bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Central Obesity and Risk for Type 2 Diabetes in Maori, Pacific, and European Young Men in New Zealand
Authors: Rush Elaine Carolyn , Plank Lindsay Dudley , Mitchelson Elizabeth , Laulu Manaia Sialei
Published: November 2018

New Zealanders of Polynesian origin have a higher prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus than those of European origin. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus—decreased energy expenditure, increased body fat mass, and central body fat—in 30 normoglycemic Maori, Pacific, and European men were studied. Biochemical measures of risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus included an oral glucose tolerance test, insulin, lipids, and glycosylated hemoglobin. The groups did not differ significantly in BMI, height, body mass or fat mass (DEXA), or adjusted resting metabolic rate (indirect calorimetry), but the European subjects had significantly lower subscapular to triceps skinfolds and fat-free mass than the Maori and Pacific groups. Central obesity by anthropometry and DEXA showed strong associations with the biochemical measures for type 2 diabetes risk. These findings emphasize the association between body composition and central fat distribution with risk of diabetes independent of ethnicity.
Methylseleno-Amino Acid Content of Food Materials by Stable Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wolf Wayne R. , Zainal Hanaa
Published: November 2018

Selenium, an important dietary nutrient, is found in many foods. Selenium occurs in various chemical forms including in amino acids with methylselenium functional groups, such as selenomethionine (Semet) and Se-(methyl)selenocystine (Metsecys). We developed a procedure for determining methylselenium in foods such as wheat, a significant dietary source of selenium in the United States. This method is based upon the reaction of cyanogen bromide (CNBr) to cleave the CH3Se-functional group of Semet and Metsecys to form the volatile compound, CH3SeCN. Addition of stable isotope (74Se) enriched selenomethionine to an analytical sample allows direct determination of naturally occurring protein bound Semet by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), without a protein digestion step, using highly precise stable isotope dilution techniques. We found that a wheat gluten reference material (NIST RM 1818) contains 64% methylselenium of its assigned value of 2.58 μg Setotal/g. and that commercial selenium yeast tablets contained 73% of total selenium as methylselenium [147 ± 10 μg Semetse/g (n = 9)]. These two materials would be good candidates for further study and characterization as reference materials for determining this important food component.
Use of Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) for Determination of Breastmilk Output by the Deuterium Dilution Method among Senegalese Women
Authors: Cissé Aïta Sarr , Bluck Leslie , Diaham Babou , Dossou Nicole , Guiro Amadou Tidiane , Wade Salimata
Published: November 2018

Breastmilk output can be estimated from the mother's total body water and water turnover rates after oral administration of deuterium oxide. Usually the deuterium enrichments are determined using a isotope ratio mass spectrometer, which is expensive and requires a specialist for operation and maintenance. Such equipment is difficult to set up in developing countries. A less expensive method was developed which uses a Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) for deuterium enrichment analysis. This study evaluated the constraints of using FTIR to study lactating women in Senegal. The deuterium isotope method was found to be adequate for free living subjects and presented few constraints except for the duration of the saliva sampling (14 days). The method offers the opportunity to determine simultaneously breastmilk output, mother's body composition, and breastfeeding practices. Deuterium sample enrichments measured with FTIR were fast and easy, but for spectrum quality some environmental control is required to optimize the results.
Stable Isotopes and 13CO2 Breath Tests for Investigating Gastrointestinal Functions
Authors: Ghoos Yvo , Geypens Benny , Rutgeerts Paul
Published: November 2018

In medical investigation there is a need for non-invasive methods. Moreover, patients ask for easy methods that are simple to perform and medical doctors demand reliable techniques. With the advent of stable isotopes a new area of tracer technology became available. In gastroenterology, 13CO2 breath tests are used which fullfill all the conditions needed in modern clinical research and investigation.
Iron Fortification of Wheat Flour: Bioavailability Studies
Authors: Bilal Rakhshanda , Roohi Samina , Ahmad Tanvir , Trinidad Trinidad P.
Published: November 2018

Bioavailability refers to that fraction of nutrients which is utilized by the body out of the total indigested amount. Various direct and indirect methods for the determination of bioavailability are available. We determined the bioavailability of iron from fortified wheat flour using both in vitro and in vivo methods. The bioavailability data will be used to make the recommendation for a fortification strategy in Pakistan. The in vitro bioavailability of iron from fortified wheat flour was determined using in vitro enzymatic digestion and fermentation by simulating the condition of the small intestine and colon in the laboratory. Different products were prepared from the fortified ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) and unfortified wheat flour. The total iron of the samples was measured by the wet-digestion method and analyzed on an atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). To obtain the percentage of iron released, the samples were subjected to pepsin digestion and dialysis. The dialysate was collected at 3, 6, 9, and 12 hours and read on an AAS. The retentates from the above were subjected to the fermentation condition of the colon by inoculating it with human fecal inoculum and incubating it for 24 hours at 37°C under anerobic conditions. The dialysate was collected at 3- and 6-hour intervals and read on an AAS. More iron was released from fortified wheat flour (4.6%), leavened chapati (6.8%), and Nan (15.1%) than from the unfortified control samples. Fermentation and leavening resulted in a better release, which was evident from in vitro digestion results.
Study in China on Ingestion and Organ Content of Trace Elements of Importance in Radiological Protection
Authors: Wang Jixian , Chen Rusong , Zhu Hongda
Published: November 2018

