bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Placental expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection: are placental defenses mediated by fetal sex?
Authors: Shook Lydia L , Bordt Evan A , Meinsohn Marie-Charlotte , Pepin David , De Guzman Rose M , Brigida Sara , Yockey Laura J , James Kaitlyn E , Sullivan Mackenzie W , Bebell Lisa M , Roberts Drucilla J , Kaimal Anjali J , Li Jonathan Z , Schust Danny , Gray Kathryn J , Edlow Andrea G
Published: April 2021

Background

Sex differences in vulnerability to and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been described in non-pregnant populations. ACE2 and TMPRSS2, host molecules required for viral entry, are regulated by sex steroids and expressed in the placenta. We sought to investigate whether placentalACE2andTMPRSS2expression vary by fetal sex and in the presence of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

Placental ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were quantified in 68 pregnant individuals (38 SARS-CoV-2 positive, 30 SARS-CoV-2 negative) delivering at Mass General Brigham from April to June 2020. Maternal SARS-CoV-2 status was determined by nasopharyngeal RT-PCR. Placental SARS-CoV-2 viral load was quantified. RTqPCR was performed to quantify expression ofACE2andTMPRSS2relative to the reference geneYWHAZ. Western blots were performed on placental homogenates to quantify protein levels. The impact of fetal sex and SARS-CoV-2 exposure on ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression was analyzed by 2-way ANOVA.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 virus was undetectable in all placentas. Maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection impacted TMPRSS2 placental gene and protein expression in a sexually dimorphic fashion (2-way ANOVA interaction p-value: 0.002). We observed no impact of fetal sex or maternal SARS-CoV-2 status on placental ACE2 gene or protein expression. PlacentalTMPRSS2expression was significantly correlated withACE2expression in males (Spearman’s ρ=0.54, p=0.02) but not females (ρ=0.23, p=0.34) exposed to maternal SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusions

Sex differences in placental TMPRSS2 but not ACE2 were observed in the setting of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings may have implications for offspring vulnerability to placental infection and vertical transmission.These findings may have implications for offspring vulnerability to placental infection and vertical transmission.
Induction of Dopaminergic Neurons for Neuronal Subtype-Specific Modeling of Psychiatric Disease Risk
Authors: Powell Samuel K. , O’Shea Callan , Townsley Kayla , Prytkova Iya , Dobrindt Kristina , Elahi Rahat , Iskhakova Marina , Lambert Tova , Valada Aditi , Liao Will , Ho Seok-Man , Slesinger Paul A. , Huckins Laura M. , Akbarian Schahram , Brennand Kristen J.
Published: April 2021

Dopaminergic neurons are critical to movement, mood, addiction, and stress. Current techniques for generating dopaminergic neurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) yield heterogenous cell populations with variable purity and inconsistent reproducibility between donors, hiPSC clones, and experiments. Here, we report the rapid (5 weeks) and efficient (~90%) induction of induced dopaminergic neurons (iDANs) through transient overexpression of lineage-promoting transcription factors combined with stringent selection across five donors. We observe maturation-dependent increase in dopamine synthesis, together with electrophysiological properties consistent with midbrain dopaminergic neuron identity, such as slow-rising after hyperpolarization potentials, an action potential duration of ~3ms, tonic sub-threshold oscillatory activity, and spontaneous burst firing at frequency of ~1.0-1.75 Hz. Transcriptome analysis reveals robust expression of genes involved in fetal midbrain dopaminergic neuron identity. Specifically expressed genes in iDANs, relative to their isogenic glutamatergic and GABAergic counterparts, were linked to the genetic risk architecture of a broad range of psychiatric traits, with iDANs showing particularly strong enrichment in loci conferring heritability for cannabis use disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Therefore, iDANs provide a critical tool for modeling midbrain dopaminergic neuron development and dysfunction in psychiatric disease.
Monitoring iron-sulfur cluster occupancy across theE. coliproteome using chemoproteomics
Authors: Bak Daniel W. , Weerapana Eranthie
Published: April 2021

Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters are ubiquitous metallocofactors found across diverse protein families, where they perform myriad functions including redox chemistry, radical generation, and gene regulation. Monitoring Fe-S cluster occupancy in protein targets directly within native biological systems has been challenging. Commonly utilized spectroscopic methods to detect Fe-S clusters require purification of proteins prior to analysis. Global iron incorporation into the proteome can be monitored using radiolabeled iron, but limitations include the low resolution afforded by gel-based autoradiography. Here, we report the development of a mass spectrometry-based strategy to assess Fe-S cluster binding in a native proteome. This chemoproteomic strategy relies on monitoring changes in the reactivity of Fe-S cluster cysteine ligands upon disruption of Fe-S cluster incorporation. Application toE. colicells cultured under iron-depleted conditions enabled monitoring of disruptions to Fe-S cluster incorporation broadly across theE. coliFe-S proteome. Evaluation ofE. colideletion strains of three scaffold proteins within the Isc Fe-S biogenesis pathway enabled the identification of Fe-S clients that are reliant on each individual scaffold protein for proper cluster installation. Lastly, cysteine-reactivity changes characteristic of Fe-S ligands were used to identify previously unannotated Fe-S proteins, including the tRNA hydroxylase, TrhP, and a member of a family of membrane transporter ATPase subunits, DppD. In summary, the chemoproteomic strategy described herein provides a powerful tool to report on Fe-S cluster incorporation directly within a native proteome, to interrogate the role of scaffold and accessory proteins within Fe-S biogenesis pathways, and to identify previously uncharacterized Fe-S proteins.
Hydrogels improve plant growth in Mars analog conditions
Authors: Peyrusson Frédéric
Published: April 2021

