Northern Ireland Housing Market Areas

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Characterisation of the CARD14/ NF-ĸB Pathway

Familial inherited and de novo mutations in CARD14 cause a number of autoinflammatory skin disorders in humans. Genome wide association studies have also linked CARD14 to the development of common psoriasis. CARD14 is a member of a family of adaptor proteins that activate NF-ĸB transcription factors. At the initiation of this study, it was known that gain-of-function mutation of CARD14 promote its ability to activate NF-ĸB. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms involved had not been investigated. Thus, this study set out to characterise the CARD14/ NF-ĸB signalling pathway with a range of methodologies. Biochemical results described herein demonstrate that gain-of-function mutant CARD14 protein signals via a complex and highly regulated signalosome to activate the canonical NF-ĸB pathway. It is also shown that CARD14 signals for a broad transcriptomic response in keratinocytes, helping to understand the disruption of skin homeostasis in psoriatic patients. Lastly, the CARD14 signalosome appears to assemble at and signal from the microtubule-vesicular network.Open Acces

Language learning gains among users of English Liulishuo

This study investigated improvements in English language ability (as measured by the British Council Aptis test) among 746 users of the English Liulishuo app, the flagship mobile app produced by LAIX Inc. (NYSE:LAIX), taking courses at three levels over a period of approximately two months

A framework for gene mapping in wheat demonstrated using the Yr7 yellow rust resistance gene

We used three approaches to map the yellow rust resistance gene Yr7 and identify associated SNPs in wheat. First, we used a traditional QTL mapping approach using a double haploid (DH) population and mapped Yr7 to a low-recombination region of chromosome 2B. To fine map the QTL, we then used an association mapping panel. Both populations were SNP array genotyped allowing alignment of QTL and genome-wide association scans based on common segregating SNPs. Analysis of the association panel spanning the QTL interval, narrowed the interval down to a single haplotype block. Finally, we used mapping-by-sequencing of resistant and susceptible DH bulks to identify a candidate gene in the interval showing high homology to a previously suggested Yr7 candidate and to populate the Yr7 interval with a higher density of polymorphisms. We highlight the power of combining mapping-by-sequencing, delivering a complete list of gene-based segregating polymorphisms in the interval with the high recombination, low LD precision of the association mapping panel. Our mapping-by-sequencing methodology is applicable to any trait and our results validate the approach in wheat, where with a near complete reference genome sequence, we are able to define a small interval containing the causative gene

Sex Differences in Energy Metabolism Need to Be Considered with Lifestyle Modifications in Humans

Women have a higher proportion of body fat compared to men. However, women consume fewer kilojoules per kilogram lean mass and burn fat more preferentially during exercise compared with men. During gestation, women store even greater amounts of fat that cannot be solely attributed to increased energy intake. These observations suggest that the relationship between kilojoules consumed and kilojoules utilised is different in men and women. The reason for these sex differences in energy metabolism is not known; however, it may relate to sex steroids, differences in insulin resistance, or metabolic effects of other hormones such as leptin. When considering lifestyle modifications, sex differences in energy metabolism should be considered. Moreover, elucidating the regulatory role of hormones in energy homeostasis is important for understanding the pathogenesis of obesity and perhaps in the future may lead to ways to reduce body fat with less energy restriction

The foreign language coursebook: a study of its role in learner motivation.

Motivation is the driving force behind successful learning. It is\ud especially crucial in a curriculum area such as foreign language\ud study. This investigation aims to explore the motivational role of\ud the central teaching and learning resource used in schools - the\ud coursebook.\ud The opening Chapter reviews major theories of motivation and learning\ud from behaviourism to cognitivism with the aim of establishing a\ud theoretical base.\ud Chapter Two examines mother tongue acquisition and foreign language\ud learning. Theories of both are discussed, compared and contrasted\ud with the emphasis on identifying compatible features. Key aspects of\ud learning theory and motivational factors related to foreign language\ud learning are presented. The motivational function of the teacher is\ud reviewed with particular reference to the planning and management of\ud learning.\ud The role and the nature of the foreign language coursebook are\ud reviewed and reappraised in Chapter Three. The main aim of this study\ud is identified and, in the light of previous discussion of motivation\ud and learning, an evaluation instrument for coursebooks is drawn up.\ud Chapters Four and Five report and discuss surveys of the views of\ud pupils and teachers on three widely-used coursebooks. Although\ud reactions are generally positive, clear areas of unfulfilled need\ud emerge, as do shortcomings in coursebooks' effectiveness in motivating\ud learners and promoting successful learning. A broad consensus of\ud views between the two groups is revealed.\ud The most popular coursebook of the 1980s is used as a case study in\ud Chapter Six. Application of evaluation criteria established earlier\ud reveals some commendable features but a rather larger number which fail\ud to generate motivation or promote effective learning.\ud The final Chapter sets an agenda for a reappraisal of coursebook\ud design based both on findings of this study and on the impact of\ud sweeping change and reform of the education system which will take\ud effect in the 1990s

Towards Planetary Urban Criminology

Urbanisation is the dominant global social process of the current century and criminology is an intrinsically urban discipline. However, criminology has become dominated by the analysis of subsets of areas within a subset of rather homogeneous cities of the Global North. As the discipline has evolved and refracted under the impetus of theoretical, methodological and data advance, it has lost much of its urban vitality, lacking critical self-awareness of its fundamental nature. We argue for a new, or renewed, approach to criminology that begins from the perspective of the city as an open system. We assess the consequences of a criminology that fails to take proper account of the city as a multi-scalar open system. This is without doubt a considerable challenge, but the time is propitious; in the era of Big Data, with a rapidly expanding range of methodologies at its disposal, there exists the possibility for a revivified criminology that remains faithful to its roots. Our proffered approach opens the way to investigating crime through an urban prism for any city in the world – to a planetary urban criminology

Assessment of Professionalism in Undergraduate Medical Students

Background: Professionalism is comprised of a set of values and behaviours that underpin the social contract between the public and the medical profession. Medical errors are reported to result in significant morbidity and mortality and are in-part related to underdeveloped professionalism. Aims: The aim was to determine whether specific aspects of professionalism were underdeveloped in medical students. Method: A questionnaire with 24 vignettes was taken by Year 2, 4, and 6 medical students and their responses were compared to responses from practicing Medical Academics. Results: Second, fourth and sixth Year medical students' responses differed from Academics in two aspects of professionalism, firstly, high ethical and moral standards and secondly, humanistic values such as integrity and honesty. Only Year 2 medical students' responses were different from Academics when it came to responsibility and accountability. Conclusions: Certain aspects of professionalism seem to be underdeveloped in medical students. These aspects of professionalism may need to be targeted for teaching and assessment in order that students develop as professionally responsible practitioners. In turn, students with well-developed professionalism may be less involved in medical error, and if involved they may have the personal values which can help them deal with error more honestly and effectively