To improve knowledge of the ingestion and organ content of calcium, cesium, iodine, potassium, strontium, thorium, and uranium that have a high priority in radiological protection, a total diet and organ content studies was conducted. The total diet study used the market basket sample method with representative sampling. For the organ content specimens of muscle, skeleton, liver, kidney, lung, and thyroid were collected during autopsies of normal, healthy adult accidental death victims. The concentration of above stated elements in the diet and organs were analyzed by nuclear and nuclear-related techniques with strict quality assurance measures. The results are presented in the paper and compared with previous national and international data and the parameters of current International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Reference Man. The study provided a new and reliable database for setting the parameters for the Chinese reference man and the reference Asian man. It also facilitated the study on biokinetics behavior of their radiation counterparts in human body and helped in the realistic assessment of their internal radiation doses.
Food and Nutrition Policy
Authors: Okigbo Bede N.
Published: November 2018

Cassava has attained the status of either dominant staple or co-staple in certain parts of the world where it contributes more than 50 per cent of the energy requirements of a bulk of the population.

The nutritional hazards of cassava dependency require careful attention. It is necessary to adopt a systems approach and study the whole, often complex, food/nutrition system so as to understand it and arrive at a more realistic appraisal of the problems of cassava-dependence

However, increasing dependence on cassava may result in gradually increasing quantities of its products being fed to young children. Replacement of more protein-rich weaning foods by cassava products should be avoided in order to safeguard young children from cassava toxicity and protein deficiency.

Increased production of cassava as part of a food system should also involve the production of complementary foods to be consumed with cassava. Alternatively, the strategy should involve farming systems that ensure enough increases in cassava production to allow the resulting profit to be used to purchase all of the food that the farmer needs.

A systems approach to the study of a cassava-dependent culture reveals many intervention opportunities in production, harvesting, processing, storage, marketing, home preparation, and transportation that can significantly minimize nutritional hazards while holding high potential for improving human welfare.
High-Protein Biscuits made with Ragi Flour and Oil-Seed Flour Blends
Authors: Vaidehi M. P. , Bharati Pushpa , Reddy Lalitha
Published: November 2018

This paper was accepted for publication because it illustrates a point often overlooked by food scientists who are concerned with technological and nutritional aspects of new products without having a simultaneous concern for acceptability and keeping qualities. Problems with consumer acceptability or excessive cost, or both, have plagued the attempted development of leaf protein concentrates, weaning-food mixtures, and other products of good theoretical potential.
Bioconversion of Vegetable, Animal, and Industrial Wastes by Means of Fungi Mycelia in an Artificial Rumen
Authors: Torev Atanas
Published: November 2018

In nature there are several thousand different higher fungi species, but not all of them have mycelia whose characteristics are in optimum combinations. Many of these fungi cannot be subjected to submerged cultivation, do not assimilate a large range of substrates, synthesize only a small amount of protein, and have an unsatisfactory degree of protein assimilation and other limitations.

The V. Kolarov Higher Institute of Agriculture in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, has isolated strains of higher fungi mycelia that combine the most desirable biological, technological, and nutritive characteristics. A strain called PS-64 is especially promising. It was isolated in 1964, patented, and registered in the world collection of micro-organisms. PS-64 is available for license.
Programas de Intervención Alimentario Nutricional en America Latina y el Caribe entre 1970 y 1984
Authors: Espinosa F. , Ruiz C. , Valiente S.
Published: November 2018

The main objective of this project was to establish an inventory of the food and nutrition programmes during the last 14 years in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Information was obtained from official documents, interviews, and meetings with programme directors.

Nearly all the countries of the region have carried out some kind of food intervention with the aim of improving the nutritional status of the vulnerable population. Of the 137 programmes identified, 126 were food supplementation programmes and 11 were subsidies.

The programmes with the highest cost per beneficiary were the on-site food consumption programmes implemented mainly through nutritional centres (US$ 3240 per beneficiary/yr); next came those in which food was distributed as part of primary health care (US$ 28.40 per beneficiary/ yr). In terms of benefit and excluding the nutritional value of food distributed, the school programmes were the least costly (US$ 8.3 per beneficiary/yr).

Funding was provided by governments with major external support, especially in Central American and Caribbean countries. Most programmes had no evaluation. Thus there is no way of determining the nutritional impact on the target population or the effectiveness of programmes. However, the coverage of most of these programmes was so limited that, even if effective, they would not represent a satisfactory solution to national food and nutrition problems
Examining individual- and school-level predictors of principal adaptation to teacher evaluation reform in the United States: A two-year perspective
Authors: Lavigne Alyson L
Published: November 2018

New teacher evaluation reform efforts in the United States hold principals accountable for improving teaching and learning. Yet little is known about how effective principals are at these instructional leadership tasks or how principals experience and adapt to the demands of teacher evaluation reform over time. In the current study, principals ( n = 78) in a Race to the Top state—Illinois—completed an online survey after the first and second year of implementation of a new teacher evaluation system. Principals felt significantly more confident in how to conduct formal classroom observations, placed more value on student achievement data, and placed less value on additional artifacts over time. Individual- and school-level factors were related to some aspects of principals’ adaptations over time. Implications are discussed.
Differential modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels by nerve growth factor in three major subsets of TrkA-expressing nociceptors
Authors: Schaefer Irina , Prato Vincenzo , Arcourt Alice , Taberner Francisco J , Lechner Stefan G
Published: November 2018

