? How to the short period characteristic can be improved by side plates modification?

Design/methodology/approach

Because of a conceptual design stage of this Martian aircraft, aerodynamic characterises were computed by the Panukl package by using the potential flow model. The longitudinal dynamic stability was computed by MATLAB code, and the derivatives computed by the SDSA software were used as the input data. Different aircraft configurations have been studied, including different wing’s aerofoils and configurations of the side plate.

Findings

This paper presents results of aerodynamic characteristics computations and longitudinal dynamic stability analysis. This paper shows that tailless aircraft configuration has potential to be used as Martian aircraft. Moreover, the study of the impact of side plates’ configurations on the longitudinal dynamic stability is presented. This investigation reveals that the most effective method to improve the short period damping ratio is to change the height of the bottom plate.

Practical implications

The presented result might be useful in case of further design of the aircrafts for the Mars mission and designing the aircrafts in a tailless configuration.

Social implications

It is considered by the human expedition that Mars is the most probable planet to explore. This paper presents the conceptual study of aircraft which can be used to take the high-resolution pictures of the surface of Mars, which can be crucial to find the right place to establish a potential Martian base.

Originality/value

Most of aircrafts proposed for the Mars mission are designed in a configuration with a classic tail; this paper shows a preliminary calculation of the tailless Martian aircraft. Moreover, this paper shows the results of a dynamic stability analysis, where similar papers about aircrafts for the Mars mission do not show such outcomes, especially in the case of the tailless configuration. Moreover, this paper presents the results of the dynamic stability analysis of tailless aircraft with different configurations of the side plates.
Estimating farm-level financing gap: a technical efficiency approach
Authors: Ojo Mathew Paul , Ayanwale Adeolu Babatunde
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Much attention has been paid to farm credit access with less focus on determining the actual credit amount needed to bring about a specified increase in productivity relative to the finance being sought. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Using 2016 cross-sectional data of plantain farmers, the authors employ the Cobb–Douglas stochastic frontier production function to determine the technical efficiency (TE) of each farmer. Current plantain quantity produced by farmers and the TE are then used to estimate plantain quantity at a target efficiency. The finance needed to produce at the target efficiency is estimated using the Harrod–Domar (HD) growth equation and the authors then subtract the farmers’ savings from the estimated amount to determine the financing gap of the farmers.

Findings

Results of this study show that the actual amount required to improve the productivity of farmers to target levels of TE can be estimated and that credit amount granted to farmers can be tied to a specific production efficiency. Credit schemes with interest rates below 9 per cent are more beneficial to farmers while access to credit is determined by interest rate, education, credit process duration, land ownership and asset value in the study area.

Research limitations/implications

The implication of this research is that it opens up the possibility of further exploring the application of the HD theory at the micro level.

Practical implications

The findings in this study have important implications on the provision of agricultural credit to small farmers. The first is that the TE of farmers plays a very critical role in determining the actual amount of credit needed to bridge the farm-level financing gap and impact positively on productivity. Second, while it is important to bridge the farm-level financing gap, this can only be beneficial to the farmers at single-digit interest rates below 7 per cent. Finally, granting of credit to farmers can be tied to specific production increase target to reduce indiscipline and mismanagement in credit use.

Social implications

The findings of this study will go along in helping to prevent mismanagement and indiscipline in the use of scarce financial resources in agricultural production.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind, using TE and bringing the HD equation down to the farm level to estimate the exact amount required by farmers to bring about specific increase in production, determining the credit amount beyond which mismanagement may set in.
A personal construct approach to employability: comparing stakeholders’ implicit theories
Authors: Williams Stella , Karypidou Anatoli , Steele Catherine , Dodd Lorna
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to adopt the perspective of personal construct theory to conceptualise employability. The study explores differences in the implicit employability theories of those involved in developing employability (educators) and those selecting and recruiting higher education (HE) students and graduates (employers).

Design/methodology/approach

A repertory grid technique (RGT) was employed to uncover the implicit theories of 22 employers and 14 educators across the UK.

Findings

A total of 717 constructs were elicited. A differential analysis of data gathered demonstrated several areas of consensus among employers and educators (including emotional management, confidence, professionalism), as well as divergence in representations of commitment, proactivity, interpersonal competencies and vision to the conceptualisation of employability.

Practical implications

Findings from this analysis indicate a need to integrate group process assessments within undergraduate programmes and recruitment procedures.

Originality/value

This study represents a personal construct approach to employability, utilising the unique value of RGT to further inform our understanding of employability within an HE context. This study contributes to an understanding of employability as a continually re-constructed concept. This study provides insights to its nature via two information rich cases that have extensive knowledge on the topic.
Enabling sustainable built heritage revitalisation from a social and technical perspective
Authors: Ho Daniel , Hou Huiying
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate built heritage revitalisation projects in Hong Kong through a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, a representative built heritage revitalisation project in Hong Kong is selected study revitalisation in practice in Hong Kong. The case study adopts content analysis as the main method of analysis. It involves counting keywords, comparing content, categorising content patterns and interpreting the content of documents.