The development of sustainable human presence in a Martian settlement will requirein situresource utilization (ISRU), the collect and utilization of Mars-based resources, including notably water and a substrate for food production. Plants will be fundamental components of future human missions to Mars, and the question as to whether Mars soils can support plant growth is still open. Moreover, plant cultivation will probably suffer from the lack ofin situliquid water, which might constitute one of the biggest challenges for ISRU-based food production on Mars. Enhancing the crop yield with less water input and improving water utilization by plants are thus chief concern for sustainable ISRU food production. Hydrogels are polymers able to absorb large quantity of water and have been shown to increase water retention in the soil, thus increasing plant establishment and growth. This work reports on the short-term assessment of plant growth in Mars soil analogs supplemented with hydrogels, in the constrained environment of a simulated life-on-Mars mission. Soil analogs consisted of sand and clay-rich material, with low amount organic matter and alkaline pH. Soils were supplemented with 10% (w/w) potting medium and were sampled in Utah desert, in the vicinity of the Mars Desert Research Station, a Mars analog facility surrounded by soils sharing similarities in mineralogical and chemical composition to Martian soils. Heights and dry biomass ofMentha spicataand seed germination ofRaphanus sativuswere monitored under various irrigation frequencies. Results indicate that the soil analogs, together with the limited irrigation regime, were less capable of supporting plant growth as a comparison to potting medium. The effects of hydrogel supplementation were significative under limited irrigation and led to growth increased by 3% and 6% in clay- and sand-containing soils, respectively. Similarly, hydrogel supplementation resulted in plant masses increased by 110% in clay-containing soils and 78% in sand-containing soils. Additionally, while seeds ofRaphanus sativusfailed to germinate, hydrogel supplementation allows for the germination of 27% of seeds, indicating that hydrogels might help loosening dense media with low water retention. Collectively, the results suggest that supplementation with hydrogel and traditional plant growth substrate could help plant cope with limited irrigation and poor alkaline Mars soil analogs, and are discussed in the context of strategies to develop ISRU for off-world colonization.
Genome expression dynamics reveals parasitism regulatory landscape of the root-knot nematodeMeloidogyne incognitaand a promoter motif associated with effector genes
Authors: Da Rocha Martine , Bournaud Caroline , Dazenière Julie , Thorpe Peter , Pellegrin Clement , Bailly-Bechet Marc , Péré Arthur , Grynberg Priscila , Perfus-Barbeoch Laetitia , Eves-van den Akker Sebastian , Danchin Etienne GJ
Published: April 2021

Root-knot nematodes are the major contributor to the crop losses caused by nematodes. Root-knot nematodes secrete effectors into the plant, derived from two sets of pharyngeal gland cells, to manipulate host physiology and immunity. Successful completion of the life cycle, involving successive molts from egg to adult, covers morphologically and functionally distinct stages and will require precise control of gene expression, including effectors. The details of how root-knot nematodes regulate transcription remain sparse.

Here, we report a life stage-specific transcriptome ofMeloidogyne incognita. Combined with an available annotated genome, we explore the spatio-temporal regulation of gene expression. We reveal gene expression clusters and predicted functions that accompany the major developmental transitions. Focusing on effectors, we identify a putative cis-regulatory motif associated with expression in the dorsal glands: providing an insight into effector regulation. We combine the presence of this motif with several other criteria to predict a novel set of putative dorsal gland effectors. Finally, we show this motif, and thereby its utility, is broadly conserved across theMeloidogynegenus and termed it Mel-DOG.