Nerve growth factor is an inflammatory mediator that induces long-lasting hyperalgesia, which can partially be attributed to nerve growth factor-induced sensitization of primary afferent nociceptors. It was shown that nerve growth factor increases the excitability of polymodal C-fibre nociceptors by modulating tetrodotoxin-sensitive and tetrodotoxin-resistant voltage-gated sodium channels, but hitherto only little is known about the effects of nerve growth factor on sodium currents in other nociceptor subtypes that express the nerve growth factor receptor TrkA. We previously characterized two reporter mouse lines that allow the unequivocal identification of two important subclasses of TrkA-expressing nociceptors – i.e. neuropeptide Y receptor type 2 (NPY2R+ ) Aδ-fibre nociceptors that mediate pinprick pain and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha-3 subunit (CHRNA3+ ) silent nociceptors, which are the most abundant TrkA+ nociceptors in visceral organs and deep somatic tissues. Here, we utilized these mouse lines to investigate the expression patterns and the possible nerve growth factor-dependent modulation of sodium channels in these neurons using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. We demonstrate that NPY2R+ nociceptors, CHRNA3+ ‘silent’ nociceptors and polymodal C-fibre nociceptors express different combinations of sodium channel α- and β-subunits and accordingly exhibit functionally different sodium currents. Moreover, we demonstrate that nerve growth factor produces robust hyperpolarizing shifts in the half-activation voltage of tetrodotoxin-resistant currents in NPY2R+ nociceptors and polymodal C-fibre nociceptors and also shifts the half-activation of tetrodotoxin-sensitive currents in polymodal C-fibre nociceptors. In silent nociceptors, however, nerve growth factor solely increases the current density of the tetrodotoxin-resistant current but does not alter other sodium channel properties. Considering the different peripheral target tissues and the previously reported roles in different forms of pain of the nociceptor subpopulations that were examined here, our results suggest that nerve growth factor differentially contributes to the development visceral and cutaneous pain hypersensitivity and highlights the importance of developing different therapeutic strategies for different forms of pain.
Middle School Students’ Beliefs About Intelligence and Giftedness
Authors: Tan Dongyao , Yough Mike , Desmet Ophélie A. , Pereira Nielsen
Published: November 2018

This study investigated middle school students’ beliefs about intelligence and differences in the development of intelligence across ages, beliefs about giftedness and the development of giftedness, and how beliefs about intelligence and giftedness were related. A total of 52 eighth graders from two regular classes ( n = 36) and one gifted class ( n = 16) at a public school in the U.S. Midwest completed a survey and a vignettes task. Results revealed that participants associated intelligence with school and non-school intelligence, knowledge and learning, smartness, and motivation. They associated academic giftedness with intelligence, motivation, school achievement, and high ability. Participants were more certain young children could grow intelligence. Most participants endorsed incremental views of intelligence and giftedness. This was more evident in students holding an incremental belief about intelligence, and in non-gifted students. Gifted participants and those holding an incremental belief about intelligence placed more value on motivation and learning. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.
A Systematic Literature Review of Empirical Studies on Decentralized Nursing Stations
Authors: Fay Lindsey , Cai Hui , Real Kevin
Published: November 2018

Objectives:

The objective of this systematic review of literature was to critically evaluate peer-reviewed evidence regarding the effectiveness of decentralized nurse stations (DNSs).

Background:

The DNS has become an important topic in healthcare design research and practice over the past decade with aims of improving staff efficiency and patient experience. Research has shown to be inconclusive, with studies reporting an assortment of mixed findings.

Method:

A systematic review of literature was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses search process of electronic databases, citation tracking, and manual searches of references. All authors evaluated the studies independently. Studies included were empirical, peer-reviewed investigations of DNS in hospitals over the past 15 years. Each study was evaluated using an accepted healthcare design evaluation framework.

Results:

Over 200 studies were identified. After exclusions, 21 studies published since 2003 were available for full evaluation. Key findings from this review include (a) there is a positive trend toward patient experience in units with DNS, (b) nursing teamwork was perceived to decline in units with DNS, (c) methodological issues may be responsible for the mixed and inconsistent findings, and (d) there is no consistent categorization of nurse station typology or standard definition for DNS.

Conclusions:

Based on the evaluation framework, DNS are supportive of the patient experience yet have a negative impact on nursing teamwork. Higher quality studies are needed to classify specific typologies of DNS and account for elements such as patient care models, communication, visibility, and other patient care–related factors.
The Deep Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap for Breast Reconstruction: Un lambeau perforateur de l’artère iliaque circonflexe profonde pour la reconstruction mammaire
Authors: Elzinga Kate , Buchel Edward
Published: November 2018

Autologous breast reconstruction using abdominal-based perforator flaps produces excellent aesthetic results with minimal donor site morbidity. The superficial inferior epigastric artery and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps reliably perfuse a hemi-abdomen, up to the anterior axillary line. Beyond this line laterally, the flank or “love handle” tissue is primarily perfused by the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) or secondarily by the superficial circumflex iliac artery. The flank tissue is a valuable addition to increase flap size when harvested with a DIEP flap or to provide vascularized tissue when the abdomen has been previously harvested. Harvesting the flank tissue in combination with the anterior abdominal tissue improves the contour of the trunk, accentuates the waist, and minimizes secondary revisions to excise prominent “dogears.” The DCIA flap is a novel technique for breast reconstruction. In this article, we describe our technique, pearls and pitfalls, and early results.
Data-Driven Approach for Auditory Profiling and Characterization of Individual Hearing Loss
Authors: Sanchez Lopez Raul , Bianchi Federica , Fereczkowski Michal , Santurette Sébastien , Dau Torsten
Published: November 2018

