Global gene disruption in human cells to assign genes to phenotypes

Insertional mutagenesis in a haploid background can disrupt gene function[superscript 1]. We extend our earlier work by using a retroviral gene-trap vector to generate insertions in >98% of the genes expressed in a human cancer cell line that is haploid for all but one of its chromosomes. We apply phenotypic interrogation via tag sequencing (PhITSeq) to examine millions of mutant alleles through selection and parallel sequencing. Analysis of pools of cells, rather than individual clones[superscript 1] enables rapid assessment of the spectrum of genes involved in the phenotypes under study. This facilitates comparative screens as illustrated here for the family of cytolethal distending toxins (CDTs). CDTs are virulence factors secreted by a variety of pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria responsible for tissue damage at distinct anatomical sites[superscript 2]. We identify 743 mutations distributed over 12 human genes important for intoxication by four different CDTs. Although related CDTs may share host factors, they also exploit unique host factors to yield a profile characteristic for each CDT

Public Response to Disaster Response: Applying the “5C+A” Framework to El Salvador 2001 and Peru 2007

A recent paper in this journal proposed that post-impact public evaluations of governmental disaster performance may be usefully understood and analyzed along six “5C+A” dimensions: capability, competence, compassion, correctness, credibility, and anticipation. Using post-disaster public opinion data from El Salvador in 2001 and Peru in 2007, we offer the first empirical tests of this 5C+A approach, finding that it cannot be disconfirmed at this point and that public perceptions of the five “Cs” (capabilities, competence, compassion, correctness, and credibility) are clearly related to the public\u27s overall estimations of governmental disaster response and evaluations of presidential disaster performance in some settings. Interestingly, the proposed “A” dimension (anticipation) drops out for both governments and leaders. The implications are serious for both researchers and practitioners interested in the rapidly evolving study of “the politics of disaster.

Public Response to Disaster Response: Applying the “5C+A” Framework to El Salvador 2001 and Peru 2007

A recent paper in this journal proposed that post-impact public evaluations of governmental disaster performance may be usefully understood and analyzed along six “5C+A” dimensions: capability, competence, compassion, correctness, credibility, and anticipation. Using post-disaster public opinion data from El Salvador in 2001 and Peru in 2007, we offer the first empirical tests of this 5C+A approach, finding that it cannot be disconfirmed at this point and that public perceptions of the five “Cs” (capabilities, competence, compassion, correctness, and credibility) are clearly related to the public\u27s overall estimations of governmental disaster response and evaluations of presidential disaster performance in some settings. Interestingly, the proposed “A” dimension (anticipation) drops out for both governments and leaders. The implications are serious for both researchers and practitioners interested in the rapidly evolving study of “the politics of disaster.

Public Perceptions of Code Enforcement and Safer Buildings in Latin America and the Caribbean

© 2019 American Society of Civil Engineers. Well-designed and properly enforced building codes save lives in hazard events like major earthquakes and hurricanes. Yet around the world, in developed and developing countries alike, code enforcement is not often on people\u27s minds, even in high-risk areas. How do the citizens of Latin America and the Caribbean value the implementation of building codes? And how do they view the effectiveness and integrity of government enforcement of these regulations? Analyzing 2014 survey data from 12 Latin American and Caribbean countries, the authors first explore cross-national differences in attitudes toward code enforcement and safer construction practices. Next, they use factor analysis to assess whether or not public attitudes about code enforcement, corruption, and the value of safer buildings are conceptually distinct. Finally, the authors use multilevel modeling to test a series of hypotheses regarding public support for safer construction practices. They find that expectations about corruption and code enforcement do shape the value that people place on safer construction. Living in an earthquake- or hurricane-prone country, however, does not, all else being equal, affect people\u27s support for safer, if costlier, buildings