bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“I'll wait”: Crip-Queer Temporality and Reproductive Futurism in Musical Adaptations of Dürrenmatt'sDer Besuch der alten Dame(The Visit of the Old Lady)
Authors: Weist Caroline
Published: August 2020

On 29 January 1956, a new play by up-and-coming Swiss dramatist Friedrich Dürrenmatt had its world premiere at the Zurich Schauspielhaus. From the stage of the venerable playhouse, the young playwright's “tragic comedy,”Der Besuch der alten Dame(lit.: The Visit of the Old Lady—a title I shall employ to distinguish it from a well-known but much-changed English adaptation), presented the story of billionairess Claire Zachanassian's return to her impoverished hometown after forty years. During those intervening decades, she used a string of strategic marriages to amass considerable financial assets, but lost a hand and a leg in various transportation accidents. The people of Güllen, a rundown town whose claim to fame is that Goethe once spent the night there, start off the play finalizing their plans for a strategic grand reception at the train station: they have high hopes of convincing their prodigal daughter to save them from poverty and return them to their former glory. That daughter, however, has justice—not salvation—on her mind for the cruel town that exiled her as an unwed, pregnant teenager. After secretly using her fortune to buy and close each of the town's factories, Claire has returned. At a banquet held in her honor, she offers the bankrupt town “one billion” in exchange for the communal murder of Alfred Ill, beloved citizen and father and heir apparent to the mayorship. He also happens to be the high-school sweetheart who perjured himself to betray Claire and the child they conceived all those years ago.
Principles for deliberative processes in health technology assessment
Authors: Bond Kenneth , Stiffell Rebecca , Ollendorf Daniel A.
Published: August 2020

Deliberative processes are a well-established part of health technology assessment (HTA) programs in a number of high- and middle-income countries, and serve to combine complex sets of evidence, perspectives, and values to support open, transparent, and accountable decision making. Nevertheless, there is little documentation and research to inform the development of effective and efficient deliberative processes, and to evaluate their quality. This article summarizes the 2020 HTAi Global Policy Forum (GPF) discussion on deliberative processes in HTA.

Through a combination of small and large group discussion and successive rounds of polling, the GPF members reached strong agreement on three core principles for deliberative processes in HTA: transparency, inclusivity, and impartiality. In addition, discussions revealed other important principles, such as respect, reviewability, consistency, and reasonableness, that may supplement the core set. A number of associated supporting actions for each of the principles are also described in order to make each principle realizable in a given HTA setting. The relative importance of the principles and actions are context-sensitive and must be considered in light of the political, legislative, and operational factors that may influence the functioning of any particular HTA environment within which the deliberative process is situated. The paper ends with suggested concrete next steps that HTA agencies, researchers, and stakeholders might take to move the field forward. The proposed principles and actions, and the next steps, provide a springboard for further research and better documentation of important aspects of deliberation that have historically been infrequently studied.
Anthropometric nutritional status, and social and dietary characteristics of African and Indian adolescents taking part in the TALENT (Transforming Adolescent Lives through Nutrition) qualitative study
Authors: Fall Caroline HD , Abera Mubarek , Chopra Harsha , Hardy-Johnson Polly , Janha Ramatoulie E , Jesson Julie , Joglekar Charudutta , Joseph Shama , Kehoe Sarah H , Mukoma Gudani , Joshi-Reddy Kejal , Kumaran Kalyanaraman , Barker Mary E ,   the TALENT consortium
Published: August 2020

Objective:

To describe the anthropometry, socioeconomic circumstances, diet and screen time usage of adolescents in India and Africa as context to a qualitative study of barriers to healthy eating and activity.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey, including measured height and weight and derived rates of stunting, low BMI, overweight and obesity. Parental schooling and employment status, household assets and amenities, and adolescents’ dietary diversity, intake of snack foods, mobile/smartphone ownership and TV/computer time were obtained via a questionnaire.

Setting:

Four settings each in Africa (rural villages, West Kiang, The Gambia; low-income urban communities, Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire; low/middle-class urban communities, Jimma, Ethiopia; low-income township, Johannesburg, South Africa) and India (rural villages, Dervan; semi-rural villages, Pune; city slums, Mumbai; low-middle/middle-class urban communities, Mysore).

Participants:

Convenience samples (n 41–112 per site) of boys and girls, half aged 10–12 years and another half aged 15–17 years, were recruited for a qualitative study.

Results:

Both undernutrition (stunting and/or low BMI) and overweight/obesity were present in all settings. Rural settings had the most undernutrition, least overweight/obesity and greatest diet diversity. Urban Johannesburg (27 %) and Abidjan (16 %), and semi-rural Pune (16 %) had the most overweight/obesity. In all settings, adolescents reported low intakes of micronutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, and substantial intakes of salted snacks, cakes/biscuits, sweets and fizzy drinks. Smartphone ownership ranged from 5 % (West Kiang) to 69 % (Johannesburg), higher among older adolescents.