Taken together, we provide the first genome-wide analysis of spatio-temporal gene expression in a root-knot nematode, and identify a new set of candidate effector genes that will guide future functional analyses.
Unsaturated fatty acids profiling in liveC. elegansusing real-time NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Cravero Bruno Hernández , Prez Gastón , Lombardo Verónica A. , Binolfi Andrés , de Mendoza Diego
Published: April 2021

Unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) impact central cellular process in animals such as membrane function, development and disease. Perturbations of UFAs homeostasis contribute to the onset of metabolic, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. Nevertheless, links between lipid desaturation fluctuations and the dynamics of mono and polyunsaturated fatty acid synthesis in live animal physiology are poorly understood. To advance in the understanding of this process, we decided to studyde novoUFAs synthesis with the highest resolution possible in liveCaenorhabditis elegans. Conventional lipid analysis in this organism involves solvent extraction procedures coupled with analytical techniques such as chromatography and/or mass spectrometry. These methodologies are destructive and prevent the access of information, linkingin vivoUFA dynamics and functionality. To overcome these limitations, we used uniform13C isotope labeling and real-time 2D heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy in liveC. elegansto identify their UFA compositions and the dynamic response of these fatty acids during cold adaptation. Our methodology allowed us to monitor in real time the upregulation of UFA synthesis when ambient temperature is decreased. The analysis of UFAs synthesis in worms lacking the adiponectin receptor AdipoR2 homolog PAQR-2 during a temperature drop supports the pivotal role of this protein in low temperature adaptation and survival. Our results provide new insights about the environmental regulation of UFAs and establish methodological benchmarks for future investigations of fatty acid regulation under experimental conditions that recapitulate human diseases.
Optogenetic stimulation of BLA terminals in the BNST elicits long term synaptic plasticity and restores synaptic alterations induced by adolescentShank3downregulation
Authors: Glangetas Christelle , Contestabile Alessandro , Espinosa Pedro , Casarotto Giulia , Musardo Stefano , Bellone Camilla
Published: April 2021

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent co-morbidity factor associated with the core domains of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Investigations on potential common neuronal mechanisms that may explain the co-occurrence of ASD and anxiety disorders are still poorly unexplored. One of the key questions which remained unsolved is the role of Shank3 protein in anxiety behaviors. Here we used shRNA strategy to model Shank3 insufficiency in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). We found thatShank3downregulation in the BNST induced anxiogenic effects. Associated with these behavioural defects, we showed alteration of glutamatergic synaptic functions in the BNST induced by Shank3 insufficiency during adolescence. In addition, we pointed that adolescence represents a crucial time window to interfere with BNST maturation, a key hub for anxiety control. Together, these results unravelled the crucial role of Shank3 expression in the BNST during adolescence. Our study provided a new insight in the neuronal mechanisms underlying anxiety disorders. We proposed to screen a novel molecular target essential for BNST integrity during adolescence. This result may further help for the diagnosis and the development of therapeutic strategy for anxiety disorders and anxiety disorders implicated in some forms of ASD.
Benchmarking scRNA-seq imputation tools with respect to network inference highlights deficits in performance at high levels of sparsity
Authors: Steinheuer Lisa Maria , Canzler Sebastian , Hackermüller Jörg
Published: April 2021

Gene correlation network inference from single-cell transcriptomics data potentially allows to gain unprecendented insights into cell type-specific regulatory programs. ScRNA-seq data is severely affected by dropout, which significantly hampers and restrains current downstream analysis. Although newly developed tools are capable to deal with sparse data, no appropriate single-cell network inference workflow has been established. A potential way to end this deadlock is the application of data imputation methods, which already proofed to be useful in specific contexts of single-cell data analysis, e.g., recovering cell clusters. In order to infer cell-type specific networks, two prerequisites must be met: the identification of cluster-specific cell-types and the network inference itself.

Here, we propose a benchmarking framework to investigate both objections. By using suitable reference data with inherent correlation structure, six representative imputation tools and appropriate evaluation measures, we were able to systematically infer the impact of data imputation on network inference. Major network structures were found to be preserved in low dropout data sets. For moderately sparse data sets, DCA was able to recover gene correlation structures, although systematically introducing higher correlation values. No imputation tool was able to recover true signals from high dropout data. However, by using an additional biological data set we could show that cell-cell correlation by means of specific marker gene expression was not compromised through data imputation.

Our analysis showed that network inference is feasible for low and moderately sparse data sets by using the unimputed and DCA-prepared data, respectively. High sparsity data, on the other side, still pose a major problem since current imputation techniques are not able to facilitate network inference. The annotation of cluster-specific cell-types as a prerequisite is not hampered by data imputation but their power to restore the deeply hidden correlation structures is still not sufficient enough.
Local nucleosome dynamics and eviction following a double-strand break are reversible by NHEJ-mediated repair in the absence of DNA replication
Authors: Tripuraneni Vinay , Memisoglu Gonen , MacAlpine Heather K. , Tran Trung Q. , Zhu Wei , Hartemink Alexander J. , Haber James E. , MacAlpine David M.
Published: April 2021