Pure-tone audiometry still represents the main measure to characterize individual hearing loss and the basis for hearing-aid fitting. However, the perceptual consequences of hearing loss are typically associated not only with a loss of sensitivity but also with a loss of clarity that is not captured by the audiogram. A detailed characterization of a hearing loss may be complex and needs to be simplified to efficiently explore the specific compensation needs of the individual listener. Here, it is hypothesized that any listener's hearing profile can be characterized along two dimensions of distortion: Type I and Type II. While Type I can be linked to factors affecting audibility, Type II reflects non-audibility-related distortions. To test this hypothesis, the individual performance data from two previous studies were reanalyzed using an unsupervised-learning technique to identify extreme patterns in the data, thus forming the basis for different auditory profiles. Next, a decision tree was determined to classify the listeners into one of the profiles. The analysis provides evidence for the existence of four profiles in the data. The most significant predictors for profile identification were related to binaural processing, auditory nonlinearity, and speech-in-noise perception. This approach could be valuable for analyzing other data sets to select the most relevant tests for auditory profiling and propose more efficient hearing-deficit compensation strategies.
Full Spectrum
Authors: Ardakani Ellie P. , Marasco Leslie , Ali Hendratta N.
Published: November 2018

Mentorship is defined as a relatively long-term relationship in which a mentor provides invaluable growth and development support to a mentee. If expectations are set reasonably and the relationship is maintained, the effect of mentorship on the professional development of the mentee is intense enough that the mentee experiences the results of this affiliation for years after the mentorship has ended. The beauty of the relationship is that the mentee receives continuous encouragement and empowerment from the mentor to steer through challenges and overcome them rather than receiving straight solutions to problems, and that is how personal and professional growth of the mentee occurs. Often the spark of the mentor/mentee relationship is ignited when two individuals meet at the right time during their careers and their personalities click. The mentor shares wisdom with the mentee out of the goodness of his or her heart, and the mentee sees the mentor as a judgement-free trusted guide and benefactor who helps the mentee better understand and navigate through academic/work-life challenges. The continuation of this relationship is secured by the level of effort that both individuals put into building and maintaining it.
Regulation of xylem fiber differentiation by gibberellins through DELLA-KNAT1 interaction
Authors: Felipo-Benavent Amelia , Úrbez Cristina , Blanco-Touriñán Noel , Serrano-Mislata Antonio , Baumberger Nicolas , Achard Patrick , Agustí Javier , Blázquez Miguel A. , Alabadí David
Published: November 2018

The thickening of plant organs is supported by secondary growth, a process by which new vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) are produced. Xylem is composed of several cell types, including xylary fibers, parenchyma and vessel elements. In Arabidopsis, it has been shown that fibers are promoted by the class-I KNOX gene KNAT1 and the plant hormones gibberellins, and are repressed by a small set of receptor-like kinases; however, we lack a mechanistic framework to integrate their relative contributions. Here, we show that DELLAs, negative elements of the gibberellin signaling pathway, physically interact with KNAT1 and impair its binding to KNAT1-binding sites. Our analysis also indicates that at least 37% of the transcriptome mobilized by KNAT1 is potentially dependent on this interaction, and includes genes involved in secondary cell wall modifications and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Moreover, the promotion by constitutive overexpression of KNAT1 of fiber formation and the expression of genes required for fiber differentiation were still reverted by DELLA accumulation, in agreement with post-translational regulation of KNAT1 by DELLA proteins. These results suggest that gibberellins enhance fiber development by promoting KNAT1 activity.
WNT/β-catenin signaling plays a crucial role in myoblast fusion through regulation of nephrin expression during development
Authors: Suzuki Akiko , Minamide Ryohei , Iwata Junichi
Published: November 2018

Skeletal muscle development is controlled by a series of multiple orchestrated regulatory pathways. WNT/β-catenin is one of the most important pathways for myogenesis; however, it remains unclear how this signaling pathway regulates myogenesis in a temporal- and spatial-specific manner. Here, we show that WNT/β-catenin signaling is crucial for myoblast fusion through regulation of the nephrin (Nphs1) gene in the Myog-Cre-expressing myoblast population. Mice deficient for the β-catenin gene in Myog-Cre-expressing myoblasts (Ctnnb1F/F;Myog-Cre mice) displayed myoblast fusion defects, but not migration or cell proliferation defects. The promoter region of Nphs1 contains the conserved β-catenin-binding element, and Nphs1 expression was induced by the activation of WNT/β-catenin signaling. The induction of Nphs1 in cultured myoblasts from Ctnnb1F/F;Myog-Cre mice restored the myoblast fusion defect, indicating that nephrin is functionally relevant in WNT/β-catenin-dependent myoblast fusion. Taken together, our results indicate that WNT/β-catenin signaling is crucial for myoblast fusion through the regulation of the Nphs1 gene.
Drosophila small ovary gene is required for transposon silencing and heterochromatin organization, and ensures germline stem cell maintenance and differentiation
Authors: Jankovics Ferenc , Bence Melinda , Sinka Rita , Faragó Anikó , Bodai László , Pettkó-Szandtner Aladár , Ibrahim Karam , Takács Zsanett , Szarka-Kovács Alexandra Brigitta , Erdélyi Miklós
Published: November 2018