Conclusions:

The ‘double burden of malnutrition’ is present in all TALENT settings. Greater urban transition is associated with less undernutrition, more overweight/obesity, less diet diversity and higher intakes of unhealthy/snack foods.
Early life risk and resiliency factors and their influences on developmental outcomes and disease pathways: a rapid evidence review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Authors: Abdul-Hussein Ayah , Kareem Ayesha , Tewari Shrankhala , Bergeron Julie , Briollais Laurent , Challis John R. G. , Davidge Sandra T. , Delrieux Claudio , Fortier Isabel , Goldowitz Daniel , Nepomnaschy Pablo , Wazana Ashley , Connor Kristin L.
Published: August 2020

The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) framework aims to understand how environmental exposures in early life shape lifecycle health. Our understanding and the ability to prevent poor health outcomes and enrich for resiliency remain limited, in part, because exposure–outcome relationships are complex and poorly defined. We, therefore, aimed to determine the major DOHaD risk and resilience factors. A systematic approach with a 3-level screening process was used to conduct our Rapid Evidence Review following the established guidelines. Scientific databases using DOHaD-related keywords were searched to capture articles between January 1, 2009 and April 19, 2019. A final total of 56 systematic reviews/meta-analyses were obtained. Studies were categorized into domains based on primary exposures and outcomes investigated. Primary summary statistics and extracted data from the studies are presented in Graphical Overview for Evidence Reviews diagrams. There was substantial heterogeneity within and between studies. While global trends showed an increase in DOHaD publications over the last decade, the majority of data reported were from high-income countries. Articles were categorized under six exposure domains: Early Life Nutrition, Maternal/Paternal Health, Maternal/Paternal Psychological Exposure, Toxicants/Environment, Social Determinants, and Others. Studies examining social determinants of health and paternal influences were underrepresented. Only 23% of the articles explored resiliency factors. We synthesized major evidence on relationships between early life exposures and developmental and health outcomes, identifying risk and resiliency factors that influence later life health. Our findings provide insight into important trends and gaps in knowledge within many exposures and outcome domains.
An Appraisal of the Gulf Cooperation Council's Mechanisms for Co-operation and the Settlement of Disputes
Authors: ALTAMIMI Abdulmalik M.
Published: August 2020

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive legal analysis, reminding the reader of the missing roles and potential of the the Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC]. Interstate disputes threaten the very existence of the GCC. Moreover, they call into question the GGC's mechanisms for co-operation and for ensuring the peaceful settlement of disputes. For instance, the GCC's Charter, commercial arbitration rules, and the Basic Law of the Economic Judiciary Commission all provide provisions for peacefully settling disputes between GCC Member States and their citizens. GCC states are also members of the League of Arab States [Arab League], another important regional organization with dispute settlement procedures. However, GCC and Arab League judicial and quasi-judicial mechanisms have not been invoked to date, arguably because the states prefer a diplomatic settlement. This paper reviews the GCC's mechanisms for co-operation and dispute settlement, referencing public international law to formulate recommendations to reform the GCC.
Trends of the incidence of drug use disorders from 1990 to 2017: an analysis based on the Global Burden of Disease 2017 data
Authors: Pan Zhenyu , Zhang Jun , Cheng Hua , Bu Qingting , Li Na , Deng Yujiao , Zhou Linghui , Dai Zhijun , Lyu Jun
Published: August 2020

Aim

Drug use disorders are an important issue worldwide. Systematic attempts to estimate the global incidence of drug use disorders are rare. We aimed to determine the incidence of drug use disorders and their trends.

Methods

We obtained the annual incident cases and age-standardised incidence rate (ASR) of drug use disorders from 1990 to 2017 using the Global Health Data Exchange query tool. The estimated annual percentage changes of the ASR were used to quantify and evaluate the trends in the incidence rate. Gaussian process regression and the Pearson's correlation coefficient were used to assess the relationship between the ASR and socio-demographic index (SDI).

Results

The number of drug use disorders’ cases increased by 33.5% from 1990 to 2017 globally, whereas the ASR exhibited a stable trend. The ASR was higher in men than in women. Most cases (53.1%) of drug use disorders involved opioid. A positive association (ρ=0.35, p < 0.001) was found between ASR and SDI. Teenagers aged 15–19 years had the highest incidence rate.

Conclusions

The incident cases of drug use disorders were increasing, but the incidence rate did not change significantly from 1990 to 2017. Current preventive measures and policies for drug use disorders might have little effect. The present results suggest that future strategies should focus on men, teenagers and high-risk regions in order to improve the current status of drug use disorders.
Sediment‐Induced Stratification in an Estuarine Bottom Boundary Layer
Authors: Egan Galen , Manning Andrew J. , Chang Grace , Fringer Oliver , Monismith Stephen
Published: August 2020

We took field observations on the shallow shoals of South San Francisco Bay to examine how sediment‐induced stratification affects the mean flow and mixing of momentum and sediment throughout the water column. A Vectrino Profiler measured near‐bed velocity and suspended sediment concentration profiles, which we used to calculate profiles of turbulent sediment and momentum fluxes. Additional turbulence statistics were calculated using data from acoustic Doppler velocimeters placed throughout the water column. Results showed that sediment‐induced stratification, which was set up by strong near‐bed wave shear, can reduce the frictional bottom drag felt by the mean flow. Measured turbulence statistics suggest that this drag reduction is caused by stratification suppressing near‐bed turbulent fluxes and reducing turbulent kinetic energy dissipation. Turbulent sediment fluxes, however, were not shown to be limited by sediment‐induced stratification. Finally, we compared our results to a common model parameterization which characterizes stratification through a stability parameter modification to the turbulent eddy viscosity and suggest a new nondimensional parameter that may be better suited to represent stratification when modeling oscillatory boundary layer flows.
Automatic Model Structure Identification for Conceptual Hydrologic Models
Authors: Spieler Diana , Mai Juliane , Craig James R. , Tolson Bryan A. , Schütze Niels
Published: August 2020