We interrogated at nucleotide resolution the spatiotemporal order of chromatin changes that occur immediately following a site-specific double-strand break (DSB) upstream of the PHO5 locus and its subsequent repair by nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). We observed the immediate eviction of a nucleosome flanking the break and the repositioning of adjacent nucleosomes away from the break. These early chromatin events were independent of the end-processing Mre11-Rad50-Xrs2 (MRX) complex and preceded the MRX-dependent broad eviction of histones and DNA end-resectioning that extends up to ∼8 kb away from the break. We also examined the temporal dynamics of NHEJ-mediated repair in a G1-arrested population. Concomitant with DSB repair by NHEJ, we observed the redeposition and precise repositioning of nucleosomes at their originally occupied positions. This re-establishment of the prelesion chromatin landscape suggests that a DNA replication-independent mechanism exists to preserve epigenome organization following DSB repair.
Measuring internal communication satisfaction: validating the internal communication satisfaction questionnaire
Authors: Tkalac Verčič Ana , Sinčić Ćorić Dubravka , Pološki Vokić Nina
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The study examines the psychometric properties of internal communication satisfaction questionnaire (ICSQ), an instrument originally developed in Croatian. A need for a contemporary instrument validated among a non-English-speaking population of employees who use English as their second language motivated the authors to translate the scale.

Design/methodology/approach

ICSQ was validated on a sample of 507 employees of a large Croatian subsidiary of a multinational bank, where English is the official corporate language.

Findings

ICSQ displayed satisfactory levels of psychometric properties, retaining the psychometric properties of the original version of the instrument. A confirmatory factor analysis revealed the acceptable model–data fit of the eight-factor model. Additionally, findings supported the reliability and construct validity of the English version of the instrument. Good internal consistencies of all eight internal communication satisfaction (ICS) dimensions and the total ICSQ and an adequate level of scale homogeneity according to the inter-item and inter-total correlations were found.

Research limitations/implications

In order to generalize the study’s results to other business areas and industries, the study should be replicated in other contexts. Additionally, construct validity was tested by applying cross-sectional design, and therefore, no conclusion can be drawn on the causal direction of the relationship. Finally, the discriminant validity of ICSQ was not tested and should be examined in future studies.

Practical implications

The resulting 32-item instrument, in English, can be used for empirical and practical purposes in improving internal communication.

Originality/value

The study confirms that internal communication is a multidimensional construct and should be measured as such.
Towards a well-informed rental housing policy in Ghana: differentiating between critics and non-critics of the rent advance system
Authors: Ehwi Richmond Juvenile , Asante Lewis Abedi , Gavu Emmanuel Kofi
Published: April 2021

Purpose

In Ghana, the practice of landlords demanding that renters pay rent advance (RA) of between six months and five years is well noted. Surprisingly, renters appear divided into the benefits and drawbacks of the rent advance payment. Ahead of the 2020 general elections, the two leading political parties in Ghana promised to establish a rent assistance scheme to help renters working in the formal and informal sectors and earning regular incomes to pay their RA. This paper aims to scrutinize the differences in the demographic, employment and housing characteristics between the critics and non-critics of the RA payment in Ghana and the factors that predict the likelihood of being a critic of the RA system.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is exploratory and draws empirical data from surveys administered to 327 graduate renters from 13 regions in Ghana. It uses non-parametric and parametric tests, namely, Chi-square goodness-of-fit and T-test to explore these differences between both critics and non-critics of the RA.

Findings

There are statistically significant differences between critics and non-critics in terms of the association between their educational attainment on the one hand and their marital status, employment status and employment sector on the other hand. The research also reveals that monthly expenditures, number of bedrooms and RA period significantly predict the likelihood of being a critic of the RA payment or otherwise.

Practical implications

The study provides evidence which policymakers can draw upon to inform housing policy.

Originality/value

The study is the first to study the housing characteristics of graduate renters and to quantitatively distinguish between critics and non-critics of RA payment in Ghana.
Prevailing theoretical approaches predicting sustainable business models: a systematic review
Authors: Ferreira João J. , Fernandes Cristina I. , Veiga Pedro M. , Hughes Mathew
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study aims to map scientific publications, intellectual structure and research trends in the sustainable business model (SBM) field. Specifically, it attempts to (1) identify the fundamental contributions of research in this area of knowledge; and (2) determine the research lines that constitute the most prominent intellectual structure. We leverage these insights to formulate and propose a future research agenda for SBM.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors made recourse to the bibliometric, co-citation and cluster analysis techniques. To evaluate potential patterns among articles, we analysed how articles are jointly cited. We further applied hierarchical cluster analysis to the articles and used co-citation analysis to group the interrelated articles into distinct sets.

Findings

The results enable the identification and classification of the prevailing theoretical foci in the domain of SBM: (1) SBM implementation; (2) SBM challenges; (3) institutional SBM; (4) circular SBM; and (5) emerging SBM.