Self-renewal and differentiation of stem cells is one of the fundamental biological phenomena relying on proper chromatin organization. In our study, we describe a novel chromatin regulator encoded by the Drosophila small ovary (sov) gene. We demonstrate that sov is required in both the germline stem cells (GSCs) and the surrounding somatic niche cells to ensure GSC survival and differentiation. sov maintains niche integrity and function by repressing transposon mobility, not only in the germline, but also in the soma. Protein interactome analysis of Sov revealed an interaction between Sov and HP1a. In the germ cell nuclei, Sov colocalizes with HP1a, suggesting that Sov affects transposon repression as a component of the heterochromatin. In a position-effect variegation assay, we found a dominant genetic interaction between sov and HP1a, indicating their functional cooperation in promoting the spread of heterochromatin. An in vivo tethering assay and FRAP analysis revealed that Sov enhances heterochromatin formation by supporting the recruitment of HP1a to the chromatin. We propose a model in which sov maintains GSC niche integrity by regulating transposon silencing and heterochromatin formation.
Laser-Structured Graphene/Reduced Graphene Oxide Films towards Bio-Inspired Superhydrophobic Surfaces
Authors: Li Mu-Tian , Liu Monan , Yu Yan-Hao , Li Ai-Wu , Sun Hong-Bo
Published: November 2018

Fine-tuning the physical and chemical properties of graphene and its derivatives is crucial for developing novel multi-functional graphene-based devices. Natural bio-surfaces with rich micro-nanostructures are inspirational for such schemes since they possess unique properties such as superhydrophobicity. In order to effectively acquire these bio-functions, graphene-related materials need to be structured into regularly arranged biomimetic structures. Laser-processing techniques, such as two beam laser interference lithography and femtosecond laser direct-writing, are powerful prototype techniques for their outstanding patterning ability. Herein, we briefly reviewed laser-structuring on graphene or graphene oxide to realize highly functional biomimetic surfaces.
Unconventional Monetary Policies in the Euro Area, Japan, and the United Kingdom
Authors: Dell’Ariccia Giovanni , Rabanal Pau , Sandri Damiano
Published: November 2018

The global financial crisis hit hard in the euro area, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Real GDP from peak to trough contracted by about 6 percent in the euro area and the United Kingdom and by 9 percent in Japan. In all three cases, central banks cut interest rates aggressively and then, as policy rates approached zero, deployed a variety of untested and unconventional monetary policies. In doing so, they hoped to restore the functioning of financial markets, and also to provide further monetary policy accommodation once the policy rate reached the zero lower bound. In all three jurisdictions, the strategy entailed generous liquidity support for banks and other financial intermediaries and large-scale purchases of public (and in some cases private) assets. As a result, central banks’ balance sheets expanded to unprecedented levels. This paper examines the experience with unconventional monetary policies in the euro zone, the United Kingdom, and Japan. The paper starts with a discussion of how quantitative easing, forward guidance, and negative interest rate policies work in theory, and some of their potential side effects. It then reviews the implementation of unconventional monetary policy by the European Central Bank, the Bank of England, and the Bank of Japan, including a narrative of how central banks responded to the crisis and the evidence on the effects of unconventional monetary policy actions.
False signals induced by single-cell imputation
Authors: Andrews Tallulah S. , Hemberg Martin
Published: November 2018

Background: Single-cell RNASeq is a powerful tool for measuring gene expression at the resolution of individual cells.  A significant challenge in the analysis of this data is the large amount of zero values, representing either missing data or no expression. Several imputation approaches have been proposed to deal with this issue, but since these methods generally rely on structure inherent to the dataset under consideration they may not provide any additional information.

Methods: We evaluated the risk of generating false positive or irreproducible results when imputing data with five different methods. We applied each method to a variety of simulated datasets as well as to permuted real single-cell RNASeq datasets and consider the number of false positive gene-gene correlations and differentially expressed genes. Using matched 10X Chromium and Smartseq2 data from the Tabula Muris database we examined the reproducibility of markers before and after imputation.

Results: The extent of false-positive signals introduced by imputation varied considerably by method. Data smoothing based methods, MAGIC and knn-smooth, generated a very high number of false-positives in both real and simulated data. Model-based imputation methods typically generated fewer false-positives but this varied greatly depending on how well datasets conformed to the underlying model. Furthermore, only SAVER exhibited reproducibility comparable to unimputed data across matched data.