Choosing (an) adequate model structure(s) for a given purpose, catchment, and data situation is a critical task in the modeling chain. However, despite model intercomparison studies, hypothesis testing approaches with modular modeling frameworks, and continuous efforts in model development and improvement, there are still no clear guidelines for identifying a preferred model structure. By introducing a framework for Automatic Model Structure Identification (AMSI), we support the process of identifying (a) suitable model structure(s) for a given task. The proposed AMSI framework employs a combination of the modular hydrological model RAVEN and the heuristic global optimization algorithm dynamically dimensioned search (DDS). It is the first demonstration of a mixed‐integer optimization algorithm applied to simultaneously optimize model structure choices (integer decision variables) and parameter values (continuous decision variables) in hydrological modeling. The AMSI framework is thus able to sift through a vast number of model structure and parameter choices for identifying the most adequate model structure(s) for representing the rainfall‐runoff behavior of a catchment. We demonstrate the feasibility of the approach by reidentifying given model structures that produced a specific hydrograph and show the limits of the current setup via a real‐world application of AMSI on 12 MOPEX catchments. Results show that the AMSI framework is capable of inferring feasible model structure(s) reproducing the rainfall‐runoff behavior of a given catchment. However, it is a complex optimization problem to identify model structure and parameters simultaneously. The variance in the identified structures is high due to near equivalent diagnostic measures for multiple model structures, reflecting substantial model equifinality. Future work with AMSI should consider the use of hydrologic signatures, case studies with multiple types of observation data, and the use of mixed‐integer multiobjective optimization algorithms.
Deep-Sea Mining May Have Deep Economic, Environmental Impacts
Authors: Dacey James
Published: August 2020

A new report supports the creation of a compensation fund for nations that rely on terrestrial mining, but it fails to dispel environmental concerns over deep-sea mining.
Tectonic Influences on Trench Slope Basin Development via Structural Restoration Along the Outer Nankai Accretionary Prism, Southwest Japan
Authors: Lackey J. K. , Regalla C. A. , Moore G. F.
Published: August 2020

Three‐dimensional (3‐D) seismic reflection data and sediment cores record ~2.87 million years of structural and depositional history of a trench slope basin along the outer Nankai accretionary prism, southwest Japan. Numerous mass transport deposits (MTDs) and fault structures are present in the basin. Here, we investigate the links between slope failures, slope basin development, and movement along a prominent out‐of‐sequence thrust (OOST) fault and development of a large anticline. Three two‐dimensional (2‐D) cross sections are restored to ~2.2 Ma using stratigraphic and structural relationships interpreted in the 3‐D data. The restorations are then compared and combined to provide a 3‐D perspective of basin development. We find that total shortening across all faults and folds was accommodated by different displacement styles along multiple branches, with 5.3, 5.5, and 7.3 km of shortening from northeast to southwest over the past ~2.2 Ma. We believe that the majority of this displacement occurred prior to ~1.7 Ma, followed by a dramatic decrease in slip rate within the study area as slip was transferred to the more seaward portions of the prism. In the northeast, deformation is primarily accommodated by the main branch of the OOST and anticlinal faulting, while deformation in the southwest is primarily along deeper branches of the OOST. This differential motion explains the occurrences of various mass wasting events, and lateral differences in trench slope basin geometry within the study area.
Variability of the South Pacific Western Subtropical Mode Water and Its Relationship With ENSO During the Argo Period
Authors: Qi Jifeng , Qu Tangdong , Yin Baoshu , Chi Jianwei
Published: August 2020

This study investigates variability of the South Pacific western subtropical mode water (SPWSTMW), its physical processes, and relationship with El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO), using a gridded Argo data product from January 2004 to September 2019. On seasonal timescale, the SPWSTMW volume shows a significant variability, which involves three periods: the formation period (June–October), the isolation period (November–February), and the dissipation period (March–May). This seasonal variability is related to seasonal fluctuation of the mixed layer depth. During the Argo period from 2004 to 2019, interannual variability of the SPWSTMW volume is tightly linked to the ENSO, increasing during El Niño periods and decreasing during La Niña periods. Further analyses indicate that ENSO‐related anomalous winds are primarily responsible for interannual variability of the SPWSTMW volume. The anomalous winds first influence the surface heat flux through evaporation and then the mixed layer depth through convection, leaving an imprint of ENSO on the SPWSTMW. This study also shows that the SPWSTMW responds differently to the central Pacific (CP) El Niño and eastern Pacific (EP) El Niño.
Observed Triple Mode of Salinity Variability in the Thermocline of Tropical Pacific Ocean
Authors: Hu Shijian , Sprintall Janet , Guan Cong , Hu Dunxin , Wang Fan , Lu Xi , Li Shihan
Published: August 2020