Originality/value

This study identifies, explores, analyses and summarises the main theoretical approaches and themes surrounding SBM research to date, contributing to deepening the literature by identifying the priority areas concerning sustainable business models and encouraging future research of an internationally excellent standard.
Performance assessment of the complex repairable system with n-identical units under (k-out-of-n: G) scheme and copula linguistic repair approach
Authors: Singh V. V. , Mohhammad Abubakkar Idris , Ibrahim Kabiru Hamisu , Yusuf Ibrahim
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper analyzed a complex system consisting n-identical units under a k-out-of-n: G; configuration via a new method which has not been studied by previous researchers. The computed results are more supportable for repairable system performability analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors have analyzed a complex system consisting n-identical units under a k-out-of-n: G; configuration via a new method which has not been studied by previous researchers. The supplementary variable technique has employed for analyzing the performance of the system.

Findings

Reliability measures have been computed for different types of configuration. It generalized the results for purely series and purely parallel configurations.

Research limitations/implications

This research may be beneficial for industrial system performances whereas a k-out-of-n-type configuration exists.

Practical implications

Not sure as it is a theoretical assessment.

Social implications

This research may not have social implications.

Originality/value

This work is the sole work of authors that have not been communicated to any other journal before.
Perceived social support and its relationship with depression among Bangkok's trans women
Authors: Tantirattanakulchai Pankaew , Hounnaklang Nuchanad
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the prevalence of depression and to determine the association between social support and depression among transgender women in Bangkok, Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 transgender women in Bangkok, Thailand between March 2019 and May 2019 using the snowball sampling method. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included demographic questions and measures of social support (MSPSS) and depression (CES-D). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to explore the association between social support and depression.

Findings

The prevalence of depression among transgender women was 58.2%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that depression was significantly associated with perceived low social support (OR: 9.55, 95%CI: 2.10–43.39) and moderate social support (OR: 2.03, 95%CI: 1.19–3.46) after being adjusted for religion, sufficient income and alcohol drinking.

Originality/value

Transgender women were prone to experience a higher prevalence of depression than the general population. Social support would reduce the risk of depression among transgender women. Therefore, social support service systems for transgender women should be embedded into organizations concerned.
The impact of gender on the evaluation of vertical line extensions of luxury brands: a cross-national study
Authors: Boisvert Jean , Ashill Nicholas Jeremy
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the extent to which gender impacts the evaluation of vertical line extensions of luxury brands in a cross-national context. The topic of brand/line extensions has been investigated in the mainstream branding literature. On the other hand, the topic has received less attention in the luxury literature. At the same time, while research has examined brand/line extensions from an international perspective, the impact of gender on consumer purchase intentions of luxury downward line extensions in different countries has remained unexplored.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an ANOVA design (2 extension types × 2 genders × 2 countries). The independent variables were ordered as follows: gender (male/female), vertical line extensions (upscale/downward) and country of living (France/USA). The purchase intention of the extension was chosen as the dependent variable.

Findings

The study results show that key differences exist between men and women regarding vertical luxury line extensions. For instance, women in both countries rate a new downward line extension of a luxury brand more positively than men. In contrast, although women evaluate a new upscale line extension of a luxury brand similarly to men in France, women are more positive than men in the USA. Also, US men rate an upscale extension less positively than their French counterparts. Finally, women in both countries rate luxury downward extensions more positively than men.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature of luxury brand management by examining how gender types process and respond to upscale and downward luxury line extensions versus purchase intentions in two different countries. This paper is unique as gender types are not often compared in previous research while fundamental distinctions exist, leading to significant differences. Practically, this study also provides key insights for marketing strategy development and adjustment for luxury manufacturers in terms of their target market, more specifically men versus women.
ANN model for users’ perception on IOT based smart healthcare monitoring devices and its impact with the effect of COVID 19
Authors: Ganji Kashmira , Parimi Sashikala
Published: April 2021

Purpose

COVID-19 was indeed a global epidemic that revolutionized the way of life, especially health-care services. The way health care will be delivered will undergo a dramatic change in the future. The aim is to analyse the increasing usage of health care systems along with digital technology and IoT especially during pandemic.

Design Methodology Approach

This research paper deals with users’ perception and their recommendation status of IoT-based smart health-care monitoring devices based on their perception, experience and level of importance to enhance the quality of life. An effective artificial neural networking (ANN)-based predictive model is designed to classify the user’s perception of usage of IoT-based smart health-care monitoring wearables based on their experience and knowledge.

Findings

The model developed has 96.7% accuracy. Among the various predictors chosen as inputs for the model, the findings indicate that self-comfort and trusted data from the device are of high priority. The present study focused only on some common factors derived from previous studies.

Research Limitations Implications

Although the performance of the proposed system was noticed to be good, the size of the sample is also limited to a few responses. Implications for future research and practices are discussed.