Conclusions: Imputation of single-cell RNASeq data introduces circularity that can generate false-positive results. Thus, statistical tests applied to imputed data should be treated with care. Additional filtering by effect size can reduce but not fully eliminate these effects. Of the methods we considered, SAVER was the least likely to generate false or irreproducible results, thus should be favoured over alternatives if imputation is necessary.
A protocol for extraction of total RNA from finger stick whole blood samples preserved with TempusTM solution
Authors: Syed Ahamed Kabeer Basirudeen , Tomei Sara , Mattei Valentina , Brummaier Tobias , McGready Rose , Nosten Francois , Chaussabel Damien
Published: November 2018

Monitoring of blood transcriptional changes during disease or treatment could improve the understanding of cellular mechanisms associated with that particular condition. This can be achieved through serial sampling of small blood volumes. However, molecular analysis of gene expression from low volume samples remains a challenging task. To address this issue, we have developed a set of standard operating procedures (SOP), starting from collection of small volume blood to measurement of gene expression. Previously we published an SOP for the collection of a small volume of blood via finger stick and stabilization of RNA. The aim of this manuscript is to share a modified TempusTM solution based RNA extraction method, developed in our lab, for the extraction of total RNA from low volume whole blood samples collected via finger stick.
Reconsidering symbolic use: a situational model of the use of research evidence in polarised legislative hearings
Authors: Asen Robert , Gent Whitney
Published: November 2018

Participating in the growing scholarly attention to the roles of rhetoric and argumentation in policymaking, we examine how the use of research evidence operates in explicitly argumentative legislative hearings characterised by partisanship and polarisation. Conducting a rhetorical analysis of three legislative hearings in the US state of Wisconsin, we discovered that partisanship and polarisation did not influence argument and the use of research evidence uniformly. Instead, legislators and committee witnesses employed a range of uses for research evidence. To understand this usage, we have developed a framework that foregrounds situations of research use. These situations consist of conditions of polarisation (visibility, bipartisan leadership, familiarity, and controversy), modes of interaction (participation, cooperation and (dis)qualification), and conceptions of research use (necessity, relevance, and sufficiency). This situational model recognises that symbolic use provides the foundation for the use of research evidence in legislative settings. This model also reconfigures the relationship between research evidence and decision making.
Einordnung von Computerspieltypen, -genres und -plattformen
Authors: Hebecker Ralf
Published: November 2018

Der Artikel präsentiert eine einfache Taxonomie zur Einordnung und Diskussion gängiger Computerspieltypen, -genres und -plattformen, hauptsächlich zum Einsatz in der Game-Studies-Lehre. Mittels einer Reihe von Gegensatzpaaren wird angeregt, die bisweilen recht vermischten Begriffe und Gruppierungen spezifischer zu betrachten und zu besprechen. Die Gegensatzpaare sind: ludisch und narrativ, ›Casual‹ oder ›Core‹ Games, einfachere und schwierigere Genres, Kleingruppen- oder Großprojekte, Grad der kommerziellen Ausrichtung, Experimentierfreude, angestrebter Freiheitsgrad der Produktion sowie eine Einteilung in gängige Abspielplattformen.
Zur Einleitung: Die gesellschaftliche Mitte als Kampfzone - Perspektiven und Fragestellungen
Authors: Schöneck Nadine M. , Ritter Sabine
Published: November 2018

Nadine M. Schöneck und Sabine Ritter widmen sich in ihrem den Sammelband einleitenden Beitrag dem Nimbus, der der Mittelschichtgesellschaft anhaftet. Von diesem länderübergreifend oftmals als besonders wünschenswert beschriebenen Gesellschaftstypus heißt es vielfach, er sei in Gefahr; die Mitte erodiere, sei durch Abstiegsängste und Statuspaniken geprägt und ihr sich (noch) in relativer Sicherheit wähnender Teil folge distinkten Wertorientierungen und kultiviere - insbesondere nach unten - harsche Abgrenzungspraktiken. Nach einer Skizzierung dieser seit geraumer Weile in der akademischen, medialen und politischen Öffentlichkeit leidenschaftlich geführten Diskussion werden die 17 in diesem Sammelband enthaltenen Beiträge ausgewiesener MittelschichtsforscherInnen einzeln vorgestellt. Diese Beiträge bieten ein breites Spektrum historischer, politologischer, ökonomischer, ungleichheits- und kultursoziologischer Auf- und Einsichten auf die sozialen Mittelschichten.
Habits We (Can) Share
Authors: Wehrle Maren
Published: November 2018

In this paper, I want to focus on what humans and specific animals have in common. Concretely, I will try to investigate in what sense humans and some (non-human) animals (can) share lasting situations and therefore share habits acquired in these situations. As such, I want to argue that one essential characteristic of such situations, namely the one that makes it sustainable and particular at the same time, is the formation of habits in both humans and animals. In the first part of my paper, I will present the general conditions of embodiment that human and animals have in common and that make it possible to share situations. In the second part, I refer to examples of concrete situations we (can) share with animals. Consequently, I want to argue that we not only have experiences and habits in common with animals, but rather that we can share experiences and habits in a stronger sense, that is to say, that we develop habits together in repeated cooperation.
Herausforderung Film: Peter Weiss zwischen den Künsten
Authors: Beise Arnd
Published: November 2018

Arnd Beise untersucht die doppelte Herausforderung, die das Medium Film nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg für den bildenden Künstler und Schriftsteller Peter Weiss bereithielt: erstens der Realismus von Wochenschaufilmen; zweitens die surrealistische Vision. Beides führte zur Reflexion der eigenen Bildkunst und letztlich zur Aufgabe des geschlossenen Bilds zugunsten der Collage als Synthese von Wahrnehmungsfragmenten. Literarisch führte das Erlebnis zur Aufgabe neoromantischer und existenzialistischer Konzepte zugunsten eines gleichermaßen dokumentarisch genauen wie traumhaft visionären Stils, der die Hauptwerke des Autors prägt.
Macht-(W)Orte
Authors: Schwegmann Raphael
Published: November 2018