A well‐defined Triple MOde of Salinity (TMOS) variability in the tropical Pacific thermocline layer (24–25.5 σθ isopycnal surfaces) is revealed from the Argo observations during 2004–2018. Thermocline salinity in the tropical northern and southwestern Pacific Ocean varies out of phase on interannual to near‐decadal time scales with that in the tropical southeastern Pacific Ocean. The TMOS is attributed to anomalous advection of mean salinity as well as advection of anomalous salinity by the mean oceanic current on isopycnal surfaces. While the TMOS pattern is quite different from the thermal patterns associated with the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) or the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), it is significantly associated with the ENSO and PDO indices with a time lag of 10 months. Isopycnal propagation of salinity anomalies and anomalous freshwater input in the outcropping region, also both associated with ENSO and PDO, are important in the formation of TMOS. The propagation speed of isopycnal salinity anomalies is close to documented phase speeds of baroclinic Rossby waves and velocities of zonal currents. The TMOS acts to shape the basin‐scale Pacific water masses and potentially plays an important role in climate.
Drivers of Subsurface Temperature Variability in the Northern California Current
Authors: Ray S. , Siedlecki S. A. , Alexander M. A. , Bond N. A. , Hermann A. J.
Published: August 2020

JISAO's Seasonal Coastal Ocean Prediction of the Ecosystem (J‐SCOPE) was developed to carry out experimental seasonal forecasts of ocean conditions in the Northern California Coastal System (N‐CCS). This system relies on NOAA's Coupled Forecast System (CFS) global climate model to provide initial and boundary conditions for dynamical downscaling with a high‐resolution numerical ocean model. Experiments with J‐SCOPE show that the bottom temperature on the shelf is more predictable than the sea surface temperature (SST) on seasonal time scales. While seasonal forecasts have been shown to have positive skill in terms of SST for the CCS due to El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the mechanism(s) responsible for subsurface predictability in the N‐CCS have yet to be determined. This study quantifies the relative importance of North Pacific and Tropical Pacific properties in determining the variations in temperatures at depth (TDs) on the N‐CCS shelf. A multivariable linear regression (MLR) model with selected predictors explains almost 83% of the N‐CCS TD variability with oceanic teleconnections from the North Pacific dominating the variance. The N‐CCS TD is related to (i) coastally trapped waves (CTWs) related to ENSO, originating in Tropical Pacific, (ii) west‐central Pacific spice anomalies, (iii) seasonal Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) variation, and a more local influence from (iv) anomalies south of N‐CCS, originating in North Pacific. ENSO and CTW can each impact the depth of the California Undercurrent (CUC) core with the latter most prominently following ENSO events. The results on potential sources of predictability are relevant to the continued development of current seasonal forecasting efforts off the U.S. West coast.
Laboratory Investigation of Particle‐Scale Factors Affecting the Settling Velocity of Volcaniclastic Dust
Authors: Richards‐Thomas Tamar , McKenna‐Neuman Cheryl
Published: August 2020

Iceland contains some of the largest and most active dust sources in the Arctic, with the frequency of major emission events increasing in the wake of catastrophic volcanic eruptions, such as the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption. Relatively juvenile Icelandic volcaniclastic dust particles are porous and highly angular, and they frequently bear ultrafine nanoscale dustcoats. Their low density is speculated to affect deposition rates in the atmosphere, while substantial amounts of water adsorbed onto their expansive surface area may affect nucleation, aggregation, and settling. Using a 2‐D laser Doppler anemometer, the present paper reports on a set of highly controlled fall column experiments designed to evaluate the dependency of the settling velocity upon particle morphology (e.g., size, shape, density, and surface area) and relative humidity (RH). Measurements for samples obtained from four Icelandic field sites are compared to those for solid glass spheres of similar diameter. The results confirm that the amount of adsorbed water increases with RH and the particle specific surface area. Higher dust concentrations are found to favor particle interaction and the formation of aggregates, especially at higher RH. Under dry conditions (20 %  < RH < 30 % ), the horizontal drift velocity measured for the angular, porous Icelandic particles exceeds that observed for solid glass spheres, although these measurements are an order of magnitude smaller than the vertical velocity. As compared to particle diameter, shape does not appear to influence either the settling rate or drag coefficient at Reynolds numbers ≤10−2, owing to the dominance of viscous effects over form drag.
Climatology of Dust‐Forced Radiative Heating Over the Tibetan Plateau and Its Surroundings
Authors: Wang Tianhe , Han Ying , Huang Jianping , Sun Mengxian , Jian Bida , Huang Zhongwei , Yan Hongru
Published: August 2020