Originality Value

This is a novel study that aims to develop an ANN model on analyzing the user’s perception of IoT-based smart health-care wearables with the effect of COVID-19 pandemic. This paper elaborates on the ongoing efforts to restart the health-care services for survivability in the new normal situations.
Moderation effect of pleasure seeking and loss aversion in the relationship between personality traits and risky investment intention
Authors: Aren Selim , Hamamci Hatice Nayman , Özcan Safvan
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study, the moderating effect of pleasure-seeking and loss aversion, was investigated in relation to the big five personality traits with regard to risky investment intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

In the study, the data was obtained between January and November 2019 via an online survey with convenience sampling. The total number of subjects is 886. The authors used IBM SPSS Statistics for analysis. Exploratory factor analysis, correlation analysis, regression analysis and discriminant analysis were performed.

Findings

Significant relationships were found between five personality traits and risky investment intentions. In these relationships, the moderator effect of pleasure-seeking for extraversion, conscientiousness and neuroticism personality traits was also determined. Besides, investment preferences for choosing “unknown and new investment” against “known and experienced investment”, which is a typical feature of the balloon periods, were modeled with big five personality traits and motivation variables (pleasure-seeking and loss aversion) and the equation was formed. As a result, high accuracy classification success was obtained.

Originality/value

The study is unique owing to its findings. In addition, general risk aversion and risky investment intention were investigated simultaneously to explain the different findings in the literature regarding the attitude of big five personality traits to risk and personality traits that show consistent approach were identified.
Plant diversity effects on plant longevity and their relationships to population stability in experimental grasslands
Authors: Roeder Anna , Schweingruber Fritz H. , Ebeling Anne , Eisenhauer Nico , Fischer Markus , Roscher Christiane
Published: April 2021

Identifying to what degree inherent characteristics of plant species and their variation in response to their environment regulate the temporal stability of plant populations is important to understand patterns of species coexistence and the stability of ecosystems. Longevity is a key characteristic of plant life history and an important component of demographic storage, but age is usually unknown for herbaceous species.

In a 12‐year‐old biodiversity experiment (Jena Experiment) comprising 80 grassland communities with six levels of plant species richness (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 60 species) and four levels of functional groups richness (1, 2, 3 and 4 functional groups), we studied populations of 38 dicotyledonous forb species (N = 1,683 plant individuals). The sampled individuals represented three plant functional groups (legumes, small herbs and tall herbs) and two different growth forms (species with long‐lived primary roots and clonal species with rhizomes/stolons). We assessed the age of plant individuals by means of growth ring analysis and related the age of plant populations to their temporal stability in terms of peak biomass production.

On average, plant species richness did not affect the mean age of the populations or the maximum age of individuals found in a population. Age of herbs with taproots increased and age of herbs with clonal growth decreased with increasing species richness, cancelling out each other when growth forms were analysed together. Mean population age was lowest for small herbs and highest for tall herbs, while legumes had an intermediate population age. Herbs with a taproot were on average older than herbs with a rhizome. Across all species‐richness levels, populations with older individuals were more stable in terms of biomass production over time.

Synthesis. Our study shows for the first time across multiple species that the longevity of forbs is affected by the diversity of the surrounding plant community, and that plant longevity as an important component of demographic storage increases the temporal stability of populations of grassland forb species.
Region identification of Xinyang Maojian tea using UHPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS‐based metabolomics coupled with multivariate statistical analyses
Authors: Wang Zihao , Ma Bingsong , Ma Cunqiang , Zheng Chengqin , Zhou Binxing , Guo Guiyi , Xia Tao
Published: April 2021

Xinyang Maojian tea is a kind of famous roasted green tea produced in the middle of China. Ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time of flight‐mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS)‐based metabolomics coupled with multivariate statistical analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), were carried out in XMMJTs collected from Luoshan, Shangcheng, and Shihe Counties, respectively. Additionally, seven catechins, four flavonoids, two purine alkaloids, and gallic acid contents were determined by HPLC. Differential metabolites were selected by p‐value <0.05, and fold change >1.50 or < 0.66 among 745 detected metabolites in metabolomics analysis. The results showed significant (p < 0.05) differences of three catechins including (‐)‐epicatechin, (‐)‐epicatechin gallate, and (‐)‐gallocatechin gallate, four flavonoids (i.e. quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, and rutin), and theobromine among three various regions, and significant (p < 0.05) differences of (‐)‐epicatechin gallate, (‐)‐epigallocatechin, (+)‐catechin, gallic acid, and kaempferol between Shuchazao and Group cultivar. The HCA showed that, except for two samples (i.e. LS 2 and SH 2) of Shuchazao cultivar clustered together, others could be clustered completely according to production place. The 63 relevant differential metabolites could achieve the purpose of region identification through PCA. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathway analysis elaborated the impact of geographical origin and tea cultivar on physiological metabolism in tea tree.