Migrations- und Flüchtlingsdebatten machen den Bedarf an neuen Arbeiten zur Wirkweise ökonomischer und rechtlicher Macht in Raum und Zeit deutlich, sofern aktuelle weltpolitische Konstellationen auch vor der Schablone vergangener Geographien des Kapitalismus begriffen werden. Am Beispiel südasiatischer Auswanderergeschichten aus dem 20. Jahrhundert skizziert Raphael Schwegmann die kolonialen und postkolonialen Verflechtungen materiell-technischer und diskursiver Globalisierungen zwischen Europa und Asien. Seine historisch-geographische Dispositivanalyse zum komplexen Zusammenspiel von Fremd- und Selbstkolonialisierung verkörpert zugleich den Abschluss einer Trilogie zur Oberthematik »Ökonomie verorten: Raum-Zeit-Reisen«.
Religion, Spiritualität, Medizin
Authors: Mezger Mirjam
Published: November 2018

Die Palliative Care hat den Auftrag, den religiösen und spirituellen Bedürfnissen von Sterbenden entgegenzukommen. Doch welche Form kann religiöse Betreuung in einem Umfeld, das von naturwissenschaftlicher Medizin bestimmt wird, annehmen? Welche Rolle spielt dabei die Spiritual Care? Und findet alternative Spiritualität im Krankenhaus vielleicht eher Platz als konfessionell gebundene Religiosität? Mirjam Mezger geht diesen Fragen nach und liefert mit ihrer qualitativen Studie praxisnahe Antworten.
Kritik des Transhumanismus
Authors: Spreen Dierk , Flessner Bernd , Hurka Herbert M. , Rüster Johannes
Published: November 2018

Der Transhumanismus ist eine Sozialtheorie, die die moralische Pflicht zur Überschreitung der Grenzen des Menschen formuliert. Im Kontext des Wandels hin zu einer Optimierungs- und Upgradekultur sowie der umfassenden Digitalisierung kommt einer solchen Sozialtheorie besondere Bedeutung zu. Aber kann man aus den gesellschaftlichen Veränderungen, die Leben und Körper, Kommunikation und Arbeit sowie Selbst- und Weltverhältnisse in der Tat zutiefst betreffen, wirklich die Anzeichen einer innerweltlichen transhumanen Erlösung herauslesen? Die Autoren des Bandes zeigen Perspektiven auf, die diese gesellschaftlichen Wandlungsprozesse ernst nehmen, aber zu ihrer humanen Gestaltung aufrufen.
Die Macht der historischen Handlung
Authors: Dinter Sonja
Published: November 2018

Die Ansiedlung von Menschen unterschiedlicher Herkunft hat in vielen Nationalstaaten dazu geführt, dass Distanzen zwischen »uns« und »ihnen« räumlich und symbolisch neu arrangiert werden müssen. Dies betrifft auch die ehemaligen Kolonialmetropolen Frankreich und Großbritannien, in denen Debatten um Integration und Diskriminierung mit einer ebenso umstrittenen Neureflexion der nationalen Vergangenheit verknüpft sind. So hat der transatlantische Sklavenhandel seit den 1990er Jahren erinnerungskulturelle Bedeutung gewonnen. Vor dem Hintergrund dieser Entwicklung analysiert Sonja Dinter Konflikte und Wege postkolonialer Geschichtspolitik, die die Umverteilung von Handlungsmacht in Geschichte und Gegenwart verarbeiten muss.
Equality Governance via Policy Analysis?
Authors: Sauer Arn T.
Published: November 2018

Gender impact assessment has been both celebrated as a beacon of hope for the cause of gender equality and criticised as being ineffectual. More than 20 years of gender mainstreaming have demonstrated that equality governance with and through impact assessment is an intersectional and still evolving process. Arn T. Sauer's study examines the instruments of gendered policy analysis and the conditions under which they are being used by the Canadian federal government and the European Commission. Interviews with experts from public administration and instrument designers as well as document analyses reveal benefits and challenges and show that the success of equality governance depends upon whether knowledge about gendered policy and appropriate administrative practices are embedded, embodied and entrenched in public administration.
Landluft macht frei?
Authors: Schultz Henrik
Published: November 2018

Henrik Schultz zeigt anhand von Erfahrungen aus der Planungspraxis auf, wie Prozesse, in denen sich unterschiedliche Akteure auf die Suche nach passenden Bildern und Strategien für die Zukunft ihrer Landschaften machen, Orientierung in den großen Transformationsprozessen im Stadt-Land geben können. Gegenstand des Verhandelns über passende Zukünfte sind die tiefgreifenden räumlichen Veränderungen, die sich etwa im Zuge der Energiewende, der Verkehrswende und der Digitalisierung ergeben. Ehemals zentral organisierte und im städtischen Kontext verortete Einrichtungen können von dezentralen, auf dem Land angesiedelten Strukturen abgelöst werden. Wenn Landwirte auch Energiewirte sind, melden sie sich in anderen Diskussionen zu Wort. Wenn städtische Bürger die dezentralen Windkraftanlagen als Störung ihres gewohnten Landschaftsbilds wahrnehmen, engagieren sie sich in Bürgerinitiativen auf dem Land. Raumerkundungen helfen, sich den Stand der Landschafts-Transformationen zu vergegenwärtigen, Raumbilder dabei, sich über passende Strategien zu verständigen.
Foucault heute
Authors: Rainsborough Marita
Published: November 2018