Dust aerosol can affect the atmospheric thermal structure and exert great melting potential on snow and ice sheets. In this study, the decadal climatology of dust‐forced radiative heating (DRH) in the atmosphere over Tibetan Plateau and its surroundings (TPS) was investigated using the Santa Barbara DISORT Atmospheric Radiative Transfer (SBDART) model along with the CALIPSO satellite observations from 2007 to 2016. After screening out other aerosols, the vertical distribution of dust aerosol was examined to accurately assess the DRH. The net DRH showed a significant warm effect mainly by dust loading, which covers from the center of dust sources to their adjacent transport regions. The maximum value of the DRH appeared at the near‐surface, while the DRH decreased with an increase in height. The climatic average DRH at the near‐surface reached 16.8 K/month at the Taklimakan Desert (TD) and 10.8 K/month at the Gangetic Plain in spring, 13.7 K/month at the Indus Plain in summer, which is 3–3.6 times warmer than the column‐averaged DRHs. This study also found the most significant influence of dust events on the Qaidam Basin in the TPS, in which the near‐surface DRH was 4.7 K/month during spring. It is also noteworthy that the intermonth and interannual variations of the DRH highlighted the significant warming effect of dust aerosols on the atmospheric thermal structure, especially at the near‐surface. In addition, we need to pay more attention to changes in snow‐related processes influenced by absorbing aerosols and the light‐absorbing impurities deposited in snow over the TPS.
Unified Entrainment and Detrainment Closures for Extended Eddy‐Diffusivity Mass‐Flux Schemes
Authors: Cohen Yair , Lopez‐Gomez Ignacio , Jaruga Anna , He Jia , Kaul Colleen M. , Schneider Tapio
Published: August 2020

We demonstrate that an extended eddy‐diffusivity mass‐flux (EDMF) scheme can be used as a unified parameterization of subgrid‐scale turbulence and convection across a range of dynamical regimes, from dry convective boundary layers, through shallow convection, to deep convection. Central to achieving this unified representation of subgrid‐scale motions are entrainment and detrainment closures. We model entrainment and detrainment rates as a combination of turbulent and dynamical processes. Turbulent entrainment/detrainment is represented as downgradient diffusion between plumes and their environment. Dynamical entrainment/detrainment is proportional to a ratio of a relative buoyancy of a plume and a vertical velocity scale, that is modulated by heuristic nondimensional functions which represent their relative magnitudes and the enhanced detrainment due to evaporation from clouds in drier environment. We first evaluate the closures offline against entrainment and detrainment rates diagnosed from large‐eddy simulations (LES) in which tracers are used to identify plumes, their turbulent environment, and mass and tracer exchanges between them. The LES are of canonical test cases of a dry convective boundary layer, shallow convection, and deep convection, thus spanning a broad range of regimes. We then compare the LES with the full EDMF scheme, including the new closures, in a single column model (SCM). The results show good agreement between the SCM and LES in quantities that are key for climate models, including thermodynamic profiles, cloud liquid water profiles, and profiles of higher moments of turbulent statistics. The SCM also captures well the diurnal cycle of convection and the onset of precipitation.
Ultrafast hydrogen bond dynamics of liquid water revealed by terahertz-induced transient birefringence
Authors: Zhao Hang , Tan Yong , Zhang Liangliang , Zhang Rui , Shalaby Mostafa , Zhang Cunlin , Zhao Yuejin , Zhang Xi-Cheng
Published: August 2020

The fundamental properties of water molecules, such as their molecular polarizability, have not yet been clarified. The hydrogen bond network is generally considered to play an important role in the thermodynamic properties of water. The terahertz (THz) Kerr effect technique, as a novel tool, is expected to be useful in exploring the low-frequency molecular dynamics of liquid water. Here, we use an intense and ultrabroadband THz pulse (peak electric field strength of 14.9 MV/cm, centre frequency of 3.9 THz, and bandwidth of 1–10 THz) to resonantly excite intermolecular modes of liquid water. Bipolar THz field-induced transient birefringence signals are observed in a free-flowing water film. We propose a hydrogen bond harmonic oscillator model associated with the dielectric susceptibility and combine it with the Lorentz dynamic equation to investigate the intermolecular structure and dynamics of liquid water. We mainly decompose the bipolar signals into a positive signal caused by hydrogen bond stretching vibration and a negative signal caused by hydrogen bond bending vibration, indicating that the polarizability perturbation of water presents competing contributions under bending and stretching conditions. A Kerr coefficient equation related to the intermolecular modes of water is established. The ultrafast intermolecular hydrogen bond dynamics of water revealed by an ultrabroadband THz pump pulse can provide further insights into the transient structure of liquid water corresponding to the pertinent modes.
Longitudinal trajectories of adiposity-related measures from age 2–5 years in a population of low-income Hispanic children
Authors: Crespi Catherine M. , Gao Shuang , Payne Alexandra , Nobari Tabashir Z. , Avila Analissa , Nau Claudia , Whaley Shannon E. , Wang May C.
Published: August 2020

Background

We estimated longitudinal trajectories of body mass index (BMI) z-score and percentile, weight for height (WFH) z-score and percentile, and percentage of the 95th BMI percentile (BMIp95) among low-income Hispanic children ages 2–5 years to provide normative data for this population and compare the behavior of different measures.

Methods

Longitudinal height and weight measurements obtained from 18,072 Hispanic children aged 2–5 years enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children in Los Angeles County were analyzed. Trajectories of adiposity-related measures were estimated using mixed models, stratified by sex and BMI percentile at age 2 years.

Results

For children in the 5th–85th BMI percentile at age 2 years, all adiposity-related measures rose during ages 2–3.5 years; during ages 3.5–5 years, BMI-based measures increased, BMIp95 decreased, and WFH-based measures were stable. For children exceeding the 85th BMI percentile at age 2 years, measures generally trended downward during ages 2–5 years, except for BMIp95, which had variable trends.