Practical Application

Ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time of flight‐mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS)‐based liquid chromatography‐tendem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) metabolomics coupled with multivariate statistical analyses, such as principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), revealed 63 differential metabolites related to production place, which contributed to the region identification of Xinyang Maojian teas.
Geochemistry of Rhenium and Other Trace Elements in Molybdenite, Sar Cheshmeh Porphyry Cu‐Mo Deposit, Iran
Authors: SHAFIEI BAFTI Behnam , SVOJTKA Martin , ABDOLAHI Mehdi
Published: April 2021

LA‐ICP‐MS analysis of molybdenite from the Sar Cheshmeh porphyry Cu‐Mo deposit (PCD), Iran, shows moderate concentration of Re (average ∼207 ppm) and low concentration of chalcogenides (average of Pb + Te + Bi, ∼31 ppm) as well as metalloids (average of As + Sb + Ge, ∼4.5 ppm). The early‐formed quartz–molybdenites associated with potassic alteration are characterized by moderately low concentration of Re (21–215 ppm with an average of 83 ppm), whereas the transitional quartz–molybdenite veins related to the sericitic stage of mineralization contain more Re (62–465 ppm, with an average of 207 ppm). In contrast, the late‐formed quartz–molybdenite veins associated with phyllic alteration show the highest concentration of Re (up to 1273 ppm with an average of 395 ppm). Gradual increase in Re content of molybdenites deposited throughout the evolution of the porphyry system is probably related to elevated ƒO2 and acidic conditions of the ore fluids governing the transitional and late stage of mineralization, when compared to the moderately low ƒO2 and basic conditions of the ore fluids precipitating the low‐Re molybdenites associated with potassic alteration. The mixed mantle/crustal source of the ore‐related magma and its fractionated composition in Sar Cheshmeh are consistent with magmatic conditions for the formation of Mo‐rich and Re‐poor PCDs in the world.
Geochemistry and Zircon U‐Pb Dates of Felsic‐Intermediate Members of the Late Cretaceous Yüksekova Arc Basin: Constraints on the Evolution of the Bitlis–Zagros Branch of Neotethys (Elazığ, E Turkey)
Authors: URAL Melek , SAYIT Kaan , KORALAY Osman Ersin , GONCUOGLU Mehmet Cemal
Published: April 2021

During the Late Cretaceous in the Eastern Mediterranean, the northern branch of the southern Neotethys was closed by multiple northward subductions. Of these, the most northerly located subduction created the Baskil continental arc at around 82–84 Ma. The more southerly and intra‐oceanic subduction, on the other hand, produced an arc‐basin system, the Yüksekova Complex, as early as the late Cenomanian–early Turonian. The abundant and relatively well‐studied basaltic rocks of this complex were intruded by dykes, sills and small stocks of felsic–intermediate rocks, not previously studied in detail. The intrusives collected from five different localities in the Elazığ region of eastern Turkey are all subalkaline, with low Nb/Y values. Most of them have been chemically classified as rhyodacites/dacites, whereas a small number appear to be andesites. In normal mid‐ocean‐ridge basalt (N‐MORB)‐normalised plots, the intrusives are characterised by relative enrichments in Th and La over Nb, Zr, Hf, Ti and high field strength elements (HREEs), indicating their derivation from a subduction‐modified source. While their relatively high, positive εNd(i) values (+6.4 and +7.2) might suggest a depleted mantle source for their ultimate origin, somewhat radiogenic Pb values indicate a sedimentary contribution to the source of the rocks. The overall geochemical characteristics indicate their generation in an oceanic arc setting. The zircon U‐Pb Laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) data obtained from five felsic‐intermediate rock samples yielded intrusion dates of 80–88 Ma. This suggests that the Elazığ oceanic arc‐related intrusives are slightly younger than those of the Yüksekova arc‐basin system, but coeval with the Baskil continental arc. However, the felsic–intermediate intrusives show different geochemical characteristics (oceanic arc‐type, with a lack of crustal contamination) to those of the Baskil continental arc. This indicates that these two igneous systems are unrelated and likely developed in different tectonic settings. This, in turn, supports a geodynamic model in which the northern strand of the southern Neotethys was consumed by multiple northward subductions.
The moderating role of honesty‐humility in the association of agreeableness with interpersonal competency: A study of managers in two countries
Authors: Wang Ying , Dunlop Patrick D. , Parker Sharon K. , Griffin Mark A. , Gachunga Hazel
Published: April 2021