Michel Foucault gilt als einer der wichtigsten Philosophen des 20. Jahrhunderts. Marita Rainsborough untersucht die aktuelle Relevanz seiner Philosophie unter Bezug auf die post- und dekolonialen Theorien von Mbembe, Bhabha und Mignolo im globalen Kontext. Dabei bezieht sie auch die Philosophie von Judith Butler und Byung-Chul Han sowie den Neuen Realismus in ihre kritische Lektüre mit ein und macht die bislang in der Rezeption vernachlässigten philosophischen Bezüge zu Bloch und Kant stark. Mit der Betrachtung des Subjekts zwischen Wissen, Macht, Ethik und Ästhetik ergeben sich so eine Gesamtschau des Foucault'schen Werkes sowie neue Aspekte für die philosophische Auseinandersetzung mit diesem französischen Klassiker.
Medical Discourses and Practices in Contemporary Japanese Religions
Authors: Schrimpf Monika
Published: November 2018

Monika Schrimpf widmet sich in ihrem Beitrag der Frage, wie religiöse AkteurInnen im gegenwärtigen Japan ihre therapeutische Praxis bzw. die Propagierung religiös-therapeutischer Praktiken legitimieren und sich an der Schnittstelle zwischen Religion und Medizin positionieren. Am Beispiel eines Nichiren-buddhistischen Priesters und der Neureligion Perfect Liberty Kyodan werden zwei Strategien der Legitimierung und Positionierung illustriert: die Berufung auf Wissenschaft sowie das Code-Switching zwischen religiöser und medizinischer Semantik.
Playing Dystopia
Authors: Farca Gerald
Published: November 2018

Video games permeate our everyday existence. They immerse players in fascinating gameworlds and exciting experiences, often inviting them in various ways to reflect on the enacted events. Gerald Farca explores the genre of dystopian video games and the player's aesthetic response to their nightmarish gameworlds. Players, he argues, will gradually come to see similarities between the virtual dystopia and their own ›offline‹ environment, thus learning to stay wary of social and political developments. In his analysis, Farca draws from a variety of research fields, such as literary theory and game studies, combining them into a coherent theory of aesthetic response to dystopian games.
Über Projektionen: Weltkarten und Weltanschauungen
Authors: Stirnemann Julia Mia
Published: November 2018

»Über Projektionen« gibt Einsichten in Weltkarten, ihre Darstellungsweisen und den damit verbundenen Weltanschauungen. Die Projektion wird dabei einerseits als ideelle Projektion im Sinne einer Weltanschauung dargelegt, die vorherrschende Vorstellungsbilder, Wertmaßstäbe, Ordnungsprinzipien, Denkweisen oder Erklärungsmodelle der Welt beschreibt. Andererseits wird auf die geometrische Projektion, die Weltkarten zugrunde liegt, fokussiert: Jede Weltkarte steht vor der Schwierigkeit, die Kugeloberfläche in einer zweidimensionalen Ebene darzustellen. In einer Rekonstruktion werden anhand von Weltkarten verschiedene paradigmatische Weltanschauungen aufgezeigt. In einer Dekonstruktion sind konventionelle durch alternative Weltkarten kontrastiert. Die breite Vielfalt an möglichen Weltkarten zeigt, dass Weltkarten keinen Status quo abbilden, sondern lediglich eine subjektive Interpretation der Welt zu einem bestimmten Zeitpunkt sind, die ständigen Umbrüchen unterworfen bleiben.
Kommunen im Klimawandel
Authors: Nagorny-Koring Nanja
Published: November 2018

Wie kann man Städte effektiv und schnell klimafreundlich umgestalten? Der Wissensaustausch zwischen Kommunen sowie die Nachahmung bewährter Praktiken gilt als Schlüssel zur »grünen Transformation«. Am Beispiel der Regierungstechnologie »Best Practice« stellt Nanja Nagorny-Koring den weit verbreiteten Glauben an das »Prinzip der Nachahmung« grundsätzlich in Frage und entwirft ein Bild davon, warum Best Practices trotz des offensichtlichen Auseinanderklaffens von Anspruch und Wirklichkeit so populär sind. Sie stellt detailliert dar, wie Best Practices im kommunalen Klimaschutz entstehen, verbreitet und angewendet werden.
Narrativas y relatos del Buen Vivir de infancias indígenas como estrategia de construcción de paz
Authors: Pineda Martínez Edgar Oswaldo , Orozco Pineda Paula Andrea
Published: November 2018

A partir de las tesis del construccionismo social se aborda la indagación sobre los procesos de construcción de identidades y subjetividades de niños y niñas pertenecientes a comunidades indígenas que viven en contextos urbanos, lo anterior a través de narrativas generadoras de paz. Se desarrolla la metodología para la investigación narrativa hermenéutica (INAH) buscando, de esta manera, develar los significados y sentidos que adquieren las experiencias sobre el concepto de Buen Vivir de niños y niñas indígenas en contextos urbanos, permitiendo comprender e interpretar a través de narrativas generativas sus conceptos sobre su mundo y sus contextos. Se presentan alternativas basadas en narrativas y relatos del Buen Vivir de infancias indígenas que posibilitan acciones futuras referente a la educación y a la construcción de paz.