Conclusions

Adiposity measures changed at different rates as children grew during ages 2–3.5 years compared to ages 3.5–5 years, and different measures displayed different trends. Studies should consider examining multiple measures and focusing on change relative to a comparison group.

Impact

To address the childhood obesity epidemic, information on normative trajectories of adiposity-related measures in at-risk populations of young children is needed.

Longitudinal analysis of data collected from low-income Hispanic children during ages 2–5 years revealed different patterns for different adiposity measures and for ages 2–3.5 years versus 3.5–5 years.

Child obesity studies should consider examining multiple adiposity measures and focus on change relative to a comparison group to avoid misinterpreting longitudinal patterns.
Molecular linkage between post-traumatic stress disorder and cognitive impairment: a targeted proteomics study of World Trade Center responders
Authors: Kuan Pei-Fen , Clouston Sean , Yang Xiaohua , Kotov Roman , Bromet Evelyn , Luft Benjamin J.
Published: August 2020

Existing work on proteomics has found common biomarkers that are altered in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The current study expands our understanding of these biomarkers by profiling 276 plasma proteins with known involvement in neurobiological processes using the Olink Proseek Multiplex Platform in individuals with both PTSD and MCI compared to either disorder alone and with unaffected controls. Participants were World Trade Center (WTC) responders recruited through the Stony Brook WTC Health Program. PTSD and MCI were measured with the PTSD Checklist (PCL) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, respectively. Compared with unaffected controls, we identified 16 proteins associated with comorbid PTSD–MCI atP < 0.05 (six at FDR < 0.1), 20 proteins associated with PTSD only (two at FDR < 0.1), and 24 proteins associated with MCI only (one at FDR < 0.1), for a total of 50 proteins. The multiprotein composite score achieved AUCs of 0.84, 0.77, and 0.83 for PTSD–MCI, PTSD only, and MCI only versus unaffected controls, respectively. To our knowledge, the current study is the largest to profile a large set of proteins involved in neurobiological processes. The significant associations across the three case-group analyses suggest that shared biological mechanisms may be involved in the two disorders. If findings from the multiprotein composite score are replicated in independent samples, it has the potential to add a new tool to help classify both PTSD and MCI.
Chemical proteomics tracks virus entry and uncovers NCAM1 as Zika virus receptor
Authors: Srivastava Mayank , Zhang Ying , Chen Jian , Sirohi Devika , Miller Andrew , Zhang Yang , Chen Zhilu , Lu Haojie , Xu Jianqing , Kuhn Richard J. , Andy Tao W.
Published: August 2020

The outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) in 2016 created worldwide health emergency which demand urgent research efforts on understanding the virus biology and developing therapeutic strategies. Here, we present a time-resolved chemical proteomic strategy to track the early-stage entry of ZIKV into host cells. ZIKV was labeled on its surface with a chemical probe, which carries a photocrosslinker to covalently link virus-interacting proteins in living cells on UV exposure at different time points, and a biotin tag for subsequent enrichment and mass spectrometric identification of the receptor or other host proteins critical for virus internalization. We identified Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM1) as a potential ZIKV receptor and further validated it through overexpression, knockout, and inhibition of NCAM1 in Vero cells and human glioblastoma cells U-251 MG. Collectively, the strategy can serve as a universal tool to map virus entry pathways and uncover key interacting proteins.
Adjuvant formulated virus-like particles expressing native-like forms of the Lassa virus envelope surface glycoprotein are immunogenic and induce antibodies with broadly neutralizing activity
Authors: Müller Helena , Fehling Sarah Katharina , Dorna Jens , Urbanowicz Richard A. , Oestereich Lisa , Krebs Yvonne , Kolesnikova Larissa , Schauflinger Martin , Krähling Verena , Magassouba N’Faly , Fichet-Calvet Elisabeth , Ball Jonathan K. , Kaufmann Andreas , Bauer Stefan , Becker Stephan , von Messling Veronika , Strecker Thomas
Published: August 2020

Lassa mammarenavirus (LASV) is a rodent-borne arenavirus endemic to several West African countries. It is the causative agent of human Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic fever disease. To date, no therapeutics or vaccines against LASV have obtained regulatory approval. Polyclonal neutralizing antibodies derived from hyperimmunized animals may offer a useful strategy for prophylactic and therapeutic intervention to combat human LASV infections. The LASV envelope surface glycoprotein complex (GP) is the major target for neutralizing antibodies, and it is the main viral antigen used for the design of an LASV vaccine. Here, we assessed the immunogenic potential of mammalian cell-derived virus-like particles (VLPs) expressing GP from the prototypic LASV strain Josiah in a native-like conformation as the sole viral antigen. We demonstrate that an adjuvanted prime-boost immunization regimen with GP-derived VLPs elicited neutralizing antibody responses in rabbits, suggesting that effective antigenic epitopes of GP were displayed. Notably, these antibodies exhibited broad reactivity across five genetic lineages of LASV. VLP-based immunization strategies may represent a powerful approach for generating polyclonal sera containing cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies against LASV.
Alk1 haploinsufficiency causes glomerular dysfunction and microalbuminuria in diabetic mice
Authors: Lora Gil Cindy , Henley Nathalie , Leblond François A. , Akla Naoufal , Laurin Louis-Philippe , Royal Virginie , Gerarduzzi Casimiro , Pichette Vincent , Larrivée Bruno
Published: August 2020

