Empirical Agent-Based Modelling for exploring Intergroup Contact in a Segregated Society

Agent-based modelling has a long history of application in the study of segregation, but is rarely deployed beyond the examination of residential segregation. This study leverages multiple datasets: including census, survey, PGIS and GPS traces; in order to create an empirical agent-based model for the exploration of mobility practices between segregated communities in Belfast (Northern Ireland). In doing so, we are able to conduct novel examinations into the impact of day-to-day mobility choices upon intergroup attitudes and activity-space segregation; with policy implications for understanding and combatting segregation in cities around the world

Prognosis after surgery for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1-related pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: Functionality matters

Background: Metastasized pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are the leading cause of death in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. Aside from tumor size, prognostic factors of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are largely unknown. The present study aimed to assess whether the prognosis of patients with resected multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1-related nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors differs from those with resected multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1-related insulinomas and assessed factors associated with prognosis. Methods: Patients who underwent resection of a multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1-related pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors between 1990 and 2016 were identified in 2 databases: the DutchMEN Study Group and the International MEN1 Insulinoma Study Group databases. Cox regression was performed to compare liver metastases-free survival of patients with a nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors versus those with an insulinoma and to identify factors associated with liver metastases-free survival. Results: Out of 153 patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, 61 underwent resection for a nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and 92 for an insulinoma. Of the patients with resected lymph nodes, 56% (18/32) of nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors had lymph node metastases compared to 10% (4/41) of insulinomas (P = .001). Estimated 10-year liver metastases-free survival was 63% (95% confidence interval 42%–76%) for nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and 87% (72%–91%) for insulinomas. After adjustment for size, World Health Organization tumor grade, and age, nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors had an increased risk for liver metastases or death (hazard ratio 3.04 [1.47–6.30]). In pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors ≥2 cm, nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (2.99 [1.22–7.33]) and World Health Organization grade 2 (2.95 [1.02–8.50]) were associated with liver metastases-free survival. Conclusion: Patients with resected multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1-related nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors had a significantly lower liver metastases-free survival than patients with insulinomas. Postoperative counseling and follow-up regimens should be tumor type specific and at least consider size and World Health Organization grade

Freeze-induced expression of a novel gene, fr47, in the liver of the freeze-tolerant wood frog, Rana sylvatica

The ability to endure the freezing of body fluids is well developed as an adaptation for winter survival in several species of woodland frogs. Recently, the mechanisms supporting natural freeze tolerance have been shown to include the expression of novel genes. One such novel gene, fr47, codes for a 390-amino acid protein present in the livers of freeze-tolerant anurans (Rana sylvatica, Pseudacris crucifer, Hyla versicolor) but not in freeze-intolerant species (Rana pipiens, Scaphiopus couchii). Regulatory influences on gene and protein expression were investigated using R. sylvatica. Northern blot analysis showed that transcript levels were increased following 24 h of freezing (5.1-fold), 24 h of anoxia exposure (6.4-fold), or the loss of 20% of total body water (2.7-fold). Immunoblotting with anti-FR47 antibody indicated that protein levels increased during freezing and thawing, but decreased somewhat during anoxia or dehydration exposure, although rebounding during recovery. These results suggest that (i) FR47 function is important for freeze survival, and (ii) that control at the protein level may be exerted posttranscriptionally. Finally, assessment of putative signal transduction pathways regulating fr47 gene expression, via in vitro incubations of liver slices, indicated the involvement of a protein kinase C-mediated pathway

Identification and characterization of a novel freezing inducible gene, li16, in the wood frog Rana sylvatica.

The wood frog Rana sylvatica survives for weeks during winter hibernation with up to 65% body water frozen as ice. Natural freeze tolerance includes both seasonal and freeze-induced molecular adaptations that control ice formation, deal with long-term ischemia, regulate cell volume changes, and protect macromolecules. This report identifies and characterizes a novel freeze-inducible gene, li16, that codes for a protein of 115 amino acids. Northern blot analysis showed that li16 transcript levels rose quickly during freezing to reach levels 3.7-fold higher