Findings

The findings reveal that in the revitalisation process, there is significant fragmentation in collaboration among government sectors and in conservation documentation and that an effective knowledge sharing mechanism and valid public engagement is needed. A conceptual framework of social network-enabled building information modelling (BIM) platform is proposed to enhance knowledge sharing and cross-sector collaboration.

Practical implications

The conceptual framework developed based on the case study is expected to bring practical implications to urban regeneration policies in Hong Kong.

Originality/value

This study views built heritage revitalisation practice as different individual projects and provides a social and technical perspective to investigate built heritage revitalisation.
Households’ perception of flood risk and health impact of exposure to flooding in flood-prone informal settlements in the coastal city of Mombasa
Authors: Okaka Fredrick Okoth , Odhiambo Beneah D.O.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Mombasa City in Kenya is one of the most vulnerable towns to flood risk due to its low-lying coastal location. Those at the highest risk in the city are households living in the flood-prone informal settlements. However, little is known about the perception of these vulnerable households to the flood risks and its health impacts, which is important for developing effective long-term adaptation strategies. The purpose of this paper is to examine the general perception of the residents regarding flood risks, its impact on their health and their adaptation strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study surveyed 390 randomly selected households in three informal settlements in the city of Mombasa using a semi-structured questionnaire. This was supplemented with six focus group discussions (FDGs) and six key informant interviews (KIIs).

Findings

The majority of respondent households perceive future flooding as high risk or severe with high negative health impact. Despite this, many do not evacuate their homes because they do not have alternative places to move to. Flooding was indicated to have had a negative physical and mental health impact on members of households. Although majority of households had taken some adaptation measures, most of these were short term, mainly due to financial constraints, lack of knowledge and government support. Perception of flood risk and gender were found to have a strong influence on taking long-term adaptation measures at the household level.

Practical implications

Reducing flood risk and averting its health consequences in flood-prone informal settlements require empowering and supporting those living in these areas with ability to initiate long-term adaptation measures and creating awareness about future risks.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence about how residents of flood-prone informal settlements perceive flood risk and how the exposures to perennial flooding impact their health. The paper augments existing knowledge of flood risk in poor urban neighborhoods of developing countries.
The effect of climate change adaptation strategy on farm households welfare in the Nile basin of Ethiopia
Authors: Asmare Fissha , Teklewold Hailemariam , Mekonnen Alemu
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of crop diversification (CD), as a climate change adaptation strategy, on farm household’s welfare in terms of farm income and demand for labor. It explores whether adoption of CD is a win-win strategy on household income and demand for on-farm labor. It also examines the determinants of rural household’s net farm income and family labor demand.

Design/methodology/approach

A household-plot level data were collected in 2015 from 929 rural farm households and 4,778 plots in the Nile Basin of Ethiopia. The data comprise farm and household characteristics accompanied by geo-referenced climate data such as long-term average temperature and amount and variability of growing season rainfall. The authors estimate an endogenous switching regression model to measure the effect of CD on the farm household’s welfare, using net farm income and household labor demand as a welfare indicator.

Findings

The results indicate heterogeneous effects of climate variables on farm income between adopters and non-adopters of CD. The study also confirms the win-win effect of adoption of CD with a positive and significant effect on farm income and a reduction in demand for on-farm labor. The results suggest that adoption of CD helps improve the well-being of farm households and build a resilient agricultural system.

Research limitations/implications

As the study used a cross-sectional data, it is limited to show the time effect of practicing CD on the household’s welfare.

Originality/value

First, the authors investigate, to their knowledge for the first time, the existence of synergy or tradeoff in the effect of CD on two dimensions of rural households’ welfare (net farm income and labor demand). Second, they investigate the heterogeneous effect of climate change adaptation strategies on the farm household’s welfare between adopters and non-adopters. This is unlike previous studies that consider climate change adaptation strategies as having a homogeneous effect. However, this approach is inappropriate since the effect of adaptation strategies is different for adopters and non-adopters.
The professional development needs for the use of educational technology
Authors: Li Kam-Cheong , Wong Billy Tak-Ming
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This study aimed to identify the professional development needs of academics in Hong Kong higher education for the use of educational technology.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted in 2017, which involved 374 academics from Hong Kong higher education institutions. The survey covered their perception and use of educational technology for professional activities and their relevant professional development needs.

Findings

The results showed an overall positive perception by the academics of the usefulness of online learning with the aid of technology, which was regarded as an effective complement to face-to-face learning. However, their use of educational technology focused only on general online applications, such as document and video-sharing tools, and e-learning platforms. Among various professional development needs, those related to the use of specific educational software with sharing of practical examples were considered to be most highly desired by the academics. In addition, the academics working in lecturer positions tended to use more online applications and had a higher need for professional development, than those with more teaching experience.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to identifying the current status of the use of educational technology and the professional development needs among academics in Hong Kong, as well as the differences between academics in different job positions and with different amounts of teaching experience. The results help in designing suitable professional development activities which address the specific needs of academics.