Endothelial dysfunction has been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of glomerular damage during diabetic kidney disease (DKD). As such, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in glomerular endothelial dysfunctions could provide novel therapeutic strategies for the prevention of DKD. We have previously shown that Alk1/BMP9 signaling plays an important function to maintain vascular integrity in diabetic animals. As such, we evaluated the effects of Alk1 suppression on glomerular endothelial function in diabetic mice. In the present study, we used mice with conditional heterozygote deletion of Alk1 in the endothelium (Alk1ΔEC) to evaluate the role of Alk1 on kidney function during STZ-induced diabetes. DKD was investigated in diabetic control and Alk1ΔEC mice euthanized eight weeks after the onset of diabetes. We showed that Alk1 expression is reduced in the glomeruli of human DKD patients. While renal function was not altered in Alk1ΔEC non-diabetic mice, we showed that Alk1 haploinsufficiency in the glomerular endothelium leads to microalbuminuria, thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, glomerular apoptosis and podocyte loss in diabetic mice. These data suggest that Alk1 is important for the proper function of glomerular endothelial cells and that decreased Alk1 combined with chronic hyperglycemia can impair renal function.
A genome-wide scan for candidate lethal variants in Thoroughbred horses
Authors: Todd Evelyn T. , Thomson Peter C. , Hamilton Natasha A. , Ang Rachel A. , Lindgren Gabriella , Viklund Åsa , Eriksson Susanne , Mikko Sofia , Strand Eric , Velie Brandon D.
Published: August 2020

Domestic animal populations are often characterised by high rates of inbreeding and low effective population sizes due to selective breeding practices. These practices can result in otherwise rare recessive deleterious alleles drifting to high frequencies, resulting in reduced fertility rates. This study aimed to identify potential recessive lethal haplotypes in the Thoroughbred horse breed, a closed population that has been selectively bred for racing performance. In this study, we identified a haplotype in the LY49B gene that shows strong evidence of being homozygous lethal, despite having high frequencies of heterozygotes in Thoroughbreds and other domestic horse breeds. Variant analysis of whole-genome sequence data identified two SNPs in the 3′UTR of the LY49B gene that may result in loss of function. Analysis of transcriptomic data from equine embryonic tissue revealed that LY49B is expressed in the trophoblast during placentation stage of development. These findings suggest that LY49B may have an essential, but as yet unknown function in the implantation stage of equine development. Further investigation of this region may allow for the development of a genetic test to improve fertility rates in horse populations. Identification of other lethal variants could assist in improving natural levels of fertility in horse populations.
Topical application of Chlorin e6-PVP (Ce6-PVP) for improved endoscopic detection of neoplastic lesions in a murine colitis-associated cancer model
Authors: Ganzleben Ingo , Hohmann Martin , Grünberg Alexander , Gonzales-Menezes Jean , Vieth Michael , Liebing Eva , Günther Claudia , Thonn Veronika , Beß Daniel , Becker Christoph , Schmidt Michael , Neurath Markus F. , Waldner Maximilian J.
Published: August 2020

Screening colonoscopy is crucial in reducing the mortality of colorectal cancer. However, detecting adenomas against the backdrop of an inflamed mucosa (e.g. in ulcerative colitis) remains exceedingly difficult. Therefore, we aimed to improve neoplastic lesion detection by employing a fluorescence-based endoscopic approach. We used the well-established murine AOM/DSS model to induce inflammation-driven carcinogenesis in the colon. In our diagnostic approach, we evaluated Chlorin e6 polyvinylpyrrolidone (Ce6-PVP)-based fluorescence endoscopy in comparison to standard white-light endoscopy. A specialized pathologist then analyzed the histology of the detected lesions. Complementary in vitro studies were performed using human cell lines and a murine organoid system. Ce6-PVP-based fluorescence endoscopy had an improved detection rate of 100% (8/8) in detecting high-grade dysplasias and carcinomas over white-light detection alone with 75% (6/8). Trade-off for this superior detection rate was an increased rate of false positive lesions with an increase in the false discovery rate from 45% for white-light endoscopy to 81% for fluorescence endoscopy. We demonstrate in a proof-of-concept study that Ce6-PVP-based fluorescence endoscopy is a highly sensitive red flag technology to identify biopsy-worthy lesions in the colon.
Identification of differentially expressed genes profiles in a combined mouse model of Parkinsonism and colitis
Authors: Gil-Martinez A. L. , Cuenca-Bermejo L. , Gonzalez-Cuello A. M. , Sanchez-Rodrigo C. , Parrado A. , Vyas S. , Fernandez-Villalba E. , Herrero M. T.
Published: August 2020