The honesty‐humility factor from the HEXACO model of personality has been found to offer incremental validity in predicting several work‐related criteria over the remaining factors, yet its interplay with other personality factors is rarely examined. In this study, we examined how honesty‐humility (the tendency to be sincere, fair, non‐materialistic, and modest) can moderate the relation between agreeableness and interpersonal competency. Specifically, drawing on the theory of self‐concept, we proposed that agreeableness will have a stronger association with interpersonal competency among individuals who are higher on honesty‐humility, and relatively less so among individuals who are lower on honesty‐humility. Across three samples of people in managerial roles from two different cultures (Australia and Kenya), we found that honesty‐humility, indeed, moderated the agreeableness—interpersonal competency relation, both when the criterion was measured by self‐report (Sample 1, N = 167; Sample 2, N = 320; Sample 3, N = 296) and other‐report (Sample 3, N = 195). In all three samples, the positive relation of agreeableness with interpersonal competency was strongest among those who were also higher on honesty‐humility. Such an interaction effect was robust after controlling for the remaining HEXACO personality factors.
Clinical predictors of non‐response to lithium treatment in the Pharmacogenomics of Bipolar Disorder (PGBD) study
Authors: Lin Yian , Maihofer Adam X. , Stapp Emma , Ritchey Megan , Alliey‐Rodriguez Ney , Anand Amit , Balaraman Yokesh , Berrettini Wade H. , Bertram Holli , Bhattacharjee Abesh , Calkin Cynthia V. , Conroy Carla , Coryell William , D'Arcangelo Nicole , DeModena Anna , Biernacka Joanna M. , Fisher Carrie , Frazier Nicole , Frye Mark , Gao Keming , Garnham Julie , Gershon Elliot , Glazer Kara , Goes Fernando S. , Goto Toyomi , Karberg Elizabeth , Harrington Gloria , Jakobsen Petter , Kamali Masoud , Kelly Marisa , Leckband Susan G. , Lohoff Falk W. , Stautland Andrea , McCarthy Michael J. , McInnis Melvin G. , Mondimore Francis , Morken Gunnar , Nurnberger John I. , Oedegaard Ketil J. , Syrstad Vigdis Elin Giever , Ryan Kelly , Schinagle Martha , Schoeyen Helle , Andreassen Ole A. , Shaw Marth , Shilling Paul D. , Slaney Claire , Tarwater Bruce , Calabrese Joseph R. , Alda Martin , Nievergelt Caroline M. , Zandi Peter P. , Kelsoe John R.
Published: April 2021

Background

Lithium is regarded as a first‐line treatment for bipolar disorder (BD), but partial response and non‐response commonly occurs. There exists a need to identify lithium non‐responders prior to initiating treatment. The Pharmacogenomics of Bipolar Disorder (PGBD) Study was designed to identify predictors of lithium response.

Methods

The PGBD Study was an eleven site prospective trial of lithium treatment in bipolar I disorder. Subjects were stabilized on lithium monotherapy over 4 months and gradually discontinued from all other psychotropic medications. After ensuring a sustained clinical remission (defined by a score of ≤3 on the CGI for 4 weeks) had been achieved, subjects were followed for up to 2 years to monitor clinical response. Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the relationship between clinical measures and time until failure to remit or relapse.

Results

A total of 345 individuals were enrolled into the study and included in the analysis. Of these, 101 subjects failed to remit or relapsed, 88 achieved remission and continued to study completion, and 156 were terminated from the study for other reasons. Significant clinical predictors of treatment failure (p < 0.05) included baseline anxiety symptoms, functional impairments, negative life events and lifetime clinical features such as a history of migraine, suicidal ideation/attempts, and mixed episodes, as well as a chronic course of illness.

Conclusions

In this PGBD Study of lithium response, several clinical features were found to be associated with failure to respond to lithium. Future validation is needed to confirm these clinical predictors of treatment failure and their use clinically to distinguish who will do well on lithium before starting pharmacotherapy.
Transitioning to remote learning: Lessons from supporting K‐12 teachers through a MOOC
Authors: Boltz Liz O. , Yadav Aman , Dillman Brittany , Robertson Candace
Published: April 2021

The recent face‐to‐face school closures due to COVID‐19 pushed teachers to quickly move their instruction online and support their students remotely. Whilst there has been a considerable push for technology integration in schools in recent years, there has been little focus on how to prepare teachers to teach online given that traditional schooling is based on a face‐to‐face delivery. As a result, many educators do not have adequate resources and preparation to support high quality and thoughtful remote learning. One way to quickly build teacher capacity is through the use of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) which can provide access to professional learning at scale. In this paper, we describe a mixed methods study from a MOOC designed to provide educators with knowledge on how to support their students and create a community of learners in remote learning contexts. Specifically, we share findings on teachers’ biggest challenges of teaching remotely, perceptions of the impact of MOOC on their ability to teach remotely, and MOOC participation data. We discuss implications of these findings on the design and delivery of MOOCs for teacher professional learning, in general, but also how to develop teacher competencies for effective remote instruction.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Online teaching and learning is challenging for teachers without sustained support

There is not a one‐to‐one mapping of face‐to‐face pedagogical practices that translates to online teaching practices so learning to teach remotely and online is difficult

What this paper adds

Evidence that MOOCs that align with teacher needs can significantly impact educators’ perceptions of ability in teaching remotely

Evidence that MOOCs that include just‐in‐time professional learning can significantly increase the participation rates

Implications for practice and/or policy

Use of MOOCs to support teacher learning