Different cellular mechanisms have been described as being potentially involved in the progression of neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease, although their role is still unclear. The present study aimed to identify in detail, through differentially expressed genes analysis by bioinformatics approaches, the molecular mechanisms triggered after a systemic insult in parkinsonian mice. To address this objective, we combined a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis experimental mice model with an acute 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetradropyridine (MPTP) intoxication. The animals were divided into four experimental groups based on the different treatments: (i) control, (ii) DSS, (iii) MPTP and (iv) MPTP + DSS. The data obtained by microarray and functional enrichment analysis point out the implication of different molecular mechanisms depending on the experimental condition. We see, in the striatum of animals intoxicated only with DSS, dysfunction processes related to the blood. On the other hand, oxidative stress processes are more prominent at the MPTP intoxicated mice. Finally, differentially expressed genes within the MPTP + DSS show functional enrichment in inflammation and programmed cell death. Interestingly, we identify a significant synergistic negative effect of both toxins since the expression of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to balanced cellular homeostasis was not enough to prevent processes associated with cell death. This work provides detailed insights into the involvement of systemic inflammation, triggered after an insult in the colon, in the progression of the degeneration in Parkinsonism. In this way, we will be able to identify promising therapeutic targets that prevent the contribution of inflammatory processes in the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
Nutritional value and safety of animal feed supplemented with Talaromyces verruculosus-treated cocoa pod husks
Authors: Oduro-Mensah Daniel , Ocloo Augustine , Nortey Thomas , Antwi Stephen , Okine Laud K. , Adamafio Naa A.
Published: August 2020

Theobromine exerts deleterious effects on animal physiology. Removal of theobromine from the millions of metric tons of cocoa pod husks (CPH) discarded annually could allow for the production of cheap, CPH-based animal feed. The aim of this study was to evaluate safety and nutritional value of bio-detheobrominated CPH in Sprague–Dawley rats. Theobromine was removed from CPH by treatment with an isolate of Talaromyces verruculosus (TvTD). Substituted feeds containing CPH were formulated by replacing 30% or 50% of the maize content of regular rat feed with TvTD-treated or inactivated TvTD-treated CPH. Feeding groups included control groups without or with theobromine administration. Effects of the feed formulations on water and feed intake, weight gain, blood biochemistry and organ-specific toxicity were assessed. Rats ingesting theobromine in inactivated TvTD-treated CPH-based diet or by oral gavage variably exhibited marked deleterious effects, mainly evident in body weight, thymus wet weight and tissue histology. In contrast, substitution with TvTD-treated CPH caused significant increase in body weight. Substitution at 30% did not cause mortality or organ-specific toxicity with reference to the testes, kidneys, spleen or liver, unlike substitution at 50%. The data demonstrate that detheobrominated CPH may safely replace up to 30% of maize in animal feed formulations.
IL-17F induces inflammation, dysfunction and cell death in mouse islets
Authors: Catterall Tara , Fynch Stacey , Kay Thomas W. H. , Thomas Helen E. , Sutherland Andrew P. R.
Published: August 2020

Type 17 immune responses, typified by the production of the cytokines IL-17A and IL-17F, have been implicated in the development of type 1 diabetes in animal models and human patients, however the underlying pathogenic mechanisms have not been clearly elucidated. While previous studies show that IL-17A enhances inflammatory gene expression and cell death in mouse β-cells and human islets, the function of IL-17F in pancreatic β-cells is completely untested to date. Here we show that IL-17F exhibits potent pathogenic effects in mouse β-cell lines and islets. IL-17F signals via the IL-17RA and -RC subunits in β-cells and in combination with other inflammatory cytokines induces expression of chemokine transcripts, suppresses the expression of β-cell identity genes and impairs glucose stimulated insulin secretion. Further IL-17F induces cell death in primary mouse islets. This occurs via Jnk, p38 and NF-κB dependent induction of Nos2 and is completely ablated in the presence of an inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor. Together these data indicate that IL-17F possesses similar pathogenic activities to IL-17A in mouse β-cell lines and islets and is likely to be a type 17 associated pathogenic factor in type 1 diabetes.
High spatially sensitive quantitative phase imaging assisted with deep neural network for classification of human spermatozoa under stressed condition
Authors: Butola Ankit , Popova Daria , Prasad Dilip K. , Ahmad Azeem , Habib Anowarul , Tinguely Jean Claude , Basnet Purusotam , Acharya Ganesh , Senthilkumaran Paramasivam , Mehta Dalip Singh , Ahluwalia Balpreet Singh
Published: August 2020

Sperm cell motility and morphology observed under the bright field microscopy are the only criteria for selecting a particular sperm cell during Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) procedure of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Several factors such as oxidative stress, cryopreservation, heat, smoking and alcohol consumption, are negatively associated with the quality of sperm cell and fertilization potential due to the changing of subcellular structures and functions which are overlooked. However, bright field imaging contrast is insufficient to distinguish tiniest morphological cell features that might influence the fertilizing ability of sperm cell. We developed a partially spatially coherent digital holographic microscope (PSC-DHM) for quantitative phase imaging (QPI) in order to distinguish normal sperm cells from sperm cells under different stress conditions such as cryopreservation, exposure to hydrogen peroxide and ethanol. Phase maps of total 10,163 sperm cells (2,400 control cells, 2,750 spermatozoa after cryopreservation, 2,515 and 2,498 cells under hydrogen peroxide and ethanol respectively) are reconstructed using the data acquired from the PSC-DHM system. Total of seven feedforward deep neural networks (DNN) are employed for the classification of the phase maps for normal and stress affected sperm cells. When validated against the test dataset, the DNN provided an average sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 85.5%, 94.7% and 85.6%, respectively. The current QPI + DNN framework is applicable for further improving ICSI procedure and the diagnostic efficiency for the classification of semen quality in regard to their fertilization potential and other biomedical applications in general.